Rigging Wireless Microphones

Rigging the Talent

Attaching the body pack transmitter

Hiding the transmitter under the wardrobe of most male performers is usually fairly simple, due to the fact that men generally wear looser fitting clothing.

Bulging pockets are common: stuffed with wallets, keys, handkerchief, comb, coins, etc. The presence of a small transmitter case rarely upsets the visual lines of the fashion.

Where the transmitter will be hidden is dependent on a couple of factors, such as the physical actions or stunts, and the contours of the wardrobe.

Common sites for the transmitter include: inside the waistband of trousers, and the inside pocket of a jacket or sport coat. Other sites are: inside the trouser leg, under the armpit (like a shoulder holster), across the small of the back, or inside of a hat.

A safety pin can be attached to the transmitter by means of tape or a thick rubber band, allowing the transmitter to be easily pinned onto wardrobe.

ACE bandages are another convenient way of securing the radio mic.

Professionals usually carry a variety of custom elastic belts and cloth pouches to facilitate rigging. The transmitters fit inside of the pouches, which can then be pinned directly to clothing or slipped over thin, lightweight elastic belts.

The Velcro closured belts can be worn around the waist, thigh, etc.

A couple of quick notes about belt and pouch kits. The belts should be thin; porous if possible. Velcro and elastic can cover a wide range of sizes.

White usually conceals easier than darker colors. Very importantly, keep the belts freshly laundered.

Hiding the transmitter on a female is often more complicated, due to the differences in fashion.

Whereas men's clothing is commonly loose-fitting and lumpy, women's fashions tend to be closely contoured to the body.

A variety of elastic belts are much more important, since the thinner fabrics may not support the weight of a pin-on transmitter.

Choice of sites are based on wardrobe style, camera angle, and physical action.

Places to rig transmitters include the small of the back (waist belt), the back of the bra, upper back (X-shaped rig), under the arm, on the inside thigh (intimate, but works for short, tight fitting skirts), the back of the neck (under long hair), inside a leg warmer, under a hat, or even under a wig (to accommodate on-screen nudity).

Be considerate of talent's privacy when preparing to rig them. Don't advertise all over the set that you are about to hide a transmitter under someone's clothing!

Avoid the use of camera or gaffers tape directly against the skin. Use some sort of cloth liner, first aid gauze, or even toilet paper to protect the skin from these tapes.

If you are in a situation that requires taping directly to skin, then use a medical surgical tape designed for that purpose.

Remember to clean the surface of the skin first with an alcohol pad, in order to remove oils and dirt