Audio-Technica
MT830
Best discreet lavalier for professional stage performers and public speakers.
The Audio-Technica MT830 is a discreet omnidirectional condenser lavalier microphone engineered for professional vocal applications. It delivers high intelligibility and clear, accurate sound reproduction across an expansive frequency range, making it an excellent choice for lecturers, stage performers, and singers. Its compact design allows for unobtrusive placement, whether worn as a lavalier or concealed. The wired version is powered by phantom power and includes the AT8538 power module, offering a dependable solution for professional audio capture.
$99.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
193
/ 1735
#193 in Microphones
Price vs Category Average
-81%
Below average
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
/ Omnidirectional
Who it's for
- Podcasters and presenters needing crisp, clear vocal clarity
- Videographers prioritizing a clean, low-profile aesthetic on camera
- Audio professionals requiring reliable, low-noise studio connectivity
Who should skip it
- Field recordists working in noisy or uncontrolled outdoor environments
- Content creators using consumer cameras without XLR phantom power
- Beginners struggling with proper lavalier mounting and cable management
Performance breakdown
Vocal Intelligibility
Captures speech with exceptional clarity for professional broadcast and stage use.
Concealment Capability
Ultra-compact footprint makes it nearly invisible under clothing or costumes.
Frequency Accuracy
Broad response range ensures natural, faithful reproduction of the human voice.
Handling Noise
Lightweight build minimizes unwanted mechanical vibrations during active performance.
SPL Handling
Robust headroom prevents distortion even during loud, high-energy vocal delivery.
Setup Versatility
Phantom power requirement provides reliable, consistent performance for wired studio setups.
Key Specs
Polar Pattern
Omnidirectional
Frequency Response
30 - 20,000 Hz
Maximum SPL
135 dB SPL, 1 kHz at 1% T.H.D.
Sensitivity
-37 dB (14.1 mV) re 1V at 1 Pa
Power Requirements
11-52V DC, 2 mA typical (Phantom Power)
Microphone Dimensions
15.8 mm long, 8.3 mm wide, 5.0 mm thick
Microphone Weight
1.3 g (0.05 oz)
Low Frequency Roll Off
80 Hz, 18 dB/octave (wired only)
Features
- Discreet, hidden placement design
- High intelligibility for clear vocals
- Accurate sound reproduction
- Omnidirectional pickup pattern
- Low-frequency roll-off switch
- Professional-grade audio quality
- Designed for lavalier use
What customers say
The Audio Technica MT830 earns high praise for its exceptional audio clarity and natural sound reproduction. Users consistently value its ability to capture voices with warmth and detail, making it ideal for professionals needing discreet placement without sacrificing fidelity. Reviewers frequently note the microphone's robust build quality and durable cable, confirming its reliability for frequent handling. While it requires phantom power, this is seen as a necessary trade-off for its superior sensitivity. Overall, the MT830 is lauded as a dependable workhorse that delivers professional performance, establishing it as an outstanding value in the audio market.
Know before you buy
The omnidirectional pattern captures sound equally from all directions, which provides a natural, open sound and makes the microphone more forgiving if the speaker moves their head while talking.
No, the MT830 is a condenser microphone that requires 11-52V DC phantom power to operate. The included AT8538 power module handles this requirement when connected to an XLR input.
The 80 Hz roll-off switch is highly effective at reducing unwanted low-end rumble, such as handling noise or air conditioning hum, which helps keep vocal recordings clean and intelligible.
Yes, at only 15.8 mm long and weighing just 1.3 grams, it is designed for discreet placement. Its compact form factor makes it easy to conceal under costumes or clothing for stage and broadcast applications.
Yes, the wired version includes the AT8538 power module and the necessary XLR cable, allowing you to plug directly into a professional mixer or audio interface that provides phantom power.
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$99