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The original Tascam DR-05 has a stereo 3.5mm mic/line input. A self-powered or plug-in-power-compatible 3.5mm lavalier is the practical route; avoid smartphone-only connectors unless the product specifically supports recorders.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giant Squid Audio Lab Omnidirectional Lavalier | $45–$70 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Audio-Technica ATR3350x | $30–$45 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | RØDE Lavalier GO | $70–$90 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | RØDE smartLav+ | $60–$90 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Deity W.Lav Pro | $80–$130 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Sennheiser ME 2-II | $120–$180 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Audio-Technica AT899 | $150–$250 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Countryman B3 | $180–$250 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Sony ECM-LV1 | $25–$40 | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Movo LV1 | $20–$40 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Giant Squid Audio Lab Omnidirectional Lavalier
Wired omnidirectional lavalier made for recorders with a 3.5mm input.
- omnidirectional
- 3.5mm plug
- recorder focused
- long cable
- wired
Audio-Technica ATR3350x
Battery-powered lavalier with a 3.5mm output suited to recorder use.
- battery module
- omnidirectional
- accessible price
- long cable
- battery to manage
RØDE Lavalier GO
Compact 3.5mm TRS lavalier; confirm plug-in-power compatibility before buying for an older recorder.
- 3.5mm TRS
- omnidirectional
- small
- clean design
- recorder setup check
RØDE smartLav+
TRRS smartphone lavalier that needs the correct TRRS-to-TRS adapter for a recorder input.
- TRRS output
- omnidirectional
- widely available
- small
- adapter required
Deity W.Lav Pro
Broadcast-style lavalier available in multiple connector versions.
- water-resistant cable
- omnidirectional
- build quality
- connector options
- choose connector carefully
Sennheiser ME 2-II
Professional omnidirectional lavalier normally sold for Sennheiser wireless systems.
- locking connector
- omnidirectional
- voice quality
- durable
- adapter needed
Audio-Technica AT899
Professional miniature lavalier with connector-specific versions.
- subminiature capsule
- omnidirectional
- small
- professional line
- adapter setup
Countryman B3
Tiny professional lavalier available with multiple terminations.
- subminiature
- multiple connectors
- small
- durable
- cost
Sony ECM-LV1
Affordable stereo lavalier with a 3.5mm plug for compatible recorder inputs.
- stereo capsule
- 3.5mm plug
- stereo recording
- compact
- not a mono dialogue mic
Movo LV1
Entry wired lavalier with a 3.5mm connector and included accessories.
- wired lavalier
- 3.5mm connector
- budget
- simple
- check TRRS or TRS version
Buying tips
- Record a short test and listen with headphones before an interview.
- Check whether a mic is TRS or TRRS and whether it needs plug-in power or a battery.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.