Bob, et al,

The whole point of usng a cardioid lav is to point it AT the sound source you want. Placing it upside down (away fom the voice) is not a good use of the mic.

Cardioid lavs are a lot more pop sensitive than omnis. I've even had them catch drafts from HVAC vents.

Use an omni and your pop problems will be lessened. Use a loop in te cord to reduce cable noise. DON'T use silk shirts or blouses and you'll reduce clothing noise.

Regards,

Ty Ford

In addition to some of the sources cited, some excellent explanations of lavalier placement can be found on the VASST Now Hear This instructional DVD :
http://vasst.com/product.aspx?id=fa9...3-5b7da6de3482

Although it's heavy on Audio-Technica product placements, this DVD is awesome. It covers lavalier placement, including how to deal with scratchy lavaliers, including what they sound like.

Another book with a good section lavaliers is that distributed by Trew Audio :
_Location Audio Simplified_
http://trewaudio.com/store/product.p...8&cat=3&page=1

This book is pricey at $49 and a tad repetitive, but it offers the best explanation of booms and lavaliers I've found.

Trew Audio also sells an instructional DVD "Location Sound For Video", but it's too short and heavy on how plug your mics into your camcorder.

Or try the URL in FireFox. Safari still has a few kinks in it.