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Discreet body-worn audio
Hidden Microphones for Clothing and Body-Worn Recording
Hidden microphones for clothing make it possible to record conversations or transmit live audio while keeping the equipment discreet. Miniature recorders and radio transmitters can be incorporated into garments or accessories, allowing the wearer to move freely without holding a recording device.
The right setup depends on how the audio will be used. A body-worn recorder saves conversations for later playback; a wireless microphone and transmitter lets another operator listen in real time. Some Bluetooth recorders support both local recording and live listening, with wireless access to saved files.
Record Conversations or Listen as They Happen
Body-worn audio recording
A miniature recorder stores audio in its own memory, so the wearer does not need to stay within range of a receiver during recording. This suits interviews, meetings and mobile assignments where the conversation will be reviewed afterward.
Continuous recording captures the full session. Scheduled starts and voice activationVOX starts recording when detected sound exceeds the configured threshold, on models with this feature. provide other ways to control recording on supported models.
Live listening by another operator
A radio transmitter sends the microphone’s audio to a compatible receiver. This lets a second operator follow a conversation while it takes place, without relying on a SIM card or Internet connection.
Bluetooth recorders offer a different connection: a nearby phone, computer or compatible gateway can access their audio. For listening over the Internet, a supported gateway supplies the network connection.
For equipment across all transmission technologies, visit our professional listening device catalog. For standalone recording options, browse our miniature voice recorders.
Recorders and Transmitters for Discreet Wearable Setups
These examples show the difference between a recording module, a Bluetooth recorder and a radio transmitter. The battery and any external microphone or antenna are part of the complete assembly, even when the circuit itself is very small.
Law Enforcement
MR-NANO: Miniature recording module
An 8 GB recording module with Bluetooth control and file downloads, voice activation, schedules and AES-256 recording encryption. Its memory holds up to 1,450 hours of audio, depending on settings.
An external battery must be connected. Runtime depends on that battery and the operating mode; the storage figure is not a battery-life rating.
View MR-NANO Details ↗Password-protected product pageLaw Enforcement
ECHO: Bluetooth recording and live audio
A compact recorder with 1 GB of storage, Opus and PCM recording, AES-256 encryption and Bluetooth file retrieval. The memory holds up to 98 hours of audio, depending on settings.
Up to 26 hours of recording or 13 hours of streaming under ideal conditions. Actual runtime varies with use.
View ECHO Details ↗Password-protected product page
SPUTNIK: Miniature UHF audio transmitter
The transmitter body measures 9 × 18 × 2.8 mm, with an external microphone and wire antenna. It operates on 2.8–4.5 V DC and sends live audio to a compatible radio receiver.
Battery capacity can be selected to suit the required runtime and available space. Include the battery, microphone and antenna when assessing the complete setup.
View SPUTNIK Details ↗
ENRMK-191: Flexible transmitter for garments
A three-part assembly with separate microphone/preamplifier, RF transmitter and power modules linked by a flexible micro-cable. Designed for integration into ties and other garments.
Uses WFM transmission at 416.5–423.5 MHz, with 30 mW output and two V625 1.5 V batteries. The transmitter measures 48 × 12 × 7.5 mm; overall assembly length is 265 mm.
View ENRMK-191 Details ↗What Matters in a Body-Worn Microphone
Size, thickness and the complete assembly
A small circuit is only one part of a wearable system. Battery size, connectors and external components determine how much space the finished assembly needs. A thin, flexible design may suit a garment better than a shorter but thicker device.
Speech clarity while the wearer moves
Body-worn microphones must capture speech while clothing moves around them. Fabric rustle and handling noise can affect a recording, so audio quality should be checked with the finished garment or accessory during normal movement.
Enough battery life for the session
Choose the battery for the time you need to record or transmit. Live streaming and wireless transfers draw power as well as recording. With externally powered modules such as MR-NANO, battery capacity determines runtime; a fixed number of operating hours cannot be assigned to the module alone.
Controls and access to recordings
Consider how recording starts and how you will retrieve the files afterward. MR-NANO and ECHO support Bluetooth downloads, allowing recordings to be transferred within Bluetooth range. Remote Internet access uses a compatible gateway connected to the recorder over Bluetooth.
For more on direct radio transmission and receiver matching, see our radio audio bug guide.
Custom Integration into Clothing and Accessories
Endoacustica can assess a garment or accessory for a discreet audio installation. The design takes account of the available space, battery requirements, microphone performance and access for charging or maintenance.
Send photographs and a description of the item, the recording time required and whether you need saved audio or live listening. We can then recommend a suitable device and discuss the integration before preparing a quotation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hidden microphones record audio or transmit it?
Both types are available. A recorder saves audio in internal memory, while a radio transmitter sends it to a receiver for live listening. MR-NANO and ECHO also support recording and live audio access over Bluetooth.
Can a body-worn recorder work without a phone nearby?
Yes. A recorder with onboard memory can save audio locally without maintaining a live connection to a phone. Wireless control and downloads are separate functions.
Can I download recordings over Bluetooth?
MR-NANO and ECHO support Bluetooth file downloads to supported devices. Internet access requires a compatible gateway; the connection between the recorder and gateway is Bluetooth.
How long does a hidden microphone battery last?
Runtime depends on the device, battery and operating mode. ECHO provides up to 26 hours of recording under ideal conditions; actual runtime varies with use. MR-NANO requires an external battery, so its runtime depends on the battery connected to it.
Does a UHF body-worn transmitter need a SIM card?
No. It sends audio directly to a radio receiver. The receiver must support the transmitter’s frequency and modulation and remain within radio range.
Can you adapt a device to my garment or accessory?
We can assess the item and propose a suitable installation. Send photographs, details of the available space and your recording or live-listening requirements so we can evaluate the assembly and power supply.
Discuss a Body-Worn Audio Setup
Tell us what you need to record, how long the device must operate and whether another operator needs to listen live. We can help select the recorder or transmitter and assess a custom installation.