off-mike

\\ˈ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷\ adjective

Etymology: off (II) + mike

: recorded or transmitted at less than normal volume : distant from or turned away from the microphone

background of off-mike voices

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/awf"muyk", of"-/, adj.

located at a distance from or not projected directly into a microphone: off-mike sound effects.

[1935-40]

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off-mike «AWF MYK, OF-», adjective, adverb.

1. not heard clearly through the microphone: »

Jane herself was distinctly off-mike some of the time (one turned up the volume control, only to have to turn it down lest Rochester blasted one's head off) (Listener).

2. while not engaged in broadcasting; off the air: »

... a B.B.C. radio actress who is famed as a kindly district nurse on the airwaves but is a sadistic, cigar-smoking old horror off-mike (New Yorker).