Do you need to record high-quality podcasts, interviews, video series voiceovers, live performances or YouTube videos with a good sound? You may have noticed that the built-in microphone in your iOS device (iPhone, iPad) does not always cope with this task. How to fix this problem and turn your iOS device into a real recorder?
It is quite simple! Today there are many microphones specially designed for iPhones and iPads, which are compatible with almost all the popular audio applications available on App Store.
Let’s take a closer look at some of them.
Shure MV88
Model Shure MV88 is designed specially for iOS-devices and equipped with a Lightning connector. The product’s body is all-metal with a stand with which you can change the position of the microphone. Shure MV88 provides a high quality of video materials – clips or live performances.
In addition, Mid-Side Technology and perfectly matched capsules allow recording a detailed clear stereo. Monitoring real-time recording can be carried out right through the headphones of your iOS-device.
All settings of MV88 are available on a special application ShurePlus ™ Motiv ™ Mobile, which can be installed for free on iPod, iPhone or iPad.
The app allows you to:
- adjust the volume, gain stereo width;
- control EQ, limiter and compressor;
- switch between of 5 DSP modes (Flat, Speech, Singing, Acoustic and Loud).
Technical specifications:
- frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz;
- quality of recording up to 24 bit / 48 kHz;
- gain adjustment range: 0 – 36 dB;
- sensitivity: -37 dBFS / Pa (at 1 kHz);
- max. level of sound pressure: 120 dB;
- dimensions: 67* 25*35 mm;
- weight: 40.5 g.
PALADOU lapel microphone
The PALADOU microphone will rid you of this problem and serve as a great addition to the excellent iPhone camera which will allow you to record a great amateur video. Moreover, the new microphone works with all the recording applications for iOS.
Characteristics:
- A unique metal shielded cable;
- Upgraded noise reduction technology;
- Continuous frequency;
- Low interference;
- Stable signal and fast transmission speed.
The cable is long enough to move around and works very well with no background noise.
The microphone combines such important parameters as low price and high quality! It’s lightweight and the kit includes deluxe protector case for storage.
PoP voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone
Key features and specifications:
- Portable and lightweight;
- Loud and clear sound;
- Pick up sounds from your environment easily;
- It comes with an extra-long 6.5 feet cable.
PoP voice microphone will help to turn your iOS device (iPhone / iPad / iPod touch) into a real recorder suitable for recording podcasts, live performances, interviews, video soundtrack and voiceovers, instruments such as guitar, and vocals.
Miracle Sound Microphone
You will also be satisfied with the kit that includes:
- a comfortable storage case,
- a wind muff,
- strong lapel clip and a 59” long cord.
The microphone is small and handy. It picks up sound from all directions, ensuring that every detail of the moment is recorded. High-quality sound for podcasts, video blogs, dubbing, chatting, or streaming on YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook. Ideal for streaming video: no bulky microphones visible on the video.
Rode smartLav+
This is a very high-quality microphone that works well with an iOS application named Rode Rec App.
Features:
- A miniature microphone of a professional class;
- high-quality capsule with a circular radiation pattern;
- foam windscreen;
- compatible with all iOS and Android devices that have an input for a headset;
- transforms iPhone (iPad) in a full-featured high-quality digital recorder;
- improved sensitivity and protection from noise;
- high-quality recording on a smartphone;
- metal housing;
- kevlar-reinforced cable;
- a small case is included;
- a wide range of presets.
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast
The model IK Multimedia iRig MIC Cast is a compact and lightweight microphone designed for high-quality voice recording. It is suitable for interviews, press conferences, various lectures, and live performances as well as for other events.
iRig MIC Cast is an ideal solution for voice recording that excludes any unnecessary noise. This is perfect for offices, where video conferences and meetings of various sizes are conducted.
The microphone is designed specially for Apple’s products – it works well with iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad.
The mic has a very tricky plug, which is mounted to the headphone jack, so a person who is near you can hear exactly what you say into the microphone and then evaluate whether the information is true or false.
IK Multimedia iRig MIC Cast can be an essential thing for recording your own songs, folk songs, podcasts or keeping track of your philosophical thoughts that usually appear in the silence of the night.
All of these things are possible! The mic is characterized by excellent performance, good sensitivity, comfortable handle and protected from external noises. Plus, it has many other important advantages. For example, you can download and use a free program for users who intend to record the vocals.
In order to obtain a high-quality clean sound, you don’t necessarily have to have a microphone large in size. You can make sure it is true when you see the iRig MIC Cast in the process!
Main characteristics of the microphone:
- 2 completely free application called iRig Recorder and VocaLive;
- headphones connector;
- 2 operation modes: close/far distances recording;
- special support needed for a stable placing of iPhone / iPod Touch on the table;
- very compact and ergonomic;
- easily connected to the devices in cases;
- compatible with iPhone / iPad / iPod Touch.
Rode VideoMic Me
The directional microphone VideoMic Me is developed by Rode. This affordable small device provides high-quality sound and can be used both with the iPhone and iPad. With an adjustable mount, the microphone is suitable for a wide range of iOS gadgets that have the ability to connect to through the TRRS connector.
In addition, there is a headphone output to be aware of what is recorded. The aluminum case of this model is equipped with a ceramic anti-reflective coating. The delivery set includes a fuzzy windscreen designed for avoiding sharp sounds while shooting outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
Technical parameters of the VideoMic Me:
- It works based on the principle of a pressure gradient;
- uses a capsule diameter of 0.5 inches;
- the polar pattern of cardioid type;
- frequency: 100-20 000 Hz;
- the sensitivity: -33 dB at 22 mV;
- the maximum sound pressure: 140 dB;
- equivalent noise: 20 dB;
- dimensions 38x21x80 mm;
- weight: 34 g.
Rode IXYL
The company RODE Microphones introduces a new version of the stereo microphone RODE iXY Lightning. The novelty is specially designed for working with the iPhone and iPad. RODE iXYL has a Lightning interface, making it compatible with iPhone 5, 5s and 5c. The microphone records the sound of the standard 24-bit / 96 kHz. It is preferable to use the iOS-app RODE Rec to edit the recording results.
RODE iXYL is equipped with 2 1/2 “capsules combined in X-Y configuration. In addition, there is an ADC. The microphone can be used for recording music, lectures, interviews, videos and others.
iXYL can capture sound in all kinds of places – from a small cozy cafe to a large noisy stadium. The model is perfect for reporters because it guarantees quality and lightning-fast operation.
The microphone is securely attached to the camera so that the sound could be recorded at an excellent level. All you need to do to start the recording is to tap on one single button.
Microphone RODE iXYL works with virtually any audio application.
Zoom iQ7
Functional management
Compared to the previous model, iq7 has a larger front panel, which has inputs and an LED indicator for clear sound, without interference. The model has a built-in headphone jack so that the user could control the audio track while recording music or voice.
Right-left
The pivoting mechanism allows rotating the microphone to the right or to the left when recording.
Mid-Side
This innovative technology can adjust the characteristics of the stereo automatically, without your involvement in the process.
Two microphones perfectly capture the sound from three directions/ranges:
- 90° allows you to concentrate on recording from a central source;
- 120 ° is designed to grip a wide sound range.
- «MS» feature makes it possible to record the signal in its raw form, which can then be edited in the free iOS app called Zoom Handy Recorder.
Zoom iQ7 developers provide compatibility with any device functioning on iOS 6 or later. The microphone is supplied with a special lining that provides a stable connection to Apple devices.
The iQ7 microphone is compatible with almost all the programs for sound processing from external sources – Garageband, Voice Memo, to name just a few. These applications support multiple speeds, which allows you to choose between 48 and 44.1 kHz for the best audio quality.
cosMik Lav
This is a lavalier microphone which is compatible with smartphones and tablets running on iOS and Android. It has a circular direction, a TRRS connector, and a headphone output.
This miniature lavalier microphone can be directly connected to your smartphone or tablet – both on Android and iOS. The microphone is designed for voice recording – podcasts, interviews, presentations, lectures, etc. This novelty provides sound quality that is better than the one of your device’s built-in microphone. Using this microphone, you can record sound for video as well.
cosMik Lav is very easy in use – it operates with all applications for recording with an external microphone and ensures optimal recording quality which is close to a professional level. The microphone cable has a headphone jack that allows you to listen to the material that is being recorded without disconnecting the mic.
The package includes microphone cosMik Lav, a foam windscreen, a clip for attaching the mic to clothes, a storage pouch.
Key features and specifications:
- Lavalier microphone which is compatible with smartphones and tablets on iOS and Android;
- operates with all applications that support recording from an external microphone;
- omnidirectional diagram;
- cable with TRRS (you need a special adapter TRRS-TRS for connecting to other audio devices);
- 1.2-meter cable;
- headphones output of mini jack type for monitoring while recording;
- weight: 20g, including the cable.
Specifications:
- Frequency response: 40Hz – 20kHz;
- sensitivity: -39dB;
- resistance: 3k Ohm;
- max. SPL (1% THD, @ 1kHz): 115dB;
- signal / noise ratio: 65dB.
Audio-Technica ATR3350iS
Audio-Technica ATR3350IS is a lavalier miniature microphone with an adapter for smartphones. It has a headphone output and a switch unit for a battery.
Audio-Technica ATR3350 is an omnidirectional condenser microphone, which is ideal for sports instructors and video makers. It is perfect to use wherever the minimum visibility is desired. The mic is easily attached to clothing; a tiny size of it provides its invisibility. The microphone is equipped with a 6-foot cable that ends with a 3.5 mm plug – it is suitable for direct connection to most cameras. Also, it comes with an adapter for connection to a smartphone or a tablet and a headphone output.
Equipment:
- microphone ATR3350;
- adapter for smartphone;
- clip;
- windshield;
- battery.
Features:
- A built-in 6m cable that makes the microphone movable. Plus, you can use it with a video camera;
- Omnidirectional diagrams offer full coverage.
Specifications:
- Elements: condenser;
- diagrams of directivity: omnidirectional;
- frequency range: 50 – 18,000 Hz;
- sensitivity: 54 DB;
- resistance: 1000 ohms;
- weight: 6 g;
- cable: 6m with 3.5 mm jack (1/8) TRS jack;
- adapter for a smartphone with a 3.5 mm connector TRRS jack.
MXL MM160
MXL MM-160 is a lavalier microphone that can be used with smartphones and tablets functioning on iOS and Android. It is characterized by having a circular direction, a TRRS connector, and an input for headphones.
MXL MM-160 is a miniature lavalier microphone that is designed for voice recording. It can be used to record interviews, lectures, seminars, and other stuff like that. The cable length of 1.83 meters makes it possible to record speech that matches video. The headphone output allows the monitoring of the signal while recording.
The set includes a windscreen, a clip for clothes, a case.
Note! The device won’t work with a conventional TRS connector (3,5 mm jack). To make the connection possible, you’ll need to use an adapter.
Characteristics:
- Electret condenser microphone;
- orientation: circular;
- frequency response: 40-18000Hz;
- sensitivity: -42dB ± 3dB (0dB = 1V / Pa, @ 1kHz);
- cable length: 1.83m;
- headphone jack: 3,5mm jack.
PowerDeWise Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
This microphone offers features that have previously been available only for professionals. The mic is adaptable in that it can work with practically all of the audio recording applications.
Microphone wind protection allows you to use a microphone on the street without loss of sound recording quality; prevents sudden blows of airwaves; protects the microphone from dust.
The convenient and reliable clip on the microphone allows you to attach a mic to clothes or interior items.
This microphone has proven itself as a high-quality and reliable device for recording pure sound with professional quality among tens of thousands of US residents.
IK Multimedia iRig Voice
IK Multimedia iRig Voice is a portable microphone with a bright body created for voice and vocals recording. You don’t need much effort to connect this microphone to your device, be it a mobile phone or a tablet. You can enjoy singing your favorite songs using your favorite music applications.
The technology used in the iRig Voice allows you to work with voice frequencies. It will be your faithful companion not only in recording but also in live performances.
The microphone is easy to use. It is designed for long-term use. The optimized shape ensures secure mounting to most standard mic stands used in stage performances.
The cardioid polar pattern used in the iRig Voice makes it possible to remove close distance sounds. It minimizes the effect of feedback, which often occurs while working with sound.
The on/off switch on the microphone case allows you to quickly enable and disable the device. The body is made of high-quality plastic, which is not only lightweight but also durable.
You can quickly and securely connect this device – the cable is provided. IK Multimedia iRig Voice is the perfect tool to express yourself in creative work. It creates high-quality sound and has a stylish design able to attract attention.
Characteristics:
- Compatibility with iOS, Android devices;
- minimization of feedback;
- headphone output (monitoring);
- switch on the body;
- connection: analog adapter 3.5 mm;
- dimensions: 215 x 53 x 53 mm;
- weight: 253 g;
- cable: 2 m.
Rode i-XLR
The model i-XLR is developed by Rode specialists. The microphone’s interface is designed for working with iOS devices. With i-XLR, it is convenient to record interviews and reports on iPod, iPhone, iPad. There is the built-in Lightning jack. The interface supports the use of different microphones, including lavalier and “gun” models.
Thanks to the shielded cable of 2 meters, you can place your smartphone in a bag or pocket during the recording. The body is equipped with a headphone jack. Among other features, i-XLR has an LED indicator and a switch that is capable to provide 20 dB of gain.
It is recommended to use the device with an iOS app called Rode Reporter App.
Features of the i-XLR:
- dimensions: 80x33x35 mm;
- weight: 125 g.