Having a portable iOS device means you always have a voice recorder on hand for quickly capturing notes and ideas. However, to truly unlock your device’s full potential, investing in a microphone for iPhone recording is crucial. They deliver high-quality audio capture wherever you go, with options tailored to various needs. This article serves as a buyer’s guide to help you select the best microphone for iPhone audio recording, covering:
- Why you need it
- What type to choose
- How to choose the best one
- The best options available at Moman Store
- How to record on iPhone with an external microphone
- Other worthwhile iPhone accessories for high-quality recording
Why do you need an external microphone for iPhone recording?
Let’s start by discussing why recording microphone is essential, particularly for iPhone users. Using your iPhone’s built-in mic is sufficient for basic tasks like calls or memos, but it may fall short when capturing high-quality audio, especially in environments with background noise or windy conditions. While the iPhone excels at producing stunning HDR video, its microphone often picks up unwanted ambient sounds and lacks the clarity needed for professional-level recordings. Additionally, sound quality diminishes as the distance from the subject increases.
This is exactly where external microphones make a difference. They are specifically designed to deliver precise and clear audio, elevating the overall quality of your recordings. They help reduce background noise, capture finer sound details, and provide a professional touch, making them ideal for music, video, or other high-fidelity audio projects. Plus, they’re compatible with other devices, such as your iPad and Android phone, giving you versatility across platforms.
What types to choose from: 3 common types bring various benefits to iPhone recording
But which type of microphone for iPhone recording is best for your need? If we’re filming a wedding, setting up individual mics for each person would be too time-consuming, so an on-camera shotgun option is ideal. This type can capture clear audio from a distance, allowing us to record the day naturally, like a “fly on the wall”. For YouTube vloggers who like to move around while talking to the camera, a wireless model works best. This allows us to roam freely with a clip-on mic, while a receiver connected to the iPhone records our voice from afar. In the following sections, we’ll explore these common types in detail and highlight their specific benefits for iPhone recording.
Wireless microphone: Captures distant audio, great for interviews and podcasts
Wireless mic systems are excellent for capturing audio from a distance, making them ideal for street interviews, video podcasts, and content creation where you or the subject are not close to the camera. By clipping the transmitter with a built-in mic to the person speaking, you’ll get clear, consistent audio whether they move closer to or farther from your iPhone. Wireless systems also make it easy to record multiple audio sources, like in a two-person interview, giving more flexibility during editing.
Lavalier microphone: Compact and discreet, ideal for vlogging and interviews
Lavalier, or lapel mics, are compact clip-on devices that attach directly to the speaker’s clothing. Because of their small, unobtrusive design, they don’t distract from the speaker’s face in video recordings. This makes them a great option for bypassing the bulkiness of larger models. They are particularly effective for talking head videos, interviews, and vlogging. Furthermore, they are suitable for podcasting in both indoor and outdoor settings, making them versatile tools for a variety of recording situations.
Shotgun microphone: Provides clear audio, perfect for noisy environment
This type of microphone for iPhone recording utilizes a cardioid polar pattern to pick up sound from the direction they are pointed. They provide clearer and more precise audio compared to the built-in one on your iPhone. They also excel at minimizing background noise. This feature makes them especially useful in noisy settings.
How to choose the best one: 7 factors to consider
When choosing the microphones for recording on iPhone, it’s important to keep several key factors in mind to ensure high-quality sound capture.
1. Compatibility: It should easily connect to your iPhone via the lightning port, USB-C, or Bluetooth.
2. Polar pattern: Consider the recording pattern. A Cardioid is excellent for isolating a single sound source while minimizing background noise, whereas an omnidirectional one captures sound equally from all directions, making it suitable for group recordings or ambient sound. This flexibility allows for various recording environments with one device.
3. Portability: A good option should be compact and lightweight, allowing you to record high-quality audio wherever you go.
4. Build quality: Assess the durability of the microphone. Lower-quality models may not hold up well in demanding environments, so look for well-constructed ones and cables that can withstand regular use.
5. Gain adjustment: Check the functionality, particularly if it offers gain adjustments for sensitive recording situations. Gain settings typically range from -2 to +2, allowing for more or less sensitivity to ambient noise based on your needs.
6. Ease of use: The best one is typically plug-and-play, requiring minimal setup and featuring user-friendly controls for quick adjustments.
7. Price: Aim to find one that offers the best balance between price and the aforementioned features, fitting your budget and recording requirements.
With these considerations in mind, we’ll review the top microphones at the Moman Store designed to enhance your iPhone audio recordings to a professional standard.
What is the best iPhone recording microphone: 4 picks at Moman Store
Moman is committed to helping you capture every memorable moment with its range of microphones designed for iPhone recording. Whether you need a quick setup or professional conversation equipment, you’ll find the perfect option here. Let’s explore its four outstanding products.
Best overall: SYNCO G2 Pro
The SYNCO G2 Pro is the best overall wireless recording microphone for iPhone, designed to ensure seamless audio capture. It features an automatic pairing function and supports a wireless communication range of up to 200 meters, allowing for free movement without compromising sound quality. With a 3.5mm headphone jack and a clear TFT display, it enables real-time audio monitoring to ensure optimal recording conditions. The optional 150Hz low-cut filter effectively reduces background noise, delivering clear, high-quality audio. Additionally, the one-click mute function allows for quick sound control. Whether for interviews, vlogging, or professional film production, the SYNCO G2 Pro provides exceptional audio performance.
Best plug and play: SYNCO P1L
The SYNCO P1L is a top choice for plug-and-play wireless recording microphones for iPhone users. It features a Lightning receiver for direct connection and capturing clear audio up to 150 meters away. For newer iPhones with a Type-C port, the SYNCO P1T is available. You can enhance your recordings creatively by activating nine voice effects, such as Studio TX, Baby FX, and KTV FX, with a simple press of the RX button. The included Type-C to 3.5mm adapter allows for convenient real-time audio monitoring. Additionally, its quick charging capability ensures that just 10 minutes of charging provides 45 minutes of use, making it ideal for busy content creators.
Best for conversations: Moman CP2
The Moman CP2 is the perfect choice for capturing conversations on iPhone with clarity and precision. Featuring two transmitters and one receiver, it allows for stable audio recording of one or two speakers, making it perfect for interviews and dialogues. Its intelligent noise reduction filters out background sounds, complemented by a windscreen to prevent pops, ensuring rich and clear audio quality. In addition to its plug-and-play convenience, the compact charging case enables uninterrupted recording even while charging your phone. With three versions available, the CP2AC is compatible with both Lightning and Type-C ports on new and old iPhones, and the included Type-C to USB converter enhances its device compatibility.
Best for quick setup: SYNCO U3
The SYNCO U3 is a shotgun microphone designed for iPhone recording, perfect for quick setups and high-quality audio capture. It can be securely attached to your iPhone via magnets or mounted on a camera using the included 1/4 screw. With its smart automatic technology, the U3 easily adapts to TRS/TRRS devices using the provided Type-C to 3.5mm TRRS cable, eliminating the need for cable recognition. The cardioid pickup pattern and built-in low-cut filters at 75Hz and 150Hz ensure stable and clear audio capture. To enhance video professionalism, it also features 0-15dB gain control for precise audio adjustments.
How to record on iPhone with external microphone
When recording audio on an iPhone, there are several steps you can take to ensure the best possible sound quality:
Silence notifications or switch to airplane mode
Nothing disrupts an audio recording faster than notifications or haptic sounds. These interruptions can quickly change the impression of your media from professional to amateur.
One of the first steps toward recording high-quality audio on iPhone is to mute notifications while capturing audio. This way, you’ll still see notifications as they come in, which can be helpful if you need to monitor incoming information while recording. To fully prevent interruptions, it’s ideal to set your phone to airplane mode, unless internet access is required.
Set up an ideal recording environment
Another key to recording high-quality audio on an iPhone is setting up the right environment. Excessive background noise can impact audio quality, often making it necessary to re-record.
Creating the right recording environment might involve steps like:
- Unplugging noise-making devices like air conditioners or refrigerators
- Soundproofing or using a designated recording booth
- Finding a quiet outdoor area for filming
- Ensuring the recording area isn’t overly “live” with sound reflections
Modify audio settings on your iPhone
For those aiming to capture high-quality audio on an iPhone, checking and adjusting the audio settings is essential. The iPhone provides various options depending on your recording needs.
For example, navigate to Settings > Voice Memos > Audio Quality, then select Lossless to prevent file compression. This setting is particularly beneficial for creators recording voiceovers for videos, allowing the audio file to later be synced over video footage. Additionally, if you’re using an external microphone, it may offer adjustable settings to further enhance recording clarity.
Utilize a windscreen or pop filter
Whether you’re using the built-in or an external option, consider adding a windscreen to enhance outdoor audio recording on your iPhone. A windscreen shields the microphone from air gusts that could create unwanted popping noises, preserving audio quality. For indoor recording, a pop filter helps reduce sharp sounds from breaths or speech pops, ensuring a clearer and more professional audio result.
Other iPhone accessories to invest in for high quality recording
In addition to microphone for iPhone recording, filmmakers, vloggers, and videographers can use various iPhone accessories to upgrade their video quality and improve production value. These essential tools include clip-on lenses, portable LED lights, and support equipment like rigs and stabilizers.
Clip-on lenses for iPhone: Expand camera capabilities for wider and more detailed shots
Clip-on lenses are add-ons that expand the iPhone’s camera capabilities, available in wide-angle, fisheye, and macro varieties. These lenses enable users to capture broader scenes or detailed close-ups, depending on the type. When paired with a microphone, a clip-on lens can boost both visual and audio quality—such as using a wide-angle lens to enhance the field of view while an omnidirectional mic captures the scene’s ambient sound.
LED lights for iPhone: Enhance lighting for professional-quality video
Lighting plays a major role in video production, and portable LED lights can improve the look of a final recording. While a support setup is often needed to mount it onto your smartphone, there are models like ring lights or LED panels that connect directly to the iPhone’s Lightning port. If you’re using a microphone attachment that occupies the Lightning port, a battery-powered LED panel is a practical solution to ensure the light functions independently from the phone.
Support systems for iPhone: Stabilize footage for smooth and steady shots
Support systems like gimbals and tripods are crucial for minimizing camera shake and maintaining steady footage in mobile videography. They allow videographers to achieve smooth shots and fluid camera movements. When combined with a microphone attachment, they make it possible to move the camera freely while ensuring clear, consistent audio capture. For instance, a 3-axis gimbal can deliver smooth, cinematic motion while the mic picks up high-quality audio from the subject.
