Want to improve the audio quality of your iPad recordings? Whether you're a podcaster, musician, or video creator, the built-in microphone may not always deliver the level of clarity and depth you need. This is where a recording microphone for iPad can make a difference! It can significantly boost the sound quality of your content, making it more polished and captivating for your audience.

When choosing the best one, you need to consider the following factors: 

  • Compatibility: It should be compatible with your iPad, either via a lightning port, USB-C connection, or Bluetooth for wireless use.
  • Audio Quality: Choose a mic that delivers clear, high-quality sound. Pay attention to the pickup pattern (e.g., omnidirectional or cardioid) depending on whether you need to capture sound from all directions or focus on a specific source.
  • Ease of Use: Look for a microphone that is simple to set up and operate, with plug-and-play functionality and easy-to-use controls if available.
  • Portability: Since iPads are portable devices, a compact and lightweight one is ideal for on-the-go use.
  • Durability: It should be well-built to handle travel and use in various environments.
  • Additional Features: Consider useful features such as built-in headphone jacks for monitoring, adjustable gain control, or multi-pattern recording for flexibility.
  • Price: External microphone for iPad recording comes in different price ranges. Assess the value for money based on the features and performance.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down your options to find the best external microphone for your iPad and recording needs. And here are THREE options recommended in the Moman Store based on the above criteria.

Moman CP2 iPad recording microphone has a transmitter that can be clipped on the clothes.

Table: Specs. overview of Moman microphone for recording on iPad

In a hurry? Check the table for a quick overview of Moman microphones.

 Item Moman EMR Moman CP1(C) Moman CP2
Type USB Wireless lav Wireless lav
Connector USB A or USB C USB C USB C or Lightning
Polar pattern Cardioid Omnidirectional   Omnidirectional  
Frequency response 20Hz-20KHz 20Hz-20KHz 20Hz-20KHz
Adjustable gain × ×
Monitoring jack ×
Dimensions 57.5mm*64.5mm*220mm

TX: 15x57x15mm; RX: 44x26x8mm

TX: 42.3x32.5mm; RX: 36x13mm; case: 106x65x33.5mm
Weight  129g TX: 7g; RX: 4g
Price $49.99 $39.99 $65.99

Moman EMR: Microphone for iPad recording with directional pickup pattern and desktop stand at $49.99

The Moman EMR microphone for iPad video recording comes with a desktop stand and a monitoring jack.

The Moman EMR is a USB condenser microphone of studio quality, specifically designed to provide exceptional audio capture for your iPad. It connects seamlessly via the included USB-C cable to the iPad’s USB-C port. Its compact, sleek design makes it highly portable, allowing you to set up a professional recording station anywhere. The desktop stand ensures a 120° adjustable angle.

What sets the Moman EMR apart is its user-friendly design. With plug-and-play functionality, you can begin recording almost immediately, without dealing with complicated setups. It also features a headphone output for real-time monitoring, ensuring the quality of your audio as you record. Beyond its convenience, the Moman EMR excels in sound quality. It delivers crisp, clear recordings with no noise, offering pristine audio at a 24-bit/192kHz resolution.

Moman CP1(C): Best budget recording microphone for iPad with plug-and-play design at $39.99

Moman CP1(C) includes a transmitter, a USB C receiver, a charging cable, and a carrying bag.

If you’re looking for a wireless microphone for your iPad with user-friendly features and low cost, the Moman CP1(C) is a great option to consider.

This wireless lavalier microphone features an advanced noise-reduction chip and a windshield, making it ideal for use in noisy environments. It pairs effortlessly with iPad models that have a USB-C port, with no need for an app or Bluetooth. Plug the receiver into your device, clip the transmitter to your collar, turn it on with a button press, and you’re ready to start recording. The CP1(C) provides a 394ft audio range and offers up to 5 hours of use on a full charge.

Moman CP2: Wireless recording microphone for iPad with charging case at $65.99

Moman CP2 wireless microphone for iPad recordings includes two transmitters, a receiver with USB C or Lightning plug, a charging case, and a charging cable.

The Moman CP2 is an ideal choice for iPad content creators who have two-person recordings and often take long-time recordings. It includes two transmitters, a receiver with USB C or Lightning connector, and a charging case. The charging case offers quick charge to the transmitters while the charging port on the receiver allows you to charge your iPad during recording.

The Moman CP2 provides up to 15 hours of use, and its charging case delivers two additional full charges. Setting up the microphone is straightforward, with no need for an adapter, Bluetooth, or an app. Its omnidirectional sound pickup and noise cancellation ensure excellent sound quality. The microphone also connects automatically, and the two-pack design allows two users to participate in iPad video recordings simultaneously.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about recording microphone for iPad.

What types of microphone are used for iPad recording?

There are 4 common types.

Lavalier mic: This is a compact and unobtrusive audio device frequently used in television, theater, and public speaking. Designed to be easily clipped to clothing, they offer hands-free operation, making them ideal for presentations or interviews. Despite their small size, high-quality lavalier mics deliver clear, accurate sound and can be paired with wireless systems for greater mobility. Though they might capture more background noise than larger microphones, their convenience and subtle design are significant advantages.

Wireless mic: Wireless microphones transmit sound to your iPad without the need for cables, using a transmitter and receiver for a wireless link. This arrangement provides two main advantages: it offers the freedom to move around and enables you to keep your iPad plugged into a power source while recording. Wireless mics are perfect for long recording sessions or when you require more flexibility.

USB mic: Its straightforward plug-and-play functionality has made iPad recording much easier. Once connected to the USB port, the microphone powers on instantly and captures sound from all directions, making it ideal for meetings or content creation. This allows it to pick up a wide variety of voices with varying pitches and tones. All USB microphones come with integrated Analog-to-Digital converters, thanks to the digital format. They function by converting sound into electrical signals and then into digital signals, offering a portable and cost-effective way to enhance audio quality.

Shotgun mic: An iPad shotgun microphone is built to capture sound from a distance, making it perfect for use in large areas or outdoor environments. It minimizes background noise while focusing on the desired audio and effectively reduces wind interference when used with a windshield. The mic can be connected to your iPad through the audio jack and can be mounted on or off the device. For full-size shotgun microphones, an adapter and stand are required.

How to use recording microphone on iPad?

STEP 1: Ensure your iPad is powered on, and that the USB-C port is free of any connections. (For iPads with a Lightning port, use an Apple Lightning to USB C Adapter.)
STEP 2: Connect the microphone to the USB-C port of your iPad.
STEP 3: Open your preferred video recording app (such as the Camera app, TikTok, Instagram, etc.).
STEP 4: Start recording!

It’s that simple to achieve excellent sound for any content you create.

What connectors should the recording microphone for iPad have?

Generally, it should feature a USB C or Lightning plug. Which to choose depends on the model of your iPad.

iPad models with Lightning connector:

  • iPad (4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, or 9th gen)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-in. (1st or 2nd gen)
  • iPad Pro 9.7-in. & 10.5-in.
  • iPad Air (1st, 2nd, or 3rd gen)
  • iPad mini (2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th gen)

iPad models with USB C port:

  • iPad (10th gen)
  • iPad Pro 13-in. (M4)
  • iPad Pro 11-in. (M4)
  • iPad Pro 12.9-in. (3rd, 4th, 5th, or 6th gen)
  • iPad Pro 11-in. (1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th gen)
  • iPad Air 13-in. (M2)
  • iPad Air 11-in. (M2)
  • iPad Air (4th or 5th gen)
  • iPad mini (A17 Pro)
  • iPad mini (6th gen)
Microphone