Never before has the use of the iPhone as a professional tool been as broad and extensive as it is today, both in cameras and video, as well as in the generation of content to produce home videos, record professional short films, podcasts or even create content for YouTube.
However, there is one fairly common flaw: the built-in microphone. Time and time again, users find that their iPhone’s microphone just isn’t up to the job and they are looking for a third-party alternative.
Fortunately, there are many iPhone compatible microphones on the market. In this article, we’re going to put the best together with cheap and expensive microphones for people who do podcasts, YouTubers, or even video calls.
The best iPhone microphones of 2021
Shure MV88 + Video Kit
The device MV88 + Video kit from the company Shure is a fascinating material with superb finishes, aimed at filmmakers starting with their short films and video enthusiasts.
It consists of a digital stereo condenser microphone, a Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod and a range of clips and cables with which you can connect any model of iPhone you want to use.
Either way, the kit isn’t cheap, but it really is a solution premium with which you get what you pay for. The sound quality is excellent, with a foam microphone that allows you to capture audio outdoors without noise, even in windy conditions.
The frequency response of the MV88 is 20Hz to 20KHz, so any audio source is captured in stereo. In our testing, it managed to handle both audio conversations and the capture of musical instruments.
Recording is also assisted by the MV88 + ‘s intelligent mic clip and the Manfrotto PIXI tripod. The clip works great, allowing users to adjust their microphone for vertical or horizontal video or audio capture.
And what about the iPhone tripod, one of the best brands without a doubt. It’s well built, suitable for travel, and holds the iPhone securely, making it easy to hold with one hand while using the iPhone screen with the other.
If you’ve been looking for a microphone for a while premium for an iPhone that does it all, look no further. The Shure MV88 + Video Kit is the recommended product with which you can change the gain and strength of the signal picked up by the microphone.
Sennheiser micro memory
The Sennheiser Memory Mic is a clip-on lavalier microphone that can wirelessly capture audio for high-quality recorded videos on iPhone. This is a great option for those who intend to use the content on networks like YouTube.
Without a doubt, the Micro memory gives users more freedom than any iPhone microphone you can find on the market. Indeed, the Sennheiser microphone is fixed like a collar or on the backhand, giving the user great freedom.
The microphone does not maintain a Bluetooth connection; instead, it stores the audio locally on the microphone itself, then syncs the audio and video together after the recording session is over, all wirelessly.
It is true that the synchronization process is somewhat laborious: the Sennheiser microphone creates a wireless LAN and uses it to transfer audio using its free companion app, which guides you through the process.
However, although it’s a bit clunky, syncing takes 30 seconds and works without a hitch, as long as you keep the Memory Mic and your iPhone close to each other. (If you don’t, you could lose your audio forever.)
Capturing video with the Sennheiser memory microphone results in crystal-clear sound no matter how far away you are from the iPhone. This is ideal for recording loudspeakers or large remote interviews.
Add to that a sleek magnetic clip and four hours of recording time, and you’ve got a near-perfect wireless lavalier microphone for the iPhone. The only downside is that the Sennheiser Memory Mic is a bit thick, so inconspicuous positioning may be required.
IRig Mic Studio
When it comes to streaming a new podcast, or even recording music at home or in the studio, iRig Mic Studio from IK Multimedia gives you maximum efficiency. It is a large diaphragm digital condenser microphone capable of capturing audio in a wide variety of indoor environments.
And of course, thanks to the IK suite of apps, it works wonderfully with the iPhone. It looks and feels like a real professional room, with its 1 inch rear electret condenser capsule, low noise high definition preamp.
It also has a 24-bit converter with a sampling frequency of 44.1 / 48 kHz. It all comes together to capture high-quality sound, whether it’s a slow conversation or an amplified musical performance.
On top of all that, there’s a built-in headphone output, so you can monitor levels and audio in real time using a standard pair of headphones. Plus, a multi-colored LED indicator provides live feedback, indicating that the microphone is picking up your sounds.
The microphone also includes a gain control dial and headphone level control for quick adjustment outside of the companion app. When it comes to recording, the iRig works with the full suite of IK apps for iOS.
It also comes with a small portable tripod and is ideal for desktop use. Please note that this is a wired microphone and not suitable for motion recording.
However, the connectivity options are great: it comes with Lightning, micro-USB, and USB cables, which means users will be able to connect to a variety of devices in an instant (including the iPhone).
If you’re more interested in indoor recording for podcasts, video narration, and music, you won’t be disappointed with the iRig Mic Studio the IK. This is a great iPhone compatible microphone.
Apple EarPods: the low budget option
Of course, if you’re one of those new to this exciting world of iPhone video production and podcasting, you might not want to pay a high price for something you aren’t going to get the most out of.
Instead, consider taking the Apple Lightning EarPods with you wherever you go. You have surely seen journalists or correspondents use these headphones as a means of communication with the production in many news programs. :
They have a built-in microphone, and of course the sound quality might not be among the highest, but for the price, Apple’s EarPods do a decent job of capturing audio for videos recorded in it. default camera app.
You can also start Voice Memos to record single words or sounds directly using GarageBand. You will have problems in adverse wind conditions or with amplified sound, but they will guarantee you use at all times.
Unlike using wireless AirPods, you will have to keep your iPhone nearby depending on the wired connection, but they offer reliability. Plus, add to that they’re a budget option of just $ 23.99 if you buy them through Amazon.
How to find an iPhone microphone that’s right for you
Your perfect iPhone microphone will largely depend on what you want to record, so let’s take a look here. The main points to consider are indoor and outdoor use, and whether you need a wireless microphone.
Recording images outdoors
If you’re hoping to shoot footage outdoors, whether it’s for YouTube, home videos, or a professional film project, you need a microphone that can withstand the wind.
Select one that includes a windbreaker or a certain air filter, like the Shure MV88 + we talked about earlier. You will be surprised at how much the slightest breeze can affect a video how much a decent windbreaker can help.
On top of that, if you plan to shoot outdoors, portability is probably a big factor. You should consider a wireless microphone – the previously reviewed Sennheiser does a great job of capturing audio wirelessly and syncing it with the captured video.
For this reason, it has unlimited range: much more than a Bluetooth microphone could give you. However, some wired iPhone microphones use creative clips and mounts to turn your iPhone into a real digital camcorder.
The Shure MV88 + is one example – the microphone can be attached to the iPhone and tilted to point to the subject you are recording.
The final point to consider when recording outdoors is whether a lapel microphone is a must or not. Lavalier microphones clip onto a collar or cuff, allowing you to capture clearer, crisper sound.
The problem, however, is that many iPhone lavalier microphones on the market are physically connected – the Sennheiser Memory Mic is a rare example of wireless. However, wired lapel microphones present their challenges and are best avoided.
Recording at home or in the studio
When recording at home or in the studio, the priorities are different compared to doing it outdoors. For these situations, you want something more static and of higher specification. In this regard, it’s worth investing in a microphone with a decent preamp and a condenser capsule.
For podcasters, it would be ideal to have a table or tripod stand to line up the mic at head height. And for musicians, it would be a good idea to have an audio jack on the microphone, so that you can monitor the audio you capture in real time.
Having a headphone port means that if the audio you capture starts to distort, you can adjust the settings in the app immediately and fix the issue.
In this regard, IK’s iRig Mic Studio has a headphone port and a multi-color LED indicator, which provides visual feedback on the audio you capture. Both are essential for musicians.
For professional users, it is worth choosing a microphone with built-in controls for quick adjustments in the studio. While companion apps usually have a lot of features, making changes to things like earning can be a complicated process.
It’s much easier to have a dial on the mic, in case those levels get crowded.
The final choice
Ultimately, it all depends on what you intend to use for your iPhone compatible microphone. Something like Shure’s MV88 + is a stellar all-in-one option, but you’ll have to be prepared to fork out a hefty price tag.
There are more affordable options on the market, but these will inevitably limit what you can achieve. Whether you’re an amateur filmmaker or an aspiring podcaster, there are some great iPhone microphones out there – just make sure you choose the one that meets your needs.
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