Recording audio on Android phones or iPhones is a possibility that we can improve with recording from an external microphone . The wide variety of combinations makes the solution not simple, fast and probably not cheap, although if we need it it will give us a satisfactory result , just like any other device that we can buy even at a higher price.
You might think that it shouldn't be that difficult, after all, it's just about connecting the microphone to your mobile phone and starting recording, but the truth is that the first inconvenience we find for connecting the microphone to your mobile phone is Since it doesn't All phones and microphones have the same type of connector, although we will limit ourselves to talking about the audio connector.
Contents [show]
- Necessary adapters for every mobile Mobile adapters with USB Type C
- Adapters for iPhone
Who needs an external microphone for a smartphone?
Manufacturers of mobile devices who consider the sound recording function for a smartphone to be of secondary importance should pay attention to how large the number of people who, due to their occupation, have to constantly record audio, is. Potential users of remote microphones are:
- Journalists/interviewers . For people who earn their living through interviews, an external microphone is a must-have technique. Interviewing can take place in a noisy place (on the street or in a cafe) - the built-in microphone of a gadget with the task of sound recording will definitely not work in such conditions.
- Musicians . It is extremely important for musicians to be able to “catch the muse by the tail” - to capture on audio a melody that suddenly began to sound in their heads.
- Students . Not all teachers make sure that students have time to record their words on paper or a sheet of Word. Thanks to the remote microphone, you can record a lecture on audio so that you can translate it into written form at home, in a comfortable environment.
- Bloggers . It doesn’t matter whether the blogger makes reviews of technology or just funny videos - if the sound is “out of the box”, his videos will not become popular.
Malfunctions and possible causes
There are various signs of a microphone malfunction:
The interlocutor does not hear the voice at all;
Fluctuations in the volume of the transmitted sound (too quiet, then too loud, or vice versa);
Presence of extraneous noise and background.
Most often this is due to the following:
Incorrect sound and volume settings;
Poor reception of a mobile operator signal;
The microphone hole is blocked by an object (sometimes users cover it with their hand without noticing it);
Ingress of dirt, dust or moisture;
Wear of module parts;
Operating system failure , etc.
All problems can be divided into two categories: software and hardware. The first ones can be solved by reinstalling the OS (flashing). To identify and solve the latter, a thorough diagnosis is necessary. The malfunction may consist of wear of some parts, an unconnected module cable (fell out when the gadget fell), or problems with the microcircuit. An attempt to replace it yourself most often leads to unforeseen consequences. High-quality repairs require knowledge, experience and specialized equipment.
Source
Lavalier microphones
Lavalier microphones are characterized by their small dimensions, the presence of a clothespin-type mount (clip) and a relatively low price. Lavaliers are used mainly to record interviews and the voice of the presenter or blogger.
Lavalier microphones also have disadvantages. “Labels”, as a rule, are non-directional , and therefore extraneous noise in the recording is heard as clearly as the useful signal (that is, the voice). In addition, lavaliers are not suitable for recording music due to the limited frequency range.
Maono AU-100
Price: from 1,200 rub.
The inexpensive Maono AU-100 microphone connects via a 3.5 jack and is designed to work with any device. The model received a 6-meter cord, a metal case, its own battery power, a noise reduction system and the ability to turn off the microphone. Frequency range – 15 Hz – 18 kHz, sensitivity –32 dB. The kit includes a wind protection, a clothes clip and a 6.5 mm adapter.
Rode smartLav+
Price: from 4,300 rub.
The professional lavalier microphone with an omnidirectional pattern has a metal body and reinforced wire. The device connects to a 3.5 connector and can work with iOS and Android devices. Frequency range – 20 Hz – 20 kHz, sensitivity -32 dB. To be able to configure the device on iOS devices, you can install the application from Rode. In addition to the microphone, the kit includes foam protection, a clothes clip and a storage pouch.
SHURE MOTIV MVL
Price: from 4,500 rub.
The Motiv MVL omnidirectional lavalier microphone is compatible with any iOS and Android devices. For Apple, the company has developed an application that allows you to configure recording or select ready-made recording modes. The model is made of metal, connects to a 3.5 connector. Frequency – 45 Hz – 20 kHz, maximum sound pressure – 124 dB, sensitivity -44 dB. Includes a clothes clip, storage case and wind protection.
Microphone-Gun
The shotgun microphone is a directional microphone, and therefore is free from the disadvantages that lavaliers have. The “gun” records sound directly in front of itself, cutting off the overtones on the sides - it turns out that an exclusively useful signal appears on the audio track.
“Guns” are also not suitable for recording songs – precisely because of the direction. Microphones of this type do not record reverberation and echo, but it is sound reflections that make music “live”.
Comica CVM-VS08
Price: from 2,700 rub.
Professional shotgun microphone with 3.5 jack plug and headphone jack for recording monitoring. The device has compact dimensions and weight 35 grams. The body is made of metal. Frequency range - from 80 Hz to 16 kHz, sensitivity -35 dB, maximum pressure level (SPL) - 100 dB. Includes holder, microphone, foam and fur wind protection.
Rode VideoMic Me
Price: from 4,300 rub.
The compact directional microphone from Rode has established itself as a professional device. It connects to a 3.5 jack, has a light weight of 35 grams and is equipped with a headphone output for monitoring recordings. The microphone does not require installation of additional software - just connect it and you can record. The kit includes foam wind protection. Frequency – 100 Hz – 20 kHz, sensitivity –33 dB, maximum sound pressure level – 140 dB.
Line 6 Sonic Port VX
This multi-purpose six-way audio interface. A stereo line-out allows you to record keyboards, drum machines, and more. Equipped with three built-in condenser microphones. This device can be called “all in one”, because it is suitable for recording music on a PC at home, it can be connected to a guitar and used with many guitar amplifiers for IOS. The microphone comes with its own stand in case you want to use it for podcasts or vlogging. Buying a good microphone is a serious investment. If you don't want to feel uncomfortable while recording, give preference to high-quality equipment.
Stereo microphones
Musicians need such equipment. A stereo microphone captures sound throughout the room, which means it also captures useful reflections that are so important for the liveliness of a composition. Contrary to popular belief, not all stereo microphones are expensive : on AliExpress, for example, you can buy a “no-name” device capable of recording stereo for only 150 rubles .
If a musician wants to buy high-quality stereo equipment from a well-known manufacturer, he should pay attention to more serious microphones.
Boya BY-DM200
Price: from 3,000 rub.
The Boya BY-DM200 stereo microphone is an accessory designed specifically for Apple devices. It connects to the Lightning connector and has MFI certification. The model has two built-in capsules that will provide high-quality stereo recording. To get started, you don’t need to install any additional software – just connect and you can write. Microphone sensitivity – 20 Hz – 20 kHz. Sensitivity –38 dB. The kit includes a carrying bag, fur and foam wind protection.
For devices with Android OS, a similar model is Boya BY-DM100 (Type-C plug).
Zoom IQ7
Price: from 8,000 rub.
Mid-Side stereo microphone for Apple devices. The accessory consists of two microphones - directional for recording directly in front of the user and bi-directional for capturing the sound environment. In this case, the user can select a recording mode: 90 degrees – for recording from the center, 120 degrees for wider coverage, or “MS”, which allows you to change the width of the stereo field after recording in the application. Also, with its help, the user will be able to adjust the sound volume in the connected headphones (there is a 3.5 jack on the microphone body) and use one of the ready-made presets for specific situations (for example, you need to record a lecture). In addition, in the application you can select the recording quality and make other settings. Sound pressure level – 120 dB. Includes foam wind protection.
Saramonic SmartMixer
Price: from 6,400 rub.
SmartMixer is a whole set that allows you to make stereo recordings. It includes an active mixer, a handgrip and two directional microphones (frequency range 20 Hz - 20 kHz). If desired, they can be replaced with third-party ones - two 3.5 sockets are used for connection. You can also connect a full-size microphone via an additional mini-XLR connector. The mixer is connected to a smartphone via a 3.5 output - the kit includes the necessary cable. The built-in display shows the sound level for each channel. You can adjust the volume using a special regulator on the handle. The device can power external microphones, and itself runs on a 9V battery, which lasts for 3 hours.
Shure MV88
A device with the ability to quickly connect. The microphone is framed in a metal case, which adds solidity to it. Everything is done to best satisfy the consumer. Speech, singing, and acoustic instruments will sound excellent. The microphone is designed for serious use, for example, it can capture the powerful sounds of a rock concert and try to turn them into clear recordings, but the price naturally affects this. It has a plug for iPhone; for Android smartphones you will need to use an adapter with Lightning. Cost about 150 USD.
How to choose an external microphone for a smartphone?
When choosing an external microphone, you need to proceed primarily from the purpose of using the equipment. Obviously, a home blogger, a professional interviewer, and a musician will have different requirements for a recording device. If a user buys a microphone to record voices and conversations, he should pay attention to the following:
- Wire length. This indicator is important for lavalier microphones. 1.5 meters will be quite enough for convenient operation of the equipment. There are microphones with cables of 6 meters or more included - in this case, you need to make sure that there is a special reel around which the cable can be wound so that its excessive length does not become a hindrance.
- Microphone size. Here, as in the case of portable speakers for a smartphone, there is a dependence: the larger the microphone, the higher the recording quality . For video bloggers who only care about readability, a small buttonhole is suitable. Professional interviewers usually prefer directional guns.
- Equipment. If we are talking about a buttonhole, then in addition to the cable, the kit should include a clip for attaching to clothing and a wind protector. Both elements seem very insignificant, but if they are absent, the user will understand how important they are.
- Device compatibility. Unfortunately, some “guns” can only work with “Apple” gadgets. Therefore, if equipment is purchased for Android, you should immediately tell the store consultant about it. “Lavels” are compatible with all Android devices, but only with a special adapter (we’ll talk about it later).
Musicians also need to pay attention to compatibility - devices from the IQ from Zoom , for example, connect only via the Lightning connector, and therefore are only suitable for the iPhone. However, compatibility with gadgets is not the only important criterion; there are others:
Frequency range. There are external microphones on the market whose specifications indicate that they record in the range from 20 to 20,000 Hz. 20–20000 Hz are all frequencies that the human ear can detect . If the microphone is purchased for interviewing or recording audio for a blog, such a wide frequency range will not be an advantage . The equipment will record not only the sound of the voice, but also the noise in the next room, behind the window glass - the output will be a track with a huge number of extra sounds. This is the case when more is not better : a microphone with a range of 60-15000 Hz will allow you to record the conversation even better.
For musicians, it is extremely important that the width of the range is maximum - otherwise it will not be possible to reflect the authentic sound of the instruments. For example, the frequency range of a grand piano starts at 27 Hz; The overtones of the same instrument are located around 13 kHz. If you record a piano on a 60-15000 Hz , the sound will be too “mechanical”.
Ability to adjust cardioid. The omnidirectional directional pattern of the microphone (in the diagram below it is designated as Omni-Directional ) will not allow you to get rid of excess noise that can be produced, for example, by the musician himself, telling his colleagues with gestures how to play.
If you change the polar pattern to cardioid, the microphone will not “hear” what is happening behind it. A device with a cardioid simply needs to be positioned with its back towards the noise source, and there will be no extra sounds in the recording.
There are microphones that allow you to use other polar patterns: hypercardioid, supercardioid, figure-of-eight. The more modes the equipment supports, the better for the musician - he has room for experimentation.
Maximum sound pressure level ( SPL ). The “maximum SPL” characteristic shows at what sound pressure level the microphone will begin to distort. SPL threshold of 120 dB is good, and 130 dB is almost outstanding. It is worth noting that 140 dB causes injury to the inner ear.
Fans of rock concerts should pay attention to the maximum sound pressure level. If the SPL is set high enough, you can record sound using a microphone while standing literally right next to the speaker.
Preamp power. The signal coming through the microphone to the smartphone is usually very weak. Therefore, microphones are equipped with preamplifiers. Using the Gain , the user can adjust the gain to taste. Sufficient preamplifier power for an external microphone - +40 dB / +45 dB .
Blue Microphones Mikey
This reliable and beautiful device is capable of handling both powerful and muffled sounds. The Mikey microphone can receive sound volumes up to 130 dB. To give you a clear understanding, the sound volume of a rock concert is 120 dB, so the user will feel very comfortable while recording with this unit. The microphone is equipped with a micro-USB port, which allows it to be used not only on the iPhone.
How to connect an external microphone?
The entry should be made like this:
- Insert the microphone plug into the appropriate hole on your smartphone.
- Wait until the headset icon appears on the gadget screen.
- Attach the microphone to your clothing or smartphone. Important point : the distance from the buttonhole to the sound source (that is, the mouth) should not exceed 25 cm.
- Switch your smartphone to “Airplane mode” so that the SIM card is inaccessible. If they call the gadget, the recording will be interrupted, and the take (perhaps the most successful) will be spoiled.
- Open the Voice Recorder app and start recording. You can use not only built-in iOS and Android utilities for sound recording, but also third-party applications downloaded, for example, from Google Play.
Microphone Amplifier
The easiest way to increase the volume is to use a special Microphone Amplifier program. Install it through the Play Store, and then do the following:
- Launch the application.
- Issue all permits.
- Click the Enter Amplifier button.
- Adjust the sensitivity sliders opposite the “Input filter” and “Audio Grain” items.
- Save the settings by pressing the center button.
Unlike previous configuration options, you do not have to manually enter parameters. All adjustments are made using convenient sliders.
