11 Best External Microphones For iPhone
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Technology and its rapid advancement have overtime left us desiring something better. While smartphones, as the name suggests, can do a lot more than just making calls or sending messages. What at one point in time was thought to be a groundbreaking discovery has now been considered inadequate. Yes, the microphone on your smartphone was once praised for its ability to record what was thought to be clean and clear audio. However, in recent years, it has been overtaken and rendered obsolete in more professional environments by external microphones.
Have you ever tried recording a song using the built-in microphone on your iPhone? Did it leave you wanting more? Well, if it did, all you need to do is purchase the best external microphone for iPhones and attach it to your iOS device. If purchasing an external microphone is at the top of your list, you’ve come to the right place. Here is our list of the 11 best microphones to buy for your iPhone.
Top Picks
11 Best External Microphones For iPhone To Buy In 2021
1. Shure MV88 Portable Microphone For iOS Devices
At first glance, it’s easy to see how professional the Shure MV88 looks. Its elegant design and black and gray color make it perfect for casual as well as professional settings. The all-metal construction of the microphone makes it able to withstand various situations, including accidental drops from a reasonable height. This external microphone can easily be connected through the lightning port of any iOS device. The microphone can be configured through the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio and MOTIV Video app that can be downloaded from the App Store. If crystal clear voice recording is what you’re looking for, this Shure MV88 microphone won’t let you down. This device comes with a zip carry case and a 2-year warranty.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexible and adjustable
- Compact and portable design
- Compatible with all iOS devices
Cons
- Usage may be limited to the two designated apps
2. GBBO Condenser Lavalier Lapel Microphone
The compact and portable design of this microphone makes it easy to carry from home to work. It is compatible with several iOS devices and works flawlessly with them. The clear and clean sound recording through this microphone makes it ideal for various settings, including video conference calls, YouTube recordings, or even professional voice recordings. The sponge wind muff on the microphone reduces noise from surrounding areas, making the recording crisp and clear. This microphone can be clipped onto the device and connected through the 3.5 mm splitter cable. One of the highlights of this microphone is that it doesn’t need any application to work. This microphone comes with a carry bag, making it convenient to carry around.
Pros
- Anti-interference feature
- Integrated acoustic chip
- Plug and play microphone
- Noise cancellation technology
Cons
- May not be durable
3. Comica Microphone Kit
What makes this product unique is that it comes in a kit. Included in this kit are a tripod and adjustable clamp. This high-quality cardioid microphone allows for crisp audio to be recorded even in situations where there is substantial background noise. The entire design is quite compact, and the all-black finish makes it look classy and stylish. This kit is perfect for vlogging and also serves the purpose of virtual meetings, video conferences, and voice recording. This microphone is quite durable as it has been crafted from metal. The entire kit is well packaged in a portable case.
Pros
- Flexible
- Shockproof
- Super anti-interface
- iOS and Android support
Cons
- Microphone sensitivity may reduce substantially when at a distance
4. Zoom iQ7 Microphone For iOS Devices
This microphone by Zoom has a futuristic look and is compact enough to fit in your pocket. It is perfect for capturing music and high-quality audio in various environments. This stereo microphone is very flexible and has a unique rotating mechanism that ensures correct left and right orientation. This means you can use the microphone in both landscape and portrait mode. One of the highlights of this microphone is the presence of a dedicated headphone jack that also acts as a line output. By now, it’s clear that this Zoom iQ7 is a feature-filled microphone. It connects to devices through the lightning port and even comes with a spacer to ensure that it fits devices that have cases.
Pros
- LED volume indicators
- Mic volume gain wheel
- Compatible with all iOS devices
- MID switch for tuning recordings
Cons
- Performance may reduce when recording with the radio turned on
5. Rode IXYL Cardioid Condenser Microphone
Do you want the best external microphone for iPhones? The all-black design of this microphone makes it visually appealing and suitable for various situations, including video conferencing, interviews, and meetings. This device supports up to 24-bit recording, and the onboard high-fidelity A/D conversion ensures accurate, clear, and smooth recording. The company employs state-of-the-art technology and precision machinery to deliver an outstanding and memorable experience. This microphone connects to iOS devices through the lightning port and features a metal casing for added durability.
Pros
- Stereo microphone
- Includes cardioid condenser capsules
- Compact and portable design
- Compatible with all iOS devices
Cons
- May be a little limited by the designated application
6. Lewinner Lavalier Microphone
Its unique and ingenious design is what makes it so great. The sober colors and slim and narrow design makes it a worthy competitor. This microphone is ideal for vloggers, bloggers, YouTubers, interviewers, and podcasters. Much of its popularity arises from its ability to record clear and crisp audio while eliminating surrounding noise. Its real-time auto-sync technology further enhances its audio recording performance. This microphone by Lewinner connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and offers a lag-free user experience. This recording device is equipped with a 100 mAh lithium battery, offering up to 6 hours of battery life on a single full charge.
Pros
- Portable design
- Wireless connection
- Universal compatibility
- Advanced multi-level noise cancellation technology
Cons
- May not be very durable
7. Saramonic SmartMixer Stereo Microphone
This Saramonic SmartMixer, as its name suggests, is a professional audio mixer designed to fit iPhone devices. Its rectangular shape in black and red lends it a stylish and refined look. The face of the device houses most of the necessary controls with the two microphones mounted on top of the device. This device can be easily clipped onto an iOS device, and its aluminum handle provides a steady grip. This smart mixer is powered by a 9 V battery, which is located at the back of the unit. To ensure a user-friendly experience, this recording unit features a record/play monitor switch.
Pros
- Removable microphones
- LCD level meter monitoring
- Features a Phantom power switch
- Includes a volume control knob
- Features an accessory shoe for mounting lights
Cons
- A low static sound might be heard while recording.
8. IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast
The dual-tone gray and black colors make this device look fashionable and classy. This microphone is equipped with a 3.5 mm jack that can be connected to a converter cable for use with devices that have a lightning port. This microphone by IK Multimedia boasts of exceptional sound recording, making it suitable for interviews, lectures, podcasts, and vlogging. You can now record on the move with clearer audio than that offered by your smartphone or tablet. Thanks to its superior mechanics, this microphone is capable of capturing the sounds of acoustic instruments.
Pros
- Compact condenser
- Unidirectional design
- Adjustable input sensitivity
- Works with any recording application
Cons
- May have a poor bass response
9. Apogee Professional Microphone For iOS Devices
If you’re looking to purchase a microphone with a slim and sleek design that performs as good as it looks, you may want to take a good look at this microphone by Apogee. This is definitely a worthy competitor when looking for the best external microphone for iPhones. This microphone is more than capable of recording acoustic instruments and vocals. It is capable of recording crystal clear sound and eliminates a lot of background noise. This plug and play device is easy to use and is compatible with a wide range of iOS devices.
Pros
- Unidirectional design
- Adjustable mic volume
- Supports 24-bit HD recording
- Cardioid condenser microphone
Cons
- The cable connection on the microphone base may be a little loose.
10. Line 6 Sonic Port VX Microphone For iOS Devices
This Line 6 microphone is a winner in terms of its form factor. Its compact and lightweight design makes it portable. This device, with its professional looks and capabilities, brings with it a studio like experience on the go. This recording device features a 2-in and 2-out audio interface with 24-bit audio quality. This Line 6 Sonic Port VX microphone is designed to work with an ultra-low-power draw. While it can be used for many purposes like podcasts, lectures, virtual meetings, it is better suited for recording vocals and music.
Pros
- Zero-latency monitoring
- Built-in preamps
- Universal compatibility
- Stereo and mono condenser microphones
Cons
- May not charge your device even when connected to a wall charger
11. Ottateat Lavalier Microphone
Are you looking to purchase an external microphone for your iOS device? If so, this hands-free microphone by Ottateat will serve you well. This microphone is carefully designed to provide clean and clear audio recording, making it a suitable pick for both beginners and professionals. This lapel microphone is relatively small and can be easily clipped to your shirt or blouse. The great thing about this microphone is that it does not require any drivers or fancy applications to work. Its easy operation makes it user-friendly without compromising on quality audio recording.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Plug and play device
- Clean and clear sound
- Noise cancellation technology
Cons
- The bass may be a little too much while recording.
While you’ve had a look at the best external microphones for iPhones, there are still a few more things to know before purchasing one. Before you take that leap of faith, here are a few considerations that you should bear in mind.
How To Choose The Right External Microphone For Your iPhone
1. Form factor
This greatly affects the portability of an external microphone. Having one that is compact and will fit easily in your pocket is ideal. A bulky external microphone will only prove to be cumbersome to carry around. However, do bear in mind that microphones filled with many features may not always be small in size.
2. Purpose
Before investing in an external microphone for your iPhone, you must determine its purpose. Are you purchasing it for vlogging, interviews, or purely for acoustic instruments and recording vocals? While most external microphones can do all relatively, many only excel in certain areas. This is why it is crucial to remember why you are purchasing an external microphone before buying it.
3. Polar patterns
This refers to the shape of the mic’s field of sensitivity. In simple terms, it means the directions from which the microphone accepts or ignores incoming sounds. For instance, an omnidirectional microphone will pick up sounds from all directions. A bi-directional microphone responds to sounds coming from the east and west. A unidirectional microphone only picks up sounds from one direction. While all have their positives and negatives, unidirectional microphones are desirable as they focus on the incoming sound to the microphone from one particular direction and not all around.
4. Frequency response
This greatly depends on your purpose for purchasing an external microphone. Frequency response refers to the range of frequencies that the microphone can pick up. A microphone with a frequency of 80 Hz to 15 kHz will be ideal for recording vocals. However, when it comes to recording something that requires more bass, a frequency of 40 Hz or 30 Hz is considered ideal.
5. Features
As with all electronics, some microphones are equipped with more features than others. Some neat features to keep an eye out for when choosing a microphone would be noise cancellation technology, connectivity options, mic gain controls, adjustability, low-latency, and stereo sound.
The benefits of using an external microphone on your iPhone are plenty. While some may use it for work-related purposes, others may even use it to record songs as a hobby. Their brilliance is rooted in their functionality and form factor. They are small and portable while offering an experience that is considerably better than that offered by built-in microphones on iPhones. Are you tired of trying to find a quiet room to record your music? Is the audio playback on your iPhone distorted? Do you want to purchase the best external microphone for iPhones? Well, take a look at our list of the 11 best external microphones for iPhones and choose the one that best suits your needs.
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