The iOS devices are liked for superb quality. It should not be inferior when it concerns the accessories used with them. Therefore, the approach to the choice of external microphone should be thorough. Despite excellent performance provided by iPhones, iPads and other devices, the quality of the inbuilt microphone is often terrible. As a result, we get a very poor recording quality. Even if you make video recording and audio is awful there, it affects the whole result. Your video or stream will be more popular if you record sound with external microphone acquired for your iOS smart device.
The performance also depends upon the person who records sound. One should take care of the proper ambiance without expecting much from the equipment if he doesn’t think about the quality of recordings. Even good mics may not cope with such load. In pursuit of the best recording, you should select the microphone for it.
Advantages of an iOS microphone
Though we got accustomed to the sound in the embedded mics, there is always the possibility to enhance them. The videos become more attractive with clear audio. Since users become more fastidious nowadays they want to watch and hear quality content, therefore, it’s recommended to update the gear to obtain proper sound. There are a lot of videos online with horrible sound. One should make it the best. Even iPad Pro doesn’t deliver superb sound. If you think that you need to purchase some big-sized devices to improve sounding, you are mistaken. It’s often enough to buy some little and not that expensive device for this purpose. Many of them can be placed in the pocket, so they don’t take much space. Being accustomed to the best the customers don’t want to cope with inferior quality.
Those who want to watch the excellent video recording should think of the appropriate microphone for it. Speaking on the phone using embedded mic can be nice, but when you plan something bigger than that, it’s recommended to resort to more substantial microphones that fulfill their tasks perfectly.
How to select microphone for iOS devices
There are several things you should pay attention to when you select the mic for your iOS gadget. First of all, it depends on the amount of money the person is going to spend. The price determines the choice of the microphone for your device. The consumer with insufficient funds can find the praiseworthy item among the budget variants. It’s possible to find the mic under 100 dollars with excellent characteristics and functionality.
The type of the microphone for the iOS device is also a very important factor. The person can select X-Y mic and midsize mic or acquire a bigger condenser microphone.
When the extended pickup is needed X-Y option is the most suitable. It’s most often selected as it provides possibilities of manipulation with directions needed for your mic. The conditions for recording differ. The person needs the flexibility to attain the best result.
There is one more point you should pay attention to – the choice of accessories for equipment. The best thing is to acquire the device in a set. Sometimes the manufacturers sell their products packaged with accessories. It removes the necessity to buy suitable fixtures, windshields, stands for the mic.
How we determined top 10 best iOS microphones
The meaning of the best is perceived differently by different customers. Much depends upon the priorities of the person. Does the one value quality first of all or need some temporary solution to record on the road? How much money is the customer going to spend to acquire the microphone for recording? And what exactly does one want to shoot – a video sitting at the table or record interviews in the field? There can be numerous variants of answers and, consequently, the solution will differ in each case. It will depend upon the budget, consequences, and demands of the consumer. We have included different devices to the list of best iOS microphones: expensive and cheap ones, made exclusively for iOS devices and the ones compatible with different operating platforms. Determine the variant that suits you most of all.
Rode i-XY
The device includes two microphones located opposite each other and enabling excellent stereo pickup. Both of them feature diverse SPLs for exceptional clarity. The embedded digital conversion adds more value to this mic for recording.
When a person buys the microphone, it arrives with accessories packaged to the set, such as a foam windshield and zip case that protects the mic when it’s transported much. It’s very convenient if the person records video outdoors. The mic uses its own recording application. The device connected to the iOS device functions as a professional recorder. We should warn that the device is costlier than others, but the result is worth the investment. The quality of sound recorded is awesome. The professionals say that the device isn’t for serious use, but the quality of the mic is excellent and it’s lightweight to carry it around. Some customers are not pleased that they have to pay for the app. This is, undoubtedly, an incorrect marketing decision.
Zoom iQ6
It’s also an XY iOS microphone. Such design seems to be very popular when microphone for iOS device is created. The brand Zoom is known for its quality recording gear. The functions include LED indicators showing when the recording session is on and mic gain wheel that helps to control the volume of the device. It arrives with small-sized lightning. The user can connect headphones to it as there’s a special jack for this purpose on the mic.
It can even be used to record the vocals for music. The user has to adjust the mic properly to achieve the best result. The headphone jack added to the device helps to monitor what you record, so it’s possible to control the process.
iQ6 uses its own app. Taking into account that the mic under discussion is a condenser, its quality is amazing. The device is very durable. The item packed with tons of benefits is acquired at a rather reasonable price.
Blue Mikey
Who doesn’t know the products of this brand? Their assortment is amazing. They have conquered the hearts of many users. Their prices are rather affordable and it refers to this mic. Being solidly constructed and manufactured, it’ll serve long.
Though it’s devoid of its own app, it’s not a problem. Compatibility of many apps including Garageband solves the problem easily. The advantages of using Garageband developed by Apple are indisputable. One can use Garageband iPad and iPhone app for creation of music anywhere! You’ll feel a DJ capturing the performance with Blue Mikey and Garageband.
The mic is rather compact and easily connected with lightning that comes with it. It also has an input jack to connect different instruments to it. The distinguishing feature of the mic is a swivel mount with the capability to rotate 230 degrees. It’s possible to adjust the microphone gain the way needed. The user can select the automatic setting or the required parameter.
The device is undoubtedly better than the built-in microphone for recording music. The customer service of the company works great. If something doesn’t work, they just replace the device.
Shure MV88
Use it for iPhone, iPod, iPad recording. MV88 was developed for it. The product picks up sound very well like all other devices of MOTIV-line. It couldn’t be different when Shure develops the microphone. Besides, the condenser almost always performs better than other types of mic due to sensitivity of the device. The product is made of metal so it can boast of solid build. There is a hinge for mic capsule with 90-degree rotation that contributes to quality of capturing when video is recorded.
The user connects the mic for recording with lightning. The preset modes included the mic making device easy to use. There are 5 of them.
MV88 is used with special applications developed for the device. This is ShurePlus Motiv App installed in advance. It enables using of multiple features letting you control the result. The app turns the little mic for recording into a powerful device with lots of capabilities. The tiny mic fits standard pocket easily, so it’s even surprising that it provides such a stable sound.
Tascam iM2X
The product with XY configuration belongs to demanded items among the recording gear. iM2X is a condenser of superb performance. The stereo sound it delivers makes it suitable for recording live performances. The capability to cope with high SPL and rotation of microphone 180 degrees are advantages of the device, which contribute to high-level sound capturing. It’s possible to focus the mic for enhanced recording. The mic is capable to capture loud live music without effort.
The item functions with any app accepting mic audio. It records sound directly to the device. Those who need to make iPad recording, should purchase this mic for it. Many customers admit that they didn’t anticipate a lot when applied to this product but were pleasantly surprised to find out how it worked. If you also need clean, high-quality audio, resort to this mic for fantastic sound.
The microphone is compatible with Garage Band. Apart from Garageband, there are other iOS apps as well it can work with.
Rode i-XYL
As you see, there are several devices from this highly reputable brand on the list as this manufacturer makes astonishing devices. It costs more than other devices described above but it features different configurations. Its XT build was constructed for a wider range. The mic costs about 200 dollars. It comes with the case and windshield that removes hisses.
The mic for iOS devices provides accuracy and richness of sound. It’s also an excellent mic for outdoor recording as its cardioid focus helps to reject the unwanted noise. You can turn your iOS device into a portable recorder with this microphone.
It’s important to use it with the right app for proper work. RODE LE pro app, for instance, copes perfectly with the task though the person has to buy it additionally. If you spent money on external mic for enhanced video quality, why not spend cash on app with multiple features? It will help you use microphone in a best way. However, manufacturer should understand not all customers perceive it well.
Zoom iQ7
Improve the sound of your media materials shooting video with this product. iQ7 is fabulous. Developed with mid-side configuration it features 90-degree and 120-degree rotation so this is a mic for more capturing capabilities. When the user wants to get a focused sound, he chooses the first variant. With a wider focus – the second one.
It’s not so expensive in comparison with some mics described above, especially the ones from Australian manufacturer Rode but it offers a fantastic quality of sound. One of the mics works over front capturing while the other presents bidirectional focus. The quality it produces is really amazing. The customers share their experience online telling in their reviews how they managed to record superb video and audio files after they have spent just 100 dollars. It’s a wonderful mic for the value.
Apogee MiC 96k
Apogee MiC 96k Professional Quality Microphone for iPad, iPhone, and Mac
The Apogee MiC 96k is a professional-quality microphone designed to…
Though the devices reviewed above are mainly little microphones, it can be strange to find this product on the list. It’s not so compact as other alternatives and presents a usual microphone. But it was developed for iOS gear therefore was included in this article. The manufacturer promises studio quality for the vocals and speech when using mic. If you need the best sound captured with iPad mini, iPad Air and other iOS devices, select MiC 96k that performs this task wonderfully.
It may seem the item is far from being a mic for traveling, but it can be used without problems on the road. Especially when unsurpassed performance is needed. Though it’s not little the product is not that big in comparison with normal condensers. Being made of metal it doesn’t weigh much. However, its durability is a good advantage in favor of this mic. The customer gets stand, and USB mac cable turning it into a good solution for vloggers, shooting videos sitting at the table.
Rode smartLav+
Numerous fans of lav mics pay attention to this option. It’s really amazing as it can be attached to the clothes with a special clip that comes with the mic. It means that your hands are free during the recording session. Many people prefer small microphones when live streaming. They don’t want to have big devices in the way. This model is a brilliant option then.
As other microphones of this type, this device has omni pattern. The sound quality is excellent. It’s surprising that such a small device is able to provide the best result. Those who don’t want the microphone to pick up the speaker’s breathing can turn it upside down. This small trick can solve the problem. The microphone has a long cable therefore one can put the device into the pocket and start capturing without worries.
The app is simple and rather convenient. There is also a windscreen in the set – the accessory you won’t need to buy additionally. The manufacturer provides a 1-year warranty for the mic.
The advantage of this microphone is its compatibility with different operating systems. It suits both iOS devices and Android-based smartphones. Therefore, if you need a universal product this one is highly recommended. The price is quite affordable though some customers think that the price is too high for such a tiny mic. Those who need even more budget devices should read this review further and find alternative solutions.
Movo PM10
It’s a common thing when the customer wants a great quality for a very low price. It would probably be hard to meet their demands but this microphone has changed the rules of the game. It really delivers wonderful quality for a low price. So if you need fabulous audio without a big investment, you can try this device. Probably this is exactly the solution you have been looking for. You will be surprised with audio clarity obtained taking into consideration that this is the incredibly affordable mic. Another benefit of PM10 is simplicity. One doesn’t require anything to start recording. It begins working immediately.
There is a need to say that such tiny device is an ideal option for use on the road. It doesn’t take space in your luggage. The clip made of metal won’t let you lose the device. It is safely attached to the shirt. At this, extra accessories were included in the package enhancing your experience considerably. One can find a cable, clips, a travel bag, and foam windscreens there.
The item is universal and suits iOS and Android-based devices. However, with newer versions of iPhones, special lighting is needed for connection. Some customers compared the sound level with sound received by Rode Smartlav. Taking into account the fact that price tag is much lower the purchase is worth considering.
Conclusion
When it comes to recording with iOS devices, having the right microphone can make all the difference. From budget-friendly options like Movo PM10 to premium choices like Rode i-XYL, there’s something for every need and budget. These microphones not only improve the audio quality of your recordings but also offer convenience and versatility. Whether you’re a content creator, musician, or simply someone who wants better sound for their videos, investing in an iOS microphone is definitely worthwhile. So, grab one of these mics, and get ready to take your recordings to the next level!