Best Microphones for iPhone & iPad for recording music, voice and video

Introduction

Smart devices, such as iPhones and iPads, have become increasingly versatile and have the capability to capture audio, making them useful for a variety of purposes such as reporting, vlogging, and podcasting. While the built-in microphone on these devices may be sufficient for some purposes, those looking to improve the sound quality of their recordings may want to consider purchasing an external microphone. External microphones offer a number of benefits, including improved sound quality, greater flexibility in terms of placement, and the ability to use the microphone on the go. In this article, we provide a list of different types of microphones that are compatible with iOS devices, including boom mics, shotgun mics, and lavalier mics, and provide reviews of specific products within each category to help you choose the best microphone for your needs.

Smart devices combine so many functions nowadays. The whole industries evolve to serve the users of gadgets. Since their multifunctionality includes the capability of capturing sound, it can be used to your advantage. Why buy an additional recorder if there is a device equipped with this function already?

iOS smart devices capture audio during reporting, vlogging or podcasting work but there’s always a possibility to improve sound with the best iPhone microphone. We’ve gathered a collection of perfect variants to help you select the best microphone for iPhone to buy it afterward to make YouTube interviews and videos.

How to choose your microphone for iOS devices

It’s preferable to refuse from in-built iPhone microphone for video recording. Those who spend some money and purchase external device, enjoy much better result. It is much more convenient and enables use of microphone for iPhone on the move. It’s of particular importance to vloggers, traveling bloggers, and musicians performing at different places. They have little time left for creative work. Using the microphone for recording on iPhone, they have the opportunity to stay creative everywhere. Such people are thankful for the technologies and manufacturers bringing the world of beautiful sound to them.

Your budget

Your budget

The budget determines the choice and helps to stay within a certain range when the person’s going to buy the best microphone for iPhone. The best mic for iPhone isn’t always expensive.

What type of mic make?

The list below contains different types of devices from best X-Y iPhone microphone for video recording to best mid-side mic for iPhone video, from boom mic for iPhone to the shotgun microphone for iPad. Regard all variants to make the best buy.

Additional accessories

The costly devices often come up with extra accessories included. Ordering the best boom mic for iPhone the customer obtains the arm as well or some other items to make acquisition more attractive.

The top 16 best iOS microphones (iPhone & iPad)

The list below presents the best iPhone recording equipment for video and audio files. Probably, the data provided will help to discover a suitable microphone.

Apogee MiC 96k

Apogee MiC 96k
Apogee MiC 96k

A very useful tool that can be taken anywhere by the person. No matter where the person goes, he can make recordings even in the hotel room. It is easily connected to the iOS-based device and delivers consistent sound. Those who are fond of music, record performances and use iPhone microphone, should acquire the item, which is the best buy – fantastic solution for customers when consistency is priority.

The sound provided by MiC96k is flawless but not good enough for male vocals. Being a unidirectional condenser, the device records the instruments well. However, it tends to catch a wider area compared to other devices with such a pattern. The item is sturdy, reliable. The overall result is amazing.

grade: 3.6/5


 

 

Blue Raspberry

Blue Raspberry
Blue Raspberry

It’s a premium product you deserve! It features an extravagant look and offers studio-quality recording. It’s universal and can be connected to any operational system thus working with PC, Mac and iOS based devices. It seems to say: I am super! And this is absolutely right. It’s one of the most interesting products in the Blue line. Acquiring this thing, the customer actually buys a portable studio that is always at his disposal. The external microphone for iPhone is integrated with the stand, which is rather versatile. The device has a convenient size to be used on the road.

grade: 3.5/5


 

 

Blue Mikey

Blue Mikey
Blue Mikey

The name of the brand Blue is on everyone’s lips in the world of sound reproducing devices. Even those who just start exploring devices of different manufacturers run across the items produced by this company. Their selection is extensive and practically each of them is positively reviewed by the customers. Besides, their equipment is reasonably priced. The quality-cost ratio is superb. Mikey is no exception. Alongside with its benefits, compatibility with Apple devices, it’s dubbed as best buy iPhone microphone. The stereo device is unidirectional and has 2 capsules delivering fantastic sound. The model features a marvelous design, designed with style. Use it conveniently at any angle depending on the goal followed. There’s a connector inside the case, which is used to connect the device to external item – one of the musical instruments. It’s iPhone mic for live music. This directional device is also ideal for recording voice.

grade: 3.4/5


 

 

Comica CVM-VS08

Comica CVM-VS08
Comica CVM-VS08

CVM-VS08 is the best directional microphone for iPhone. It’s unidirectional with narrow area captured, therefore, it is advised to direct the mic to the source to achieve clear sound. The device was produced specifically for smartphones and tablets produced by different companies. Such a universal approach is liked by modern users. The only requirement for compatible devices is to have a 3.5 mm jack.

Wonderful performance is achieved thanks to the metal construction of the gear. Aluminum doesn’t allow interference and delivers stability under any conditions when recording is done. It also works well in different weather conditions and the developers cared about it when added the windscreen and muff to the package, though some customers consider the latter absolutely useless as it does more blocking than needed. As other directional devices, it cancels out noise coming from different sides so that nothing can spoil the result of video recording. Many users think this is the best microphone for iPhone that has a playback function.

grade: 4.0/5


 

 

Rode SC6-L

Rode SC6-L

The best choice

Many people mistakenly think that SC6-L and SC6 are the same products but they differ radically.

This is an inexpensive mobile kit, which is an integrated audio recording solution for iPhone/iPad. According to the manufacturer, the set is ideal for such tasks as recording interviews and maintaining podcasts.
The set includes a miniature audio interface SC6-L, connected to iOS devices via a special connector. The SC6-L is equipped with two 3.5mm jacks for connecting SmartLav + lavalier microphones (or other devices with a TRRS connector) and a headphone output for monitoring the signal. Try the product and buy iPad microphone, to make sure that it deserves the top-list place.

grade: 4.1/5


 

 

Rode VideoMic Me-L

Rode VideoMic Me-L
Rode VideoMic Me-L

This capsule with unidirectional pattern works with iOS-based gadgets and has a capability of connection via TRRS, possibility to hear the recorded content with headphones. The device is compact and lightweight, hence, it’s portable. The package includes the windscreen as well that helps to shoot videos outside, in untreated conditions. A useful accessory protects the quality and doesn’t let the unpleasant noise spoil the result.

Being directional, the microphone for recording works perfectly on iPhone and reduces ambient noise (sides and back) without effort. The customers can feel free to purchase the model for latest iPhone versions (7,8,X).

Just compare the external device quality with an internal embedded device. The difference is impressive!

grade: 3.5/5


 

 

Rode i-XLR

Rode i-XLR

The best choice

This compact adapter is designed to work with iOS-operated devices. It uses a special lightning connector to connect to gadgets. This is a perfect interview microphone for iPhone. The developer points out that it’s suitable for the journalists, correspondents who prefer to record reports and interviews on iPhone or iPad. Rode i-XLR has a rather long cable that let storing the smartphone in the bag while recording.

grade: 4.3/5


 

 

Rode VideoMic Me

Rode VideoMic Me
Rode VideoMic Me

There is an opportunity to make better interviews and impressive YouTube videos using the model. Being directional, it’s important to direct the device towards the source to obtain better audio. The surrounding noise is suppressed even when shooting outdoors. Just care about the dead cat on windy weather. The product comes with it. In general, the device really looks awesome and works perfectly too.

grade: 3.5/5


 

 

Rode i-XY

Rode i-XY
Rode i-XY

This is a newer and enhanced variant of the stereo predecessor called iXY Lightning. The device specializes in work with iOS smart devices, being suitable for reporting, vlogging, podcasting, etc. It has its own iOS app.

No matter where the unit is used, in the small venue or big conference hall, the result is going to be flawless. The microphone is securely attached to the camera, so the capturing is fulfilled at an excellent level. The clarity of sound is attainable due to a couple of mics designed at a direct angle to each other.

The unit is manufactured in 2 variants: 30-pin and lightning for different versions of iPhone.

Those who value quality and lightning fast recording should buy this microphone for iPhone or another iOS-based device. It’s simplicity and AD conversion feature are additional factors in favor of the model. It’s enough to press the button once to activate the equipment.

It’s also compatible with almost any audio application.

grade: 3.3/5


 

 

Saramonic SmartMic

Saramonic SmartMic
Saramonic SmartMic

SmartMic is a great directional microphone for iPhone, other iOS and Android-based devices that is connected directly to 3.5 mm jack. The tiny accessory can always be at hand as it does not take much space in your suitcase. It is better to choose quiet places for recording or to purchase windscreen additionally. This is the best external mic for iPhone among budget alternatives.

Those who need a microphone for iPhone, best buy is guaranteed with SmartMic.

grade: 3.8/5


 

 

Sennheiser ClipMic

Sennheiser ClipMic
Sennheiser ClipMic

Not long ago ClipMic lapel appeared on sale. The product was a result of joint work of 2 famous companies – Sennheiser developed the device together with Apogee Electronics. The model was specially created for mobile operating system developed by Apple Inc. The omni lav for Apple devices created within the frames of Mobile Recording line uses a connector to work with iOS gadgets.

ClipMic microphone for iPhone video recording is easily adapted for work with diverse apps for capturing sound.

The condenser is provided with AD conversion capability, preamp, clip, case, windscreen. It has tons of useful features such as control of the capturing process using headphones. The main functions can also be monitored with Apple Watch with assistance of special software. Some customers highly appreciated the possibility to upload stuff to Dropbox using a special app.

grade: 3.4/5


 

 

Shure MV88

Shure MV88
Shure MV88

The consumers looking for the best external microphone for iPhone, can’t skip Shure exceptional options. The brand is known throughout the world and is valued greatly by reporters, producers, musicians for its premium sound and big attention to detail. The functionality includes many cool features but the main attention grabber is its construction with a hinge rotating the capsule.

It’s very helpful to use the app and adjust it to the source recorded.

The company is a leader in the development of innovative acoustic systems. As for MV88, it’s a popular portable device that is able to remove the sound vibrations while recording. The body of device includes 2 types of cartridges. It contributes to flexibility. As a result, the sound is fantastic. Its clarity helps to attain full immersion of the listeners. Built-in stereo matrix provides a unique realistic sound.

This is definitely the best microphone for recording on iPhone.

grade: 3.8/5


 

 

Tascam iM2X

Tascam iM2X
Tascam iM2X

TASCAM is one of the four divisions of the Japanese corporation TEAC. TASCAM is headquartered in California, the USA and Tokyo (Japan). Products are made in China. TASCAM is a pioneer of low cost recording devices for musicians.

The massive prevalence of the iPhone/iPod iPad creates prerequisites for the production of portable recorders based on a smartphone. In fact, only microphones are needed – it is possible to transfer all the functions of the recorder and work with files to an iOS application.

Being a device of an X-Y build, iM2X is an ideal iPhone mic for live music recording. It records stereo of superb quality and is able to manage high SPLs. It’s great to use it for capturing of acoustic guitar, drums, live performances and the like. It’s compatible with Apple devices of the 3rd generation and 4th generation. The consumers can use it for the newest devices with Lightning-connector.

grade: 3.2/5


 

 

Zoom iQ7

Zoom iQ7
Zoom iQ7

The Japanese corporation Zoom produces a wide range of recorders meeting the demands of absolutely different categories of consumers. After it unveiled its first product in 1990, the interest to its activity never subsided as it offers rather interesting technical solutions beginning from portable recording devices to drum machines and effects pedals. The company proved its trustworthiness in the course of three decades always introducing something new to the sphere of recording equipment.

iQ7 is a very interesting option for lovers of excellent sound. Being a stereo device, this is a marvelous iPhone microphone for recording music. Fantastic quality is obtained with help of rotating mechanism, turning mics in the right directions.

grade: 3.2/5


 

 

Zoom iQ6 X/Y

Zoom iQ6 X Y
Zoom iQ6 X Y

The consumers also run across this model, selecting among the best microphones for iPhone video. The configuration is rather efficient. Two cardioid mics with the capability of rotation reproducing sound, directing the mics were needed for a superior result.

grade: 3.2/5


 

 

Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side

Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side
Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side

iQ7 Mid-Side feature enables customization of the width of the stereo. The implementation is available even after recording thus making the mic unique. The switcher helps the consumer select the pickup angle and capture the sound coming from the selected area. Combining the work of two directional mics, the extraordinary effect is achieved.

grade: 3.2/5


 

 

Conclusion

Assessing the microphones for iPhone video, we have to consider different aspects of devices paying special attention to quality.

You can also read a wonderful post about voice and sound processing on your Android or iPhone website:: https://appelse.com/app-to-make-voice-squeaky/

When selecting the best microphone for your iPhone or iPad, it is important to consider your budget and the type of microphone that will best suit your needs. If you are a vlogger or musician who needs to record audio on the go, a portable, lightweight microphone may be the best choice. On the other hand, if you are recording in a studio or other controlled environment, a more expensive, high-quality microphone may be worth the investment. Additionally, consider the additional accessories that may come with the microphone, such as a windscreen or muff, which can help to reduce background noise and improve the overall sound quality of your recordings. Ultimately, the best microphone for your iOS device will depend on your specific needs and budget, but with the variety of options available, you are sure to find a microphone that will help you capture high-quality audio.

 

Comments: 1
  1. Cam Man

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