You can transform your Android smartphone into a professional recording equipment. The key is to invest in a microphone for Android smartphone. While smartphones have excellent video quality, we can't claim the same for their audio recording capabilities. This is why an external mic is needed. Read on to find out how to choose the best one for your recording.
Can I use an external microphone for Android smartphone?
Yes. It is a good way to improve your audio quality quickly and simply. An Android microphone works by attaching a mic to your phone's aux input or USB port.
It is advisable to use an external microphone rather than the inbuilt Android microphone. The microphone that comes with your device is intended for making phone calls and perhaps capturing some adorable home films; it is not intended for podcasting, creating video content, or any other form of dedicated audio recording.
How to choose the best microphone for Android smartphone?
Here are a few things to take into consideration when making a choice:
Mobility
Most phone microphones are quite portable, so this shouldn't be too much of an issue. However, we suggest that you consider mobility. Will you need to move around a lot while filming, or will you be able to keep your phone stable throughout? If you're likely to be moving and want your hands free, a wireless lavalier microphone is the good choice. Keep in mind that if you use it, you'll want to make sure it has enough battery life to record without having to stop and re-charge.
Polar patterns
Polar patterns refer to the directionality and where the microphone for Android smartphone best picks up sound. Shotgun microphones are unidirectional and detect sound best from the front. These are ideal for loud areas since they are less likely to pick up on background noise. Try omnidirectional mics if you're in a quieter location, recording a group of individuals talking from one mic, or wishing to record sounds from the background. They capture sounds from all angles.
Connectivity and compatibility
This is a crucial consideration! You should ensure that the microphone you select can readily connect to your phone. The connecting cable or alternatives should be compatible with your phone, and we recommend that you first verify what connection ports your phone has.
Ease of use
It's fantastic to have a high-end microphone, but if you don't know how to use it and it becomes complex to set up each time, it's not worth it. Make certain that the microphone you select is simple to set up and that you can utilize it without difficulty.
What external condenser microphone for smartphone Android can I get at SYNCO?
SYNCO has introduces several types of microphone for Android smartphone, including microphone plugs into android smartphone and wireless type. Below we list the top choice in specific scenario.
Table: Quick view on specs
Specs are important for purchase. Check the table below to have the first-step selection.
Android smartphone mic |
P1T |
U3 |
G3 |
Type |
Wireless |
Shotgun |
Wireless |
Polar pattern |
Omnidirectional |
Directional |
Omnidirectional |
Frequency Range |
20Hz-20KHz |
50Hz-12KHz |
50Hz-20KHz |
Sensitivity |
-26dB |
-26.5dbV@1KHz |
-28dB (±3dB, re 1V/Pa at 1KHz) |
Connector |
Type-C |
TRS/TRRS |
Type-C/TRRS/Lightning |
Battery life (in total) |
15h |
13h |
40h (Monitor at medium volume) |
P1T - Best wireless microphone for Android smartphone video with voice and light effects
The SYNCO P1T is an external microphone for Android smartphone, consisting of a clip-on transmitter, a receiver featuring Type-C connector, and a drawer-style charging case.
It is a good choice if you want to add more fun to your Android smartphone videos. The P1 is available at Pearl White and Stone Blue colors, which is fashion-forward and fits various shooting scenarios. It features 9 voice effects such as Baby FX, Male to Female, and Female to Male. You can change your voice as you like by pressing the button on the receiver. The embedded light strip makes the video frame more dynamic.
With an overall size of 70x43x37mm, it is compact for outdoor recording. A total recording time of 15 hours and fast charging tech ease your low power anxiety. You can take long-time video filming without the worry about running out of power.
U3 - Android smartphone directional microphone featuring low cut and gain control
The U3 is a good choice of microphone for Android smartphone if you make Android smartphone videos in a somehow noisy environment and want to focus on the sound source. The cardioid polar pattern enables it to pick up on-axis sounds and eliminate most off-axis noises, a good way to reduce background noises.
The U3 features optional low cut at 75Hz and 150Hz to reduce unwanted wind noise and so on. The stepless 0-15dB gain control allows for amplifying audio signals to an ideal level. And you can monitor the recorded audio in real-time via the 3.5mm monitoring jack. All these features work together to ensure clean audio and minimize the effort of post production.
G3 - Wireless audio solution for two-person recording, compatible with Android/iOS smartphone, camera, PC, etc.
The G3 includes two clip-on transmitters and a receiver carrying a display screen. It is a good way to go if you need to record two sound sources and use different devices to make video creations.
It offers three ways of input from two transmitters and a receiver and enables communication between the transmitter and receiver end. If you create videos with a team, this will be a useful function indeed. Each transmitter can work as an audio recorder to hold 8G 16bit/48KHz CD-quality audio for 22 hours. This offers audio backup in case interference and dropouts happen.
The G3 receiver carries 3 output ports, including USB-C, TRRS, and TRS. Besides using it for Android smartphone recording, you can also use it with cameras, computers, etc. And you can also have live streaming on three platforms at the same time if needed.
How to use microphone for android devices to get better audio?
According to the types, you can follow the following steps.
Using tips to microphone for Android smartphone in wireless lavalier type
There are several methods for getting the optimum sound from this type of microphone for Android phone recording:
- Use mic windshield: Using a windshield will assist in minimizing wind distortions. Consider wearing a fuzzy windshield if it is really windy. It will alter the sound slightly, but it is preferable to the rumbling generated by the wind!
- Avoid rubbing fabric against the mic: The most common problem when using a lavalier microphone is the sound of cloth fabric rubbing against the microphone. Install at a location where there isn't a lot of cloth moving about!
- Place it on the chest: In general, positioning the mic on the sternum provides a good balance of intimate proximity and natural sound reproduction.
Getting the best from a shotgun mic for Android smartphone
There are several methods for getting the greatest sound from your shotgun microphone:
- Point it towards yourself. It should be aimed at the target sound.
- Get it near but out of your mouth's path, no more than 10"/20cm, no closer than 3"/75mm.
- Pay attention to the Android smartphone microphone position. If possible, mount it from above or below - pointing it towards your chest from above or below is optimal.
- Be in a space with a lot of soft furniture (to lessen echo), like a bedroom. Carpet and curtains are essential. Never record audio in a kitchen or bathroom (hard surfaces cause greater echo, which sounds awful).
- When recording, keep an eye on the VU (Voulme Unit) meters; they should be peaking at approximately 0dB (that is, when you utter the loudest part of the phrase, they should flick up to 0dB, but otherwise should be below 0dB).