When discussing audio recording on the go, an external microphone for mobile can significantly enhance your sound quality, whether you're launching a podcast, live streaming, or simply capturing voice notes and interviews. While built-in mics on phones are sufficient for casual use, external options provide clearer and more professional audio. This article will cover the various types of external microphones for mobile phones, their connectors, tips for selecting the right one, the options available at SYNCO, and answers to some frequently asked questions.
Can you use external microphone for mobile phone?
Absolutely! Using an external mic can significantly enhance your audio quality. These devices connect to your phone's aux input or USB port, making it easy to improve sound. They are better than the built-in one because the internal microphone is mainly designed for phone calls and casual videos, not for podcasting or professional audio recording.
What types of external microphone for mobile can you use?
To improve audio quality on mobile devices, there are several types of external microphones available. This section will introduce three key types: lavalier, directional, and wireless microphones. Each type serves different recording needs and scenarios. Let's take a closer look at their definitions and best uses.
Lavalier microphone for mobile devices
Definition: Also called lapel or clip-on mics, lavalier microphones are small wired devices designed for discreetly recording conversations. They typically connect through a 3.5mm TRS or TRRS jack and attach to clothing with a small clip.
Uses: These mics are perfect for situations where you need to record speech without drawing attention, such as in filmmaking, vlogging, or interviews. A key benefit of them is that they can be placed close to the speaker's mouth while staying hidden from view. They usually have an omnidirectional pattern, allowing them to capture sound from all directions, ensuring clear audio no matter where they're positioned.
Directional microphones
Definition: This type of external microphone for mobile is designed to pick up sound mainly from one direction while lowering the noise from others. Types like cardioid, super cardioid, and hyper-cardioid are all directional, capturing more sound from the front and less from the sides.
Uses: They are ideal for situations where you need to focus on specific sounds and reduce background noise, making them perfect for vlogging, filmmaking, live streaming, interviews, or video calls.
Wireless microphone for mobile
Definition: A wireless microphone is a system that transmits audio without any physical cables. It sends the sound signal wirelessly to a receiver using a transmitter, which then connects to recording devices like smartphones or computers.
Uses: They are excellent for various film and audio tasks that require freedom of movement, making them suitable for mobile podcasting, filmmaking, interviews, video calls, presentations, and more.
What types of connectors do they have?
External microphones for mobile serve various functions, and they connect to devices using specific connectors. They typically connect to moible phones through Bluetooth, the headphone jack, or the charging port. Here are some common connectors used with them:
TRRS: This stands for Tip-Ring-Ring-Sleeve, referring to the four segments of the cable plug. These segments are separated by three black bands (two bands indicate TRS, while three bands indicate TRRS). The extra ring serves various purposes, depending on the devices the cable connects to. Many smartphones and computers have TRRS inputs for connecting headphones with a built-in microphone, where the additional contact point carries the microphone signal.
Type-C: This is essential if you use an external microphone for Android mobile phone or newer iPhone. Type-C allows for faster data transfer and a higher power connection, enabling quicker charging and the ability to support more power-hungry devices. This connector is increasingly used in computers and mobile devices, including microphones and other audio equipment.
Lightning: Exclusively used by Apple products, the Lightning connector features eight pins that transmit a digital signal for power or data transfer. If you've owned an iPhone in the past decade, you’ve likely encountered this cable to charge your device or connect it to a computer.
How to choose the best mobile microphone for your needs?
When looking for an external microphone for mobile that suits your recording needs, it's essential to consider your specific audio recording goals. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Mobility: Consider whether you often move during recordings
Most phone microphones are fairly portable, so this shouldn't be a significant issue. However, you should consider your mobility needs. Will you be moving around a lot while recording, or will you remain in one place? If you need to move and want your hands free, a wireless microphone is the best option. Be sure to check that it has sufficient battery life to avoid interruptions during your recordings.
Polar Patterns: Decide whether you need focused or broad sound capture
Polar patterns indicate how a microphone picks up sound from different directions. For example, shotgun mics are unidirectional, capturing sound most effectively from the front. This makes them ideal for noisy environments, as they are less likely to pick up background noise. If you're in a quieter setting, recording a group conversation, or want to capture ambient sounds, omnidirectional microphones may be a better choice, as they can pick up sound from all directions.
Connectivity & Compatibility: Ensure your microphone connects easily to your phone
This is an essential factor to consider! Ensure the microphone you choose can easily connect to your phone. The connecting cable or options should be compatible with your device, so check what connection ports your phone has before making a purchase.
Ease of Use: Microphone for mobile recording should be simple to set up and operate
While having a high-quality microphone is beneficial, it's important that you feel comfortable using it. Make sure the model you select is easy to set up and use, so you can avoid any complications when recording.
What mobile phone external microphone can you get at SYNCO?
SYNCO mobile microphones are designed to work effortlessly with both iOS and Android devices. Whether you're shooting with an iPhone or creating engaging content on your Android device, they provide clear audio quality. With USB-C, Lightning, and TRRS outputs, SYNCO microphones are compatible with the latest smartphones and tablets, making them essential for serious content creators. Notably, the USB-C models showcase SYNCO's innovative approach to mobile audio technology, especially as newer devices like the iPhone 15, updated iPads, and all Androids now feature USB-C connections.
SYNCO provides various options for content creators, including wireless microphone systems, device-mountable shotgun mics, and plug-and-play mini microphone for mobile like the SYNCO P1X and P2X. These options are ideal for filming on the go, whether you're conducting interviews, vlogging, or live streaming. The wireless systems provide flexibility and mobility, allowing you to capture high-quality audio without being attached to your device, which is particularly useful for filmmakers and interviewers who need to move freely while maintaining excellent audio quality.
Now, let's dive into the list of top external microphones for mobile from SYNCO.
Table: SYNCO external microphone for mobile overview
|
Feature / Product |
PX |
P2S |
P1S |
U3 |
U1 |
|
Type |
Wireless lavalier microphone |
Wireless lavalier microphone |
Wireless lavalier microphone |
Shotgun microphone |
Shotgun microphone |
|
Polar pattern |
Omnidirectional |
Omnidirectional |
Omnidirectional |
Cardioid directional |
Cardioid directional |
|
Compatibility |
Smartphones with Type-C or lightning connectors |
Smartphones with Type-C or lightning connectors |
Smartphones with Type-C or lightning connectors |
Smartphones, cameras, computers |
Devices with 3.5mm TRRS, lighting or Type-C connector |
|
Connectivity |
Type-C or lightning |
Type-C or lightning |
Type-C or lightning |
Type-C to TRRS (TRS Adaptive) |
TRRS, Type-C or lightning |
|
Frequency response |
20Hz-20KHz |
20Hz-20KHz |
20Hz-20KHz |
50Hz-12KHz |
40Hz-20KHz |
|
Dimensions |
TX: 49x19x19mm RX: 49x30x9mm |
TX: 49x19x19mm RX: 49x30x9mm |
TX: 49x19x19mm RX: 49x30x9mm |
116 x 53 x 46mm |
/ |
|
Weight |
TX: 10g RX: 5g |
TX: 10g RX: 5g |
TX: 10g RX: 5g |
67g |
/ |
|
Additional Features |
Plug-and-play, four levels of gain adjustment, indicator light |
Plug-and-play, five levels of gain adjustment, wireless charging case, indicator light |
Plug-and-play, five levels of gain adjustment, wireless charging case, indicator light |
Magnetic backplate, real-time audio monitoring, low-cut filter, gain control, long battery life |
Plug-and-play, 90° rotation, compact and durable design |
FAQs
Are external microphones compatible with all mobile phones?
Most of them can work with a variety of smartphones by connecting through the headphone jack, Lightning port, USB-C, or wirelessly via Bluetooth. However, it's important to verify compatibility with your specific phone model before making a purchase.
Can I attach a microphone to my Android phone?
Yes, you can easily connect it to an Android device. The most common method is through the headphone jack. For newer models that don’t have a headphone jack, you can use USB-C microphones. Additionally, you can use an aux adapter in the USB-C port to connect external mics that use a headphone jack.
Do I have to use additional equipment to set up it with my phone?
Some microphones may need additional accessories like adapters or mounting gear to ensure they work well with your phone, particularly if your device does not have a headphone jack.
Can it improve sound quality for video calls, or is it only for recordings?
It can enhance audio quality for both video recordings and calls. Clear sound is essential for effective communication, and using an external mic can significantly improve over the built-in ones found in phones.