An omnidirectional microphone for iPhone, as the name implies, is designed to pick up sound uniformly from all directions, allowing a speaker to talk from any angle while still being captured clearly. This remarkable feature makes it essential and widely sought after for numerous applications. This article covers everything you should know about it, including:
- What is its working principle?
- What are its pros and cons?
- What makes the best one?
What is the working principle of an omnidirectional microphone for iPhone?
The iPhone omnidirectional microphone works based on the pressure gradient principle. As sound waves reach the mic, they cause fluctuations in pressure on the diaphragm. Because an omnidirectional mic responds uniformly to pressure changes from any direction, it records the entire sound environment without preference. This ensures that sounds coming from the front, sides, or even the rear are captured with equal clarity.
What are its pros and cons?
While versatile, omnidirectional microphones come with both benefits and drawbacks compared to unidirectional models. Let’s explore its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Flexible positioning: It can be positioned in any direction—right-side up or upside down—since it doesn’t rely on a specific angle to capture sound.
- Captures ambient sound: Great for recording a room's natural acoustics, as it picks up surrounding noises.
- Reduced wind noise and plosives: With only one side of the mic capsule exposed to air, it’s less prone to wind interference and popping sounds (unlike unidirectional mics, which are open on both sides and more sensitive to air movement).
- No proximity effect: Avoids an overemphasis on low frequencies when speaking close to the mic, providing a clear, balanced sound.
- Flat frequency response: An omnidirectional microphone for iPhone extends down to the lowest audible frequencies, delivering a full and natural sound at low frequencies.
Cons:
- Picks up lots of background noise: It captures sounds from all around, not just the main source, which can be an issue for focused recordings like speeches or lectures.
- Needs careful placement: Because it picks up sound from all directions, it requires careful positioning, especially when recording one instrument around others.
- Less separation of sounds: It doesn’t isolate the main sound source as well, so there’s more mix between direct and surrounding sounds.
- Lower resistance to feedback: More prone to feedback, especially in low and mid frequencies.
- Often needs a shock mount: A shock mount is usually needed to reduce unwanted low-frequency sounds from nearby instruments in music recordings.
What makes the best omnidirectional microphone for iPhone?
Here are the key criteria that define the best omnidirectional microphone for iPhone.
Frequency response: A good omnidirectional microphone should have a frequency response range of at least 20Hz–20kHz to capture a full spectrum of sounds, from low to high frequencies.
Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR): It should have an SNR above 70dB for clearer audio, with minimal background noise interference. For example, the SYNCO P1S has an SNR greater than 75dB, ensuring high-quality sound with reduced noise.
Build quality: The metal construction is better than the plastic for greater durability, especially for use in tough or mobile recording environments.
Size and weight: Your omnidirectional microphone for iPhone should suit your portable or stationary setup. If you use it on the go, a lightweight and compact design is easier to transport and handle.
High-pass filters: This feature helps eliminate low-frequency noise (like wind or rumble) while preserving higher frequencies, and enhancing sound clarity in outdoor settings.
Attenuation pads: These pads allow the microphone to withstand high sound pressure levels (SPL) without distortion, ideal for recording loud audio sources.
Moisture resistance: RF-biased models are necessary if you plan to record in humid or outdoor environments, as they resist moisture and prevent performance issues.
Accessories: The best omnidirectional microphone for IOS should come with extras like pop filters, carrying cases, and boom arms. These accessories can be more cost-effective and provide added convenience.
Brand reputation: A high-quality omnidirectional mic should come from a well-known brand like SYNCO with a good track record and reliable customer support, as this can be very valuable if you encounter any issues.