When filming videos with your phone, the microphone for phone video is equally as crucial as the camera lens. This is because the built-in mics on most smartphones are optimized for voice calls, not for capturing high-quality audio, making it challenging to achieve professional-grade sound. Fortunately, this article delves into why and how to use a microphone for phone video, offering practical tips to elevate your mobile recordings.
Why do you need a microphone for phone video?
To make sure your videos come across loud and clear, having microphone for cell phone video is a must. This handy tool boosts your audio quality big time, plus it gives you extra perks for different recording situations. It cuts down background noise and takes your videos to the next, professional level. Here are the key advantages of using this device:
Improving audio clarity: Smartphone built-in mics are typically designed for general sound capture, leading to poor audio quality, particularly in loud settings. Conversely, an external one can deliver superior audio with greater detail and richness, making it perfect for recording podcasts, interviews, and various other content.
Gaining greater control: It grants you more control during the audio recording process. You can adjust settings like gain and directional sensitivity to capture audio precisely as you envision.
Minimizing background noise: It frequently features directional pickup patterns and integrated noise reduction technology, which can help reduce ambient noise and focus on the desired sound. For example, the SYNCO P2S features a noise-reduction chip that expertly isolates clear vocals, giving your videos a sound upgrade.
Adapting to diverse scenarios: These devices come in diverse types and designs, making them highly adaptable for various recording situations. Whether you need a microphone for interviews, field recordings, or music recordings, there’s an external option tailored to your needs.
How to record video on phone with microphone？
Now that you understand the importance of this useful tool, you must be eager to learn how to use it. Here are the steps you can follow.
Check microphone compatibility
The compatibility of the microphone determines whether you can use it with your phone. Many brands, such as SYNCO, offer a variety of microphone types, including dynamic, condenser, and USB models. They usually come in two forms: wired or wireless. Wired models usually come with a 3.5mm jack. Wireless models have two components – a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver can be connected to the phone through its own interface, such as Type-C or Lightning. Ensure that you select the right microphone that is compatible with your phone.
Connect your device
The method of connecting a microphone for phone video varies depending on the ports available on your smartphone. If your smartphone features a USB-C or Lightning port, you have two primary options: either utilize a device with a USB-C or Lightning output, or if your mic has a 3.5mm output, you will need an interface or adapter to facilitate the connection.
For smartphones equipped with a 3.5mm headphone jack (and lacking a USB-C or Lightning port), any mic with a 3.5mm output will be compatible. Since most smartphones utilize a TRRS jack, ensure that your device either comes with a TRRS connector or that you employ a TRS to TRRS cable or adapter.
Once it is connected, proceed to the “Settings” menu on your smartphone and ensure that the external device is selected as the input source.
Adjust the microphone setting
After connecting the microphone, customize the settings to suit your needs. You can use the app provided by your smartphone or a third-party application to tweak parameters such as the directional sensitivity, gain, and other configurations.
Do a quick test recording
Before diving into your recording, give your device a quick test run to ensure it’s functioning smoothly and the sound quality meets your standards. You can simply record a short audio snippet and replay it to verify that the microphone is picking up sound accurately.
Tips to use microphone for improving sound quality
After learning the basics of how to use it, you’ll need to pick up some practical tips to boost your audio quality even more. Here are the tips to help you harness the full potential of your existing equipment.
Perfect microphone positioning: Position it close to the sound source to keep background noise from stealing the spotlight. When using a lavalier model, clip it securely to your chest for stable and crisp recordings.
Optimize audio settings: Adjust the audio gain in your audio app to avoid distortion, and record in a quiet environment for cleaner audio.
Enhance with post-production: Post-processing can work wonders! Use audio editing software to reduce background noise and boost your sound quality. Add a sprinkle of equalizer effects to make your recording clearer and more immersive.
Ensure device compatibility: Stay updated! Regularly update your phone device and apps to ensure seamless compatibility with your microphone for phone video. If you keep hitting compatibility snags, consider upgrading your mic or using a different recording device.
Maintain your microphone: Keep it in tip-top shape by cleaning it regularly, especially if you often shoot outdoors. And, when not in use, store it in a protective case to shield it from dust and damage.