When you use an Apple device to film videos or to pick up the sounds of instruments, lectures, etc. you may find the sound quality of inbuilt mic is far away from good, even you use the latest iOS device. With a dedicated, external microphone, it will almost always sound far better. But what should you consider when choosing a microphone for Apple since there are different types of iOS devices? This guide will offer you some advice.
General considerations for external microphone for Apple
No matter what kind of devices you use for video creation, there are some general tips for you to narrow down the options of Apple microphone.
Consider your budget
Determine how much you are willing to spend on your microphone. This will depend on what you hope to accomplish with your filmmaking. You can find budget, mid-range or expensive products on the market. There's no need to spend a lot of money on a microphone you won't ever use, but before you choose, think about what each one can accomplish and what benefits it will bring to your films and you. Whatever you decide will be a huge upgrade over the built-in microphone installed in your Apple devices.
Think about your recording environment
Where do you captures the sounds, in a studio, at home or in outdoor? Will you be able to manage the environment's volume while recording, or will you have to deal with people and erratic wind noise?
Consider your capacity for post-processing as well. Today's digital audio workstation software makes it simple to make edits and correct mistakes in recordings, so if you can utilize software to make changes in post, you may have greater freedom in your mic choice. With that said, regardless of the recording situation, getting a clean signal is essential.
Choose the right type of microphone for Apple phone, iPad or laptop
There are three common types to choose from:
- Lavalier: Lavalier microphone for iPhone Apple is also known as lapel or body microphone and is clipped onto the clothing of talents. It is frequently discreet and compact, making it perfect for close-miking sound sources.
- Wireless mic: It has no physical cable, generally containing transmitter and receiver. Some, like SYNCO P1, also come with a charging case. It is widely used in vlog shooting, live streaming, and any other recording that requires free movement and clean cable arrangement.
- Shotgun mic: It comes in the design of shotgun barrel. The high directionality makes it stand out in noisy environments.
Go and buy SYNCO Apple microphone at Moman PhotoGears Store
Pay attention to specs of microphone for Apple
There are also some key specs to take into account. Below we list four of them and tell how to decide. Read on and remember to check the spec list when you browse the product page.
Polar Pattern
The 3D area surrounding the microphone capsule, which is most responsive to sound, is referred to as the polar pattern. There are two general types:
Omnidirectional
Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from all directions because the whole 3D space around the capsule is equally responsive to sound.
Pros:
- Ideal for podcasts with a large audience.
- Bad mic technique does not have as much of an impact. The mic's audio sensitivity is unaffected by the speaker's angular movement in relation to it.
Cons:
- It has the drawback of frequently picking up background noise.
Cardioid
Cardioid microphones are least sensitive to sound coming from the rear and are most sensitive to sound coming from the front.
- Pros: Suitable for untreated spaces or live performances or recordings
- Cons: Able to detect poor mic technique. You can notice a decrease in sensitivity to high-frequency noises if the source of the sound moves away from the microphone. Additionally, you'll notice an increase in bass frequencies if the sound source is too close to the microphone.
Frequency response
It refers to the accuracy with which the Apple microphone can replicate the signals it is capturing. Choose a microphone with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. You'll be able to record clear, natural sounds in this way.
Maximum sound pressure level (SPL)
Seek for a microphone with at least 100dB. SPL indicates the maximum volume that the microphone can take. It determines how much sound a microphone can record before it starts to distort.
Sensitivity
It informs you of what a microphone's electrical output (often measured in millivolts or dBV) will be for a specific acoustic input, measured in Pa for Pascals or dB(SPL), typically recorded at 1kHz. The microphone is more sensitive the higher the number.
[If you have an Android phone and are looking for a microphone for it, check the article Microphone for android phone: Features, choosing tips and mic recommendation.]
Specific consideration: Choose the right mic connector for convenient connection to Apple devices
There are different audio input ports on Apple iPhone, iPad, and Mac. To ensure the compatibility between your mic and the device, you should know what kind of port can be used.
Lightning connections, which Apple initially introduced a decade ago, are still used by all Apple iPhones, even the most recent iPhone 13 Max.
The most recent iPad also has a Lightning connector, however, the iPad Mini, iPad Air, and iPad Pro all have USB-C ports. The iPad is also the only tablet that still has a 3.5mm headphone connector, which should be compatible with a TRRS microphone connection. Despite the fact that headphones use TRS, using a TRS cable will not work.
As for Mac, there are headphone port and USB-C port.
When you are shopping for an Apple external microphone for iPhone, make sure of the compatibility by comparing the mic plug and the input port on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac book. If you are not sure about it, it is also feasible to search for review video or ask customer service for help.
But what if you make video shooting on various types of iOS devices? Looking for a product that offers different ways of connection is a good idea. For example, the new launch SYNCO G3 includes a Type-C able, a TRRS cable, and a Type-C to Lightning adapter, which makes it the best microphone for Apple.
Conclusion
As we've seen, there's no shortage of options when it comes to microphone for Apple. Many companies are introducing creative, simple-to-use, and compact external microphones for iOS recording that are affordable. Just pick the one that most suits your recording device and purpose and start capturing clean and clear audio.