Top 5 Microphones for Your Phone

December 23, 2020

What’s The Best Microphone For My Phone?

Microphones for Your PhoneRecording videos using your smartphone is quite convenient, but with most devices having rather average quality microphones, the experience is often not up to scratch. Therefore, in this article, we have listed the top 5 microphones for your phone. Without further ado, let’s dive right into the details:

Why Use a Microphone?

New phones and smart devices are launched every year, each claiming to be better than the last. With people inclined towards making videos of all sorts, the new smart devices have excellent features to start filming videos, like 4k filming. However, the built-in internal microphones in these phones lack the quality required to record crisp and clear audio. They tend to make your audio sound echoey and tinny.

Sound plays a vital role in making a compelling video. Studies have shown that if the video’s audio quality is not passable, viewers are more likely to stop watching, no matter how good the visuals are.

Therefore, we recommend investing in a good-quality external microphone, perhaps a lavalier or a shotgun, for your smart device. But before moving further, we would like to point out a few distinguishable features of both microphone types, as people often confuse the two.

Disclaimer: Always check the microphone is compatible with your device. It may need additional adaptors.

Difference Between Lavalier and Shotgun Microphones

While looking for the perfect external microphone for your phone, you will come across two main types of microphones – The lavalier and the shotgun microphones. People often fail to differentiate between the two, therefore here are a few distinct features of both:
Design

The lavalier microphone is a pocket-sized microphone that can be clipped to the person’s dress. You’ve probably seen presenters on TV wearing one of these.

The shotgun microphone is standard-sized, which can be mounted on top of a stand or DSLR or even held in your hands.

Usage

You can use a lavalier microphone for videos, interviews, walk-and-talk scenes, and events. It is also ideal for filming people who walk around while explaining the subject.

However, a shotgun microphone is used for professional filmings, like in Hollywood film sets, and can simultaneously record multiple people.
Directional or Omnidirectional

A lavalier microphone is omnidirectional. This means that it can absorb sound from all directions, so it is clipped-on to avoid other external sounds.

On the other hand, a shotgun microphone is directional, which means that it only picks up sound from the front, conveniently blocking out other sounds.
Wired or Wireless

A lavalier microphone is available in a wired as well as a wireless version. The wired microphone can be plugged into your camera or smartphone, while you can attach the wireless version to wireless transmitters or receivers.

A shotgun microphone is wired, but it doesn’t need to be attached to the person. And the best part about it is that it’s hidden from view but can still capture crisp and clear audio from a distance.

Now that the importance of external microphones and the difference between lavalier and shotgun microphones is evident, let’s move on to our topic of concern – the five best microphones for your phone.

1) Rode SC6-L Interview Kit for iOS Devices Including 2 Clip-On Microphones and Keepdrum Soft Case

Features

Accessories

Who doesn’t like a gadget that comes complete with all the necessary accessories?

The Rode SC6-L Interview Kit is specially designed for iOs devices. It includes two SmartLav+ clip-on microphones, SC6-L audio splitter with lightning connector, two LAV-CLIPs, two WS-LAV windshields, and a storage pouch. The windshield makes it easier for outdoor recordings, especially in windy weather.

So, if you’re filming outdoors, the included accessories make it easy to carry around without lugging around a bunch of equipment.
Usage

The SmartLav+ microphone is a portable 4.5mm miniature mic made with omnidirectional condenser capsules and Kevlar reinforced cables, making them ideal for film, television, videos, recording interviews, podcasts, and broadcast applications on the go. They can easily record two people at the same time, which makes it quite convenient.

Connectivity

The SC6-L has two 3.5mm TRRS jacks for the microphones, between which you will find a 3.5mm headphone output for surveying the incoming signal. At the other end, you will see the lightning connector for routing digital signals to your iOS device.

Pros

• Great audio quality
• Can connect to iPhones via the lightning port
• Includes 2 SmartLav+ mics

Cons

• Lightning connector cable tends to wear out.
• The Rode Reporter App has some bugs that need fixing.

2) Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for Smartphone

Features

Ease of Use

The Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone is known for how easy it is to use. For starters, it does not require any special adaptors or apps to run. It’s more like a plug and play device. As it is a lavalier mic, you need to clip it to your collar or anywhere in close proximity of your mouth for a clear sound while blocking out environmental sounds. Due to its omnidirectional feature, it is less susceptible to shock, handling noise, and rumbling sounds that are common with unidirectional microphones.

Wireless

Being a wireless microphone, you can easily pair the SmartLav+ up with your smartphone and get a lightweight and portable setup with impressive battery life. You can clip the microphone to your collar and place your smartphone in your pocket, and you are ready to go. The best part is that there’s no mess of exposed wires, and you don’t require any additional equipment.

Software

In case you’re looking to record 48khz WAV files, you can pair the Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone with the Rode software. The software enables you to access your phone’s files through a web browser as it converts the phone into a web server on your local area network, but this feature doesn’t work with public hotspots or when you’re working outdoors.

Mic Quality

Now let’s talk about the microphone itself. The SmartLav+ microphone does an excellent job at capturing transmission-quality audio, while conveniently blocking out background noise. Did we mention its ease of use? All you have to do is to press the record button and you are ready to go. It’s that simple.

Accessories

This Rode Microphone kit comes with the mic, a pouch, a clip, a windshield, and a user manual. We recommend getting additional clips and windshields for your convenience because these parts can be lost easily.

Pros

• Omnidirectional
• Compatible with a wide range of Android and iOs devices
• Good quality audio

Cons

• You cannot monitor audio while recording
• The Rode app is only compatible with iOs

3) Rode VideoMic Me-L Directional Microphone for Apple Devices

Features

Build Quality

The Rode VideoMic Me-L is a shotgun microphone built on the same lines as the previous microphone model, with an aluminum casing. It is strong and sturdy, considering the fact that it’s made for mobile devices. To make sure that the lightning connector doesn’t bend or break, they have included an additional mount specifically to encase the connector.

Mount Feature

The VideoMic Me-L comes with a rubber mount so that you can secure the microphone to the iOs device without the fear of it coming off while recording. As soon as you plug in the microphone, the phone starts using it as the default mic for all recording and video apps.

Windshield

No matter how amazing of a video you shoot, if the sound quality is not up to the mark, all your hard work can go to waste. Therefore, included with the microphone is a WS9 windshield, which comes in handy when you’re shooting outdoors. It may seem a bit large when placed on the microphone, but it does a great job of blocking out the sound of the wind, resulting in excellent audio quality.

It also acts as a phone holder, in case you haven’t mounted your phone on a selfie stick or tripod.

Monitoring Recordings

Most external microphones have the issue of not being able to monitor recordings while shooting, but that’s not the case with the Rode VideoMic Me-L directional microphone for Apple devices. On the rear of the mic, you will find a 3.5mm headphone jack, so that you can monitor and playback your recordings.

Pros

• Convenient and easy to use
• Headphone jack included in the mic
• Robust and well-built
• Windshield included

Cons

• You have difficulty using the home button with the rubber mount
• Shooting in vertical mode can be an issue
• You have to remove your phone casing before fitting the rubber mount

4) Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone – Assorted Colors

Features

Design

The Rode VideoMicro Compact is a robust, 8 cm long shotgun microphone, made up of metal. It has a grill towards the front and a 3.5mm output at the back, that connects to your phone.

Mount

Included with the VideoMicro is a shoe mount built using Rode’s Rycote Lyre suspension system. The specialty of this suspension system is that it blocks unwanted noise from camera movement. It is very sturdy, so it does a good job of resisting shakes and bumps, which are easily audible in built-in phone microphones.

Windshield

VideoMicro comes with a windshield which is very useful for outdoor shootings. It helps in blocking out the swishing of the wind for a clear and crisp audio. The windshield can slide on and off the microphone, so it is very easy to put it on while recording.

Functionality

The best thing about this microphone is that it is powered by your phone. You just have to plug it in your camera with the included SC2 3.5mm cable, and get recording. You don’t have to worry about the batteries running out during recording. You don’t need any additional batteries to carry around for the microphone.

Microphone Quality

The VideoMicro Compact is Rode’s most affordable on-camera microphone, but in spite of that, the sound quality of the microphone is pretty impressive. Most of the sound picked by the microphone is quite clear and within mid frequencies. This means that the bass is low, so if you want to amp it up, you can do so while editing.

Additional Equipment for Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone

Apple Lightning to Headphone 3.5 mm Jack Adapter

The Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone does not come with a headphone jack, therefore, you might require to purchase some additional equipment to be able to use the microphone at full potential. The Apple Lightning Headphone 3.5 mm Jack Adapter is one such accessory.

As the Rode VideoMicro will be plugged into your phone’s headphone slot, this adaptor will help you to plug in your headphones using the lightning port. It has a headphone jack at the other end, which enables you to use your headphones simultaneously while using the microphone. This way you can easily monitor the audio while recording.

Rode SC7 iPhone Accessory – Red

The Rode VideoMicro Compact is basically an on-camera microphone. This means that you have to plug it into your camera to start functioning. But, many people use their smartphones to record videos. Therefore, if you want to use this microphone with a smart device, you will require an additional cable to plug it in, perhaps Rode’s SC7 cable for iPhone.
Rode’s SC7 cable is a 3.5 mm TRS to TRRS patch cable, which is specifically designed to connect external microphones to TRRS compatible devices, such as an iPhone or iPad. It is extremely easy to use, as all you have to do is to plug the red end into the microphone and the grey end into your smartphone or tablet. It is as simple as that.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Sturdy metal body
• Doesn’t require any batteries
• Comes with Rycote Lyre suspension system
• Furry windshield included
Cons

• Requires additional headphone jack adaptor to use a headphone alongside the mic
• You need an extra cable to connect it to your smart device
• The windshield sheds hair

Budget Option

If you’re looking for a low budget option for external microphones, we recommend the following product:

5) BOYA BY-M1 Clip-On Microphone for DSLR Camera/Smartphone/Camcorder/Audio Recorders – Black

Features

Usage

If you are new to making videos, for example, social media videos, self-tapes for auditions, podcasts, or simple YouTube videos, and want excellent audio quality, you need to try out a low budget option like the Boya BY-M1 Clip-On Microphone.

Build Quality

The Boya clip-on is a lavalier microphone, made of plastic with a foam windshield. It has a metal clip with teeth, which is quite strong and can get securely attached to your clothes. The microphone cable is 6m long and very thin. It is convenient for people who like to walk around while recording. The cable comes with a velcro strap for easy management.

The cable has a 3.5 mm 4-pole gold-plated plug, which can be easily plugged into your recording device.

Direction

The Boya BY-M1 is an omnidirectional microphone, which picks up sounds from all directions. This means that your audio will sound more natural. It can stand well against wind, pop, and handling noise, as compared to other directional microphones.

Compatibility

This is a powered microphone, which means that it is compatible with DSLR cameras, smartphones, laptops, camcorders, and other audio recorders. In short, it can be plugged into any equipment with an audio input option. If you have an iPhone with a lightning connector, the Boya BY-M1 can easily connect to the dongle as well. It has a small button on it which can be toggled between the camera and smartphone option. Talk about versatility!

What’s in the Box

The Boya BY-M1 comes with a lavalier microphone, lapel clip, foam windshield, ¼ inches adaptor, LR44 battery, and a user manual. All the accessories to have this mic up and running are included in the box, so you don’t require any additional items.

Pros

• Compact
• Lightweight and portable
• Low priced
• Simple setup
• Easy to use
• 6m long cable

Cons

• Requires an LR44 battery
• The long wire can cause people to trip
• Cannot record multiple people
• Sound quality is not comparable to high-end microphones

Conclusion

With the video marketing trend gaining popularity with each passing day, making videos, podcasts, how-to tutorials and other videos for social media is becoming quite common. Everyone wants to make amazing videos with the best sound quality.

Often the built-in microphones are not up to the level, so the best thing is to invest in an external microphone. With a variety of external microphones available out there, it can get very confusing as to which one should you choose. We hope that our detailed review of different lavalier and shotgun microphones will help you in making an informed decision.

Regardless of which microphone you opt for, you should keep in mind that your ultimate goal is to provide clear and crisp audio to the listeners. Therefore, take your time to choose the perfect microphone that does justice to your recordings and is within your budget.