Can I use USB mic on Android?
Using an external USB microphone with an Android device can greatly improve audio quality for recordings, podcasts, videos, and more. The built-in microphone on most Android phones and tablets picks up a lot of background noise and lacks directionality and clarity. An external mic provides much better sound isolation and fidelity.
This article provides a comprehensive guide on using USB microphones with Android devices. We’ll cover microphone compatibility, required hardware, microphone apps, connecting and configuring the mic, tips for quality recording, and potential limitations.
Advantages of Using a USB Mic
Using a USB microphone provides several advantages over relying solely on your phone’s built-in microphone for recording audio:
Better audio quality – USB microphones, especially condenser models, are designed specifically for recording clearer audio. They provide flatter frequency response for more accurate sound reproduction compared to phone mics which are tuned for voice calls. Condenser mics are extremely sensitive and have excellent transient response.
More control over recording – With a USB microphone, you can precisely position it for optimal audio pickup. Phone mics capture ambient noise from all directions. Adjustable mic gain also allows you to fine-tune input volume.
Use high-end condenser mics – Studio-quality condenser microphones can be connected via USB which offer superb fidelity unmatched by smartphone mics. Large diaphragm condensers excel at vocals and acoustic instruments.
Noise cancellation – Many USB mics have built-in filters and noise cancellation algorithms to minimize ambient sound interference.
Consistent audio across devices – Using an external USB mic provides a consistent recording experience across different phones or tablets. The mic’s sound profile stays the same.
Sources:
https://www.quora.com/Are-smartphones-microphones-good-enough-to-use-instead-of-condenser-microphones
What are tangible benefits of headphones+external mic combo vs. headphones with a build-in mic?
byu/BronzeHeart92 inpcgaming
Microphone Compatibility
The ability to use a USB microphone with an Android device depends largely on the version of Android it is running. USB mic support was first introduced in Android 5.0 Lollipop in 2014 Source. Since then, many newer versions of Android have improved and expanded on USB audio functionality.
As of 2023, the following Android versions are known to support USB microphone input:
- Android 5.0 Lollipop and higher
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- Android 7.0 Nougat
- Android 8.0 Oreo
- Android 9 Pie
- Android 10
- Android 11
- Android 12
- Android 13
Specific Android phones and tablets that have been verified to work with USB mics include:
- Google Pixel series
- Samsung Galaxy S and Note series
- LG G series
- Motorola Moto Z series
- OnePlus phones
So in summary, most modern Android devices running Android 5.0 or higher should be able to support USB microphone input. But some older, budget Android phones may still lack USB audio support.
Required Hardware
To use a USB microphone with an Android device, there are some basic hardware requirements:
First and foremost, you will need a USB microphone. There are many options on the market from brands like Blue, Samson, Audio-Technica, Shure, and more. Choose a USB mic based on your budget and recording needs.
You will also need either an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter or a device with a USB-C port that supports USB audio. Most modern Android phones have a USB-C port, but you may need an OTG adapter for older micro USB models to connect the mic. The OTG adapter allows you to plug the USB mic directly into your Android device.
Additionally, an external USB sound card or preamp can improve audio quality and volume levels. However, this may not be required for casual recording using a USB mic with Android. The built-in amps on most smartphones provide enough power for basic miking needs.
So in summary, a USB mic, OTG adapter if needed, and optionally an external sound card or preamp are the key hardware required. As long as your Android device supports USB audio out, you should be able to connect and use a proper USB microphone for recording and other audio input tasks.
Microphone Apps
There are a number of Android apps that allow you to use a USB microphone for audio recording and enhancing sound quality. Some popular options include:
Open Camera – This camera app has extensive audio controls that let you adjust gain and use external mics.
Audacity – A powerful open source audio editor that works with USB mics. You can record, edit, and export high-quality audio.
WO Mic – Turns your Android device into a microphone that can connect to your computer. Supports USB microphones.
Pro Microphone – Provides advanced audio recording and editing tools like mic gain control, filters, and audio formats.
Many of these apps allow you to customize the gain and volume levels when using a USB microphone for the best quality recordings. They are useful for podcasting, audio books, music recording, and other situations where high-fidelity external microphones are helpful.
Connecting the Microphone
Connecting a USB microphone to an Android device requires either an OTG (On-The-Go) adapter or a USB-C port, depending on your device. An OTG adapter allows you to connect USB accessories to Android devices that don’t have a full-size USB port.
To use an OTG adapter, simply plug it into your device’s micro USB or USB-C port, then connect your USB microphone to the adapter. This will provide the power and data transfer the microphone needs. Many modern Android devices have USB-C ports that support microphones directly without an adapter.
One potential issue is USB microphone driver support in Android. While most devices will recognize the microphone as a USB audio device automatically, some may require you to install drivers or apps for full functionality. Troubleshooting tips include:
- Trying different OTG adapters if the mic isn’t recognized
- Updating your Android OS and apps to latest versions
- Using an app like USB Audio Player PRO to improve driver support
- Checking manufacturer info to confirm mic compatibility with your device
With the right adapter and up-to-date OS/apps, connecting USB mics to Android devices is straightforward. Focus on hardware compatibility and driver support to avoid issues.
Audio Settings Configuration
Once the USB microphone is connected, you need to configure your Android device’s audio settings to switch the audio input to the external mic instead of the built-in mic. Here are the key settings to adjust:
Enabling USB Mic as Audio Input
Go to Settings > Sound > Audio inputs and select the connected USB mic as the preferred option for audio input. This instructs your Android device to use the external USB mic for recording instead of the built-in microphone.
Adjusting Sample Rate/Bit Depth
You can further optimize audio quality by adjusting the sample rate and bit depth under Audio inputs. A higher sample rate like 44.1kHz or 48kHz will capture higher frequencies, resulting in better audio quality. The bit depth determines dynamic range – 16-bit is the minimum, while 24-bit will provide greater dynamic range.
Mono vs Stereo
Recording in mono sums the left and right channels into a single track, while stereo separates them into two tracks. Stereo audio provides spatial imaging for a more natural listening experience. However, mono may be preferable in some cases like podcasting where panning is not required. Select the mono or stereo option under Audio inputs as per your recording needs.
Tips for Quality Recording
Here are some tips to help you get the highest quality recordings from your USB microphone on an Android device:
Mic Technique
How you position and speak into the microphone makes a big difference in audio quality. Get close to the mic, within 6 inches, and speak directly into it. Avoid pointing the mic at sources of background noise. Speak clearly and project your voice. Use a pop filter to reduce plosives and mouth noises if needed.
Finding a Quiet Space
Environmental noise will get picked up by the mic, so find a quiet spot to record. Turn off any background noise sources like fans, AC units, televisions. Close windows and doors to minimize outside sounds. Some professional mics use sound isolation shields to block ambient noise.
Using Mic Accessories
Accessories can enhance your USB mic’s capabilities. Use a high-quality mic stand to position the mic properly. A shockmount reduces vibrations and noise. A pop filter stops plosive mouth sounds from registering. A windscreen diminishes wind interference. These accessories help produce cleaner, more professional recordings.
Limitations & Challenges
Using a USB microphone with an Android device has some limitations and challenges to be aware of:
Driver support can be an issue. Not all Android devices properly support USB audio devices out of the box. Many devices will require a third-party app or driver to enable USB microphone functionality (source: https://smartfilming.blog/2019/03/28/17-using-external-microphones-with-android-devices-when-shooting-video/).
Powering condenser microphones can also be problematic. Condenser mics require phantom power, which most phones don’t provide over USB. Either an adapter or external phantom power source will be required (source: https://www.reddit.com/r/AndroidQuestions/comments/152iyog/can_i_use_external_mic_for_phone_calls/).
Latency and audio quality issues may arise depending on the specific microphone, cable, and Android device used. Testing different configurations is recommended to find the optimal setup (source: https://www.syncoaudio.com/blogs/news/usb-c-microphone-android-four-factors-to-consider).
Conclusion
In summary, USB microphones do work with Android devices, but there are a few important factors to be aware of:
- The microphone and Android device need to be compatible – not all USB mics will work.
- You’ll likely need an OTG adapter to connect the USB mic.
- A microphone app like Open Camera is required to access the external mic.
- Proper configuration of audio settings is crucial for quality recordings.
- There are some limitations like monitoring latency that should be kept in mind.
To successfully use a USB microphone with an Android device, choose a compatible microphone, purchase any required adapters, download a suitable microphone app, and take the time to test and adjust the audio settings. With the right setup, you can record high quality audio directly on your Android phone or tablet.