How do I connect my microphone to my phone to record video?
Many people use their phone’s built-in microphone when recording videos, but there are some key benefits to connecting an external microphone instead:
An external microphone can improve audio quality – Phone microphones are small and often pick up a lot of background noise. An external mic is higher quality and captures better sound.
An external microphone allows more control – You can choose from different types of mics for different situations, and position it closer to your mouth or audio source.
An external mic enables consistent volume – Phone mics amplify soft voices but can distort loud sounds. An external mic maintains consistent levels.
Using an external microphone results in more professional videos and livestreams with clear vocals or audio. This guide will cover everything you need to know about connecting various types of microphones to your mobile device.
What You’ll Need
To connect a microphone to your phone for recording video, there are a few key pieces of equipment you’ll need:
- Microphone – You’ll need an external microphone designed for use with mobile devices. Popular options include lapel microphones like the Rode Lavalier II or Sennheiser MKE400, and shotgun microphones like the Rode VideoMic Me-L or Shure MV88.
- Phone – Most modern smartphone models have a headphone jack and/or lightning port that allows you to connect external microphones. Just make sure your phone supports microphone input before purchasing any gear.
- Microphone cable or adapter – Depending on your microphone choice, you may need a cable like a TRRS or TRS to connect to your phone’s headphone jack, or an adapter for lightning or USB-C ports. Cables often come included with the microphone.
With this basic equipment, you’ll be ready to connect your external microphone to start capturing high quality audio with your mobile videos. Keep reading to learn more about connection specifics.
Wired vs Wireless Microphones
When connecting a microphone to your phone, you have two main options – wired or wireless. Both have their pros and cons.
Wired microphones connect directly to your phone’s headphone jack or charging port. The main benefits of wired mics are:
- Reliability – since it’s a direct connection, there’s less chance of interference or dropout
- Sound quality – wired mics generally have better sound reproduction compared to wireless
- Cost – wired mics tend to be more affordable than wireless models
According to Shure, wired microphones are a simple plug-and-play solution that work for most users.
Wireless microphones use Bluetooth or radio frequencies to transmit audio to your phone wirelessly. Benefits of wireless mics include:
- Mobility – ability to move freely without cables
- Convenience – quick and easy setup without cables
- Stage presence – cleaner look without wires on stage
Popular wired microphone models include the Shure MV88 and Rode Smartlav+, while popular wireless models are the Sennheiser XSW-D Portable Lav and Rode Wireless GO.
According to Croma, wireless microphones provide more flexibility but wired mics offer higher reliability.
Connecting a Wired Microphone
Wired microphones connect to your phone’s headphone jack or USB-C port using an audio cable. If your phone has a headphone jack, you can plug the microphone directly into the jack using a TRRS audio cable. TRRS stands for Tip, Ring, Ring, Sleeve and allows audio input and output over one connector.
However, many modern smartphones like iPhones and newer Android devices do not have a headphone jack. For these phones, you will need a USB-C to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter to connect your wired microphone. These adapters convert the analog audio from the mic to a digital signal that can be transmitted over USB-C. Make sure to get an adapter specifically designed for microphones, as regular headphone adapters may not work.
Some recommended USB-C to 3.5mm microphone adapters include:
- Apple Lightning to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter (for iPhones)
- Samsung USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter (for Galaxy phones)
- UGREEN USB C to 3.5mm Audio Adapter (for Android phones)
When shopping for an adapter, look for one that specifically states compatibility with microphones or audio input. Avoid cheap generic adapters as they often do not work properly for recording audio. Quality matters when it comes to these small but essential adapters!
Connecting a Wireless Microphone
Wireless microphones provide mobility and flexibility for recording videos with your smartphone. There are two main types – Bluetooth and receiver-based. OldTimeMusic.com
Bluetooth microphones connect directly to your phone like wireless headphones. They are simple to set up but can introduce latency and sync issues. Receiver-based mics transmit audio over radio frequencies to a paired receiver module that connects to your phone’s charging port. These provide reliable, low-latency connections ideal for recording.
To pair a wireless microphone via Bluetooth:
- Enable Bluetooth on your smartphone and put the microphone in pairing mode per its instructions.
- Select your mic from the list of available Bluetooth devices to connect.
For receiver-based wireless mics:
- Plug the wireless receiver module into your phone’s charging port.
- Turn on the microphone and receiver, and ensure both are on the same channel.
- The microphone should automatically connect and pair with the receiver.
Refer to your microphone’s manual for detailed pairing instructions. Position the mic closely for best sound quality when recording videos with your smartphone.
Microphone Types
When choosing a microphone to connect to your phone for video recording, there are a few main types to consider:
Lavalier Microphones
Lavalier or lapel microphones are small clip-on mics that attach to your shirt collar or lapel. As Sennheiser notes, lavalier mics are ideal for podcasts, interviews, and other mobile uses where optimal speech clarity is needed [1]. They provide clear voice pickup while remaining subtle and out of the frame.
Shotgun Microphones
Shotgun mics are highly directional mics designed to pick up sound from a specific source while minimizing background noise. As Switcher Studio explains, shotgun mics are useful for interviews, events, and other mobile video where isolating the audio source is important [2].
Handheld Microphones
Handheld mics are versatile options that allow you to easily move the microphone around. As TechSmith notes, handheld mics with an integrated windscreen work well for voiceovers, interviews, and other mobile recording [3]. Just be sure to keep the mic close to the sound source.
Microphone Placement
Proper microphone positioning is crucial for capturing clear audio when recording videos with your phone. The optimal placement depends on the type of microphone you’re using.
For lavalier microphones that clip onto your shirt, position the mic just below your chin, about 6-8 inches from your mouth. Point the mic towards your mouth at a 45 degree angle. Make sure clothes don’t rub against the mic as this can cause noise.
With handheld mics, hold the mic 2-4 inches from your mouth, pointed up towards your bottom lip. Keep a relaxed grip to avoid handling noise. Use a mic stand or boom arm if possible for optimal positioning.
When using a USB or XLR microphone on a desk, position yourself about 4-6 inches back from the mic. Point the top of the mic towards your mouth. Elevate the mic slightly above mouth level using a stand or boom arm.
Aim for the microphone to pick up your voice clearly while minimizing background noise. Experiment with positioning to find the optimal distance and angle for your recording setup. Proper placement will lead to professional quality audio.
Source: https://rode.com/en/about/news-info/how-to-position-your-microphone-for-streaming
Microphone Settings
Adjusting the input levels on your microphone is crucial for getting clean audio when recording videos with your phone. The input levels control how sensitive the mic is to picking up sound. If the level is too low, the audio will be faint and noisy. If it’s too high, the audio may peak and distort. Most phones and external microphones have level controls in the settings.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Camera > Record Video and adjust the volume slider. For specific mic models like the RØDE VideoMic Me, use the RØDE Reporter app to change levels. On Android, open the Camera app settings and adjust microphone levels. Apps like Open Camera also offer input settings.
Normalizing the audio in post-production can help maintain a consistent volume. Use editing software like Final Cut or Premiere to boost quiet sections and limit peaks. Plugins like Levelator can automatically normalize volume. Proper input levels combined with light normalization delivers clean, balanced audio for phone videos.
Recording Tips
To get the best possible audio when recording with your phone, focus on reducing ambient noise and microphone technique. Here are some tips:
Reduce ambient noise. Find a quiet location with minimal background sounds to record in. If necessary, hang blankets on walls as makeshift sound dampeners. Position the phone microphone close to your mouth so it picks up more of your voice rather than surrounding sounds. Use noise-cancelling headphones so you can better monitor the recording.
Pay attention to microphone technique. Hold the phone or external microphone steady at around 6 inches from your mouth. Speak clearly and project your voice. Avoid plosives by using a pop filter or speaking slightly off-axis from the mic. Make slower movements to prevent rustling noises. Check levels to avoid peaking the microphone which causes distortion.
Experiment with mic placement to find the optimal distance and angle from your mouth. Some external mics sound best when addressed from their sides rather than top. Choose a low-sensitivity setting to prioritize closeup voice over faraway background noise. With practice, you can learn proper microphone etiquette for recording great-sounding audio.
For more tips, see:
How to Record Better Smartphone Audio
Conclusion
Recording audio for your phone videos using an external microphone can help improve the overall quality and capture clearer sound. The key steps are to choose a wired or wireless microphone based on your needs, properly connect it to your phone, place the microphone close to the sound source and try the different settings to get the best audio quality. Adjust the microphone gain so the levels are strong without peaking or distorting. Test out different microphone placements to minimize background noise. Finally, use a windscreen for outdoor recording and edit the audio in a video editing app to polish the sound.
For more help on getting great audio when recording videos with your phone, check out these useful resources: