Read our reviews of the best external microphones to record high-quality audio with your iPhone and iPad.
The iPhone is a perfect device for recording audio and video for YouTube, an interview, a podcast, or a video conference due to its portability. However, you may need a good microphone for extra sound quality. That’s why we have decided to compile the best external microphones for iPhone and iPad that are fully compatible with the Apple system.
All of these options use the iPhone’s Lightning connection, so you can forget about adapters. In addition, they are also compatible with all iPad models, except for the new iPad Pro with a USB-C connection.
Also, see the best free call recording apps for your iPhone.
The top 7 best external microphones for iPhone and iPad
Smartphones have been a boon to audio and video recording enthusiasts. They offer people a way to record audio/video, edit clips, and post recordings to the Internet… all while using a device.
But even though smartphones like the iPhone have built-in microphones for sound recording, the quality of these built-in microphones is notoriously poor.
Also, see the best music accessories for your iOS devices.
In truth, if you want to record with your iPhone, you will need an upgrade… a high-quality microphone for iPhone, which will do the job well and help you improve your iPhone’s recording performance capabilities!
Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone
The MV88 is made specifically for the iPhone and comes equipped with a Lightning 3-pin connector, making it natively compatible with all iOS devices.
The high-fidelity condenser microphone has 5 preset DSP modes for different applications (vocal, singing, flat, instruments, and alto) and the onboard computer automatically adjusts the equalizer for the particular sound.
Shure is perfect for the iPhone recorder on the go and requires no additional installation. Just plug it in and record. The metal casing is durable and will withstand even the most intrepid journalistic activities.
If you want incredible quality from a brand you can trust and need a great condenser microphone option for your iPhone, look no further than the Shure MV88. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Zoom iQ6 X / Y
This is another of the best external microphones for iPhones and iPad. The Zoom iQ6 X / Y allows the pickup range to be adjusted from 90 to 120 degrees. The numbered wheel you see on the front is the microphone gain setting. It allows you to quickly make adjustments without going into the software. There is also a headphone/line jack that can be used both during recording and playback. This is great if you have a new iPhone 7 that no longer has a standard headphone jack.
One of the standout features is the removable spacer, which allows the Zoom iQ6 to be used with or without the iPhone case. It has 3 LEDs to give you a visual signal of your levels. Zoom also has a recording application for the iPhone that allows you to record .wav or .aac files. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
ZOOM iQ7 MS
The Zoom iQ7 is similar to the previous iQ6 but uses a microphone set up in the middle, which gives it much more flexibility. One of the problems with X / Y recording is that you are stuck with what is being recorded. Recordings in the middle part allow for adjustments in post-production. The middle side is always mono-compatible as well. B&H has a great explanation of mid-side recording if you want to know more.
Like the iQ6, there’s a hardware mic gain control on the front and center. In addition, it has a combo headphone and line-out jack. You can also rotate the microphone capsules in multiple directions so that they are properly positioned for the subject or scene. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
External microphones for iPhone: Shure MV51
The Shure MV51 was specifically designed for use with the iPhone, iPod, and/or iPad, and is certified to address connection to any iOS device without the need for additional connection kits or adapters. It comes with 5 preset modes, including Sing, Speech, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, and Alto… and automatically adjusts gain, EQ, compression, and limiting to help you achieve optimal results, regardless of the type of audio you’re recording. The MV51’s front panel controls are intuitive and easy to use. Just select the mode you want to use. This device also comes with a mute button, a headphone volume, and a gain knob.
The Shure MV51’s built-in headphone output also gives you real-time monitoring. This way, you can avoid any latency issues that may occur while recording … which will go a long way toward mitigating issues with sound lag, which can really disrupt your performance. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Comica CVM-WS50
This is another of the best external microphones for iPhones and iPad. The Comica CVM-WS50 (C) wireless microphone comes with features that will really help you take your video/audio recording to a whole new level.
With this system, you get 6 channels and 194 feet of wireless range. It also has a built-in rechargeable battery, a special LCD screen that shows channels, audio status, and power consumption… and even real-time monitoring to counteract any potential latency issues you may be facing.
This is actually a complete wireless kit, and it comes with: the transmitter, the receiver, a mini tripod, TRRS audio output cable, 3.5mm audio microphone, a USB charging cable, a wind cuff, a paper clip for the belt, a carrying case, and a user manual.
What we like the most about the Comica CVM-WS50 (C) kit is probably the fact that it takes your iPhone and transforms it into an all-in-one video or audio recording station. You really can’t beat this wireless kit, especially for the price!
If you know for sure that you are looking for a wireless microphone for iPhone… there are dozens of additional options in our post dedicated to external wireless microphones for iPhones, here. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Apogee MiC Plus
The Apogee Mic Plus is a professional cardioid microphone to get the most out of your recordings.
If you want a condenser microphone to record with the best possible quality, the Apogee Mic + is for you.
Features PureDIGITAL connection to deliver crystal clear sound with 96 kHz 24-bit quality.
It’s a perfect mic for recording professional-quality guitars, pianos, woodwinds, podcasts, and just about anything. It is so versatile that it is at the level of superior mics.
It is compatible with any iOS 9 or later device, but you can also connect it with a Windows or macOS PC.
Also, it has a headphone output to listen to the recording in real-time with zero latency. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Apogee ClipMic digital
This is another of the best external microphones for iPhones and iPad. One option for a lavalier microphone that is specifically designed for the iPhone is the Sennheiser ClipMic. It uses the same Omni-directional microphone capsule as the Sennheiser ME2. The Lightning connection is Apple MFi certified, and the analog audio signal is processed in 24-bit / 96 kHz digital by Apogee-designed hardware (see the box-like thing in the picture? That’s what it does).
It comes with a carrying bag and a metal windshield. Want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Tips on external microphones for iPhone
Most of these iPhone microphones are very simple to use and are generally of the “Plug and Record” type. I mean, they don’t require settings or anything like that.
But beyond that, there are a few things you can do to improve the performance of these iPhone microphones.
Tips:
- Activate Airplane Mode: Activating airplane mode is used to disconnect all signals and prevent the phone from ringing while you are recording. Also, it will eliminate any kind of interference.
- Coating the wind mic: Many of these iPhone microphones have a filter that helps reduce wind, but will not eliminate it entirely. It is always a good idea to position yourself against the wind and keep the microphone covered.
- Try different recording apps: Most microphones come with their manufacturer’s default app and this is usually the best option. But sometimes it is not that good or it simply does not have a certain app. Try different apps from the App Store with good reviews to improve performance.
Tips for choosing external microphones for iPhone
To choose the correct microphone, you need to determine what you are going to use it for.
In this article, I have described the best microphones based on their category.
If you are going to use it to record music, instruments, or vocals, you definitely have to go for an iPhone studio microphone.
For other uses such as podcasts, still video audios for YouTube, and any quality use, I also recommend studio iPhone microphones.
On the other hand, if you need it to be really small or discreet, then I recommend a portable microphone. Many of these are of incredible professional quality. Also, see the best apps to record your iPhone’s screen.
That’s all for now, friends. thank you.
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