How to use an External Microphone with iPhones? iPhone 7, 8 & iPhone X

In this article, we help you explain how to use an External Microphone with iPhones. If you are into studio recordings or a podcaster, this article might help you.

The camera has improved considerably over the past on iPhones and somewhat better on iPads. Now anyone can make decent movies, slideshows, podcasts and much more with their mobile. Whether it comes to image processing or better lens, iOS is doing great. But there is one department that still lacks the quality. The built-in mic in the iPhones and iPads is good for calls and recording regular movies. But if you want studio quality audio, you have to rely on an external microphone that you can connect with your iPhone.

How to use an External Microphone with iPhones?

Apple has dumped the 3.5 mm jack entirely from iPhone 7 onwards. It was arguably the right decision. Now you get only a lightning port to connect devices and charge the phone. Presently, you have two options to choose an external microphone for your iPhone. Now, if already have one and want to use the same with your iPhone, we will explain how to use it with your iPhone.

But if you are looking for a new mic for iPhone or iPad, better look for an Apple MFi certified plug and play mic. A plug and play mic might cost you a little more but will relieve you from the hassle. You can consider Rode NT USB and Apogee MiC 96k microphones. They do not require any external batteries or external power USB hubs. All the necessary lightning and USB cables are included in the package.

Image Source: Labnol.org

Now coming to the second option, the USB microphones that we use with our computers to record professional audio. If you already have a good-quality USB mic, you can save some money and use it with your iPhone. All you need is few cables and accessories. To get things working, you need a powered USB hub. USB 2.0 will also work but go for the USB 3.0. Also, you need lightning to USB adapter. Do remember, cable and adapter are different things. So look for adapter not cable. The setup is simple; you have to follow these simple steps.

1. Connect one end of the Apple Lightning to USB adapter to the powered USB hub and the other end to lightning port of your iPhone/iPad.
2. Now connect the USB microphone to the USB hub to the available port.
3. Connect the USB hub to the electric supply using the power adapter cord.

That’s all you have to do, and you are good to record high-quality audio on your iPhone or iPad. Now to hear the recorded sound, you can unplug the external mic. If you external mic has a headphone jack, you can use it to listen to the recorded audio without disconnecting external microphone from your iPhone.