How to Record High Quality Audio on Your iPhone – Virtuoso Central

Improve the Sound of the Videos and Podcasts You Record on Your iPhone

It’s no secret that onboard microphones are not that great. Some are better than others, but overall they can’t deliver high-quality sound. Although technology has improved a lot in the last few years, the sound quality still needs improvement.

Onboard mics can’t deliver HD sound because they are not designed for such a task; besides, they have physical limitations.

Whether you are recording a vlog for your YouTube channel, a podcast, or live music performance, your phone’s audio quality can be improved.

So, how can you record high-quality audio on your iPhone?  The straightforward answer is by using an external microphone with a larger and more sensitive membrane or one with multiple mic capsules for better stereo dispersion. That way, it picks up the more subtle nuances in sound, and you end up with a high-quality audio recording from your iPhone.

For a more detailed answer, Keep reading this post to find out.

Understanding the Limitations of your iPhone’s Onboard Microphone.

Sound waves are vibrations that travel through the air. A mic’s function is to pick air pressure vibrations generated by the traveling sound waves and convert them into an electric signal.

If the mic’s membrane is small, it limits the frequency response it can pick up from the traveling sound waves.

In case you didn’t know, a mic’s frequency response defines the range of sound it can reproduce and how its output level changes within that range.

If a membrane has more surface area, its frequency response will be better because it can capture more acoustic energy from the air pressure vibrations. Consequently, the mic’s membrane produces a higher electric signal, thus a more accurate audio signal.

With a higher electric signal, you get better performance because your signal to noise ratio will be lower when compared to other types of microphones with smaller membranes.

The onboard mic on your iPhone or Android device is tiny, limiting its ability to pick up a wide range of sound vibrations. The small membrane is also very limited to picking up the detailed nuances in sound when playing a musical instrument or singing.

Smartphones use audio processing algorithms to improve the sound quality but still falls short if you want high definition audio quality.

How to Record High-Quality Audio on Your iPhone

To record better-sounding videos for your YouTube channel, deliver a better experience when live streaming, or podcasting, you need to use an external condenser microphone.

There are many options to choose from, but not all deliver the same audio quality. Depending on which application you need it for, the choice can be different. Here are a few options depending on what you want to record.

Best iPhone External Microphones for Recording Better-Sounding Videos

If you are a content creator, you would agree that the iPhone’s video quality is pretty amazing. It can deliver HD video quality up to 4k at 60fps with the 2020 models.

If you use your iPhone to record videos for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook, you want to deliver videos that sound as good as they look.

Here are the top microphone picks that are designed and proven to provide excellent sound for your videos.

Shure MV88+

Ideal for Creating Better-Sounding Video Recordings

Shure created a mobile rig for content creators that works flawlessly with any of your Apple devices right out of the box. Thanks to its MFi certification, you can be sure that it is 100% compatible with Apple products, except the iPad Pro.

All you have to do is connect your iPhone via the included Lightning connector and start recording videos with high-quality audio.

Specs That Speak for themselves

The MV88+ is a professional condenser microphone with two 10mm capsules arranged in a Mid-Side configuration to provide you with an adjustable stereo dispersion controlled by the app. This feature is suitable for capturing different types of sources, from speech to acoustic sounds and music.

It comes with several DSP presets for speech, singing, acoustic, loud, and flat. The frequency response is from 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and the maximum loudness/SPL (Sound Pressure level) that this mic can handle is 120 dB. It has an adjustable gain range that goes from 0 dB to +36 dB.

Enhance the Sound Quality with the ShurePlus MOTIV Audio & Video Apps

To enhance your setup, download the ShurePlus MOTIV audio & video Apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to enable many more features.

The app gives you more control while recording and the ability to save and share your content in multiple formats.

With the app, you also get a 5-band equalizer to adjust the sound to your taste, a wind noise reduction setting to minimize the wind’s sound in the recording if recording in the outdoors, a limiter, and a compressor to maintain constant levels in the audio.  

The audio compressor feature helps you maintain a constant volume without affecting your voice or music’s dynamics throughout your recording. This feature is a must if you want to produce high-quality professional content.

This high-quality microphone for your iPhone has an all-metal construction for durability, just like any other Shure microphone. 

Compatible with Multiple Devices

Although this mic is specially designed for Apple products, it’s also compatible with Android and any other device that accepts a USB Type-C connector. Just make sure that the USB Host, either a phone or any other device, can deliver at least 100 mA of current to power the mic.

If you are not sure if the MV88+ is compatible with your device, click the following link to check compatibility.

Best iPhone External Microphone for Recording Podcasts, Acoustic Music, and Livestreaming

When recording a podcast or live music performance using your iPhone, you have to ensure that the audio is detailed, crisp, and clear to pick up the more subtle details in the voice or music and provide an excellent listening experience to your audience.

Remember that with podcasts, you rely only on audio to catch the audience’s attention. That’s the reason why all the top podcasts have one thing in common; they sound amazing. Of course, the message plays an important role, but when all is said and done, if the podcast sounds awful, no one will listen to it.

Here are the top microphone picks proven to provide excellent sound for podcasting, live streaming, and music recording using your iPhone or iPad.

Shure MV88

The Perfect Solution for Recording Podcast and Live Acoustic Sounds

This mic is a bit different than the MV88+. The Shure MV88  mounts to your phone via the lightning connector, which serves as the mic’s holder. It offers a multi-directional pick-up pattern that can be adjusted through the app for the best results possible.

The mic’s capsules can tilt and rotate to provide you with more flexibility to get the best result when interviewing for your podcast or capturing a live acoustic performance. Best of all, the sound quality of this mic is excellent.

Specifications that Stand Out from the Rest

This mic is Apple MFi certified, ensuring that it works with any iOS device with a Lightning connector.

It comes with two matched 10 mm condenser capsules arranged in a Mid-Side configuration providing a broader pick-up polar pattern that can be controlled straight from the app. Select and adjust the width for stereo, mono bidirectional, mono cardioid, and mid-side polar patterns.

But what makes this mic different from the MV88+ s is that you have the advantage of manually rotating and tilting the capsules to get the best shot and audio quality at the same time.

The Analog to Digital Converter (A/D) can be configured for an audio resolution up to 24-bit/48 kHz, with a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The gain is adjustable from 0 dB to +36 dB.

Get More Professional Controls with the ShurePlus MOTIV Apps

With the ShurePlus audio & video apps, you can access features like a 5-band EQ, limiter, compressor, and DSP presets. When using the DSP presets, the app adjusts the settings to deliver the best results for that specific situation.

For example, select the speech preset to record podcasts or interviews. With this setting, your app will accentuate the upper mid-frequencies to enhance the vocal range for speech.

If laying down a vocal demo or recording voice, choose the singing preset. The app will adjust the EQ and compression settings to deliver the best audio quality while singing.

Do you need to record an acoustic instrument like a guitar? No problem, select the acoustic preset, and all the controls tuned to capture all the performance’s nuances.

When you need to record in a loud environment like a live concert or band rehearsal, select the loud preset designed for picking up sound in loud places without distorting the recording.  

In some cases, you’d want to pick up sound just as it is without adding EQ or compression for a more natural audio recording. In such a case, choose the flat preset, and all the settings will be reset to deliver a real sound with no coloring.

High-Quality Build

Shure engineered the MV88 with an all-metal construction body to withstand the most demanding recording conditions.

Apogee HypeMiC

The HypeMic Delivers Excellent Sound for Recording Vocals, Professional Voice Over, Livestreaming, and Podcasting Straight From Your iPhone.

The HypeMic from Apogee was designed from the ground up, considering the needs of content creators. It is a plug-and-play solution that works seamlessly with iOS, macOS, and Windows 10. It is optimized to work with Apple apps like GarageBand and Core Audio compatible apps on Mac.

Video Credits: Kyle Mann

Specs Designed for Producing Beautiful Recordings and Live Streams

To record high-quality audio on your iPhone, leverage the specs of the HypeMic. Its medium-size cardioid condenser capsule is sensitive enough to pick up the most subtle details present in any sound. All thanks to the extended high-frequency response it can deliver.

The HypeMic is the only USB microphone available in the market with a built-in analog audio compressor to deliver incredibly clear vocals and acoustic sounds. Its analog to digital converter has a 24-bit/96kHz sound resolution for pristine sound quality.

It comes with three available settings on the analog compressor. The low compression setting is perfect for shaping the vocals and instruments in your music recordings.

The medium setting works great for podcasts, interviews, and live streams to deliver constant, more stable volume to your audio. The high compression setting is for providing the highest audio levels possible without distorting the sound.

Monitor yourself while recording with zero latency by connecting a pair of headphones to the available 3.5mm output.

The maximum loudness/SPL is 130dB, and the maximum gain it can provide is 46 dB.

Video Credits: Apogee Electronics

What’s In the box?

The Apogee HypeMic comes with everything you need to start recording right away: In the box, you’ll find:

• 1 x HypeMiC
• 1 x Desktop tripod
• 1 x Microphone stand adapter
• 1 x Pop filter
• 1 x Carry case
• 1 x Micro-USB to USB-C cable – For connecting it to a laptop
• 1 x Micro-USB to USB-A cable – For connecting the mic to a desktop computer
• 1 x Micro B-to-Lightning cable – To connect the mic straight to your iPhone or iPad
• 1 x Quick start guide.

Shure MOTIV MV51

Unmatched Audio Quality When Recording Vocals, Guitars, Voice Over, Livestreaming, and Podcasting Right From Your iPhone or iPad

A large-diaphragm condenser microphone is the real deal if you want to record high-quality audio on your iPhone. With Shure’s 90 years of experience designing the best microphones in the market, you’ll get legendary sound performance with the MV51 microphone, which provides best-in-class audio. Plus, you get the ultimate convenience in digital audio recording straight to your phone with this mic.

The MOTIV MV51 is MFi certified, which guarantees it will seamlessly work with your iPhone or iPad through a direct Lightning connector. No need for external adapters.

Specifications Designed to Deliver Legendary Performance

One of the best features of the MV51 is the 1-inch electret condenser capsule with a unidirectional cardioid polar pattern perfect for delivering the best audio quality for your podcasts, music performance, and video streaming.

The A/D converter has an audio resolution of up to 24-bit/48 kHz and a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. The gain can be varied from 0 dB TO 36 dB.

Its maximum SPL is 130 dB. This is considering that the gain is set to a minimum to avoid distortion.

Monitor yourself while recording by connecting headphones to the available 3.5mm output with zero latency. Plus, with the included onboard touch panel control, get quick access to gain, mute, and headphone volume adjustments.

This mic doesn’t need external batteries to work. It’s powered through USB or Lightning connector.

The vintage-looking, all-metal housing is made to last and protect the components inside from tough environments.

At only 20.27 oz (574.7 g) and dimensions of 128 × 86 × 70 mm H × W × D, you get a portable, high-quality large-diaphragm microphone that delivers the best possible audio quality for your iPhone and iPad recordings.

Presets and Features Designed to Make You Sound at Your Best

As with all Shure’s digital microphones, with the MOTIV MV51, you get 5 DSP Preset Modes  (Speech, Singing, Flat, Acoustic Instrument, and Loud) easily accessible from the onboard touch panel control. With the app, get access to more features like automatic gain adjustment, EQ, compression, and limiting for optimal results with your live recordings.

It is Compatible with Multiple Devices

This microphone is designed specifically for Apple products, but it’s also compatible with Android and Windows. Just make sure that the USB host supports USB Audio Class 2.0 and Micro-B OTG (On-The-Go) connectivity.

 If you are unsure if the MOTIV MV51 is compatible with your device, click the link to check compatibility.

This is What You’ll Get in Box

• 1 x Shure MOTIV MV51 Microphone
• 1 x 3 ft (1m) USB-to-MicroUSB Cable
• 1 x 3 ft (1m) Lightning-to-MicroUSB Cable
• 1 x 3 ft (1m) USB-C-to-MicroUSB Cable

Final Thoughts

Recording high-quality audio on your iPhone is possible, but you have to use an external microphone that can deliver pristine audio and be compatible with iOS devices. This post presented several options proven to deliver excellent audio quality and are compatible with your iPhone and iPad devices.

If you need to lay down tracks, record a podcast, live stream, or record better-sounding videos, pick one of the options presented in this post, and you will immediately hear the difference.