If you’re serious about mobile content creation, you need to pay attention to audio quality. While video quality is important, audio is often overlooked by creators. Without good sound, your content won’t reach its full potential. Thankfully, there are many options available for mobile creators looking to elevate their recordings. From social media to podcasting, we’ve put together a guide to help you choose the best microphone for your iPhone or Android device.
When it comes to recording on-the-go, there are two styles of microphones that stand out: lavalier (lapel) and shotgun. Lavalier mics are small and perfect for presenting to the camera while maintaining consistent audio quality. They’re ideal for TikTok or YouTube creators, but the main downside is that they only record the person they’re attached to. If you have more than one person speaking, you’ll need multiple microphones and a way to record them simultaneously. Fortunately, there are many affordable lapel mics available on the market, such as the Boya BY M1.
If you’re looking for something more high-end, the Rode Lavalier II is an excellent choice. This low-profile mic offers great sound quality and comes with a rugged case and a good selection of accessories. It’s easy to recommend the Lavalier II just on its sound alone, but it also pairs well with Rode’s AI Micro interface, which provides easy connection to an iPhone or Android and adds support for a second mic.
For USB-C users, the Sennheiser XS is a great choice. This lav mic is affordable, sounds great, and plugs directly into your phone without needing an adapter. It also has a 2-meter long cable, giving you plenty of flexibility for movement or framing.
Wireless systems have become increasingly popular for mobile content creators. The Rode Wireless GO II is a versatile wireless microphone that can be used as a standalone recorder, mounted on a camera cold shoe, or plugged into any 3.5mm mic to make it wireless. It’s perfect for podcasting or interviews. The Mikme Pocket is another high-end wireless lavalier microphone system that’s designed for mobile use. It includes a comprehensive app for both video and audio recording, and internal storage to prevent dropouts.
If you’re looking for a microphone that’s highly directional, a shotgun mic may be the way to go. Shotgun mics are perfect for podcasts, recording instruments, and foley sounds. They tend to be light and portable, making them easy to carry in a backpack or laptop bag. The Sennheiser MKE 400 (2nd gen) is a great option for video and music creators. It records cleanly without obvious coloration to the audio and includes both TRS and TRRS cables for compatibility with a variety of devices.
For those on a budget, the Rode VideoMic GO II offers great value for the price. It includes physical gain controls and a high-pass filter to adjust on the fly, making it ideal for musicians looking to record loud drums and softer vocals on the go.
In conclusion, there are many great options available for mobile creators looking to elevate their sound quality. From lapel and shotgun mics to wireless systems and adapters, there’s something for every budget and use case. Don’t let subpar audio hold you back from realizing your creative vision – invest in the right mic and take your content to the next level.
