iPad / iPhone: Good external microphones
You can make high-quality audio recordings with your iPhone or iPad - provided you connect an external microphone. We present three models in this article.
1. Professional table microphone with bass weakness for iPhone or iPad
- Convincing: The Apogee MiC is currently one of the best iPad / iPhone microphones. You do not hear a background noise on the recordings, instead a clear and distinct sound. Price: approx. 180 euros.
- Compatible: The microphone is compatible with almost every app. In the test, we used Apple's own "GarageBand" app.
- Weaknesses: The bass frequencies cannot keep up with studio quality when recording. The microphone is also very sensitive to touch. In any case, use the table tripod provided.
- Tip: A pop protection must not be missing with this microphone. It doesn't matter whether you choose a cheap pop killer to clip on or a windbreak.
2. Clip-on microphone with good equipment
- Convincing: The small MicW i436 is not only suitable for volume measurement, but is particularly popular for fast voice recordings. At this size, the performance of the omnidirectional microphone is exceptionally good. Price: approx. 85 euros.
- Compatible: The "Noise Immision Analyzer" app is suitable for volume measurements. You can use any common recorder app for voice recordings.
- Weak spots: A small background noise cannot suppress the microphone and as a clip-on microphone it is of course dependent on accessories. Even if the microphone has a omnidirectional characteristic, the recording quality deteriorates very quickly when the microphone is plugged in. Therefore, pay attention to the correct alignment of the microphone.
- Tip: You can get the right accessories for a surcharge of around 30 euros, but it is essential for voice recordings. It contains, among other things, a windbreak and cables for "handy" interviews.
3. Special microphone: iShotgun
- Convincing: The MicW iShotgun is actually intended as an external microphone for a camera. You can also record the great sound via the app. The minimum background noise and the clear voice quality of the recordings were particularly convincing in the test. It is roughly comparable to the Zoom H1. Price about 180 euros.
- Compatible: According to the manufacturer, you can also connect the microphone to your smartphone with a 4-pin plug. In practice, however, the recording quality was significantly poorer and also varied among the individual recorder apps. However, on iOS you can use almost any app.
- Weaknesses: When using the accessories, you must first try which end of the cable you connect to the iPhone and the microphone. Otherwise you will be amazed at the extremely poor audio quality.
- Tip: The extensive accessories are included in the kit and include a microphone rod and long cables. The microphone is a directional characteristic, so that you get good voice recordings even with many background noises.
When looking for a good microphone, you should choose the right microphone type depending on the application. We explain the differences between cardioid and omnidirectional microphones.