If you've been creating video or audio material for a long, you've probably heard condenser microphone for iPhone® before. Because of the sensitivity and fidelity, they are one of the most common mic options for studio recording applications. In general, they have a larger frequency response range than dynamic ones but have lower input sensitivity. In this article, we will make a general introduction to it.
What is iOS condenser microphone?
Condenser microphone is ideal for recording voices and high frequencies. It is also the most common type of microphone used in studios.
It is also known as capacitor microphones and commonly utilized in studios because of its detail and precision. But how is this accomplished? It is made with a lightweight diaphragm hung by a fixed plate. Sound waves exert pressure on the diaphragm, causing it to move.
Condenser microphones are frequently used to pick up delicate sounds due to their narrow diaphragm and higher sensitivity. They will also require a power supply. While this is normally done using phantom power, a 9v battery is not unusual.
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How does it work?
Condenser microphone for android, iPhone, etc. is intended to capture high frequencies. To do this, the internal components incorporate a capacitor. The capacitor is composed of two suspended, lightweight metal plates called the diaphragm and back plate, as well as a condenser capsule that rests between them. Acoustic sound waves force the diaphragm to vibrate against the rear plate when they reach it. As a result, the voltage between them fluctuates. This fluctuation provides an electrical signal by mimicking the waveform of the incoming sound waves. An external power supply amplifies the audio stream, resulting in a more powerful sound.
Pros & cons
The best iPhone® condenser microphone owns the following advantages in audio recording.
- Wide-frequency response: This refers to the ability to catch various decibel levels. Condenser microphones can pick up delicate, nuanced sounds with greater precision because of their broad frequency response.
- Superior transient response: The capacity to collect and reproduce clear, high-frequency sounds without distortion is referred to as transient response. When compared to dynamic types, small-diaphragm condenser microphones have a very good transient response, allowing them to produce greater sound quality.
But there are also some drawbacks:
- Not suitable for live performances: Condenser microphones are excellent for picking up fine, nuanced sounds, but they are not suitable for taking up loud sounds. Because the condenser capsule is so sensitive, strong noises can overwhelm it, causing sounds to become jumbled and distorted.
- More costly: While there are less expensive condenser microphones on the market, you will need to pay significantly to acquire high-quality sound.
- Reliance on an external power supply: Condenser microphones are powered by phantom power supplied by an audio interface or preamp. A 48-volt signal is sent straight from the preamp to the microphone through an XLR connection. This is a problem when you use it for outdoor recording.
How to use condenser microphone on iPhone® to get good audio?
To use condenser microphone for iPhone® to get high quality audio, you need to follow the following steps.
Connect the condenser microphone to iPhone®
The procedure for connecting a condenser microphone to an iPhone® is quite complicated. You will need the following tools:
- XLR to the XLR mic cable
- Audio mixer
- RCA to 3.5mm TRS adapter
- TRS to TRRS adapter
- Lightning to headphone adapter
Ensure that all of the devices/tools are tightly linked, since even a little loose connection anywhere along the chain may add noise into your audio.
Background noise and hum will penetrate your recordings if the gain or audio level is set too high for individual settings. This means you'll have to experiment with the configuration, starting by increasing each level to 25% and modifying things slowly from there to guarantee ideal recording quality.
Using an audio mixer to capture audio on your iPhone® is the closest you'll come to professional recording quality. However, the arrangement is not for everyone, especially inexperienced audio recording users. Even if you've dabbled in audio production, be open to learning and experimenting with gear and settings to achieve the finest audio.
The good news is, now there is mini condenser microphone for iPhone® featuring Lightning cable or plug, which simplifies the connecting process. For example, the SYNCO P1L consists of a lightning-plug receiver, which allows you to directly plug it into the charging port of your iPhone® and then start recording. Besides the plug-and-play design, it also comes with other features to ensure high quality audio and user-friendly usage. Watch the review video to check the features.
Use audio monitoring and recording App if necessary
Apps for audio monitoring and recording do not directly assist you in connecting a condenser microphone to a smartphone.
They are, nevertheless, crucial for attaching condenser microphones to smartphones. You may be unable to utilize your condenser microphone when connected to your phone if you do not have these audio monitoring and recording applications.
Chances are that the apps coming with your smartphone is incompatible with the mic. As a result, you will want these third-party applications to assist you in using your condenser microphone while connected to a smartphone.
Place the mic properly
Aside from the condenser microphone for iPhone® itself, acquiring the skills and ways of utilizing it correctly will have a significant impact on the efficacy of the recording. Consider the mic placement. You may clip a lavalier condenser microphone for smartphones directly to your shirt, collar, or tie. If there is noise coming from the recording, remember to utilize the wind muff to aid you. Instead, when using a shotgun type, you should point this cardioid condenser microphone for iPhone® to your mouth and keep it 2 feet away from to get the best results of the on-axis sounds.