Known for its incredible camera quality and fast performance, your iPhone can create studio-quality content any time anywhere. From vlogs to YouTube videos to vocal tracks, people can conveniently substitute their iPhones for complete DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).
However, the number one limitation would have to be the stock microphone. To be more specific, the newer iPhones come with 4 MEMS microphones. They’re adequate for FaceTime or phone calls, but if studio-quality audio is what you want, you would need the help of a proper condenser microphone.
Top 5 Mini Microphones for iPhone
We rounded up the best mini microphones for iPhone to make your shopping journey easier. It’s time to unleash the true potential of your phone as a DAW and recording device.
| Product Name | Features | Price | Check on Amazon |
| Shure MV88 Stereo Condenser Mic |
|
$$$ | Check the price |
| Rode smartLav + Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone |
|
$$ | Check the price |
| JOBY Wavo Mobile Compact Microphone |
|
$ | Check the price |
| Saramonic SmartMixer Recording Stereo Mic System |
|
$$$ | Check the price |
| Movo Smartphone Microphone |
|
$ | Check the price |
1. Shure MV88 Stereo Condenser Mic
Shure is a renowned name in the world of audio and music. Similar to brands like AKG, Neumann, and many more, Shure has been producing high-quality microphones for a long time. The SM57 is an industry staple at this point, and this one is just as good. It’s portable, rugged, and features incredible detail.
The MV88 is for iOS and comes with an iOS app where you can visualize your mic settings and adjust as needed, like from the five different DSP settings of handling your imagery and video clips.
Pros:
- Great noise cancellation
- Produces sound ready for broadcast
- Reliability and quality of Shure
Cons:
- Quite heavy as a handheld
2. Rode smartLav + Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
One of the best mini microphones for iPhone, the Rode smartLav+ is equally good for smartphone devices. It establishes the connection through a reinforced Kevlar cable and a TRRS connection.
A high-quality omnidirectional condenser and tiny discreet mc are incorporated. There is also a pop shield to decrease the amount of background noise it picks up, especially in an outside location.
Pros:
- Omnidirectional polar pattern
- Decent construction
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- The Rode App isn’t the best thing
3. JOBY Wavo Mobile Compact Microphone
Stripped-down and affordable, the Wavo Mobile from JOBY is a basic cardioid condenser mic that is pretty much bare-bones. However, it definitely has some tricks up its sleeve to impress.
The mic comes with a tripod attachment and a shock mount suitable for any kind of iPhone or camera tripod, full size, and tabletop too, plus one standard camera attachment thread. Although the unit doesn’t wow with extra features or brand power like bigger competitors (Sennheiser, Rode, or Shure), this little mic does what it was made to do – capture good audio for your iPhone. Vloggers will also like the JOBY GorillaPod – an all-in-one kit made specifically for them by JOBY.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Doesn’t run on a battery
- Impressive background noise cancellation
Cons:
- Little spatial stereo separation
4. Saramonic SmartMixer Recording Stereo Mic System
The Saramonic SmartMixer is more than a good stereo mic system; it’s also an amplifier, audio interface, and features phantom power. Despite being super lightweight and compact, the kit is rather well-built and gives you a sturdy feeling. The interface connectors are great and include a mini XLR to balance your microphone properly. Volume control is used to adjust the levels of the sound, and you can monitor it through the level meter. The headphone output and handle grip are good additions too.
Sound production is where this microphone truly shines. We must say that it performs better inside than outside, but the quality is there. It might falter a little with the high-volume things, but it’s perfect for quieter moods.
Pros:
- Amazing in a number of environments
- Good value for money
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Rather bulky
5. Movo Smartphone Microphone
This smartphone microphone from Movo doesn’t come in a flashy design with tons of over-the-top features, but it’s great for performance or live-streaming, interviews, and vlogging. But, it wasn’t made for instruments or music. It’s essentially a narration, vocal product.
In terms of specification, the movable mic is fixed with a 3.5mm mini jack. Thanks to the removable padded grip, the unit is stabilized and this reduces the chance of accidental movement.
Pros:
- Great security
- Affordable
- Excellent fitting with phones
Cons:
- The sound quality isn’t excellent
What You Need to Look For
The best mini microphones will feature convenient plug-and-play functionality with a rigged design. Pair it all-metal construction with the 180-degree axis hinge and you have a microphone that’s ready for recording on the go.
More security is added by adjustable wrist straps with good quality microphones coupled with furry, foam windshields.
Good quality microphones’ sound is crisp and clear with very minimal noise. One of the biggest benefits of a good quality microphone is that since most of them are omnidirectional, the heads can be moved in any direction and that won’t affect the sound pickup, always providing stable results.
Bottom Line
We made sure to include a variety of options to show you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get the best mini microphone for iPhone. The quality can range from average to stellar, but that depends on the brand and model you are going for.
You may also like to read: Top 5 Best External Microphone for iPhone in 2021.
Leave a Reply