Use these tips to get great audio while filming on your iPhone
Why do you need to make iPhone audio better? After all, the iPhone makes it easy to take and edit videos. But that doesn’t mean that getting great audio is as simple as pointing and shooting. The microphone on newer iPhone models isn’t too shabby at close distances, but when you’re trying to film in a crowded room or the great outdoors, it’s not quite enough. Here are some tips to avoid sub-par sound when shooting iPhone video, starting with great equipment like the RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone.
Best overall: RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone
RØDE’s VideoMic Me-L is perfect for when you want to make iPhone audio better. It couldn’t be simpler; just plug it directly into your iPhone’s Lightning port and go. The microphone’s directionality reduces surrounding noises. Monitor your audio as you shoot and playback your video via headphones plugged into the 3.5mm jack. You also get a furry windshield to block wind sounds and a mic clip to secure the microphone.
Pros:
Plugs directly into Lightning port
Comes with mic clip and windshield
Has a headphone jack for live monitoring
Cons:
On the pricier side
Best overall
RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone
Simple and elegant
Plug this mic directly into your iPhone’s Lightning port and hear an instant improvement in your recordings.
Most versatile: Zoom iQ6
Record your surroundings effortlessly with this highly-rated, well-made microphone. This mic can adjust from 90 to 120 degrees, making it ideal for recording your surroundings in a variety of different weather conditions and environments. The stereo X/Y recording design enables you to capture a variety of sounds from several distances. Plus, the precise gain wheel lets you easily tweak and adjust your volume without having to unlock your phone and potentially mess up your recording. Use Zoom’s proprietary app to smoothly and professionally record your audio.
Pros:
Double mic design
Adjustable microphone angles
Portable
Cons:
Pricey
Most versatile
Zoom iQ6
Adjustable design
Easily connect and start recording some stellar sound via your iPhone’s Lightning port with this flexible mic.
Budget option: Movo PM10
If you want an affordable, portable, omnidirectional microphone for your iPhone, then take a gander at the convenient Movo PM10. It can easily be clipped onto a variety of clothing or surfaces and comes with a portable travel case, windshield, and lapel clip. This highly portable and easy-to-use microphone needs to have a Lightning to headphone jack adapter to use it with newer iPhones. Once you have the microphone set up, you’ll be able to record some crystal clear vocals and sounds.
Pros:
Portable
Comes with windshield and lapel clip
Affordable
Cons:
Cannot plug directly into Lightning port; needs an adapter
Best price
Movo PM10
Budget-friendly
The Movo PM10 is a small, well-priced lavalier microphone that can be clipped onto your clothing.
Best deluxe microphone: Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
If it fits into your budget, consider the outstanding Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone. Get excellent sound quality when you pop this mic into your iPhone’s Lightning port. Multiple stereo width and Polar pattern options give you ultimate flexibility.
It’s Apple MFi-certified and is fully compatible with the native iOS camera app, GarageBand, and much more. The kit that comes with this mic includes a Manfrotto® PIXI tripod, phone clamp, and mount, plus iOS and USB-C cables, so you’re always connected. The built-in headphone output lets you monitor your audio in real-time.
Pros:
Plugs into iPhone’s Lightning port
Headphone jack for real-time audio monitoring
Complete kit comes with everything you need
Cons:
Pricey
Best deluxe microphone
Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
Everything you need
This top-notch microphone comes with a tripod and everything else you need for pro recording on your iPhone.
Best mobile kit: Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit
The Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit includes a MKE 200 Directional Camera Microphone, a Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod, Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp, fuzzy windshield, and two cables. One of the cables plugs into a smartphone while the other plugs into a DSLR camera. If you’re using a newer iPhone, you’ll need a headphone jack to Lightning port adapter to connect the cable.
The Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod is both a tabletop tripod and a small “selfie stick” when you pull the legs together. The Sennheiser Smartphone Clamp mounts securely onto the tripod (or any standard tripod; you’re not limited to the Manfrotto.) Simply pull the clamp open to insert your iPhone. The top of the clamp has a cold-shoe mount so you can attach the microphone.
If you’re creating content on your iPhone and want to take your videography to the next level without a lot of equipment, this is a kit to consider. The microphone enhances audio quality. The Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit is easy to set up and use and doesn’t require any battery power.
Pros:
Includes Manfrotto tripod
Can be used with iPhone or DSLR
Built-in windscreen and shock mount
Battery-free
Cons:
You’ll need a Lightning port adapter
Best mobile kit
Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit
Audio to go
Get a top-notch microphone, a tabletop tripod, and more.
Additional accessories
Best pop screen: Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield
Having a reliable and convenient pop shield in your recording arsenal is a terrific idea, especially if you’re someone who wants to record interviews with your iPhone. The Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield is a tripod with a pop shield that you can insert your small microphone into. The shield can be adjusted 360 degrees and can bend to suit a variety of different microphones. It’s designed with a double layer of mesh for smoother recording capabilities.
Pros:
Portable and adjustable
Easy to set up
Affordable
Cons:
Will not hold larger microphones
Best pop screen
Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield
Great for interviews
The Facmogu Desktop Pop Shield is easy to set up with a tripod design and adjustable pop shield.
Best for outdoors: Hisonic Microphone Windscreens
If you’re recording outside, the wind can be distracting and often ruin a recording. One thing that will keep your sound clear and free of distracting noises is a good windshield. Many microphones come with a windshield. But if yours doesn’t, or the windshield gets lost or deteriorates, you’ll need another one.
The Hisonic Microphone Windscreens come in a five-pack of colorful windshields that slip over the top of your portable microphone to keep your sound smooth and consistent. Using one of these will better protect your microphone while you’re recording and allow for cleaner, smoother sound in windy environments.
Pros:
Affordable
Colorful
Convenient
Cons:
One size
Best for outdoors
Hisonic Microphone Windscreens
Reduce wind noise
With the Hisonic Microphone Windscreens, you can minimize the noise clutter for a smoother, sharper sound.
Best portable sound booth: Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield
In certain recording situations, you may find a sound booth to be helpful. Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield has acoustic foam on the front and a vented metal plate back, and the dual clamp mount attaches to mic stands or booms up to 1.25 inches in diameter.
It has a standard 3/8-inch microphone threaded mount and includes a 3/8- to 5/8-inch thread adapter. All tools needed for assembly and mounting are included. Folding sides give you different angles to work with or can be folded all the way in for storage.
Pros:
Portable
Vented back prevents reflections within the arc of the shield
Flexible
Cons:
Some users report quality issues
Best portable sound booth
Monoprice Microphone Isolation Shield – Black
$60 at Amazon $45 (smaller version) at Walmart
Sound booth to go
The acoustic foam and vented metal back can help you get even better sound quality.
Best universal table stand: *InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand *
Regardless of which microphone you have, if you need a tabletop stand with no bells or whistles, InnoGear has you covered. The weighted base won’t let your mic tip over, and the non-slip pads underneath prevent scratches. Rather than a snap-in clasp that can loosen over time, this one enables you to screw in your microphone. It comes with 3/8-inch female to 5/8-inch male screws for multi-purpose use. You can adjust the height from 10.6 to 15.4 inches.
Pros:
Simple
Secure
Affordable
Cons:
May not be stable enough for very heavy microphones
Best universal table stand
InnoGear Upgraded Adjustable Desktop Microphone Stand
Table stable
Stabilize your mic on any hard surface with this universal tabletop mic stand.
Bottom line
Once you pick out your microphone and start recording, there are a few tricks you can use that’ll make iPhone audio better — whether you’re using an iPhone 13 or any other model — and give you the sharpest recording possible.
If you’re recording outside, do your best to face away from the wind and keep your microphone protected. If you have to record in the middle of a field, a lav mic is always a terrific option because it hugs close to a person’s body for a clearer sound. Just be sure it isn’t too close to the person’s mouth.
Believe it or not, you can get terrific sound in a closet. Your clothing can act as a buffer and eliminate outside noises. There are plenty of YouTubers and podcasters who do this! Most importantly, try to keep your microphone as steady as possible. The more it moves and bounces around, the higher chance you have of getting spotty, broken sound.
Be sure to use the right tools for the job. While high-quality recording equipment can get expensive, you don’t need to buy a full setup for every conceivable situation at once. A solid microphone such as the RØDE Microphones VideoMic Me-L Microphone is a good place to start; then, you can see what accessories you need as you go. If you’re looking to improve the audio when playing back your videos, consider one of the best Bluetooth speakers for iPhone.
Credits — the team that worked on this guide
Karen Freeman is a teacher, writer, social media person, and family woman. She loves to travel, play with tech stuff, drink coffee, discover amazing restaurants, and experience new things.
Cella Lao Rousseau is a true crime enthusiast, best-selling horror author, lipstick collector, buzzkill, and Sicilian. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram: @hellorousseau
