In the past, a phone was only used to make phone calls but with the development of technology nowadays there is hardly anything that can’t be done with the phone. Moreover, these phones are packed with amazing features. The built-in microphone is one of the key features of Android smartphones but if you are planning on shooting video or recording new podcast episodes with your mobile then you have to pay extra attention to the sound quality. This is because the built-in mics of smartphones are not of the highest quality. So the best solution to this dilemma is the external mic for Android smartphones.
There are so many external mics available in the market, so you may find it very difficult to choose the best external mics for Android phones. Moreover, the use and performance of external mics depending on the different situations that you are thinking of using them. So it is impossible to ascertain any single external mic as the finest for all situations. Therefore, we bring to you a few of the finest external mics options to help you pick the perfect one.
Top 8 Best External Mic For Android Smartphones
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My Top Pick Of The Best External Mic For Android Smartphones
1. Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
This is an excellent external mic and best for doing interviews or lives streaming from a mobile phone to Facebook as well as doing recordings when you’re on the road. Lavalier is a renowned mics manufacturer company and this mic is one of the best from them and it is super small. So this mic is great for purposes like journalism and video production. The sound quality of this mic is top-notch and it is used in professional film production. With this mic, you can record clear sounds in the chosen direction without a lot of noise which is very convenient.
This mic is preferred by users because it comes with a long cable and strong clip which is superb for recording outdoors. So you can record outside in the windy and noisy place without moving too much. It has excellent build quality so it can endure rough uses. This external mic has a frequency range of20-20000Hz, which is incredibly broad for a mic in this price range. The cable of this mic is Kevlar reinforced so it will never stretch or snap under normal using conditions. This mic is compatible with every audio app that accepts input from the headset connection so you don’t have to worry about the compatibility of this external microphone.
Main Features
1. Omnidirectional condenser
2. 4.5 mm mic
3. Durable Kevlar cable
4. 0.10 capsules
5. 20Hz – 20 kHz frequency
6. 1-year warranty
2. Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone
If you are looking for a high-quality external mic or podcasting, streaming, Skype calls, music production, etc. then consider buying the Blue Raspberry Premium Mobile USB Microphone. This mic has some key features like mobile USB, capsule circuitry, internal Acoustic Diffuser, and many more. The capsule circuitry ensures clear and detailed sound recording in noisy places. The nest part of this mic is, it comes with a camera mount and a 3.5mm jack for multiple inputs. It has a vintage-type capsule design and it will create a different atmosphere. You can connect this mic with a USB port for the best results on your recordings.
This mic supports condensing when you are recording voice and instrumental tracks. You can record deep and dramatic sound much better than the built-in mics of your smartphones. This mic has Internal Acoustic Diffuser (IAD) design so it will stop all the background soundscape noise. It has a shock-absorbing feature so it will minimize the shocks and extra noises. Blue Raspberry provides 24-bit studio-quality sound directly to your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone. With all these amazing features Blue Raspberry provides you with professional results.
Main Features
1. Plug-and-play 24-bit/48kHz resolution
2. Power with USB or lightning
3. 14 mm Electret condenser
4. Unidirectional polar pattern
5. 20Hz-20kHz frequency response
3. Olympus ME-51S Stereo Microphone
If you are looking for better audio and video sound quality at a reasonable price then this is a great external mic for your consideration. You can use this mic for casual podcasts, recordings, Skype business meetings, etc. This mic provides high-quality clear sound in any kind of environment and you can expect the best performance in noisy outdoors recording. The simple design of this mic makes it a great choice for close-quarter video making. It shows an LCD display during recording which is very convenient. It comes with a 3.3-foot extension cable with a tiepin clip so it will never stretch or snap under normal using conditions.
Olympus ME-51S Stereo Microphone supports all the latest GoPro cameras and DSLRs.Moreover, this mic is small in size and very portable so you can use this mic to record videos outdoors with your camera. The setup of this mic is very easy so anyone can use this mic though before start using this mic you have to adjust the audio before the recording. So you can’t rely 100% on post-production variables. The problem with this mic is if the raw input isn’t high quality then the output sound quality won’t be good.�?
Main Features
1. Real-time LCD display
2. Plug-in mini microphone
3. 3.3-foot extension cable with tiepin-clip
4. Stereo recording
4. PoP Voice Professional Lavalier Lapel Microphone
This is an excellent external mic at an affordable price and it may be the least expensive Lavalier mic you’ll find. This mic is compatible with all the latest smartphones and Apple devices, including the MacBook Pro Air. This mic will provide you high-quality sound output no matter what you are using it for. The best part of this mic is; it has a year warranty which indicates the quality and sturdiness of this mic. So if there is any problem that occurs with this mic then the customer service is always ready to aid help.
It is guaranty you will get extremely high performance for a mic in this price range. It has an omnidirectional design so you can particularly use this mic for single-track voice recordings. Though this mic is made from steel, it is very lightweight, small in size thus making it invisible to your performers. You can expect optimal sound during phone meetings and video recordings in noisy places. You can use this mic for recording audios in film, interviews, television, video chat, network sing, auditorium, and classroom setting, and many more. This mic comes with a 2M long cable with TRRS 3.5 mm which is very suitable for outdoor recordings.
Main Features
1. The clip, wind muff, and microphone bag included
2. 20 kHz frequency
3. 2M cable
4. 5.5 mm in diameter
5. Omnidirectional polarity
5. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone
This is another top-quality external microphone from Lavalier. Most of the time low-quality mics ruin the recordings because they don’t have the right qualities to ensure clarity through the range of sounds. The noise-canceling feature of this mic ensures your record high-quality sound in any kind of location, especially in noisy places. This microphone guarantees quality, reliability, and protection from extraneous noise. It supports plug & play so you won’t have to install any additional driver to use this mic on your device. This mic is compatible with iPhone X, 8, 8 plus, 7, 7 plus, 6, 6s, 5, 5s, iOS, and Android smartphones.
You can use this mic to record audio and video sound for YouTube shows, Garage Band, and podcasting. This mic comes with a 1-year warranty so if there is any problem with this mic then you can get help from the professionals for free. You can put your trust in this mic for all sorts of sound recordings from clearer Skype calls to recording personal promo videos. This mic will boost the sound quality of your recordings which everyone wants. This mic comes with a 3-in-one pack that includes free Velcro wrapped extension cord and a storage bag.
Main Features
1. Signal to Noise Ratio: 56dB
2. 50-16,000Hz frequency range
3. Noise-cancelling
4. 3.5mm TRRS cable jack
5. Free Velcro wrapped extension
6. BONAOK Wireless Bluetooth Karaoke Microphone
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If you are looking for a mic that is not only inexpensive but also super fun then consider buying this Karaoke Microphone. This mic is specially designed for karaoke practice but you can use it for a variety of other things. This mic supports Bluetooth connectivity so you don’t have to carry an additional cable which is very convenient. This external mic is compatible with all smartphones so you can use it with your phone to record sound. The setup of this mic is very simple. Open the Bluetooth and connect the mic with your device and you are good to go.
The best part of this mic is; it has a USB port so you can connect this mic with your computer to record audio or video sounds. This is an excellent wireless Mic with special features like enhancing the voice, rechargeable lithium battery, supports micro SD card, and many more. It has a multifunction button so you can easily switch to a different model, adjust volume, sing, and play music, etc. It has advanced audio processing features and it supports sing and plays together. The design of this mic ensures a comfortable grip for a longer period of time.
Main Features
1. Supports micro SD card
2. 100Hz-10 kHz frequency range
3. Wireless Bluetooth Connectivity
4. Lithium Battery
5. High-Quality Noise Reduction
7. Movo PM10 Lavalier Microphone and Lapel Microphone
This external mic is best for people who are looking for a simple solution to their sound recording problems than a professional one. The Movo PM10 Lavalier is not super fancy like some of the other mics of Lavalier but it works excellent to boost the quality of simple vocal recordings. You can use this mic for YouTube videos, group videos, or audio conferencing. It comes with a 1-year warranty so you don’t have to worry about breakage while using it for outdoor recordings. It has a compact design, small in size, and is super portable to use outside.
Though this mic is small in size it offers surprisingly clear and precise sound quality compared to other large microphones. The best part of this mic is; it is compatible with all types of devices that include Android, iOS, Mac, Windows. This mic handles the excessive volume of noise, winds, loud voice, and provides high-quality sounds. It is an omnidirectional type mic so it is less sensitive to the background and random noise. This mic is best for a single track, basic recording in small areas. You can expect a signal-to-noise ratio of about 74dB SPL from this microphone.�?�?�?�?
Main Features
1. 3.5 mm TRRS male connector
2. The mic includes case, wind muff, lapel clips, and 1.2 m cable
3. 35 Hz to 18 kHz frequency response
4. 74dB SPL signal to noise ratio
8. Saramonic SmartMixer Professional Recording Stereo Microphone
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This Saramonic SmartMixerStereo Microphone is a one-stop shop for all your audio recording-related problems. This mic provides high-quality sound at a professional level at a reasonable price. It has a compact design and it is very portable. This mic is compatible with both Android and iOS devices. One of the key features of this mic is; it has an audio mixer that ensures the highest quality sound recording and output. With this mic, you are guarantee to record almost anything with professional-level sound. Other key features of this mic are Two 3.5mm Stereo Mic Inputs, One mini-XLR input, Headphone Monitoring Jack, Phantom Power Switch, and many more.
The stereo mic inputs with condenser microphones are more sensitive to certain sounds than dynamic microphones. It has equalization settings so you can balance the sound if you are using a few instruments to record at once. The headphone jack lets you monitor the levels as you record which is very convenient. If you are looking for a solution to sound stability then this is the appropriate mic for you. The manufacturer company offers a 1-year warranty with the purchase so there is nothing to worry about the quality of this mic.
Main Features
1. 9v battery
2. 3.5mm mini-jack with TRRS
3. mini-XLR input
4. LCD level monitoring
5. 3.5mm output cables�?
How To Choose The External Mic For Android – Buyer’s Guide
External mic models and specifications are numerous, but not every mic will meet your requirements. There are few things that can help you pick the best external mic for your needs. Make sure you consider every one of them before making the final decision.
Microphone Type
There are four main types of microphones available. They are Omnidirectional, uni-directional, bi-directional, and highly directional. If you want to capture the atmosphere of an event then buy an Omni-directional mic. Uni-directional mics are best for capturing sounds from one direction. This type of mics is best for recording sounds in noisy conditions. Bi-directional mics record sound from the front and back and they are best for a stereo recording setup. The highly directional mics are best for film recording as they can pick sounds at a distance and within a very narrow angle. So pick an external mic according to your requirements.
Dynamic Versus Condenser
There are three types of machines available for microphones. They are dynamic, condenser, and ribbon. The dynamic mics do not need a power supply but the condenser mic requires power supplies. Most of the condenser mic comes with its own battery pack but this type of mic can reduce your recording time because you have to charge the batteries. So, the wise decision will be to buy the dynamic mic.
Stereo Versus Mono
The first thing to clear is microphones are not stereo. Stereo recording requires two or more mics in different positions. So, what about the stereo mics available in the market? They are either two mics joined together in one unit or one mic with a built-in program that gives a stereo effect to the sound recordings. So there is not much difference between stereo and mono external mics. Pick any of the types because it doesn’t matter.
Dead Cats And Pantyhose
Many microphones have a foam ball stuck on them and it cut wind noise and provides high-quality sound. There are many mics available with grey furry covers. This type of mics is called dead cats and they also cut the wind to reduce noise. This type of mics is a bit expensive considered to the first type but both the type has the same functionality. So it is up to you to choose either dead cats or pantyhose.
Budget
You have to choose a mic that suits your requirements and is also is in your price range. Though external mics are not that expensive there are varieties of price points available with different features and build quality. You can find mics from $50 – $300. So choose a mic according to your requirements and your budget.
Final Thoughts
The external mics we have mentioned here will help you achieve the best sound recording experience. These are the best external mics currently available in the market. Just make sure you consider all your requirements so that you end up buying the proper external mic that suits your expectation.
FAQ
What Is The Difference Between The External Mic And The In-built Mic?
In-built microphones are built into the device to help the user capture sound. The sound is captured through a tiny speaker and an amplifier. External microphones will attach to your device, amplifying the sound through a larger, more powerful speaker. The external microphone also has a USB plug so you can upload it to a computer for editing.
What Is The Difference Between A Microphone And An External Microphone?
Microphones are an input device for sound, which records the noise and converts it to electrical signals. External microphones attach to a computer or smartphone through a cable, while miniature microphones are built-in. Microphones produce a better quality sound recording, whereas external microphones work best in a quieter environment. Microphones can pick up a wider range of sounds, but external microphones capture only the source that is closest to it.
What Are The Best External Mics For Use With Android Phones?
Many Android phones are able to record audio files that can be edited and uploaded to social media sites like YouTube.�?
There is an abundance of external microphones that can be purchased for Android phones, but it is important to know what they are good for in order to make the best purchase.�?
Some, like the iRig Mic Cast, are designed specifically for use with YouTube videos so they have a large capture area.
How Do I Connect My External Mic To My Android Device?
It is the same process for any other device, but this process is just for Android devices. Connect to your computer and download the necessary drivers. If you have a USB connection, you can plug in directly from your phone. Otherwise, plug it into the headphone jack on your phone and adjust the volume levels on both the computer and phone.