Mobile microphones are compatible with many smart devices and gadgets. They make audio capture convenient with mobile phones and lightweight camcorders. They are available with many features and designs with varying audio capture technologies. Here are our top mics.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a mobile microphone?
A mobile microphone acts like a traditional condenser or dynamic microphone. However, these devices typically feature lightweight sizes and 3.5mm connectors, unlike standard 1/4″ connections in stage microphones. Mobile microphones clip on a collar or pocket and offer a discreet look. Advanced models have mounts for digital cameras and tripod stands.
Mobile microphones meet many quality standards associated with high-end stand-alone microphones. As a result, they are an ideal way to start content creation projects requiring voice capture. A mobile microphone and smartphone pairing can create professional results, particularly with good lighting and great staging thrown into the mix.
How do I care for a mobile microphone?
Mobile microphones feature dirt-resistant, waterproof materials but contain delicate parts that aid with clean, consistent audio recording. Inadequate care can cause a permanent hissing or popping noise and a shorter lifespan. Keep a mobile microphone clean and functional with a protective foam cap. Foam caps catch dust and spit particles and prevent them from getting into the microphone.
Correct storage keeps dust, moisture and dirt away from your mobile microphone and its accessories. Use releasable plastic bags for all accessories and keep them in a cloth pouch for added protection. Many models come with fabric storage bags and reusable plastic. Also, consider wrapping cabled microphones when put in storage to minimize breakage.
Buying Guide: A mobile microphone is an essential hardware addition to starting a YouTube channel or turning your mobile phone into a podcasting powerhouse. Consider these tips before choosing a device.
- Wired Vs Wireless: Mobile microphones come in corded and cordless formats. Corded mobile microphones typically need adequate length for tripod usage but do not require a battery or Bluetooth connectivity. Wireless microphones need a power source and connect through wireless technologies that drain devices. However, wireless microphones offer more flexibility for live recordings.
- Polar Pattern: The polar pattern affects a microphone’s ability to pick up sounds from various angles. Many mobile microphones come with an omnidirectional pick-up pattern. These microphones record sounds from any direction. Unidirectional and bidirectional microphones have limited recording patterns and come with limitations. Omnidirectional mics are best for picking up multiple speakers and sounds. Use other formats for solo recordings in a controlled environment.
- Noise Cancellation: Many mobile microphones can disregard background noises and focus on specific sounds – like human voices. Noise cancellation helps give audio files a polished, professional sound and streamlines the post-production process. Noise cancellation features vary by quality and price. Budget microphones may not come with noise cancellation mechanisms but work well in studio settings.
PowerDeWise Mobile Microphone
Best Overall
Versatile Option
This all-purpose mobile microphone is ideal for most content creation niches, including ASMR videos. It has a micro shirt clip with coated metal teeth and works well with most USB interfaces, PCs or desktop Mac machines. This microphone comes with two microphone protectors and a zippered storage tote.
This mobile microphone has a dynamic range for recording solo speakers or DIY singing projects at home. It is also appropriate for daily use with virtual meetings, webinars and most video conferencing applications.
Pros:
- It is easy to use and install.
- It comes with enough accessories for a year.
- It captures all voice types with sophisticated clarity.
Cons:
- The clip may break if mishandled.
Pop Voice mobile microphone
For Noisy Spaces
Premium Materials
This PoP Voice professional-quality lapel mobile microphone bundle comes with magic storage tape, a clothing hook and a corded design for accurate real-time, lossless sound recording. It features noise-cancelling copper hardware, a built-in RF low-noise chip and internal anti-interference cabling but only weighs 1oz.
This mobile microphone helps minimize loud background noises like fans, air conditioning units, barking dogs, or noisy children. It is ideal for walled, indoor environments and comes ready to gift with an attractive paperboard box.
Pros:
- It fits most universal replacement muffs.
- Professional sound quality.
- It comes with a clear troubleshooting guide.
Cons:
- Limited bass.
- Unusually high mids; needs heavy editing in post-production.
BOYA Mobile Microphone
Camera Ready
Sturdy and Robust
This lavalier microphone is compatible with most Nikon and Canon digital SLR devices with a 3.55mm female input. It has a 30 dB sensitivity rating, omnidirectional sound receivers and comes with an English user manual. It also features an electric transducer, gold-plated jack plug hardware and an onboard power switch.
This microphone is lightweight and robust for active videography at public events or spaces and comes with extra foam covers. It works with almost all Android smartphones and tablets and includes a metal 3.5mm to 6.35mm convertor.
Pros:
- Ideal for videography.
- Its condenser-style design offers a wide dynamic range-
- Record voices of all types with stunning clarity.
Cons:
- This device does not have a battery life light or indicator.
- Relatively short battery life.
Movo Mobile Microphone
Great Value
Lightweight Choice
This mobile microphone features a lightweight metal clip that rotates and a velcro strip for secure, tidy storage. It has a two-meter cable, an additional two-meter extension cord and operates without extra software or drivers. This mobile microphone is China-made and fits most devices with a female auxiliary port.
This mobile microphone is ideal for budget recording projects for upcoming YouTubers or as a temporary fix for start-up podcasts. Its extra-long cord is appropriate for recording setups with a tripod and fits comfortably under clothing without causing skin irritation.
Pros:
- It does not pick up rustling clothing or ambient noises.
- The metal clip is sturdy and unbreakable.
- It comes with a free Y-splitter accessory.
- Ideal for seated interviews.
Cons:
- Not suitable for recordings involving lots of camera movement.
Rode Mobile Microphone
Clean Audio
Durable Option
This Rode lapel microphone comes with optional extension and compatibility accessories. It has a 20Hz – 20 kHz frequency range, pressure gradient acoustic technology, and a cardioid polar pattern. The wiring has JFET active electronics and captures sounds from multiple directions.
This omnidirectional mobile microphone features Australian engineering and kevlar-reinforced cabling and hardware. Its 3.5 mm pin has a sleek and discreet 4.5mm diameter head and contains anti-RF interference for cleaner audio. It is compatible with most mobile phones and tablets with a 3.5 mm jack.
Pros:
- Signals from cordless phones, televisions or radios will not affect this microphone.
- Compatible with USB-C headphone adapters.
- Hum and click free.
Cons:
- May not offer sound recording for live streaming on tablets or phones.
