Hello again. My webserver has been very unstable, preventing me from updating. My attempt to transfer to another server was a big failure. I’ll be posting what I can while working on it. Today, I would like to share about connecting external microphones to iOS devices, sample sounds included.

Why add a condenser microphone?
To achieve a better sound quality and reduce unwanted background noises (e.g rain)

What you need:

• Charging cable for your iOS device, connected to power
• USB-powered microphone
• For iPad Pro 2018 and newer: USB-C Multiport Adapter (VGA or Digital AV type)*
• For iPhone, iPads and older iPad Pros: Lightning Digital AV Adapter OR Lightning to VGA Adapter OR Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter**
• *** The microphone needs additional power that the device cannot supply, so you can’t simply use a lightning/USB-C to USB adaptor. You can use any other powered USB hub, though.

Below are sound samples, recorded during a heavy downpour.

With Condenser Mic (unedited):

Without Condenser Mic (unedited):

The difference in sound quality and noise should be evident from the recordings. If you have wired headphones (with mic) that connect to the computer via USB, you can also connect them to your iOS devices the same way as shown above.

When choosing an external mic, I suggest for you to choose the cardioid/ supercardioid type because it focuses on your voice. Cardioid mics picks up sounds in front of it and drowns out sounds from other directions.

That’s it for now. See you in my next post!