Can you record with an external microphone?

An external microphone is a microphone that can be connected to a camera or recording device externally, as opposed to using the built-in microphone of the device. There are several reasons why someone might want to use an external microphone when recording video or audio:

First, external microphones generally provide higher quality audio compared to built-in microphones. They are designed specifically for audio recording purposes, with features like better frequency response, higher sensitivity, lower self-noise, and more directional pickup patterns. This results in clearer, more professional sounding audio recordings.

Second, external microphones allow for more flexibility in audio recording. You can choose different types of mics like shotgun, lavalier, or condenser, and place them closer to sound sources or subjects for better isolation and sound capture. The positioning options are more versatile than using the fixed built-in mic.

Third, some external mics provide features not available with built-in mics, like audio monitoring, gain control, and power options. These give you more control over the audio recording and allow you to optimize levels, reduce distortion, and improve quality.

Compatibility

Most modern smartphones allow you to connect an external microphone, including iPhone and Android devices. According to Rode’s guide, all iPhones from the iPhone 6 and newer support external mics using the Lightning port or wireless adapters [1]. For Android, compatibility depends on the model but most flagship devices from Samsung, Google, OnePlus and other brands in the last few years should allow external mics either via USB-C or the 3.5mm headphone jack if present [2].

Older smartphones, budget devices, and some mid-range phones may lack support, so you’ll want to check your device specs. The key is ensuring your phone has the necessary hardware ports and runs an OS version that enables external mic input. As long as your Android or iPhone device was released somewhat recently and wasn’t extremely low-cost, chances are good it can utilize external mics. Just be sure to get the proper connecting cable or adapter for your device.

[1] https://rode.com/en/about/news-info/how-to-connect-an-external-microphone-to-a-smartphone
[2] https://momanx.com/blogs/moman-ideas/external-microphone-for-android-phone-user-guide

Connection Types

There are several types of connections that allow you to use an external microphone:

• XLR – The 3-pin XLR is the most common connection for professional microphones. It is balanced and locks into place to avoid accidental disconnection. Many professional recording interfaces and mixers have XLR inputs.

Older professional microphones may use other XLR variants like the Type “A” or Type “O” connector

• USB – USB microphones connect directly to a computer’s USB port, making them plug-and-play. Most modern devices have USB ports.
• 3.5mm – Consumer mics often use a 3.5mm or 1/8″ stereo connector to connect to devices like mobile phones, tablets and DSLR cameras.
• Lightning – iOS devices like iPhones use the Lightning port specifically for microphone connections.

The right connection type depends on the device you want to record into. Most recording equipment and computers offer multiple input choices to accomodate different mics.

Sound Quality

Using an external microphone can significantly improve the audio quality compared to a phone or camera’s built-in microphone. External mics are specifically designed to capture high quality audio and reject unwanted noise. They utilize larger diaphragms, higher quality components, and provide better directionality and sensitivity.

For example, a cardioid condenser microphone will capture richer and more detailed sound from the front, while rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and back. This results in clearer vocals or instruments with less ambient noise like wind, echo, and handling noise. Built-in microphones lack this noise rejection ability and frequency response.

Additionally, some mics provide switchable polar patterns to adapt to different recording conditions. This level of flexibility simply isn’t available with fixed built-in microphones.
In summary, dedicated external microphones outperform built-in mics across several key metrics like sensitivity, noise rejection, frequency response, and selectivity making them an essential upgrade for quality-focused recording (source).

Use Cases

External microphones have a variety of use cases depending on your needs. Some of the most common include:

Podcasting: An essential piece of podcasting equipment is a high-quality external microphone to clearly capture everyone’s voices. Popular choices for podcasting include USB condenser microphones like the Blue Yeti or the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Music Recording: Musicians often use external microphones like large diaphragm condenser mics when recording vocals or acoustic instruments in the studio. The superior sound quality enables capturing intricate tones and textures.

Field Recording: Portable external mics excel at field recording for capturing high-quality ambient audio while out conducting interviews, recording nature sounds and more. Shotguns, lavalier mics and handheld recorders are common tools.

Video: On-camera shotgun mics or wireless lavalier systems greatly improve audio over built-in camera mics. They enable clearly capturing dialogue and ambient sounds during video shoots.

Setting up

To set up an external microphone with your laptop or desktop computer, first connect the microphone with the appropriate cable. Most external mics use USB or 3.5mm audio connections. If your mic connects via 3.5mm, you’ll need to connect it to a USB audio interface to get the signal into your computer.

Once connected, go to your computer’s Sound settings (on Windows, go to Control Panel > Sound). Here you will see a list of audio input and output devices connected to your computer. Select your external microphone as the Default Device for sound input.

You may also see Levels meters next to your microphone where you can adjust the gain so your mic signal is strong but not peaking or distorting. Many external mics have their own mute, gain and headphone jack controls as well.

Finally, open your audio or video recording software, select your external microphone as the recording input, press record, and start creating content! Having an external mic allows you to capture high-quality audio for podcasts, videos, music and more on your computer.

Tips for Recording

When using an external microphone for recording, here are some tips to help you capture high-quality audio:

• Get the microphone as close as possible to the sound source without being in the shot. The proximity effect will give you a fuller, richer tone.
• Use a windscreen on the mic outdoors. This will reduce wind noise interfering with your recordings.
• Monitor your levels. Make sure you’re not peaking or clipping the audio. Leave some headroom to allow for volume changes.
• Use a shock mount if handholding the mic to avoid handling noise.
• Record some room tone. This will allow you to fill in gaps and edit more cleanly later.
• Consider using an off-camera field recorder for more control over levels and monitoring.

Following these simple recording best practices will help you maximize sound quality when using your external mic.

Editing

There are many audio editing software options available, ranging from free open-source programs to professional paid options. Some of the top audio editors include Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, REAPER, and WavePad.

Audacity is an open-source, cross-platform audio software that allows you to record and edit audio. It has tools for cutting, copying, pasting, changing pitch, removing noise, and more. GarageBand is Apple’s digital audio workstation with a user-friendly interface. It’s only available for Mac and iOS devices. Adobe Audition is a professional audio workstation used widely in the music, video, and entertainment industries.

When choosing audio editing software, consider your skill level, platform, and needed features. Beginners may prefer easier programs like Audacity or GarageBand, while professionals require advanced capabilities like Adobe Audition or REAPER provide. Most software works on Windows and Mac computers, with some iOS apps available as well.

Recommendations

When choosing an external microphone, it’s important to consider your intended use case. Here are some top recommendations for different needs:

For Music Recording

The SoundGuys recommend the following USB microphones for recording music and vocals:

• Blue Yeti – Versatile condenser mic good for a wide range of instruments
• Shure MV7 – Dynamic hybrid mic great for solo vocalists
• Razer Seiren Emote – Fun RGB lighting effects for streaming

For Podcasting

The NY Times Wirecutter recommends the following mics for podcasting:

• Rode PodMic – Optimized for speech with minimal background noise
• Blue Yeti Nano – Compact and affordable option
• HyperX QuadCast S – Great features like shock mount and visual mute indicator

Conclusion

In conclusion, using an external microphone can provide significant benefits over a built-in microphone, especially for audio quality. External mics tend to offer superior sound pickup that accurately captures more nuanced audio details. They employ advanced technologies like condenser capsules and cardioid polar patterns to record cleaner, richer sound compared to most device mics. Connecting an external microphone also enables more control over where and how audio gets recorded for better targeting the intended source. Dedicated external mics are specially tuned for specific use cases like interviews, music, voiceovers, or field recording. While builtin mics can work, external microphones greatly step up audio clarity and flexibility. If high quality, customizable audio is a priority, then utilizing an external microphone is highly recommended.

The conclusion summarizes key benefits around superior sound quality, advanced audio technologies, better targeting of sound sources, specialization for use cases, and the overall flexibility and audio clarity external microphones provide over built-in options. Please let me know if you would like me to modify anything.