How do I connect my lavalier mic to my Android phone?

What is a Lavalier Microphone?

A lavalier microphone, also known as a lapel mic, is a small microphone that can be easily attached to clothing or worn around the neck (See Lavalier microphone – Wikipedia). Lavalier mics are designed to be lightweight, discreet, and hands-free.

Some key pros of lavalier mics are their mobility, discretion, and consistent proximity to the speaker’s voice. Since the mic is worn on the body, it moves with the wearer and maintains a set distance from the mouth. This provides clear audio capture. Drawbacks are that lavalier mics may pick up noise from clothing friction and their small size provides less versatile controls compared to handheld mics (What is a Lavalier Microphone – StudioBinder).

Lavalier mics are commonly used by public speakers, actors, television personalities, and other professionals who need their voice clearly captured while keeping their hands free. They are ideal for both on-stage presentations and video recording.

Prepare Your Lavalier Mic

Before connecting your lavalier mic to your Android phone, you’ll want to make sure it is compatible and fully charged:

First, check that your lavalier microphone is designed to work with Android devices. Many lavalier mics connect via a 3.5mm headphone jack, while others may use USB-C or Bluetooth connectivity. According to Amazon, models like the SIENOC Wireless Lavalier Microphone are specifically made for Android phones with USB-C ports [1].

Next, fully charge the battery if your lavalier mic is wireless. Wireless lavalier mics will typically last 6-8 hours on a full charge. Plug the mic in for at least 2-3 hours before use to ensure maximum battery life.

Checking compatibility and battery life ahead of time will make the connection process smooth and enable you to record high quality audio.

Connect the Lavalier Mic to an Adapter

Most lavalier microphones use a TRS connector while smartphones use a TRRS connector, so you’ll need an adapter to connect them. There are two main options:

1. Use a TRS to TRS adapter. This converts the lavalier mic to a standard audio jack that can plug into the headphone port on your Android phone. For example, the Movo MC3 TRS to TRS adapter.

2. Use a TRS to TRRS adapter. This converts the lavalier mic directly to the TRRS plug needed for your smartphone. For example, the Boya BY-LM20 adapter. TRRS adapters often provide better audio quality and mic support.

The TRS end connects to the lavalier mic’s connector, then plug the TRRS end into your phone’s headset jack. Make sure the adapter is designed for smartphone use, as regular TRS to TRRS adapters won’t work. Test the connection to ensure left and right audio channels are preserved.

Plug the Adapter into Your Android Phone

Once you have connected your lavalier microphone to the appropriate adapter, the next step is to plug it into your Android device’s headphone jack. Most modern Android phones still include a 3.5mm headphone jack, making them compatible with lavalier microphones that use a standard 3.5mm plug.

To locate the headphone jack on your Android phone, examine the bottom or top edge of the device. The headphone jack is typically marked with a small headphone icon next to the port opening. On some phones, like the Samsung Galaxy models, the headphone jack is located on the bottom edge, while on others, like the Google Pixel, it’s on the top.

Once you’ve located the headphone jack, firmly insert the 3.5mm adapter plug into the port until it clicks into place and feels secure. Make sure to plug it in completely to ensure proper audio connectivity. Avoid using excessive force and stop if you meet resistance. The adapter and headphone jack should fit snugly together.

According to this Android Central article, some of the best Android phones for using lavalier mics and external audio accessories are models like the ASUS Zenfone 10 and Moto G Stylus 5G, which retain the standard 3.5mm port.

Configure Your Android Device Settings

To connect your lavalier microphone as the audio input on your Android device, you’ll need to change the input settings in the Sound or Sound & Vibration menu.

First, open the Settings app on your Android phone or tablet. Scroll down and tap on “Sound” or “Sound & Vibration” depending on your Android version.

Look for the “Audio” or “Audio Input” section. Here you should see options for choosing the microphone input source. Select your lavalier mic from the list. The name may vary depending on the specific mic, but you’ll likely see options like “Wired Headset” or “USB microphone”.

On Android 11 and higher, you may need to tap the settings icon next to your paired Bluetooth device, then switch on “Use for audio” to allow the lavalier mic to be used as an input.[1]

Some Android devices also have an “Audio Switch” option that lets you quickly toggle between inputs without going into the main Settings.[2]

Once selected, your lavalier microphone should now be set as the active input on your Android phone or tablet for recording audio and voice.

Test and Adjust the Lavalier Mic

Once you have everything connected, it’s important to do a test recording to ensure the lavalier mic is working properly and the audio levels are good. Here are some tips for testing and adjusting the mic:

Do a short test recording with the lavalier connected to your phone. Play back the recording and listen closely to the audio quality. The sound should be clear without popping or crackling noises.

Pay attention to the volume level. The volume should be loud enough to pick up your voice clearly without peaking or distorting. If the volume is too low, try adjusting the mic gain/sensitivity settings on your phone or recording app. You can also try moving the mic closer to your mouth to increase volume.

Check the mic placement and move it closer or farther as needed. Lavalier mics sound best when positioned 4-12 inches away from the mouth, just off to the side of center. Avoid placing it directly in front of your mouth, which can lead to plosives.

Do some test talking and check that your “P” and “B” sounds are not popping. If you notice popping or harsh “P” sounds, try adjusting the placement so the mic is a little farther from your mouth.

Consider adding a windscreen foam cover to the lavalier to reduce wind noise and plosives if necessary.

Do test recordings in different use case scenarios, like sitting vs standing, moving around, etc. This will help you determine optimal placement and volume for your recording situation.

Consider Extra Gear

Using some additional accessories with your lavalier mic can help improve audio quality and usability. Two important extras to consider are a mic clip and a windscreen.

A mic clip allows you to securely attach the lavalier mic to clothing or other surfaces. This prevents the mic from moving around and causing noise or positioning issues. Mic clips come in various designs like alligator, magnetic, and tie clips to work in different situations.

A windscreen or mic cover slips over the lavalier to block wind noise and plosives (popped p’s). Foam and furry windscreens are common options that cut down on unwanted noise without muffling the mic’s sound quality.

Using an extension cable is another useful add-on. It allows you to position the mic further from the adapter and phone for more flexible placement. A longer 3.5mm cable gives you extra reach to hide the mic in clothing while keeping the phone accessible.

With a quality lavalier microphone, clip, windscreen, and extension cable, you’ll be set up with professional-grade portable audio to record videos and audio tracks on your Android device.

Record Audio/Video

Once you have everything connected, you’re ready to start recording audio with your lavalier mic. Open your preferred recording app on your Android device – some top options include Voice Recorder, Dolby On, or Otter. Press record to begin capturing audio through the lavalier mic.

As you record, monitor your audio levels and mic placement. Make sure your voice is coming through clearly without peaking or distorting. If needed, adjust the mic position on your shirt to optimized sound quality. Get close enough to the mic to pick up your voice, but not so close that plosives cause popping sounds.

Recording video along with audio? Frame your shot so the lavalier mic is out of view. You may need an extension cable for the mic if it doesn’t reach your beltline when the camera is pointed at your face. Pay attention to any clothing rustling noise the mic may pick up and adjust as necessary.

Transfer and Edit Your Recording

Once you have finished recording audio or video with your lavalier mic connected to your Android device, the next step is to transfer the file to your computer for editing and post-processing. Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable. Locate the audio or video file on your device and copy it over to your computer.

Now you can import the recording into your preferred digital audio workstation (DAW) or video editing software. Popular options for audio editing include Audacity, GarageBand, Adobe Audition, and Ableton Live. For video editing, try Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro.

Once the file is imported, you can clean up any background noise, adjust levels, compress dynamics, add effects, and edit the audio as needed. Proper editing can greatly enhance the overall quality of your recording. For example, using noise reduction tools can minimize distracting ambient sounds. Equalization and compression can polish the tone and clarity of the vocals. And editing out any unwanted pauses or filler words can tighten up the pacing.

Take time to listen critically to your recording and make any edits needed to deliver clear, professional-sounding results. With some practice and patience, you can produce great audio content using just your Android device and a lavalier microphone.

Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

If you are having issues getting your lavalier mic to work properly with your Android device, there are some troubleshooting steps you can try:

First, check all the physical connections – make sure the lavalier mic cable is fully plugged into the adapter, the adapter is fully plugged into your Android device, and the mic battery is fresh and installed correctly. Loose connections can prevent proper audio transmission.

Try using the lavalier mic and adapter with a different recording app on your Android device. Some apps may have compatibility issues, so testing with multiple recording apps can help isolate the problem.

You can also try contacting the manufacturer of the lavalier mic or your Android device for troubleshooting tips. They may be aware of certain connectivity issues and can suggest specific settings to change.

As a last resort, you may need to reset your Android device to factory default settings. This will eliminate any customized settings that could be interfering with the mic connectivity. Just be sure to backup your data first!

With some systematic testing and troubleshooting, you should be able to get your lavalier mic working properly with your Android phone or tablet.