How to use USB-C mic for Android?

With many Android devices now offering USB-C connectivity, using an external USB microphone has become an increasingly popular way to record high-quality audio on an Android phone or tablet. Connecting an external USB-C microphone allows you to bypass your device’s built-in microphone and take advantage of the superior audio quality and additional features offered by dedicated mics.

Using an external microphone with an Android device provides a number of benefits compared to relying on your device’s internal mic. External mics typically offer better audio quality, with lower noise, less distortion, and greater sensitivity. They can also provide directional recording patterns to focus on sound from a specific source. Features like mute buttons, gain control, and headphone monitoring further enhance the recording experience. And specialized microphones like lavalier mics allow you to capture audio in unique situations. Overall, an external USB-C mic helps you record pro-level audio easily with an Android device.

Compatibility

Most modern Android devices released in the last few years have USB-C ports that support external microphones. This includes flagship phones from Samsung, Google, OnePlus, LG, Motorola, Huawei, and many other brands starting around 2018. Some key Android phones with USB-C ports include:

– Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer models like the S20 and S21 series (Source)

– Google Pixel phones starting with the Pixel 2 (Source)

– OnePlus 5 and newer models (Source)

In terms of Android OS, USB-C microphone support was added in Android 8.0 Oreo. So any device running Android 8.0 or newer like Android 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 will work with a USB-C microphone. Older versions of Android do not have built-in support.

Microphone Types

When choosing a USB-C microphone for your Android device, two of the most common types are condenser and dynamic microphones. Condenser microphones are known for providing detailed, accurate sound pickup, making them a popular choice for studio recording and other high-quality audio applications. According to the Guide to USB Microphones by Sweetwater, condenser mics excel at “lifelike pickup” and are the most common type of USB microphone on the market.

Dynamic microphones, on the other hand, are more rugged and better suited for live performances. They don’t require external power, so they can handle louder volumes without distortion. Dynamic mics pick up less ambient noise and are better at rejecting unwanted sounds. While condenser mics are more sensitive, dynamic mics are simpler and more durable.

Another key distinction is the microphone’s polar pattern or directionality. Omnidirectional mics pick up sound equally from all directions. Cardioid mics are more focused on sound sources directly in front of the mic. Bidirectional mics capture audio from both the front and rear. Choose an omnidirectional USB-C mic to capture ambient sounds, a cardioid for recording vocals or podcasts, and bidirectional for interviews with two mic sources.

According to product listings on Amazon, popular USB-C microphone options include omnidirectional lavalier mics for vlogging as well as cardioid condenser mics for more professional recording, streaming, and content creation.

Sources:

https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/usb-microphone-buying-guide-2/

https://www.amazon.com/usb-c-microphone/s?k=usb+c+microphone

Microphone Features

When selecting a USB-C microphone for Android devices, some key features to consider are the sample rate, bit depth, and built-in controls.

The sample rate determines how many times per second the microphone captures audio information. Higher sample rates like 48kHz or 96kHz capture more detail and allow recording higher frequencies, important for things like vocals. However, higher sample rates also produce larger file sizes. Most USB microphones support at least 24-bit/48kHz which provides good audio quality for everyday use.

The bit depth is the resolution or amount of data captured for each audio sample. More bits means more dynamic range. 16-bit is standard but many USB mics now support 24-bit which gives more headroom for editing audio levels later.

Look for microphones with built-in controls like gain adjustment to optimize the input level, a mute button for convenient on/off switching, and direct headphone monitoring so you can hear yourself in real-time. The Rode PodMic USB offers zero-latency monitoring and 40dB of adjustable gain which makes it easy to get a clean vocal recording.

Combined with Android’s ability to access external mics through the USB-C port, a quality microphone with professional features gives you the tools to record high quality audio right on your mobile device.

Microphone Setup

Connecting an external USB microphone to your Android device is straightforward with a USB-C to USB-A adapter. Most modern Android devices support USB On-The-Go (OTG), allowing you to connect USB accessories like a microphone. Here are the steps to set up a USB microphone with your Android phone or tablet:

1. Get a USB-C to USB-A adapter or OTG cable. This allows you to connect devices with a regular USB-A port to your USB-C Android device.

2. Connect your external USB microphone to the USB-A end of the adapter.

3. Plug the USB-C end of the adapter into your Android device.

4. Your device should automatically detect the microphone and install any required drivers. You may need to enable OTG support in your device settings if prompted.

5. Open your desired recording app and select the connected USB microphone as the input source. You should now be able to record audio through the external mic.

Most major Android devices like Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones support connecting USB microphones out of the box. Some accessories may require you to manually install drivers before they work properly. Consult your microphone’s documentation for specific setup instructions.

With the right adapter and OTG support enabled, connecting an external mic via USB-C is a simple way to upgrade your audio recording quality on Android.

Recording Apps

There are many great Android apps available for recording audio through a USB-C microphone. Some top recommendations include Microphone+, Open Camera, Easy Voice Recorder, and REKK. These apps allow you to record high-quality audio through your USB mic and offer features like editing tools, audio effects, cloud storage support, and more.

When selecting a recording app, consider your needs and which features are most important. Look for an intuitive interface, support for external mics, audio quality/bitrate settings, editing tools, and the ability to export your recordings. Also check user reviews to see real-world feedback on performance and reliability. Avoid apps with intrusive ads or in-app purchases. Testing a few top options can help you determine the best app for your USB mic and use case.

Audio Settings

Properly configuring your audio settings is crucial for getting the best sound quality when using a USB microphone with your Android device. Here are some key settings to adjust:

Sample Rate: The sample rate determines how many samples per second are used to digitally capture the analog audio signal. For speech, a sample rate of 44.1 kHz is standard. However, for music recording, you may want to use 48 kHz or higher. Check your recording app’s settings to configure this.

Bit Depth: The bit depth controls the resolution of each sample and dynamic range. 16-bit is standard, providing 65,536 levels of quantization. 24-bit can provide greater dynamic range if supported by your microphone and recording app.

Recording Levels/Gain: Set the input gain so your recording levels peak around -12 dB to -6 dB on the app’s level meters, leaving some headroom before maxing out at 0 dB. Start with the mic gain low and increase slowly as needed. This prevents clipping distortion.

Proper gain staging from the mic to the recording device is key for the best signal-to-noise ratio. Refer to your microphone and recording app manuals for full details on adjusting these audio parameters.

Recording Tips

To get the best possible audio quality when recording with your USB-C microphone on Android, follow these tips:

Set up in an ideal recording environment. Record in a quiet room without background noise from air conditioning, computer fans, or outside sounds. Use acoustic treatment like sound dampening panels or blankets to reduce reverb and echo. Face away from hard reflective surfaces.

Position the microphone properly. Hold the mic 2-4 inches from your mouth pointed up towards your nose. Get close but avoid plosives from breathing directly on it. Angle the mic slightly to the side for a more natural tone. Use a mic stand to keep it stable and free your hands.

Check levels and monitor with headphones. Keep recording levels around -12dB to -6dB peak to avoid distortion. Listen with over-ear headphones to hear the audio quality and make adjustments.

Stay consistent when speaking or singing. Keep the same distance from the mic throughout. Minimize head movements or you’ll get distracting changes in tone and volume.

Record in multiple takes and edit together. Punch in to re-record mistakes. Edit out long pauses, lip smacks, breaths, etc. Crossfade between takes for seamless transitions.

Add pop filters or windscreens. Foam windscreens avoid pops and crackling sounds. Metal pop filters stop plosives while maintaining clarity.

Consider using an audio interface with phantom power for condenser mics. Some condenser mics require external power to reach full audio quality potential.

Editing and Sharing

Once you’ve recorded audio using your USB-C microphone on an Android device, you’ll likely want to edit the files before sharing them. There are several apps available on Android for editing audio:

Adobe Audition is a full-featured audio editing app that allows you to edit multiple tracks, apply effects like compression and EQ, and export the final file. While powerful, it does require a monthly subscription.

For free editing options, take a look at apps like Audacity, WavePad, or Blackbox. These apps allow you to cut, splice, apply basic effects, and export your recordings.

When it comes time to share your edited audio, you have several options. Uploading directly to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok from your Android device is easy. You can also share via messaging apps, email, cloud storage, or your website.

Overall, USB-C microphones provide high quality audio capture on Android devices. With some editing and exporting, you can quickly share professional recordings through various platforms.

Conclusion

In summary, USB-C microphones offer a convenient way to record high-quality audio with your Android device. They connect directly without any adapters, provide extra features like controls and effects, and work seamlessly with recording apps. The main types to consider are condenser, dynamic, and lavalier mics, each with their own strengths. Pick one that matches your needs for portability, background noise reduction, and versatile recording situations.

When setting up your mic, adjust audio settings like gain and sample rate for optimal quality. Use a recording app that allows monitoring and effects like EQ and compression. Get close to the mic, reduce background noise, and speak clearly for best results. With some practice, USB-C mics help capture clean, professional-sounding audio on any Android device.

For a versatile condenser mic that excels for vocals, podcasts, and interviews, the Shure MV7 is a top choice. The Shure MV88+ delivers excellent sound in a compact form factor suited for video. For a more affordable option, the professional-grade Boya BY-XM6 provides tremendous value. With the right USB-C microphone, your Android device becomes a powerful mobile recording studio.