How to Get the Most Out of Audio Recording With iPhone
Whether you need to record an interview, class lecture or your thoughts for a song, the iPhone can be a valuable tool. Luckily, there are a number of apps available to help you get the most out of your phone’s microphone.
Start by checking that nothing is blocking your iPhone’s microphone. Also, try to speak clearly and at a normal speaking volume.
1. Use the Voice Memos app
Whether you’re a journalist documenting sources for an investigative piece or a podcaster chronicling interviews, the iPhone’s built-in Voice Memos app makes recording audio super easy. It’s a simple process that requires no third-party app and will save your audio to a local file on the iPhone, or sync it across all Apple devices via iCloud.
To begin a recording, press the large red button toward the bottom of the screen. Then speak, sing, or make whatever sound you want to record. When you’re finished, tap the red button again to stop. You can also pause the recording by swiping up from the bottom of the screen. And to trim the recordings, just select the editing icon that looks like a triangle with two extending points (looks like
2. Use an external microphone
An external microphone can greatly improve the quality of your iPhone’s recordings. Primarily used for content creation such as podcasts, videos, or interviews, these devices capture sound with impeccable detail that goes beyond the capabilities of the built-in microphone.
To use an external microphone, you will need to have a compatible connector and one or more adapters (see below). Additionally, depending on the type of mic, it may require phantom power or be self-powered.
Generally, the best choice for iPhone users is a wired microphone with a 3.5mm headphone jack or Lightning port. However, wireless microphones are also an option for those who prefer not to be constrained by wires. They connect to your phone via Bluetooth, but may suffer from latency or require battery charging time.
3. Check the microphone’s position
It’s important to check the microphone’s position when recording audio. This can help reduce feedback noise, which is a high-pitched squealing sound that occurs when the microphone picks up its own output.
The mics on an iPhone are located at the bottom of the device, so make sure nothing is blocking them. This includes books, files, or even your hand. For a more precise recording, consider a directional microphone, such as the Comica CVM-VS09 MI, which plugs directly into an iPhone and has a rubber clamp that helps prevent it from accidentally disconnecting.
Another option is a lapel mic, such as the Saramonic LavMicro-UC, which clips unobtrusively to a person’s chest or collar. It’s especially useful for recording in windy conditions. It’s also important to clean the microphone regularly to keep it free from dust and debris.
4. Speak clearly
If you want to record great quality audio, it’s important to speak clearly. Your iPhone’s microphones are located at both the top and bottom of your device, so make sure you speak directly into either one. Also, avoid blocking the microphones with objects or other items that could muffle the sound.
While recording high-quality audio with an iPhone can be difficult, it’s definitely possible for podcasters, videographers, and musicians. With a few tips and tricks, you can create professional-level content with your smartphone. And don’t forget—the quality of your recordings can be improved even further during post-recording processes. For example, many third-party apps offer text-to-speech features that can help you produce pristine tracks. They can even eliminate background noise, echos, and other unwanted sounds from your recordings.
5. Avoid interruptions
The quality of your audio recording depends on the sound environment in which you record. To get the best sound quality, try to avoid any sources of interference, such as hums or buzzes.
Another important tip is to speak clearly. This will improve the recording’s overall clarity and reduce any distortions caused by ambient noise. Lastly, try to keep the microphone as close as possible to the sound source. This will allow the microphone to pick up a clearer sound and prevent it from picking up background noises.
Finally, make sure to mute your phone’s notifications or put it in airplane mode to avoid interruptions during a recording session. Otherwise, you may end up with a low-quality recording. This is especially important if you’re recording for business purposes.
