The smartphone is not only capable of replacing a photo camera for most users, but also a video camera. So much so that a multitude of manufacturers are beginning to launch accessories that enhance this facet. Some of them taking care of something that is essential for even good content: the quality of the audio. That's why we show you The best microphones you can use with your smartphone (and even your camera).
Improve audio capture
When it comes to starting to create video content, either for a YouTube channel or even for broadcasting on Twitch, the camera on your smartphone is enough in most situations. It is true that you will not have the same possibilities that a camera with interchangeable lenses offers, but in some cases, due to quality issues, it will not be. Because devices like the iPhone, Galaxy S21 and many other Android models offer very good video performance. The only thing you have to control is the lighting a little and that's it.
Of course A great image quality is useless if the sound is poor afterwards. So betting on a microphone for your smartphone is always a great idea. But if you want this investment to pay you back a little more, why don't you look for one that is compatible with both your mobile phone and your camera and even your computer?
Yes, these types of audio capture devices already exist and in recent months they have become even more popular. To the point of seeing how many of the leading brands are bringing out their own versions. So that is what we are going to do, take the opportunity to show you the most versatile microphones that you can buy and use with any device you have.
Shotgun microphones compatible with smartphones, cameras and PCs
We start with those that are for us the best barrel-type options. That is, microphones that are ideally intended to be placed on top of the camera to pick up the sound from the source in front of it. Even so, they can also be used on poles when the camera is far away or in these places, connected to a tripod or microphone arm if what you want is to use them during your streams on Twitch.
Rode Videomic NTG
This Rode Videomic NTG It is a microphone that we know well because we use it in our day to day. It is a cannon-type solution that has the particularity of offering 3,5mm audio connection and also USB C, the latter being the one that really gives the product versatility.
With the first, you can connect an SLR or mirrorless camera via the included cable, as well as mobile phones that maintain this analog connection. Because the 3,5mm Jack connector is of the TRRS type. And you do not have to change it when it is going to be used in a camera that has a TRS as it includes a sensor that adapts the line input.
With the second, and here comes the most interesting part of it, thanks to a simple cable from USB C to USB C, USB A or even Lightning (purchased separately) you can use this microphone with any phone regardless of whether it has it or not. 3,5mm Jack connection and even with computers and tablets like the iPad.
When done like this, really microphone becomes a mic plus USB audio interface which is the one that does all the work of communication between the two. So, yes, it is one of the most versatile mics on the market.
And yes, it is also true that its price is somewhat high, but in the long run it makes up for every euro it costs. Because with it you have everything, a microphone for when you record with your camera, with your mobile phone, for voiceovers, for streaming and to be able to monitor or listen to others by connecting headphones to it.
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro
Rode's proposal somewhat marked the way for many other manufacturers. With this we are not saying that Deity copies, but it is true that in the end there are products that serve to set trends or as a starting point for something that was already in the oven.
Anyway, the truth is that Deity has its own version of the Videomic NTG. It is the Deity V-Mic D3 Pro and it is a very interesting shotgun microphone also for quality issues. Because in a matter of options it is practically identical.
For starters, this Deity V-Mic D3 It has two outputs: 3,5 mm Jack and USB C. Both allow analog and digital connection depending on the equipment with which the microphone will be used. For example, in cameras you would pull the audio cable and when using it with a smartphone or computer with the USB option.
Together with a wheel that also allows you to control the gain of the capture and thus prevent it from saturating, like the Rode model, it is a very versatile microphone that does not disappoint and will save you from having to make several investments in different microphones depending on what type of use you want to make of it.
See offer on AmazonWireless microphones, total freedom
If shotgun microphones are interesting in a multitude of scenarios, nothing beats the freedom offered by wireless solutions. Also, in these cases, you could even combine these proposals to convert any microphone with an analog connection.
Rode Wireless Go II
Recently introduced, this second generation of Rode's popular wireless microphone system included a second transmitter and inherited features seen on the Videomic NTG such as USB C connectivity.
This new option of Rode Wireless Go II It is very attractive, because the quality of audio capture is already more than proven, but now it offers the possibility of using the microphone system with any device. From camera to mobile phone and computer can use it No need to mess with adapters or the like.
You will simply have to use the cable with 3,5 mm Jack connectors in devices that have analog input and USB C for the rest. And if you want to connect them to an iPhone, either the Apple Lightning adapter or the Rode SC-15 cable.
See offer on AmazonWhy these microphones instead of other more classic (and cheap) solutions
We suppose that you will wonder why these three microphones or other similar ones that will gradually reach the market are more interesting than more common solutions such as the popular Videomic Pro or other models that with their respective adapters can also be used in telephones, cameras and even computers.
Well, the answer is there: you need additional adapters and sometimes even a USB interface. This makes you lose some versatility and speed if you find yourself in situations where for one reason or another you need to record with one of your devices, whether it's video with audio or audio only.
If you're looking for equipment as minimalist as possible and capable of adapting well to each type of situation, it is clear that these are more than valid solutions. Even so, you will have to assess what compensates you or not with respect to what you usually do. But being able to use these microphones to improve recording with your smartphone, with your camera, to do live on Twitch or even a podcast no matter where you are and with the highest possible quality is priceless.