10 Helpful Audio Connectors for Your Smartphone
The Event Producers' Guide to External Microphone Connectivity:
The ability to capture high-quality audio on your mobile device has never been more accessible or more critical, especially for event producers, AV teams, presenters, and keynote speakers. Whether it's to live-stream an event, record a podcast interview, or create professional-grade video content on the fly, having the right audio setup can make or break how your message is received. In a world where virtual engagements are on the rise, the connectors you choose to link your digital platforms with external microphones can elevate your production quality to new heights.
Navigating the plethora of audio connector options can be daunting, but fear not—this post is your compass, pointing you in the direction of the top-notch connectors you need to ensure your smartphone audio is second to none. We’ve sifted through the selections to bring you the best connectors and audio apparatus that are sure to be valuable additions to your AV toolkit.
Anytrox 3-1 OTG Cable4.2/5.0 (1,105 Ratings), $18.99
When it comes to connecting a microphone to an iPhone, an OTG (On-The-Go) cable is a simple and cost-effective solution that opens up a multitude of possibilities. With the right OTG cable, you can connect your phone to USB microphones, XLR mics through a USB audio interface, or even a mixer with a compatible adapter.
iPhone users will benefit from the ease of use and the variety of devices they can connect with this versatile cable.
4.5/5.0 (5,921 Ratings), $29.00
For those with newer iPhones that lack a built-in headphone jack, the Apple Lightning to 3.5 mm Headphone/Microphone Jack Adapter is a must-have if your microphone uses this port.
This tiny connector is the bridge between traditional audio equipment and the Lightning port. While it might seem like a small addition, the freedom it grants to iPhone users is vast. It can facilitate the use of any 3.5mm jack device, from headphones to lavalier microphones, effectively extending the audio possibilities of your smartphone.
A game-changer for professionals on the go, the Saramonic SmartRig+ turns your smartphone into a powerhouse of audio versatility. It features two XLR-1/4" inputs with independent gain for each channel, 48V phantom power, a 3.5mm headphone output, and a lightning connector—all while being powered by your smartphone.
This makes it an ideal tool for event producers and presenters who require the flexibility to interface with standard professional sound equipment on the spot.
The Rode SC6-L Mobile Interview Kit is tailored for a single, critical purpose—excellent mobile interviews. It includes the compact and secure SC6-L double TRRS input adapter, a high-quality Rode lavalier microphone, and a slew of accessories.
The kit is optimized for high-quality audio recording directly to your smartphone, ensuring that key moments at events are captured with clarity and professionalism.
While technically not a connector for your phone, the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder deserves a spot on this list for its invaluable role in mobile audio recording.
With an interchangeable microphone system and 6-track recording capabilities, the H6 provides professional-grade control and quality. It's an excellent choice for those seeking a standalone, portable solution for recording multi-source audio.
The Shure SM58 is renowned for its durable construction and industry-standard sound quality, making it the go-to choice for live event microphones. Coupled with a high-quality XLR to smartphone adapter, it becomes a force to be reckoned with in the mobile world.
This setup offers the reliability and performance that professionals have come to expect from Shure, ensuring your smartphone audio stands out.
The Audio-Technica AT2005USB is a dynamic handheld microphone that provides USB and XLR outputs, making it a versatile choice for mobile use. It is well-suited for event speakers and presenters who value ease of use without sacrificing audio quality.
With a built-in headphone jack and volume control, monitoring your audio has never been simpler. Its robust build and cardioid polar pattern make it a solid option for any event setting. Plus, this bundle is a great starter kit for those getting their feet wet in more professional set ups.
4.6/5.0 (3,457 Ratings) $15.00
For those using Android devices or smartphones with a 3.5mm jack, a TRRS to TRS adapter can be a game-changer. This adapter converts the TRRS (tip-ring-ring-sleeve) connector required for smartphone audio into a TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) connector that many professional microphones and audio equipment use.
It's a simple solution that ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and accessories.
While not traditional connectors, wireless microphone systems are an increasingly popular choice for event organizers looking to streamline the audio process. The Rode Wireless GO, for example, offers a compact, clip-on microphone and receiver that can easily feed into your smartphone via a standard 3.5mm cable.
Wireless systems like these provide the freedom of movement for your presenters or performers, all while keeping cable clutter at bay.
See this post for more ideas on great Bluetooth Microphone options.
10. Microphone-Specific Adapters
Sometimes, the best way to ensure a perfect connection is to use a microphone-specific adapter. Whether it's for a lavalier, boom, or handheld microphone, many manufacturers offer adapters that are tailored to their products. These adapters typically provide the correct wiring configuration, shielding, and impedance matching to maintain the microphone's performance. When in doubt, go with the adapter designed for your specific microphone to guarantee top-notch audio connectivity.
In conclusion, the right audio connectors and apparatus are indispensable for ensuring a seamless and professional audio experience at events. Whether you're an AV professional, a live sound engineer, a presenter, or anyone else looking to elevate the audio quality of your smartphone recordings, investing in the appropriate tools is key. By selecting from the range of connectors and accessories mentioned in this post, you'll be well-equipped to handle any audio setup and create captivating content that sounds as good as it looks.
