Discover the Best Microphones for iOS & Android Devices
1. Shure MOTIV MV5 & MV5C
USB Digital Condenser Microphone
A good microphone, for the right purpose.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
I'm using this to record myself playing grand piano and for tuning. For that purpose it's all I need. I've tried recording with Macbook Pro and Audacity but having a lot of electronic noise issues. Recording with the Shure app on iPad is very clean, so I don't think the issue is with the mic. For my situation, this is a good product. Pros 1. Certified to work with iPad (some USB mics draw too much power, requiring you to use a powered USB hub). 2. Includes cables for iPad and regular USB. 3. Shure has an easy-to-use app for their USB mics with mic setting controls and level/equalizer adjustments for basic recording. 4. Good enough sound for my purposes - there's a good review with sound samples on thewirecutter, which ranked this 2nd after Blue Yeti. There are also some examples on youtube if you search. However, most USB microphone reviews are based on recording voice, not instruments. 5. Fits a 1/4 thread camera tripod, which I already have. 6. Multiple DSP modes, including flat. 20-20kHz response. Cons 1. Not stereo - but most USB mics aren't except Blue Yeti. Doing stereo with 2 USB mics is a bit of pain from what I've read. 2. Stand is cute but doesn't allow much adjustment. Add a mini ball head like Oben BD-0, or a small tripod. 3. Includes 3 ft cables. You might want longer. Long USB cable is easy to find. iPad is harder. 4. Using with standard mic stand requires adapter. 5. Included user manual requires magnifier to read. Fortunately it's all online. ... More
Nice Mic
Reviewed by Ryan on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to use for podcasting on my iPhone. Its a great microphone for someone like me who doesnt want to mess around very much in DAW after recording, since you can change the compression, gain, and 5 channel EQ in the microphone itself However, and this isnt Shures fault (hence no rating deduction), this microphone does not work in VOIP on iOS mobile devices. Skype, Discord, Anchor, FaceTime, even phone calls, it does not work. Just a heads up in case you were buying this for that reason. ... More
2. Shure MOTIV MV51
Large-Diaphragm Cardioid USB Microphone for Computers and iOS Devices
The traveling Mic
Reviewed by Brian on B&H Photo Video
I love shure products and wanted the best quality audio for voiceovers and podcasting while having the ability to stay mobile. The MV51 provides just that. I picked up two of these before the new year as they were $50 off so that I could use them for podcast style interviews. You can plug these into your computer, iPhone, or IPad making it extremely versatile. I recently conducted an interview at a coffee shop, pretty noisy, so background noise was still an issue, however the talent and interviewer voice was clean and above the noise making it extremely audible. The build quality is really nice with a modern/classic look. There's a kick stand built and you can attach it to a stand if necessary (I recommend at least a table top stand). I'm super happy with the quality of the build and the results of the recordings I'm getting with this. No regrets at all. ... More
Awesome!!
Reviewed by Puff on Guitar Center
Very easy to use and great sound quality. I tried many other condenser microphones before buying this one and the shure motive hands down delivers the best sound quality. Great job Shure!
3. Shure MOTIV MV88+
Digital Stereo Condenser USB Microphone
Shure MOTIV MV88 Video Kit
Reviewed by Cenovia on B&H Photo Video
This microphone came highly recommended. I need something for a FB live stream and the microphone and I'm glad I jumped. You need this version (video kit) of you want to record and stream. I found this out after I purchased this one as the cheaper microphone only version was sold out. I'm a musician and I got tons of compliments on the sound. I have a recording studio and really wanted to use my more expensive microphones but was not able to because I had to use either my iPhone or iPad for streaming because of the camera angle I needed. A computer would not have worked for my purposes. I have since also recorded a video and again the sound is surprisingly good. The only bummer is that you cannot use this mic for Zoom or FaceTime. This is not the fault of Shure. It's because iOS (phones and iPads don't have the software because APPLE has not updated the software to choose on board mics for these applications. I believe however, you would be able to use this mic for Zoom and FaceTime on your computer. I have not tried that yet so I can not verify. If my information is wrong please correct me but my internet searches seem to corroborate what I have said. The tripod seems well built but I cannot get the ball head to tilt. If it would tilt it would be infinitely more useful. The other accessories are useful and the roll up bag is appreciated. You will be able to charge your device and use this microphone if you use the Apple USB to lightning camera adapter. You can find this info on the Shure website. I followed the directions and it works. Great job Shure and Apple, please update the iOS! ... More
Great deal, very high quality
Reviewed by Jon on B&H Photo Video
This has typical very high quality from Shure. It comes with a Manfrotto mic which is extremely stable and reliable. The clamp for your phone fits anything I can imagine short of a larger tablet. The quality of the mic is superb Shure quality. When plugged into my Samsung Galaxy S8, you have to use the headphone jack on the back of the mic, thats just how it works, which is fine. They tell you that in the instructions. For outdoor recording on a windy day, the supplied windscreen works very well except when in direct wind that feels like a gust. So Im looking to see if the Rycote dead cat windscreen for the MV88 fits this mic. If so, Ill just get that. Overall, I really like this. Its a fantastic alternative to carrying around a Zoom H6, which is what I normally record my podcasts with. For running and gunning, it takes up almost no room in your bag. The stereo separation is mappable via the free Motiv app and very noticeable. Ill definitely be using this more in the field as a way of recording audio during non-productions every day situations. ... More
4. Shure MOTIV MV88
Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone for iOS
Best iOS mic
Reviewed by Riley on B&H Photo Video
I think this is the best mic to use for your iOS device. I have used it so far to record myself singing and to record sets. Great quality and the build quality of the mic is great. If you use the app you can control the stereo width of the mic. Then you can use any recording app. It saves the settings in the mic! Buy it if you have the cash. ... More
WORTH EVERY PENNY.
Reviewed by derek i. on Guitar Center
I fell in love with this incredible microphone immediately as I removed it from its protective case for the first time in the mid-2010s. Shure is well-known for quality, versatility, and ease of use. My MV88 captured hours of musical experiments, events, improvs, innumerable original songs that i wrote and performed, ultimately tracking it in a semi-elaborate (for me) fashion, utilizing my mainstay DAW: Apple iPhone's ever-improving mobile iteration of GarageBand. Bottom line: if you are a dedicated songwriter, an overwhelming majority of you (us) are multi-instrumentalists. if you are like myself, it is hardly uncommon for us, after developing a 'plan' of sorts or just winging it - to dive soulfirst and free of inhibitions - into and onto our instruments, guided by our hearts, our MV88's and choice DAW's now presenting us with everything we require to create a great-sounding documents of our original music. to share with the world or to store our cretions in a vault รข la Prince Rogers Nelson (RIP) - these decisions are ours to make - always. The same applies to our choices in equipment. Shure's MV88. Get yours STAT! ... More
5. Saramonic Blink 500 (B1-B2-B3-B4-B5-B6)
Digital Wireless Omni Lavalier Microphone System
Killer sound 4 YouTube & Facebook Live videos - Easy to use!
Reviewed by Josette on B&H Photo Video
I wanted to start creating some better sounding content for my YouTube, Facebook and other videos. I've had success with my videos and really needed to step-up my audio game. Many of my older videos sounded pretty echoey and sometimes the audio was washed-out with background noise. I needed a wireless mic. After doing some research I came across the Blink 500, I watched the product and demo videos. Three things appealed to me and stood out: lightweight, compact and easy-to-use. I did not want to be weighed down with a bunch of adapters, mounting gear and heavy components, and I also did not want to spend a week with my head in a manual, struggling to figure it out. Plus, the price for 2 wireless mics seemed too good to pass up. As always B&H had it in stock, when everyone else was sold out. My 1st impression was: Wow this is light and the whole system fits in my palm. That's crazy. When I plugged the receiver and turned the transmitters on, it just worked. No fuss, no reading the manual, nothing... I was off recording a video in literally a few seconds. The receiver added no real weight to my phone and that was filming as normal, except now I had two wireless microphones transmitting perfectly. As I got to use the system a bit more, I experimented with and without the lavs and a level controls on the transmitters. Trying to dial-in the best sound an get an idea how I am going to use these. While I do prefer to use the lavs, it is good to know that in a pinch I can just click the transmitter to someone's shirt. I also liked being able to use the transmitters like a handheld mic. Which is perfect for me when interviewing people on the street. Overall, I don't think I could be happier with this system. The mics sounds great, when using one mic, or two. It also doesn't weigh me down and I can always keep it with me for when inspiration strikes to make another video. It has significantly stepped up my audio for my videos and given me the flexibility that I wanted to create better content. People are already commented to let me know that my audio sounds much better than before. I am going to buy the Blink RX receiver soon too, so I can use these same mics with my soon to be acquired Sony RX100 mkVII. But I will have to wait until my bank account catches up with my dreams. Thanks B&H! ... More
Awesome and affordable lav mic
Reviewed by Luis on B&H Photo Video
Got this set of 2 lavs last week and used it for a conference. Connected it with my Olympus EM-1ii to record the presentation. Here are my observations: 1 lav - When used for a conference with one speaker, it worked flawlessly. The sound really came loud and clear. No background noise. However, as suggested, I lower the gain in advance to ensure the sound was clear. The transmitter (used by the speaker) has 2 buttons to adjust the gain/volume. I also adjusted the volume in my camera. 2 lavs - When used with a 2 speakers presentation, I had mixed results. The first 2-speaker conference had some challenges. Each classroom had a wi-fi router. When recording, I noticed that some times I could only hear partially the speaker. Bottomline, the recording cannot be used because the voice has blanks. I did notice that it mainly happened when the speaker passed in front of the wi-fi router. So I think there was some conflict with the 2.4 Gh. In this room. When I recorded the next conference, it was also with 2 speakers, but in a different room. That recording and the following one went flawlessly. So I think there was some conflict in the first room. These next recordings gave me more confidence with these lavs, however in the future I will make sure I test the setup in the room in advance to avoid these kind of situations. Overall, I am very happy with these microphones and specially for how affordable they are. Also because I can use 2 microphones with one receiver. ... More