Over the years, iPads have greatly improved, and it’s pretty easy to create podcasts, vlogs, and movies with the device and apps like ScreenChomp, Adobe Story, and iMovie. But as it turns out, you need a professional external microphone to produce top-notch videos with high-quality audio on your iPad. So, how do you connect a microphone to an iPad?
You can connect a compatible USB microphone directly to the Lightning port on your iPad and start recording. But if you’re using a dynamic XLR microphone, you have to connect it to a powered USB hub through an XLR-to-USB cable, then connect it to your iPad through a Lightning cable.
Although the iPad camera is undeniably a great piece of technology, iPads could certainly use some improvement when it comes to the built-in microphone. Let’s take a look at how to connect an external microphone to your iPad so that you can get top-notch audio for all of your videos.
Are External Microphones Worth It?
An external microphone will significantly improve the audio quality of your recordings. Professional microphones from reputable brands give clearer recordings by isolating noise, are lighter, and are more portable.
Built-in microphones in iOS devices like your iPad have their inherent shortcomings. For example, your iPad mic won’t always give you the desired range or depth of audio.
But a good external microphone will improve your audio quality and help you achieve more professional recordings.
How to Connect a Microphone to an iPad
How you connect a microphone to your iPad (on Amazon) depends on the type of microphone you’ve got. In general, you’ll be using either a USB or XLR dynamic microphone.
Connecting a USB Microphone
Since your iPad doesn’t have a standard USB Micro type B port, you need an adapter to interface the mic to your device. Depending on the iPad version you’re using, you’ll need one of the following adapters:
- Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter (on Amazon)
- Apple Lightning to USB3 Camera Adapter (on Amazon)
Once you’ve got an adapter, you can connect the USB end to your compatible microphone and the Lightning end to your iPad — no need for external batteries or a powered USB hub.
Connecting a Dynamic XLR Microphone
A dynamic XLR microphone is an analog mic that you can’t hook up directly to your iPad via the Lightning port. It needs an XLR-to-USB cable, a USB-to-Lightning adapter, and a powered USB hub. Here’s how to connect it:
- Connect the Lightning port of the USB-to-Lightning adapter to your iPad and the USB end to the powered hub.
- Connect the hub to the electrical outlet using its power cord.
- Connect the XLR microphone to one of the available ports on the USB hub using an XLR-to-USB cable.
Best External Microphones for an iPad
Although some external microphones work slightly better than others, most of them will add some pretty appealing features to your recordings. These are our picks for the 5 best microphones for iPad:
Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone
The Shure MV88 (on Amazon) is a favorite choice among professional vloggers and is almost a standard go-to option. It uses a Lightning connector for connecting to the USB port on your iPad, iPod Touch, MAC, or iPhone.
The MV88 also boasts a sturdy metal construction with directional pickup and a movable head for better adjustment and comfort. Its package features a carrying case, headphone adapter, and foam windscreen. What’s more, this mic has two free apps on the App Store for better customization.
Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side Microphone
The Zoom iQ7 (on Amazon) is a solid choice for musicians with its two separate capsules that capture all sounds accurately in a 360 degrees fashion. Plus, the capsules can rotate to help you capture the best possible sound for your recordings.
This stereo microphone comes with a volume knob and a button for selecting the mode you want to work with. The iQ7 is incredibly lightweight and simple to use since you only have to hook it up to the Lightning port — no need for a hub and entangling connections.
And with the Zoom recording app, you can push the full potential of this lovely device, capturing up to 120 dB without cutting.
IK Multimedia iRig MicCast HD
The iRig MicCast HD (on Amazon) is a compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use microphone. You can directly connect it to your iPad’s Lightning port. It also has a 1/8″ audio jack for your headphones or other audio devices.
Setting up the microphone is straightforward, and by using its slider, you can select whether to record bi-directional, front, or back. It also has a windscreen for outdoor recording, making it a solid mic for everyday use.
PowerDeWise Lavalier Lapel Microphone
PowerDeWise (on Amazon) is an affordable, widely used lavalier mic, like the ones you’ve seen on TV reporters. It’s little but powerful, and it’ll pick up all sounds within its proximity, giving a clearer and more authentic audio experience.
To crown it all, you don’t need any other auxiliary connections or software to use it. Just plug it into your iPad and you’re good to go! But if you’re using a newer iOS device, a 3.5 mm lightning adapter will come in handy.
Shure MVL Mobile Lavalier Microphone
The Shure MVL (on Amazon) is a high-quality, professional lavalier microphone on a slightly higher price spectrum. It’s a standard lavalier microphone featuring a 1/8″ jack and 50″ cable, and it works with iOS as well as Android devices.
This mic is omnidirectional, and all you need to do to use it is clip it to your shirt and connect it to your iPad. Most YouTubers settle on the Shure MVL thanks to its quality recordings and flexibility.