I have a passion for capturing life through memories. This page serves to list the different methods I use.
Mobile Recording on smartphones
Most smartphones have an extra connection on the headphone jack that allows for controlling music or calls. Even more importantly, there is another connector that listens to incoming audio. So, how do you connect a microphone to a smartphone?
- Bluetooth Microphone
- USB interface/data port connector
- headphone port
Headphone Port
To skip all the DIY and low-cost options, here is a great solution to record audio right into your smartphone: the Rode smartLav bundle with vampire clip and extension cable is about $80 and is a great choice.
For constrained budgets, use your own mic with an adapter
To bring a microphone’s audio through the headphone port, an adapter is needed. A Camcorder adapters have the longer, 4-pin connection into the headphone port that is needed. (White/Black: Audio out (L), Yellow: Audio Out (R), Red: Mic level input).
So can I plug in a massive, power-hungry microphone that demands a certain level of phantom power? No, some have reported that the microphone should be less than 800ohms.
The Neewer Camera Camcorder Uni-Directional System Condenser Shotgun Interview microphone
This PDF explains the connections (pin out) in depth of you are curious.