Have you noticed how bad the audio can be when filming videos with your iPhone? The tiny built-in mic picks up a ton of background noise and makes voices sound muffled or far away. But don’t let poor audio ruin your vlogs, interviews, or videos—adding an external wireless microphone can seriously step up your production value!
Handheld wireless mics designed for iPhones offer a ton of benefits over the internal mic. They let you easily capture crystal clear audio even when filming at a distance from your subject. Now you can vlog hands-free without worrying about the mic picking up wind noise or cars driving by. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, journalist, or just want better family videos, a wireless handheld mic will make a huge difference.
There are a bunch of options available, from lavalier mics you clip on to handheld karaoke-style mics. I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing one, recommend some top systems, and share tips for setting up and shooting with wireless mics. Let’s dive in!
Why Use a Wireless Microphone with Your iPhone?
Adding an external wireless microphone instantly gives you way better audio quality compared to your iPhone’s built-in mic. Here are some of the key benefits:
Mobility and Flexibility
Wireless mics free you and your subjects to move around without being tethered to your phone. You can frame shots from more angles and distances without worrying about background noise overpowering your audio.
Clear, Noise-Free Audio
A handheld wireless mic with a windscreen prevents distracting wind and ambient sounds from interfering with your speech. Your voice will be crystal clear even when filming outdoors.
Handsfree Use
With a lavalier mic clipped to your shirt, you can vlog or share commentary handsfree without having to hold your iPhone right in front of your face.
Subject Monitoring
A handheld mic lets your interviewees monitor their own voice levels and positioning. This allows them to sound their best.
Extended Range
Wireless mics can transmit high quality audio from 200 feet away or more line-of-sight. This greatly exceeds the range of wired mics limited by cable length.
Wireless microphone systems do require an extra piece of gear to carry around and charge. But the audio benefits far outweigh this minor inconvenience.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wireless Microphone
With so many options on the market, it can get confusing to pick the right wireless microphone setup for your needs. Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Frequency Type
Wireless systems use either UHF, VHF or 2.4GHz digital frequencies to transmit audio.
- UHF provides more available channels to avoid interference, but may be illegal in some countries.
- VHF is more globally compatible, but has fewer channel options.
- 2.4GHz digital operates over WiFi frequencies so avoids interference but may have lower range.
Consider your location and production environment when choosing a frequency type.
Microphone Type
Wireless systems come with different mic types depending on how you want to use them:
- Handheld mics – Best for interviews, singing, and speaking directly into the mic.
- Lavalier/lapel mics – Clip discreetly onto clothing for handsfree use.
- Headworn mics – Leave your hands completely free.
- Shotgun mics – Captures crisp audio from greater distance.
Choose the mic type based on your usage and whether you want handheld or handsfree operation.
Transmitter Type
Microphone elements connect to transmitters in two main ways:
- Bodypack transmitters – Hide away securely on your body or clothing.
- Plug-on transmitters – plug directly into a handheld mic or shotgun mic.
Bodypacks keep the transmitter safely out of the way whereas plug-ons avoid an additional piece of gear.
Receiver Interface
Receivers connect to your iPhone in various ways:
- Lightning connector – plug directly into iPhone/iPad for mobile use.
- USB receiver – connect to iPhone or DSLR via USB port.
- Camera mountable – attaches onto your iPhone or tripod.
Consider how you want to use the wireless system – for mobile filming or with a dedicated camera.
Operating Range
Wireless systems range from 100 to 300+ feet depending on the model. Evaluate the shooting environments you’ll be using it in when factoring range.
For run-and-gun mobile use, an omnidirectional system may be preferable to avoid line-of-sight issues. Directional systems have longer range but require maintaining line-of-sight.
Audio Quality
Digital wireless systems transmit pure digital audio for uncompressed CD-quality sound. Analog systems may have noise and interference.
Look for a high signal-to-noise ratio (85dB or more). This results in a clean audio signal without hiss or distortion.
Top Wireless Microphone Systems for iPhone
Now let’s look at some of the best wireless microphone systems designed specifically for iPhone and mobile video use.
Rode Wireless Go II
The Rode Wireless Go II is the world’s smallest and most versatile wireless microphone system. It’s an easy plug-and-play setup without any cables.
The kit includes an omnidirectional lavalier mic, bodypack transmitter, receiver with both USB and Lightning connectivity, and carrying case. It transmits digitally for crystal clear, noise-free audio.
The operating range extends up to 200 feet for flexible mobile use. You can also pair two transmitters to capture two voices or use the dual channel receiver.
At just 1.54 ounces, the Wireless Go II packs professional quality audio in an ultraportable form factor perfect for vlogging, interviews, travel, and everything in between.
Saramonic Blink 500
The Saramonic Blink 500 is an affordable UHF wireless system designed specifically for iPhones. It includes a lavalier mic and bodypack transmitter along with a compact receiver that plugs directly into your iPhone or iPad via Lightning connector.
The UHF frequencies avoid interference so you can count on rock solid signal transmission. It has an operating range of up to 65 feet, giving you plenty of mobility while filming.
Dual channel receivers are also available to add a second wireless microphone. The Saramonic Blink 500 delivers pro-level wireless audio for mobile content creators at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.
Comica CVM-WS50
The Comica CVM-WS50 handheld wireless microphone is perfect for interviews, news reporting, and speaking directly into the mic.
It has a versatile 198 foot transmission range allowing you to record audio from greater distances. The kit includes a handheld vocal mic/transmitter and phone clamp receiver.
This end-to-end wireless solution lets you record high quality audio to your iPhone without cables tying you down. It’s lightweight and easy to set up anywhere to capture crisp, detailed sound effortlessly.
Shure MV88 iOS Kit
For those wanting maximum versatility, the Shure MV88 iOS kit converts any standard XLR microphone into a wireless mic for iPhone.
It comes with Shure’s excellent MV88 iOS digital stereo condenser microphone which connects to XLR mics. The kit also includes phone and mic clamps, windscreen, and a Lightning cable.
You get the freedom to use your favorite XLR shotgun, lavalier or handheld mic wirelessly with your iPhone. Despite being a wired microphone, the MV88 makes it easy to capture stunning audio in any filming scenario.
Setting Up Your Wireless Microphone
Using your shiny new wireless microphone will be a breeze after following these simple steps:
- Fully charge the transmitter and receiver batteries before first use.
- For lavalier mics, carefully attach the mic clip to clothing, securing the cable under clothes.
- Pair the transmitter and receiver by pressing sync buttons or automatic frequency syncing.
- Select a frequency channel to avoid interference from other wireless sources.
- Position lavalier and handheld mics within 1-2 feet of the mouth, avoiding breath pops.
- Monitor audio levels and placement using the mic gain control and headphone jack.
- For best range, maintain line-of-sight between the transmitter pack and receiver.
- When using multiple transmitters, position them at least 6 feet apart to prevent signal interference.
Take test recordings and make gain adjustments to optimize levels before filming your final takes. Doing a mic check will prevent discovering low audio levels in post!
Handy Tips for Shooting Videos with Your Wireless Microphone
You invested in a wireless microphone system, so make sure you use proper technique to get great results:
- Actively monitor audio levels to avoid peaks and distortion. Make gain adjustments if needed.
- Secure lavalier mics in a stable position on clothing so they don’t rub and rustle.
- Use the foam windscreen when filming outdoors to reduce wind noise and plosives.
- Add a shotgun mic on camera for ambient sound and mix both tracks in post for best audio fidelity.
- Mount the receiver on the iPhone or tripod so it’s positioned closely to your subject for optimal range.
- Maintain line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver packs to avoid signal loss from obstacles.
- Record room tone to edit in during gaps in dialogue in post-production.
Following these best practices will give you clean, professional audio to match the stunning 4K video quality of the latest iPhones.
Start Amplifying Your Videos
Adding an external wireless microphone is a simple upgrade that will instantly enhance the production quality of your iPhone videos. Although it requires purchasing an additional accessory, the audio benefits are well worth the investment.
There are many options available to suit different budgets and usage needs. Whether you want the convenience of automatic frequency syncing, extended range, or to convert standard mics to wireless, there’s a solution for every content creator.
So if you’re frustrated with the weak built-in mic on your iPhone, pick up a wireless system and take your videos to the next level. Just remember the key tips covered in this guide and you’ll be capturing perfect audio in no time. Now get out there, make compelling content, and amplify your message!