In a nutshell
- Smartphone audio recording can be improved by choosing a quiet environment, minimizing background noise and maintaining steady microphone placement.
- External microphones, like lavaliers or shotgun mics, and audio recording apps with advanced features can enhance smartphone audio quality.
- Recording in high-quality formats and using live audio monitoring are essential for achieving professional-grade results with a smartphone.
In just a few years, smartphones have found their way into the professional videography space. Not only have their video shooting capabilities improved, but their usefulness for capturing audio has also grown. In fact, for many breaking into the video space, a smartphone is often the first microphone they use — and for good reason. A small, portable, connected and accessible gadget is incredibly handy for a media producer on the move. While recording audio on a smartphone can’t compete with a high-end, video-focused microphone setup, you can still capture professional-level audio with just your phone. Here are a few simple ways to instantly improve your smartphone’s audio recording capabilities, along with some gadgets that can enhance its quality even further.
Free ways to improve your smartphone’s audio recording
Plan your recording environment ahead of time
Before you hit record, take a moment to consider where you’ll be capturing audio. Your recording environment plays a big role in sound quality. Look for a quiet location with minimal background noise, and avoid spaces with hard, reflective surfaces that can create echoes. If you’re recording outside, position yourself away from the wind or use natural barriers, like walls or trees, to block it. Remember, planning your environment ahead of time can save you a lot of cleanup work later.Reduce background noise, echoes and wind noise
Unwanted noise can ruin even the best recordings. If you’re shooting indoors, turn off fans, air conditioners or other noisy appliances. Soft furnishings, like curtains, carpets or pillows, can help absorb sound and reduce echoes. When recording outdoors, hold your smartphone close to your chest to minimize wind noise. If possible, try to record at a location or time with little to no wind.Keep your phone steady
Your smartphone’s microphone is sensitive to movement, so any kind of movement can create unwanted handling noise. To avoid this, place your phone on a table or another stable surface. If you’re shooting a close-up or medium shot, ask your subject — or someone off-frame — to hold the phone near the speaker. Keeping the phone steady ensures clean, crisp audio free from bumps or rustling sounds.
Think about your microphone placement
Where you position your smartphone’s microphone can significantly improve or hinder your audio recording. Keep your smartphone’s microphone as close to the sound source as possible — ideally within 6 to 12 inches. This distance captures clear, direct sound while minimizing background noise.Edit it in post-production
Once you’ve captured your audio, refine it with audio editing software. Many apps, ranging from free options to professional tools, let you clean up recordings by removing noise, adjusting levels and even adding effects. Free software like Audacity can handle basic tweaks to your recording. For more comprehensive edits, you’ll need advanced (and paid) tools like Adobe Audition.Gear that can improve your smartphone audio recordings
External microphone
If you have the budget for additional gear, consider investing in an external microphone. While you can record audio with your smartphone’s built-in microphone, external microphones are better at reducing background noise and can be positioned closer to your subject. This isn’t unique to smartphones; built-in microphones on dedicated video cameras also aren’t ideal for capturing professional audio. You have several types of microphones to choose from for your smartphone:Lavalier microphones
First, there are lavalier microphones. These are often used to capture a single subject’s audio because they’re designed to clip onto clothing. Lavalier mics are small and can be easily hidden. For example, you could connect a lavalier mic to your smartphone’s 3.5 mm jack, have your subject place the phone in their pocket and run the wire through their wardrobe to keep the mic out of sight. However, there is a downside to lavaliers: they’re best suited for capturing audio from a single subject. If you have multiple subjects speaking in a scene, you’ll need additional smartphones and lavaliers. Fortunately, 3.5 mm lavaliers are relatively inexpensive, with most priced between $10 and $30. However, high-end options like the RØDE Lavalier II can cost up to $100.
Shotgun microphones
Shotgun microphones are designed to be highly directional. This means they record sound from a specific direction while filtering out noise from surrounding areas. Shotgun mics are great for capturing audio outdoors because they block most background noise. They’re also ideal for recording dialogue from multiple subjects at once or capturing sound effects and ambiance, like footsteps or wildlife. The Movo VXR10 and the RØDE VideoMic GO II are both excellent options if you’re looking for a professional-level shotgun microphone for mobile devices.
Wireless microphones
If you were to talk to a professional sound engineer, they would sneer at the thought of recording audio wirelessly instead of wired. This is because wired recordings are usually more stable. There’s overall less interference. However, some wireless microphones deliver great results for mobile recording. For example, the DJI Mic 2 and the RØDE Wireless ME both offer professional-level wireless audio for smartphones.
Tripod
Don’t underestimate the importance of a sturdy tripod. As mentioned earlier, keeping your microphone steady and close to your subject is essential. An adjustable tripod designed for smartphones can help you achieve both. Tripods are especially useful if you’re filming on your own or working with a small crew.Audio recording apps
Beyond technique and gear, you’ll need a reliable audio recording app for your smartphone. Most phones come with a default app, but there are plenty of third-party options that offer a better experience. Here are some top options for Android users:Best audio recording apps for Andriod
Easy Voice Recorder
Dolby On: Record Audio & Music
Next, we have the Dolby On: Record Audio & Music app. Compared to the Easy Voice Recorder, Dolby On offers a more pro-level experience. This app offers various tools that creators can take advantage of, like noise reduction, compression, normalization, de-essing, fades, stereo widening and more.AudioLab Audio Editor Recorder
AudioLab Audio Editor Recorder is designed to be a more sophisticated audio editor. After recording your audio, you can dive into detailed editing. For instance, you can choose from various output formats, including MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC and FLAC. The app also allows you to separate audio from a video upload and modify voice recordings with its voice changer feature.Best audio recording apps for iOS
Dolby On: Record Audio & Music
Just like on Android, the Dolby On: Record Audio & Music app performs exceptionally well on iOS. With tools such as noise reduction, compression, normalization, de-essing and fades, it’s a favorite on the App Store — and it’s easy to see why.Audio Capture Pro
If you want a simple way to capture audio on your app without the need for extra settings on your iOS device, the Audio Capture Pro is your app. This app can record multitrack audio from different sources simultaneously. For example, you can record input from a USB microphone while having a Skype conversation with a podcast guest using Audio Capture Pro.Audio Recorder & Voice Memos
