Let’s get you recording your best musical inspirations from the convenience of your tablet, with the best mics for iPad.
Quick answer:
Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone if you’re looking for stereo condenser high-quality mic from a trusted brand.
Zoom iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone if you’re looking for a portable mid-side recording setup.
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone if you’re looking for a very affordable and convenient mic.
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Table of Contents
About Our Top Choices
Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Shure MV88 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a stereo condenser high-quality mic that comes from a trusted and respected manufacturer. It’s a sturdy build and comes with a protective case.
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Top-quality
- Extremely portable
Cons
- Considerable latency on monitoring
Zoom iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Zoom iQ7 is a great choice for someone who is looking for an affordable stereo mic that has an easily recognizable design, long battery life, and is easy to use.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Long-living battery
Cons
- Undesirable clicking sounds tend to appear
- Housing and mic capsules are made from plastic
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
It’s pretty understandable why IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is among mics that are favored by many content creators, music producers, and mobile journalists. Not only is this mic the cheapest among other options on this list, but also convenient to use.
Pros
- Portable
- Great sounding
- Extremely affordable
Cons
- The sound quality is only a bit better than a built-in mic
- Isn’t cordless
Top 6 Best Mics for iPad
- Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
- Zoom iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone
- IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone
- Rode VideoMic Me-L
- Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone
- Rode iXY-L Stereo Microphone
Best Mics for iPad Reviews
Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone
Pros
- Easy to operate
- Top-quality
- Extremely portable
Cons
- Considerable latency on monitoring
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
It’s no wonder when you hear the name Shure, you automatically know what you will get. Undoubtedly, the Shure MV88 Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone is of the best quality, offers you stereo, and has plenty of positive customer reviews.
Best features and specs
Shure MV88 is a stereo condenser mic that easily connects right to your iOS device. Also, the design of the mic, precisely multiple microphone capsule arrangement, provides you with flexible configuration and gives you a possibility to record in variable stereo or mono pattern, with mid-side and true figure-8 options.
User impressions
Users are impressed by Shure MV88 as it’s a great mic for recording instruments, vocals, and video. Users say that the mic is placed in a small case and it’s very easy to carry it around. The position of the jack is very convenient as it allows you to listen to live levels while recording.
What we think
What we really like about Shure is that whenever we hear that name instantly, we’re aware that the item would be mind-blowing and of the highest quality possible. Shure MV88 offers you a free ShurePlus MOTIV app that lets you not only adjust DSP settings but EQ, dynamics, stereo width, and gain settings from iPhone or iPad.
Bottomline
Shure MV88 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a stereo condenser high-quality mic that comes from a trusted and respected manufacturer. It’s a sturdy build and comes with a protective case. The only downside that you may experience is considerable latency on monitoring.
Zoom iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Long-living battery
Cons
- Undesirable clicking sounds tend to appear
- Housing and mic capsules are made from plastic
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
When you first pay attention to Zoom iQ7 Rotating Mid-Side Stereo Microphone, you notice its unique futuristic design. Also, this mic offers you a stereo for an affordable price and it has plenty of positive customer reviews.
Best features and specs
Zoom iQ7 offers you 2 mics with a mid-side recording that can be set in 2 ways to get the best recording quality for sounds and video. Also, this mic has a LED levels indicator and rotary gain knob. The mic records at 48 kHz, which is more than enough for the majority of the recording purposes. The sound has really good accuracy, clarity, and detail.
User impressions
Users like Zoom iQ7 for giving the best result during the recording, helping to catch some inspirational moments that otherwise could be forgotten. The recorded files can then be easily transferred to the DAW to do further editing.
What we think
What we like the most about Zoom iQ7 is its design. This mic has a future-inspired look that makes it easily recognizable from other mics on the market. Also, with the mic, you get the Handy Recorder app, which offers a bunch of good features and capabilities.
Bottomline
Zoom iQ7 is a great choice for someone who is looking for an affordable stereo mic that has an easily recognizable design, long battery life, and is easy to use. When talking about downsides, the sturdiness of the build is under question because housing and mic capsules are made from plastic. Unless you are very careful with the mic, soon, you might need to look for another. Also, you may experience some unwanted clicking sounds.
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone
Pros
- Portable
- Extremely affordable
- Great sounding
Cons
- The sound quality is only a bit better than a built-in mic
- Isn’t cordless
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
It’s pretty understandable why IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is among mics that are favored by many content creators, music producers, and mobile journalists. Not only is this mic the cheapest among other options on this list, but also convenient to use.
Best features and specs
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is easily mounted on your phone or iPad with the help of magnetic mounting. Also, you can choose between rear, front, omnidirectional recording, and this mic eliminates any background noise.
User impressions
Users say that IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is really easy to use, and it’s a good choice for jam sessions or rehearsals when you just need to catch some inspiration and record your ideas.
What we think
What we like the most about IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is that it works not only with iOS devices but with those that are powered by Android as well. Additionally, it works with any audio and video application, which is a great benefit.
Bottomline
IK Multimedia iRig Mic Cast 2 iOS Microphone is a great choice for someone who is looking for an omnidirectional and extremely affordable mic that easily mounts on your phone or iPad. Additionally, it’s compatible with Android devices, in case you’re an owner of one. You should be aware that it’s not a mic for professional sound but rather a quick recording on the go. And it’s not cordless, which may present some difficulties for you.
Rode VideoMic Me-L
Pros
- Easy to use
- Solid build quality
- Good sounding
Cons
- If the device doesn’t have a 3.5 mm jack, you may need an adapter
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
When you hear the name Rode, instantly, you become aware of getting the device with the best quality possible. The Rode VideoMic Me-L is a mighty little beast that is built to withstand anything on its way.
Best features and specs
Rode VideoMic Me-L offers you solid build quality, compact size, and convenience. This mic has a frequency range of 100 Hz to 20 kHz and a Sound Pressure level of 140 dB.
User impressions
Users are impressed with Rode VideoMic Me-L because of its capabilities of catching the tone and balance of the sound as clean and excellent. Also, users that are doing a lot of live streaming express their gratitude towards this mic’s sound quality and mark it no lower than superb.
What we think
We are impressed with Rode VideoMic Me-L’s ability to capture the sound perfectly even in the loudest environments, such as concerts and other venues that are known for being extremely loud. Also, this mic has a furry windshield that allows this mic to be protected from catching some background noise if recording takes place outside.
Bottomline
Rode VideoMic Me-L is a great choice for someone who is looking for a cardioid condenser mic that is very sturdily built and provides an exceptional sound quality. The only few downsides that you may encounter are when it’s extremely windy, the windshield wouldn’t cast away all background noise. And if your device doesn’t have a 3.5 mm jack, you may be in need to obtain an adapter.
Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone
Pros
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Great sound capturing
Cons
- Continuous clicks on the recording
- No case
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
When you first see Zoom iQ6 Stereo X/Y Microphone, you may get a vibe of the future because of the well-thought-out design of this mic, and it looks futuristic. Also, this mic has the same condenser mic that is used in Zoom H4N.
Best features and specs
Zoom iQ6 has a sturdy build and it seems durable enough. On the front side, you can find a knob for adjusting gain that is very well placed. Also, it offers you a 16-bit and 44 kHz audio quality and a high sound pressure level of 130 dB.
User impressions
Users agree that Zoom iQ6 is a great choice for capturing band rehearsals and catching the sound of the audience. Also, the captured sound is of the highest quality.
What we think
What we like about Zoom iQ6 is that it’s capable of easily adjusting the range for capturing the sound from 90 to 120 degrees. In some situations, it’s a real life-changing solution. Also, we find it very convenient that recording levels are displayed by 3 LED lights.
Bottomline
Zoom iQ6 is a great choice for someone who is looking for an affordable and lightweight condenser mic that has a futuristic-like design and the possibility of rotating the mics from 90 to 120 degrees. Note that you might experience continuous clicks in the recording after using this mic for some time. Another downside is that this mic doesn’t come with a protective case.
Rode iXY-L Stereo Microphone
Pros
- Compact
- Great sounding
- Good build quality
Cons
- Needs Rode recording app for a better sound quality
- You can’t charge the phone and record at the same time
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Rode iXY-L Stereo Microphone offers you an opportunity to transform your phone or iPad into a stereo recorder. Also, you get incredible stereo imaging that is completely free from any phase issues.
Best features and specs
Rode iXY-L records the sound at 24-bit, 96 kHz with a really good sound quality through a dedicated Rode Rec recording app. Also, this mic comes with all the essential accessories that you might ever need.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Rode iXY-L because of its build quality and its adjustment for everyday usage. Users praise the position of cardioid condenser capsules as the recordings in the results sound really natural and unbelievably good.
What we think
What we like about Rode iXY-L is that it comes from a well-respected and reliable manufacturer. In addition, this mic has a software-switchable 72 Hz high pass filter to reduce any unwanted low-frequency noise. And it’s built for ages to last.
Bottomline
Rode iXY-L is a great choice for someone who is looking for a stereo condenser mic that is very compact and has a great build quality. A few downsides that we can mention is that you can’t charge the phone and record at the same time. And for a better result, you need to use the Rode Rec app.
Mics for iPad Buying Guide
What is a mic for an iPad?
It’s an external microphone that can be used to improve the sound quality of the recording, anything from instruments to speech.
Why would you need a mic for the iPad?
The main reason is that an external microphone would provide a better sound quality than a built-in one.
Important features
When choosing a mic for iPad, you should pay attention to the build quality, polar pattern, and windshields.
Build quality
Whether you would use the mic for recording instruments or speech, you would want it to be sturdy and lightweight at the same time.
Polar pattern
When choosing a mic, you should pay attention to its polar pattern. Cardioid mics are the best at capturing the sound you aim at recording while blocking all other noises. And to record the sound, you need to aim the mic towards the sound and you’ll end up with a good recording. Omnidirectional mics are the best for catching and recording the sound that comes from any angle. As a result, these mics will deliver clear audio and a more natural crisp sound.
Windshields
Windshields are useful for protecting the mic from any sort of moisture and dust entering inside, and they make the recording sound better by getting rid of pops, hisses, and other unwanted noises.
Windscreens are used with microphones to decrease pressures such as breaths, vocal plosives, and wind on the microphone’s elements.
How to choose the right one for you?
When you are choosing the best mics for iPad, you have to keep in mind that it’s better when the mic has a longer lifespan, so choose one that is sturdy build yet isn’t that heavy. Depending on what result you want to achieve, choose a corresponding polar pattern. Having a windshield will improve the quality of your recording. And having a protective case will add a year or two to the longevity of the mic.
FAQs
What mics work with iPad?
Any mics that either have a designated connector that allows plugging the mic into the iPad or an adapter.
Can you hook a mic up to an iPad?
Yes, you can. You have to acquire a designated adapter for USB suitable for connecting to the iPad. For connecting an XLR mic to the iPad, you need a USB-to-XLR cable and USB adapter.
Which is better, zoom iQ6 or iQ7?
Generally speaking, iQ7 is much more versatile than iQ6 and its mic capsules can be easily adjusted according to your needs in various positions. Also, the sound quality is really great as the mic is capable of capturing detailed, accurate sound with high clarity.
