Why you should be using an external mic for your smartphone vlogs!

One of the first steps in producing awesome videos is ensuring your audio quality is on point; and providing your audience with top-quality sound means they can spend more time listening, learning and being entertained, and less time trying to hear you over background noise.

Loud and clear

To engage your viewers, you need to be recording clear, uninterrupted sound. Your internal smartphone mic picks up noise from not only in front of, but also to the side, and behind your phone. With the risk of picking up unwanted sounds during recording, an external mic is a must have to improve your audio.

If you’re vlogging on location, you can’t always guarantee how quiet your surroundings are going to be. These added interferences around your smartphone will distort any sound received by built in mics. Using a directional mic, like our JOBY Wavo , can help combat this as it can be pointed at the speaker to reduce unwanted background noise.

If you’re recording indoors, you also need to watch out for poor room acoustics. Sound bounces off surfaces such as walls, floors, and ceilings; and the further away these surfaces are, the more your sound quality will be affected. So, try to avoid large, empty, or echoey spaces.

Aim to minimise the space between you and the microphone, as any noise between the two could be picked up in your recording. This is one of the reasons why lavalier (lav) microphones are so popular and useful, as the microphone sits so close to your mouth.

Find your perfect match

There are a million and one microphone options out there to choose from, so how do you know which type, size or style of audio product is best for you? We have a wide range of mobile compatible JOBY mics to help you out no matter your skillset, whether you’re recording your first video, or are a seasoned pro…

The Novice

Starting out in the world of vlogging can be daunting, so why not keep your audio recording nice and simple while you find your feet? Capture coolness, style, and killer sound, with JOBY Wavo Lav Mobile  lavalier mics. Our most compact and simple audio solution to date!

Compatible with both phones and action cameras, the Wavo Lav Mobile lavalier microphone comes with three colourful mini fur windscreens, to both reduce unwanted noise from wind, fans or vents, and match your creative style!

It’s super easy to use, simply plug into your smartphone via the TRRS cable (5.9ft in length), clip to your favourite outfit, and you’re ready to start vlogging, producing interviews, TikToks, Insta stories, and more!

The YouTube fanatic

If you’re no stranger to the vlogging game, you might already use a handheld rig to steady your phone for smooth footage. Well, how about levelling up to include an external mic… Designed with vloggers in mind, the Wavo Mobile  microphone makes your life easy!

This lightweight microphone improves your sound quality without weighing you down. Just connect the TRRS smartphone cable for an effortless setup and you’re good to go. Plus, there’s no need for a battery… so you can create all day!

With its cardioid directional pattern, the Wavo Mobile microphone will only pick up your voice, dampening sounds from other directions. Meaning you can walk, run or jump, and the Wavo Mobile won’t capture unwanted background sound caused by your movement.

Just slide it through the cold shoe mount of your chosen rig, like our JOBY Gorillapod Mobile Rig , rotate it clockwise till it's firmly locked. Then, warm up your voice and start recording!

The daily vlogger

If you’re really looking to step up your video production, then look no further... Introducing our latest smartphone mic release, the JOBY Wavo AIR – The most flexible and complete wireless lav kit ever! With an easy pairing system and up to 6 hours battery life the Wavo AIR gives you the ultimate freedom to create.

Ideal for vlogging on the go, its wireless transmitter functionality means you’re not restricted to being connected to your smartphone. Record clear, crisp audio from far away, or whenever you need to be hands free. The Wavo AIR provides you with everything you need to start recording your next viral video with killer sound.

The innovative modular mounting system gives you the flexibility to always find the perfect position for your smartphone mic – You can find a cold shoe mount and GorillaPod leg clip included to keep the Wavo AIR receiver perfectly in place. Or try out the magnetic pendant to handily position the wireless transmitter, no matter your outfit choice!

Plug in and play!

So, you’ve chosen the right mic for you, now what? Connecting your new smartphone mic  (directional or wireless) usually requires a TRRS connection cable. Sometimes these cables will need a lighting connector or USB-C adapter to cater to your specific phone model, so make sure you always have one in your mobile vlogging kit!

No apps, downloads, or confusing software… Just plug in to add high res audio to your next vlog!

If you want to give your vlogs the professional treatment, level up to our GorillaPod Advanced Mobile Vlogging Kit , perfect for YouTubers, Instagrammers, TikTokers, and more! This epic kit includes a GorillaPod Mobile Rig, Beamo Mini LED light, and Wavo Mobile microphone. Supplied with TRRS audio cables, as well as an Apple MFI Certified lightning connector, you'll have everything you need to record high-quality sound in the palm of your hand.

Conclusion

To find out more about JOBY smartphone mics, or other useful JOBY audio recording accessories, check out our socials, or head to joby.com. And above all else, remember to have fun, create.