The USB-C on modern Android phones can handle more power and higher transfer speeds, ideal for accessories like microphones. If you’re someone who regularly records podcasts, YouTube videos, or voiceovers on the phone, a good USB-C mic could be a worthy purchase. In this article, let’s look at some of the best USB-C microphones for Android phones on Amazon India and Amazon USA.
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Best USB-C Microphones for Android Phones
Most modern Android phones support OTG and can supply enough power required to run a USB mic. Unlike regular USB microphones that require on-the-go adapters, USB-C microphones can be connected directly through the USB Type-C port.
However, they may not work with the stock apps on the phone. You may have to use third-party apps like Dolby On, Open Camera, Cinema FV-5, FiLMiC Pro, etc., for recording audio with the USB-C mic.
Below are some of the best USB-C microphones you can use with your Android phone.
Also, Read | K8 Lavalier Review: Wireless Plug and Play Microphone
1. AKG Lyra USB-C Condensor Mic
AKG Lyra is a USB-C condenser microphone that works well with Android phones. It has a multi-pattern four capsules array and offers different audio capture modes like the front, front + back, tight stereo, and wide stereo. You can use either based on the use case.
The microphone records 24-bit/192kHz high-quality audio making it ideal for recording podcasts, YouTube, live streaming, video calls, and more. Besides, it sports a zero-latency 3.5mm headphone jack for audio monitoring while recording.
AKG Lyra is a simple plug-and-play mic. You do not need a separate audio interface or software to play with. Apart from Android, it works with iOS, Windows, and Mac devices. It also includes Ableton Live 10 Lite audio production software.
Key Specs:
- Condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Multi-pattern (Cardioid and Omni combinations)
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/ 192 kHz
- Zero-latency headphone monitoring
- Weight: 454-grams
- Other specs here
Price: ₹7,999 (India), $148 (USA)
2. Boya BY-PM500 USB-C Microphone
Boya BY-PM500 is a condenser microphone compatible with computers and most smartphones with USB Type-C ports. It comes with two selectable polar patterns- Cardioid (directional pickup from the front) and Omnidirectional (captures sound from all directions).
You can record audio in 24 Bit/48 kHz resolution. Plus, it has adjustable mic gain, latency-free monitoring via a 3.5mm audio jack, and muting function.
It is ideal for recording YouTube audio, podcasts, and even vocals for songs. The mic comes with a desktop stand, a USB Type-C to Type-C cable for mobile devices, and a USB-A cable for computers.
Key Specs:
- Condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid/ Omnidirectional (selectable)
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/ 48 kHz
- Adjustable mic gain
- Latency-free audio monitoring
- Weight: 703-grams
- Other specs here
Price:₹5,495 (India), $69 (USA)
3. Shure MV88+ Video Kit with Condenser Mic
Shure MV88+ is a complete recording rig that comes with a condenser microphone. You also get a Manfrotto PIXI Tripod with phone clamp, a shoe-mount mic clip, and USB-C & lightning cables, making it ready for audio and video capture right out of the box.
To use it, mount your phone and connect the microphone through the USB-C cable. Using the setup, you can then do videography, self-recording, audio capture, interview, or film recording. There’s also a built-in headphone output for real-time headphone monitoring.
It supports the classic mid-side stereo recording technique by using cardioid and bidirectional capsules to adjust the stereo width while providing excellent mono capability.
Unfortunately, MV88+ cannot work with phone calls, live streaming, or video conference apps on Android. Instead, you’ll have to use ShurePlus MOTIV Audio and Video apps for recording on supported Android devices. Check the compatibility here.
Key Specs:
- Condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/48 kHz
- Multiple bit depth and sample rate options
- Weight: 470-grams
- Other specs here
Price: ₹23,560 (India), $249 (USA)
4. Rode VideoMic Me-C USB-C Mic for Android
Rode VideoMic Me-C is a high-quality directional microphone for USB-C phones running Android 10 or higher. It plugs directly in the connector without any cables and comes with a 3.5mm jack for audio monitoring and playback.
The microphone reduces background noise and focuses on your audio for clear audio quality. As far as accessories are concerned, it comes with a clip to secure the mic and a furry windshield for filming in outdoor and adverse weather conditions.
Rode VideoMic Me-C works seamlessly with the Rode Reporter app and other recording apps. Overall, it’s an ideal USB-C microphone for those who wish to record podcasts or outdoor videos on their Android phones.
Key Specs:
- Pressure gradient condenser microphone
- Polar Pattern: Cardioid
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/ 44.1-48 kHz
- Weight: 27-grams
- Other specs here
Price: ₹8,400 (India), $79 (USA)
5. Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Lavilier Microphone
Sennheiser XS Lav is a lapel mic that works with USB-C mobile phones and computers. It is an omnidirectional clip-on microphone and is suitable for vocals in interviews, vlogs, and podcasts.
It provides clear, natural sound- you can clip it on your shirt to capture more of your voice and less of the surrounding environment. To use it, plug it onto your phone, and it’ll start working. If it doesn’t, you’ll have to use recording apps that support external microphones.
All-inclusive, it’s a good lightweight USB-C microphone that does the job of maintaining clarity and eliminating background noise. However, don’t expect it to deliver studio-quality audio- most lapel mics don’t.
Key Specs:
- Pre-polarized condenser microphone
- Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
- Audio resolution: 16-bit/ up to 48 kHz
- Weight: 16-grams
- Other specs here
Price: ₹4,999 (India), $59.95 (USA)
Apart from the USB-C microphones, you can also use regular USB microphones on your Android phone using an OTG adapter.
Terms Used Above
- Condensor: Condenser microphones (or capacitor microphones) have high sensitivity and can pick up delicate sounds. They are ideal for capturing vocals and high frequencies. The other type is dynamic microphones which are meant for loud environments.
- Polar Pattern: The microphone’s directionality. It’s the sensitivity of a microphone to sounds arriving from different angles.
- Cardioid: A mic with a cardioid (or unidirectional) polar pattern is most sensitive to sound coming from the front.
- Omnidirectional: A mic with an omnidirectional pattern is designed to capture sound from all directions. The speaker can talk to any side of the microphone.
Related | How to connect a USB Mic to Android or iPhone
Wrapping Up- Best USB-C Microphone for Android
These were some of the best USB-C microphones to buy for Android phones in India and the USA. Before buying any mic, make sure that it is compatible with your device. Also, do check the prices on other e-commerce platforms. If you have any other microphones to suggest, do let me know in the comments below. Stay tuned for more such articles.
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