external microphone for smart phone (4 Viewers)

[Mike Crawley]

Hi everyone,

When I say "smart phone" I am currently using a new iPhone SE (2020 version).
However, I do have a lightning connector/jack-plug converter so connections on individual devices are not entirely relevant. It shouldn’t be relevant but I’m in the UK.

I have recently been trying a bird song I.D. App. which due to the poor quality of the recording produced is almost useless. Using playback from the Collins Bird Guide App. it’s 100% correct, so I’m guessing that making recordings using the built in microphone is where it’s falling down.

As it’s only occasional use (as opposed to making blogs/vlogs, etc.) I don’t intend to spend too much money.

Any suggestions welcome

Thanks

 

[SanAngelo]

I've been using the ETM-001 with an H1 Zoom for the past 3 years and I'm very happy with it.

This YouTube video using the mic with a smartphone sold me on the initial purchase.

 

[Mike Crawley]

I've been using the ETM-001 with an H1 Zoom for the past 3 years and I'm very happy with it.

This YouTube video using the mic with a smartphone sold me on the initial purchase.

Thanks very much for your help

 

[njlarsen]

I also am interested. It seems there is a variant that they recommend more strongly for iPhones: https://www.amazon.com/EDUTIGE-i-Mi...qid=1590954179&sprefix=ETM-001,aps,246&sr=8-2

Niels

 

[Mike Crawley]

I also am interested. It seems there is a variant that they recommend more strongly for iPhones: https://www.amazon.com/EDUTIGE-i-Mi...qid=1590954179&sprefix=ETM-001,aps,246&sr=8-2

Niels

Thank you

 

[Steve Babbs]

I have been thinking about this too. This would seem to be the kind of thing to do the job. https://www.amazon.co.uk/CVM-VS08-P...0749PBHRF/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

 

[Mike Crawley]

I have been thinking about this too. This would seem to be the kind of thing to do the job. https://www.amazon.co.uk/CVM-VS08-P...0749PBHRF/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thank you :t:

 

[Steve Babbs]

Thank you :t:

Please don't think I'm an expert: I'm putting that forward as a suggestions. I'd love to hear other people's opinions.

 

[Mike Crawley]

Please don't think I'm an expert: I'm putting that forward as a suggestions. I'd love to hear other people's opinions.

That’s a “thank you” for the comment and not the advice - I understood that you were also a tyro in this matter

 

[njlarsen]

The one in the second post was omnidirectional, the one in post 6 is directional it seems. I have had good success in the past with the Remembird system that employed an omnidirectional mic; but all the best systems use directional mics. I would love to be able to walk down the street and test both systems.

Niels

 

[Mike Crawley]

The one in the second post was omnidirectional, the one in post 6 is directional it seems. I have had good success in the past with the Remembird system that employed an omnidirectional mic; but all the best systems use directional mics. I would love to be able to walk down the street and test both systems.

Niels

Oh yes, the time and money to be able to test them all simultaneously :t:

 

[Winterdune]

Hi everyone,

I have recently been trying a bird song I.D. App. which due to the poor quality of the recording produced is almost useless. Using playback from the Collins Bird Guide App. it’s 100% correct

Thanks

Which app?

 

[THE_FERN]

I'm interested in this thread too but for Android. I noticed the rode mics have mixed reviews on amazon: good to hear of real experience (with any brand). Seems to me there're great advantages in having everything via phone.

 

[Mike Crawley]

Which app?

Well I feel a bit of a prat now.
I missed this message last night.
I have tested the App. this morning and the quality of I.D. has become quite poor.

This morning I have tried
Smart bird ID; ChirpOMatic Bird Song ID UK:

I can’t get any of them to reliably ID playback from Collins

Back to the search for an App.

 

[Steve Babbs]

I was never that much into bird recording but on trips abroad in the 90s I did always carry a tape recorder and a directional mic to record bird songs to help with id but also because it did give a nice souvenir. Then there was no question everyone used a directional mic and this would seem the case now.
I a surprised more birders haven't gone down this route. I'm certainly keen to sort it out before my delayed trips - hopefully - finally happen.

 

[THE_FERN]

I was never that much into bird recording but on trips abroad in the 90s I did always carry a tape recorder and a directional mic to record bird songs to help with id but also because it did give a nice souvenir. Then there was no question everyone used a directional mic and this would seem the case now.
I a surprised more birders haven't gone down this route. I'm certainly keen to sort it out before my delayed trips - hopefully - finally happen.

Yes I find playback essential in the neotropics. Hand held recorder I have is ok but extra to set up and carry, with no link to blue tooth speakers. Phone would be better solution but internal mic quality poor. So, (given variability I note above) which small directional mics are good?

 

[rollingthunder]

I have given this some thought but do not wish to spend that much money as it is only a sideline from birding and digital photo records. I have looked at a range of handheld at around the £50-100 mark. I do not really want to carry yet another item that will receive little use at best and no use the bulk of the time so i have decided on a cheap and cheerful option that, altho will not achieve the best results, will utilise something i always carry i.e. my mobile smartphone.

I will purchase a Lavalier phone mic’, it comes with 2 jack-plugs. These are not expensive currently £10-15. I will purchase or reuse a light 12” diameter plastic dish or other concave item. This will then be drilled to take the mic’ and fitted with a suitable adapter which will enable normal use with the clip provided or easy conversion to a makeshift directional recorder. It is neither perfect or professional but it is cheap and cheerful. It is also portable and discreet. I also intend to place it outside the bedroom window for nocmig which was my original intention rather than roaming around ‘out in the field. If i am impressed i will stick with it - we shall see:t:

Good birding -

Laurie:t:

 

[Mike Crawley]

Thanks Laurie

 

[Steve Babbs]

I have given this some thought but do not wish to spend that much money as it is only a sideline from birding and digital photo records. I have looked at a range of handheld at around the £50-100 mark. I do not really want to carry yet another item that will receive little use at best and no use the bulk of the time so i have decided on a cheap and cheerful option that, altho will not achieve the best results, will utilise something i always carry i.e. my mobile smartphone.

I will purchase a Lavalier phone mic’,

Laurie:t:

I am intrigued by why you are choosing a omnidirectional mic rather than a directional one.

 

[rollingthunder]

It is just a general one that i can clip to my shirt or fleece and talk into when doing blog type stuff or on holiday.

Laurie:t: