What devices is the iRig Mic Lav compatible with?

The iRig Mic Lav is designed for mobile devices, specifically working with iPhone, iPad, and Android hardware. It connects via a standard 3.5mm TRRS jack.

Does the iRig Mic Lav require an external power source?

No, it is designed to operate on the 'plug-in power' provided by the mobile device's microphone jack. It does not require batteries or phantom power from an external mixer.

Can I hear what I am recording in real-time?

Yes, the microphone features an on-board headphone monitoring output. This allows you to plug in headphones and listen to the audio signal as it is being recorded.

What is the benefit of the omnidirectional capsule?

The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound equally from all directions. This ensures that even if the speaker moves their head or the mic shifts on the lapel, the volume and tone remain consistent.

How does this microphone handle wind noise?

It comes with a foam pop shield. This accessory is designed to block wind and air bursts from the speaker's mouth to prevent clipping and distortion.

What software comes with the microphone?

IK Multimedia includes a range of recording apps with the purchase. Notable examples include EZ Voice and VocaLive for vocal processing and recording.

Is the mounting clip removable?

The iRig Mic Lav features a secure mounting clip for lapel attachment. It is designed to be discrete for on-camera use by videographers and journalists.

How does the iRig Mic Lav compare to a Shure SM58?

The SM58 is a handheld dynamic microphone for live stages, whereas the iRig Mic Lav is a small condenser mic for mobile speech. They serve different purposes: the Lav is for portability and discrete placement, while the SM58 is for rugged stage performance.

Can it be used for podcasting?

Yes, it is highly suitable for podcasters, especially those recording on the go. Its wide frequency range helps capture professional-quality speech directly to a smartphone.

Is the cable long enough for interviews?

The microphone features a generous cable length. This allows the subject to be positioned at a comfortable distance from the recording device while remaining miced up.

Does the iRig Mic Lav work for singing?

While it can record vocals and comes with apps like EZ Voice, it is primarily optimized for speech and dialogue. For professional studio singing, a large-diaphragm condenser is usually preferred.

What is the typical price for this microphone?

The typical price range for the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav is approximately £41.00. This makes it an affordable entry point for professional mobile audio.

Gear article

IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav

The IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav is a compact, mobile-focused lavalier microphone designed for high-quality audio recording on iOS and Android devices. It features an omnidirectional condenser capsule and a built-in monitoring output, making it a portable solution for journalists, podcasters, and videographers.

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Overview and Design

The IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav is engineered as a professional-grade lavalier solution for mobile recording environments. The device utilizes a compact, discreet form factor that attaches to clothing via a secure mounting clip, allowing for hands-free operation. Its primary purpose is to bypass the limitations of built-in smartphone microphones, providing a direct, clear signal for broadcast and digital media applications.

The unit is built around a high-quality omnidirectional condenser capsule. This polar pattern ensures consistent sound pickup even if the subject's head moves away from the microphone, making it particularly useful for interview scenarios. The construction includes a generous cable length to allow flexibility in movement for the user.

Key Features and Monitoring

A distinctive feature of the iRig Mic Lav is its integrated monitoring chain. Unlike many standard mobile lavaliers, this unit includes a 1/8" (3.5mm) headphone output. This allows the user to monitor their audio levels in real-time or playback recordings without having to disconnect the microphone from the host device.

The package includes several essential accessories for field recording: * Foam Pop Shield: Reduces wind noise, plosives, and sibilance during outdoor or close-proximity use. * Secure Mounting Clip: Ensures the microphone remains stable on a lapel or collar. * Software Bundle: The device is supplied with recording applications such as EZ Voice and VocaLive, providing immediate utility for vocal capture and processing.

Acoustic Performance

The iRig Mic Lav is characterised by an ultra-wide frequency range designed to deliver crystal-clear audio fidelity. By focusing on a broad response, the microphone captures natural speech nuances while helping to eliminate unwanted ambient background sounds that typically plague mobile device recordings. The inclusion of the foam pop filter is critical for maintaining this clarity, as it mitigates the sharp air pressure changes caused by specific consonants like 'p' and 'b'.

User Suitability and Comparisons

This microphone is primarily aimed at mobile professionals, including journalists, videographers, and podcasters who require a lightweight, reliable recording setup. Its portability makes it a stark alternative to larger, studio-bound dynamic microphones.

Compared to industry-standard dynamic microphones like the Shure SM58 or the Sennheiser e935, which are designed for hand-held vocal performance, the iRig Mic Lav offers a much smaller footprint and an omnidirectional response suited for speech rather than stage singing. While it lacks the high-pressure handling of an Electro-Voice RE20 or the specialised character of the Shure 520DX 'Green Bullet', it provides the specific connectivity and sensitivity required for mobile hardware that traditional dynamic mics lack without additional preamplification.

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Frequently asked questions

What devices is the iRig Mic Lav compatible with?: The iRig Mic Lav is designed for mobile devices, specifically working with iPhone, iPad, and Android hardware. It connects via a standard 3.5mm TRRS jack.
Does the iRig Mic Lav require an external power source?: No, it is designed to operate on the 'plug-in power' provided by the mobile device's microphone jack. It does not require batteries or phantom power from an external mixer.
Can I hear what I am recording in real-time?: Yes, the microphone features an on-board headphone monitoring output. This allows you to plug in headphones and listen to the audio signal as it is being recorded.
What is the benefit of the omnidirectional capsule?: The omnidirectional pattern picks up sound equally from all directions. This ensures that even if the speaker moves their head or the mic shifts on the lapel, the volume and tone remain consistent.
How does this microphone handle wind noise?: It comes with a foam pop shield. This accessory is designed to block wind and air bursts from the speaker's mouth to prevent clipping and distortion.
What software comes with the microphone?: IK Multimedia includes a range of recording apps with the purchase. Notable examples include EZ Voice and VocaLive for vocal processing and recording.
Is the mounting clip removable?: The iRig Mic Lav features a secure mounting clip for lapel attachment. It is designed to be discrete for on-camera use by videographers and journalists.
How does the iRig Mic Lav compare to a Shure SM58?: The SM58 is a handheld dynamic microphone for live stages, whereas the iRig Mic Lav is a small condenser mic for mobile speech. They serve different purposes: the Lav is for portability and discrete placement, while the SM58 is for rugged stage performance.
Can it be used for podcasting?: Yes, it is highly suitable for podcasters, especially those recording on the go. Its wide frequency range helps capture professional-quality speech directly to a smartphone.
Is the cable long enough for interviews?: The microphone features a generous cable length. This allows the subject to be positioned at a comfortable distance from the recording device while remaining miced up.
Does the iRig Mic Lav work for singing?: While it can record vocals and comes with apps like EZ Voice, it is primarily optimized for speech and dialogue. For professional studio singing, a large-diaphragm condenser is usually preferred.
What is the typical price for this microphone?: The typical price range for the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav is approximately £41.00. This makes it an affordable entry point for professional mobile audio.