The Apogee MiC 96k is a standalone microphone, meaning it does not attach directly to an iPhone. Rather, this mic connects via a Hirose-to-Lightning cable. The MV88 has a joint near the bottom so that the mic can be positioned (pointed) along a 180° angle. This makes it easy to point to the microphone in the correct direction when recording video with the front or rear camera or when we're recording just audio. If you're looking for a wireless microphone that does not connect to the iPhone via the Lightning port, the bluetooth Hey Mic! is an option worth considering. When you're ready to take your iOS audio to the next level, plug in a Zoom iQ7. This compact yet full-featured mid-side stereo condenser mic is perfect for capturing music as well as video with outstanding audio. With the iQ7, you can create great-sounding recordings on your iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch any time, any place.

All in all, the iQ7 is very functional (when it functions!). It has a headphone output for monitoring, which is awesome. It can also be altered 90° about its base to better suit audio-only recording or audio/video recording. The digital connection is questionable with this microphone and is a common concern for users. Most of the time, these microphones work as designed. However, there have been many complaints made about the iQ7 and its poor connectivity and audio. This is more an issue of quality control by Zoom than anything. It is possible you might want some additional cord length and Rode offers the SC1 20′ Extension Cable designed specifically for the smartLav+. As for digital audio quality, the iQ7 sounds great when it works properly. It captures clean and accurate stereo audio and has a decent quality ADC to output 44.1kHz/16bit or 48kHz/16bit digital audio.

Zoom iQ7 Mid-Side Stereo Microphone for iOS Devices with Lightning Connector

Earlier, we discussed new iPhone and the limited options we have for connecting a microphone. We've already discussed the physical connection of the Lightning port. Now let's talk about the other common method: bluetooth. The two microphone elements in the iQ7 include a directional "mid" mic that captures signal coming from directly in front of your iOS device, and a bidirectional "side" mic that captures the audio coming from both sides.

This last one is actually a lightning to XLR converter! That means you can use nearly any professional microphone with an iPhone. The Rode i-XLR really makes your options endless – but you’ll need to travel with more gear – and likely larger gear. It's important to note that bluetooth audio is, by default, more compressed than other wireless formats. This does have an effect on the audio, but for vlogging and iPhone recording, the bluetooth technology itself shouldn't overly degrade the audio. This microphone is durable enough and should survive regular wear and tear. Obviously we do not want to do anything that could potential break the microphone, but some physicality is bound to happen. The BY-DM1 should be able to hand that without issue. This cable allows for excellent digital audio transfer and connects securely to the microphone and iPhone.The Rode smartLav+ is an excellent little lavalier microphone and outperforms the aforementioned Boya BY-DM1 in terms of audio quality and durability (though its cable is much shorter). Audio quality: Lightning is a digital connector, so these microphones must have analog-to-digital converters. Audio quality is essential at the capsule (analog) level and at the iPhone input (digital) level). Apogee Electronics is featured in My New Microphone's Top 11 Best Audio Interface Brands In The World. The Zoom iQ7 is another microphone that connects directly to and sits flush against the iPhone. It connects via the Lightning port and requires the iPhone to be out of its protective case for proper connection to take place. Physical connection: a microphone that can attach to an iPhone with or without a case is a big deal. Does the mic move independently of the iPhone and how well does it stay connected to the phone?