When you are a fan of making videos, podcasts, or voiceovers on your iPhone, you are already aware of the significance of good sound. The microphone which is inbuilt in the iPhone is good enough to use in casual use but in case of a professional use, an external mic is required and the Rode microphones are one of the best external microphones which is available.
Here in this guide, we will attempt to show you how to connect Rode mic to iPhone step by step. Regardless of whether you have a wired or wireless Rode microphone, you will know what you need, how to connect it, and how to troubleshoot the most common problems.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Rode Microphone Type
The first thing to do before you learn how to hook up your Rode mic to your iPhone is to know what type of microphone you are using. Various Rode mics have varying connection types and accessories.
Rode VideoMic Me, Me-L, and Me-C
The Rode VideoMic Me series is mobile-oriented.
- VideoMic Me has a 3.5mm jack, compatible with the older iPhones that had headphone jacks.
- The VideoMic Me-L attaches to the Lightning port, which is compatible with most of the recently released iPhones.
- VideoMic Me-C is a USB-C device, which is compatible with the latest iPhones that have USB-C charging.
They are small, plug-and-play microphones. After a connection, your iPhone automatically disables its inbuilt mic and switches to the Rode microphone.
Rode Wireless GO, Wireless GO II, and Wireless ME
In case you want a wireless one, you can use Rode Wireless GO series. It consists of a transmitter (that you can clip-on) and a receiver to which you can attach your iPhone.
They can be connected using the Rode SC15 cable, which connects USB-C (receiver) to Lightning (iPhone). In case you do own an iPhone that has a USB-C port, you can use a USB-C to USB-C cable instead.
The Bluetooth pairing with iPhones is also supported in some more recent Rode microphones (excluding the Wireless ME) by a feature called Rode Direct Connect.
Rode NT-USB and NT-USB+
Rode NT-USB and NT-USB+ are good for recording studio-quality audio. They are connected through USB and are excellent in use with podcasts, voiceovers, or music recording. They can be used with an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or USB-C to USB-C.
How to Connect Wired Rode Mics to iPhone
Assuming you have a Rode VideoMic Me-L or Me-C, it is easy to connect it to your iPhone.
Step 1: Plug the Microphone
Plug your Rode mic into the Lightning or USB-C port of your iPhone. Be sure that the mic is sitting deep into the port.
Step 2: Open a Recording App
After the mic is attached, open your Camera app, Voice Memos, or the Rode Reporter app. Your external mic should automatically be detected by the iPhone.
Step 3: Test Your Mic
Talk to your Rode mic and monitor the levels of the sound input in your application. In case you can hear or see movement of audio, it is functioning fine.
Step 4: Adjust Settings if Needed
To have even more control, fine-tuning gain and volume with the Rode Reporter App is possible. In case you are recording in the outdoors, a Rode DeadCat windscreen helps to lower wind noise.
Step 5: Start Recording
You are now prepared to record videos or podcasts in a clear and professional sound straight out of your iPhone.
How to Connect Wireless Rode Mics to iPhone
The wireless Rode microphones are designed to suit vloggers, interviewers, or any other person who requires the autonomy to move when recording. The following is an explanation of how to connect my Rode mic to my iPhone in case it is a wireless model.
Step 1: Turn On the Transmitter and Receiver
Power on both devices. Your voice signal is sent by the transmitter and the receiver is connected to your iPhone.
Step 2: Connect the Receiver
If your iPhone has a Lightning port, use the Rode SC15 (USB-C to Lightning) cable, or a USB-C to USB-C cable with the recent iPhones. At one end, connect to the receiver and to your iPhone at the other.
Step 3: Check the Connection
When it is connected, open your recording application, talk into the transmitter and watch the audio meter move – this is evidence that you have your iPhone using the Rode mic.
Step 4: Use Rode Direct Connect
When your mic has the option of Bluetooth connection, then turn on Rode Direct Connect. In your Bluetooth settings of your iPhone, locate your Rode mic, and pair it. This enables it to be used entirely wirelessly.
Step 5: Start Recording
After connecting or pairing with the cable, open your voice or camera app and begin recording with the professional quality of sound.
How to Connect Rode USB Mics to iPhone
When you are using Rode NT-USB or NT-USB+, it is as simple as that.
Step 1: Plug the Microphone
Plug your USB microphone into your iPhone with an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter or a USB-C to USB-C cable.
Step 2: Open Your Recording App
Open any such app as Voice Memos, GarageBand, or Rode Reporter. The external mic should be automatically identified in the app.
Step 3: Adjust Gain and Record
Adjust your input gain to the level of medium to prevent distortion. The headphones can also be used to monitor your recording with the help of headphones attached to the mic.
Fixing Common Rode Mic Connection Problems
Still, there are cases when all the steps have been taken yet the result is not as successful as it should be. This is how to work out the most common issues.
iPhone Doesn’t Detect the Mic
In case your iPhone is not recognising the Rode mic:
- Make sure that the cable or adapter you are using is the official Rode SC15.
- Reconnect the mic and restart your phone.
- Open the settings and go to Privacy and Microphone and grant your recording app permission.
Audio Sounds Low or Distorted
If your audio isn’t clear:
- Lower the gain in the Rode app.
- Keep the mic and your mouth apart.
- Any phone case that could block the mic connection must be removed.
Accessory Not Supported Message
When this message appears on your iPhone, make sure you use MFi-certified or official Rode and Apple cables. This problem is caused by cheap or unverified adapters.
Bluetooth Connection Keeps Dropping
When you are on Bluetooth Direct Connect, make sure your mic and iPhone are nearby. They should not have any walls or metal objects between them to ensure a stable connection.
Recommended Accessories for Rode Mics on iPhone
The best recording experience is guaranteed with the right accessories.
Essential Tools
- Use Rode SC15 or SC19 cables to connect to iPhones.
- DeadCat Rode windshield outdoor recording.
- Stand or tripod to shoot video stably.
- Lightning to USB Adapter on older iPhones.
- Rode Reporter application to manage audio input.
Best Recording Apps for Rode and iPhone
Various applications suit various requirements.
FiLMiC Pro
An app that allows recording movies with audio options.
Rode Reporter
Excellent in interviewing, podcasting and voice recording.
Voice Memos
Easy to use and fast recording.
GarageBand
Ideal when creating music or making high-quality podcasts.
Any of these apps used with your Rode mic can assist in producing clean crisp audio each time.
Final Thoughts
Once you understand how to put the right set-up, you can learn how to connect Rode mic to iPhone very easily. You can keep it simple with an ordinary plug-in wired microphone or you can go wireless with all the freedom to move, Rode has you covered.
The easiest way to record is to use the Rode VideoMic Me-L when recording wired or the Wireless GO II when recording wirelessly. And with the most recent iPhones, it is even easier to record wirelessly with the Rode Direct Connect feature.
And now you know how to use your Rode microphone with iPhone, you can record high-quality audio wherever and whenever you need it, whether in interviews, vlogs, music, and so on.
FAQs About How to Connect Rode Mic to iPhone?
How do you connect Rode mic to iPhone?
Lightning iPhones will connect with the Rode SC15 cable or USB-C cable for newer models. Direct connect is also available on some Rode microphones connected via Bluetooth.
Can I use any Rode mic with my iPhone?
Yes, however you might have to have the appropriate cable or adapter depending on the model of your iPhone and type of mic.
Why is my Rode mic not working on iPhone?
Check your cable, reboot your iPhone, and ensure that the app you are using has microphone permissions activated.
Can I use two Rode mics at the same time?
Yes. The Rode Wireless GO II can record two transmitters with a single receiver.
Do I need a special app for Rode mics?
Not necessarily, but the Rode Reporter application provides greater manoeuvrability of sound quality and levels.