iPhone 15 mic input interface for USB-c ?

[nevetslab]

Slowly getting familiar with this iPhone15ProMAX my wealthy nephew sent me a couple weeks ago. Nothing like a device like this make you feel like a blithering idiot and incompetent stooge trying to navigate it. Never owned a cell phone before nor any experience with smart phones. I think you need to have been born in the 21st century where all babies are equipped with appropriate software to deal with todays' world. Having been born in the 1st half of last century, that inherent software wasn't available at birth, so all this is major challenge.

I downloaded a Faber Acoustical Signal Scope X package which can be upgraded to some very cool sound measuring apps, and looking for a suitable interface for connecting my Bruel & Kjaer 2807 Batt pwr'd Mic Power Supply so I can use the high quality lab microphones with it instead of the internal mic that's part of the telephone system of the iPhone 15. I did pick up a FiiO KA5 DAC to 3.5mm TRS outut device for both headphone use as well as proper Audio Output from the iPhone. Now looking to find a way to connect a proper mic to it without having to go spend $2k-$3k to use current tricked-out interface devices from RME or Motu.

The B & K 2807 allows use of my older 2619 Mic Preamp with 4133 or 4134 1/2" air condenser lab mic capsules, which can have outut levels from the preamp as high as 10V RMS from SPL levels approaching 120dB SPL. 94dB SPL would be 500mV RMS, as a frame of reference.

Any thoughts on an affordable solution? iPhone15 uses USB-c cable interface.

[tedmich]

Congrats on the bleeding edge problems Steven! I think you might want to venture into some audiophile Apple groups for this one, I've just used some crappy lavalier mics with USB-c (Saramonic)

[Jon Snell]

You will be surprised on the quality of the iPhone microphones, on a par with Behringer.
Choices; bluetooth is the obvious answer or a USBc to 3.5mm audio convertor lead from Apple is the analogue way to go.
The iPhon 15 records in stereo and there are many filter levels that can be applied on the iPhone.
This will be a very steep learning curve for you. Keep calm and a bit at a time will get you there.
Plenty of tuition avaliable both within Apples help desk and online.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oXkr9Qu44M

[eschertron]

downscaling from RME and MOTU, I've read that IK Multimedia offers iOS-compatible hardware interfaces. On the par with Behringer, price-wise. I'm sure a search for "iOS audio interface" will turn up some. All the HW/SW manufacturers are on to the fact that folks are doing their 'bedroom producer' thing on iphones and ipads.

[Jon Snell]

There is no need to purchase extras, iPhone has Voice Recorder and Garage Band as a mixer and effects unit plus Quick Time can do all and more on a MAC. Both are free to use and download from the App Store. As is Audacity a well known and extremely useful mixing software programme.
Don't forget to subscribe to your free iCloud account for storage of files etc. If you need masses of storage, it does become chargeable but for what most people need 50GB is ample and that is free as an iPhone owner. It is also secure if you choose to encrypt your data.

[eschertron]

There is no need

John, I believe from Steven's original post that he is looking to plug a lab-grade reference mic into the phone. For that, I believe some sort of interface is indicated. I'll wager that any external input comes in through the lightning connector; no 3.5mm phone plug would be classy enough for Apple!

[Jon Snell]

John, I believe from Steven's original post that he is looking to plug a lab-grade reference mic into the phone. For that, I believe some sort of interface is indicated. I'll wager that any external input comes in through the lightning connector; no 3.5mm phone plug would be classy enough for Apple!

The iPhone 14 uses a USBc connector, they no longer use the lightning connector. Something to do with monopoly and proprietory connectors in the EU. Also it means that the iPhone charge cable conforms to all USBc chargers.
I wanted to use a different microphone as a line in to record. see https://discussions.apple.com/thread/254619542

One of these but USBc to 3.5mm jack should work.

[eschertron]

One of these but USBc to 3.5mm jack should work.

Interesting! I've never seen an adapter like that before. I would have expected serial into the USB.