IK Multimedia iRig Mic Lav microphone review

If I’ve said once, I’ve said it a hundred times:  One of the first rules in audio is to put the sound where the people are.  The same goes for microphone placement.  Sometimes, the microphone built in to your smartphone just won’t cut it.  The iRig Mic Lav microphone kit allows daisy-chaining two lavaliere microphones to the same device.

I was fortunate enough to be sent a 2 Pack, which contains two identical parts.  Identical?  Take a look at this diagram:

That’s right… The iRig Mic Lav system is designed so one part plugs into your headphone jack.  The second iRig Mic Lav plugs into the dual-purpose jack to expand into a dual mic system.

In the box is a nice, semi-rigid zippered case.

The contents include the two iRig Mic Lav kits, alligator-style clips and foam windscreens.

iRig Mic Lav Specifications

• Transducer type: condenser, electret
• Polar Pattern: omnidirectional
• Frequency Response: 30 Hz – 16 kHz, -3dB
• Max SPL: 120dB SPL
• Sensitivity: -35±3dB at 1 kHz, 0dB=1V/Pa
• Capsule diameter: 6mm/0.24″
• Cable length: 150cm/59.1″
• Output connector: 1/8” TRRS

Package includes

• iRig Mic Lav
• Removable foam windshield
• Removable mounting clip
• Carrying case

Dimensions

• Microphone size: 24mm/0.94″ x 7.5mm/0.3″
• In-line connector size: 24mm/0.94″ x 24mm/0.94″ x 14mm/0.55″
• Weight: 22g/0.78oz
• Cable length: 150cm/59.1″

The microphone element is quite small- about the diameter of a pencil eraser.

Here’s the microphone with the foam windscreen slipped on, with the clip attached to my fingertip (ouch).

The genius behind the iRig Mic Lav system is the dual-purpose plug.  The slider switch sets the mode:  Either for an expansion mic, or headphone playback.

Here’s the second iRig Mic Lav partially plugged into the first iRig Mic Lav.  The other end (right) plugs into your smartphone with a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (TRRS) jack.

To demonstrate how a clip-on lav mic can make a difference, I recorded this short video with and without the iRig Mic Lav in use.

I also noticed the microphones work with a variety of audio recording apps, so if you just want clearer voice recordings, or want to take your videos to the next level, the iRig Mic Lav 2-Pack is worth stowing in your gear bag.

Source: The sample for this review was provided by IK Multimedia. Please visit their site for more info and Amazon to check prices / order.