Back at NAB 2015, I had a chance to meet with Sennheiser and take a look at their new ClipMic Digital. This is a professional grade lavalier microphone that connects to an iOS device via its Lightning port, not to mention the the first of its kind. I know most audio accessories for iOS claim to be “professional” quality, but this thing is no joke. It even compares to my $600 wireless lavalier kit from Sennheiser…
This product was developed in partnership with Apogee, who has developed the 24-bit/96 kHz A/D conversion technology and the free companion app, MetaRecorder. The ClipMic Digital features Sennheiser’s ME 2 omnidirectional condenser microphone, which is the same microphone that came with my EW 112-P G3 wireless lavalier kit that I use to create a lot of my videos.
Inside of the box, you’ll find a quick start guide, carrying pouch, a mic clip, a metal windscreen, and the ClipMic Digital. The setup process is extremely simple: plug in ClipMic Digital’s Lightning connector to your iOS device and launch the companion app. It’s also important to note that this microphone will also work with other apps including the Camera app on iOS.
I’ve been quite surprised by the quality of this microphone. The audio is comparable to a wireless lavalier kit that set me back over $600. Of course, this isn’t a wireless system, but if you don’t mind syncing up audio in post-production or are using the iPhone’s camera, it’s the perfect solution for on-the-go capture with professional quality.
If you’d like to hear this microphone in action, check out our full review video below:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SedqWrNaqh8]
MetaRecorder from Apogee also features Apple Watch and Dropbox integration. This is extremely handy because it will allow you to hook up the microphone, place the iPhone in your pocket, and start recording from the watch. It’s easily one of the best and most affordable ways I’ve found to record interview/on-camera audio at this level of quality from an iPhone. MetaRecorder is a free app, but will require an additional $4.99 in-app purchase to unlock unlimited recording capabilities.
The only downside with ClipMic Digital is the fact that the microphone is not detachable. If you ever have a problem down the road, you’ll have to replace the entire system. Other than that, it’s a great lavalier microphone for any situaiton. For a detailed look at this microphone and a quality comparison between other pro-grade mics, check out the above video.
Sennheiser’s ClipMic Digital is currently available as a pre-order for $199, but should be available early next month with an expected shipping date of June 5, 2015. ClipMic Digital is compatible with iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 5s, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5, iPad Air 2, iPad Air, iPad (4th generation), iPad mini 3, iPad mini 2, iPad mini, iPod touch (5th generation) running iOS 8 or higher. I highly recommend this microphone setup.
For all of you spec heads, here’s a rundown of the ClipMic Digital and also some screenshots of the MetaRecorder app (and Apple Watch version) below:
| AD conversion | multibit DeltaSigma |
|---|---|
| Bitrate | 16 Bit, 24 Bit |
| Cable length | 1.6 m |
| Connector | Apple Mfi certified Lightning connector |
| Diameter | 6.5 mm (capsule) |
| Digital Signal Processing | Compression, EQ (selectable presets via Apogee Maestro App) |
| Frequency response | 30 – 20,000 Hz |
| Gain | 0 – 35 dB |
| Max. sound pressure level | @ min.gain: 126 dB, @ max. gain: 91 dB |
| Equivalent noise level | @ min. gain: -90 dBFS (A), @ max.gain: -57 dBFS(A) |
| Operating temperature | 0° C…+50°C |
| Pick-up pattern | omnidirectional |
| Powering | Supplied by iOS device |
| Sampling rates | 44,1 / 48 / 88,2 / 96 kHz |
| Sensitivity | @ min. gain: -46 dBFS (80 dB SPL, 1 kHz), @ max. gain: -11 dBFS (80 dB SPL, 1 kHz) |
| Transducer principle | pre-polarized condenser microphone |
| Weight | 24 g |
Gallery below (click to enlarge):
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The audio from the off-frame microphone sounds much better than both of the lab solutions.
of course its a MKH 416.
Any mic in front of the source will sound better than a mic up against a throat.
You can’t seriously be comparing wired vs wireless micing systems. that is extremely foolish as application dictates whether you use one or the other even if one is kinda wireless. Also this didn’t really save you any money when you factor the extra amount time you will take to sync in post.
Well, most video editing programs such as Premiere (which I use) have an auto-syncing feature. It’ll line up the audio from a camera with the external track in one click of a button. The ClipMic Digital can be used in nearly the same situations as the EW 112-p G3. The only difference is the wireless aspect which as you can hear (in the video) there’s not much of a difference in fidelity. This mic is only wired to an iPhone which sits in your pocket.
auto-sync still needs to be checked (editing 101 when something has to be resynced) risk accessed) plus not everyone has Premiere nor is it perfect and depends on you having a suitable mix track from the camera. your also relying on yourself or talent pressing record on two devices. No professional will waste their time on something like this unless the budget is so low its worth the risk. I also think you seem forget there is a level of complexity in a phone that can be a big issue and cause failure at any point or the product not to function. This is not the case with wireless receiver and transceivers.
but again you can’t compare the two in this respect saying they are the same as they are fundamentally different. one being wired and other wireless.
you can also swap out your mics for something different on your G3 making them more useful and more valuable. ClipMic might be good investment for someone who does one offs from time to time but you could also rent something a lot better for that day and have lot of money left over. by no means does it replace anything just gives you another option with a level complexity that is not necessary
If you want to avoid having to walk up to the on screen talent to push record and then having to walk back to the camera all the while not knowing how the audio is sounding then you might want to try the AirLinc app.
Unfortunately the clipmic only works with the Apogee app however AirLinc will work with all other iPhone / iPod compatible lav mics e.g. the Rode SmartLav+.
The AirLinc app allows you to manage the audio gain, remotely start & stop record, monitor a live stream of the audio and sync files off the transmitter device to your own iPhone, iPad or iPod.
The app has a free trial mode and transmitters can join an AirLinc session for free.
Download link: https://itunes.apple.com/app/apple-store/id932703062?pt=101611818&ct=wireless%20microphone%20for%20iphone&mt=8
More info and support at http://www.airlinc.io
Dom – Ditch the t-shirt so the mics aren’t against your throat. Try it with either a dress shirt, polo or suit coat.
Thanks Dom! I’ve been waiting for this to come out… the wait ends soon! Already pre-ordered!
WOW. Thank you Dom, very much. I have the same wireless kit, 2 of them actually with an additional handheld. This new mic will save a lot of time and 4 less batteries to worry about. Amazing.
Pity they couldn’t just sell the DAC and let us use our existing mics though.
If you can, use the Sennheiser shotgun, because it’s far superior to both of them.
1.6 meter cable length is barely enough for a handheld mic, much less a lavalier mic.
I did not see that. That will be a deal-breaker.
Does the clip mic digital record audio via iOS camera app when shooting video too? Amazing sound. Have the same wireless mics, would be nice to not spend another $600. ;)
Will mic records audio using iOS camera app shooting video?
Hi, I am wondering any of you can help me. I have bought a Sennheiser Apogee clip mic and its really quiet. When I upload to drop box the sound is quite low. I know I must be doing something wrong but I have no idea what. I have also downloaded the apogee maestro app to see if they are meant to be working together. Is there something obvious I am missing? Many thanks Kate
I realize this is a two year old post but I’m going to go ahead and ask my question in hopes that you haven’t since moved on.
I have an Iphone 6S and am planning on recording wide angle video along with audio via wireless microphones. This will take place in a lively bar atmosphere with two people participating in the audio, both of whom will be separately mic’d up. Would the Sennheiser be a good option for recording in this type of environment or do you have other suggestions.
I’m also wondering if you have any software suggestions for working with/syncing the video/audio files.