Review: Sennheiser’s ClipMic Digital is the perfect lavalier microphone for iPhone (Video) ~ Apple Juice

Thursday, 21 May 2015

Review: Sennheiser’s ClipMic Digital is the perfect lavalier microphone for iPhone (Video)

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:

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.

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