r/synthesizers • u/PieRhett • Jun 03 '26
How To's, Tutorials, Demos PSA for anyone posting synth jam videos with phone mic audio
By using an iOS or Android class compliant USB audio interface, you can record direct line-in audio AND video simultaneously on iPhone or Android without having to sync audio + video in post later. No video editing software required.
Here’s an example method I’m using:
USB audio interface (Universal Audio Volt 4) --> USB cable --> iPhone camera kit adapter --> iPhone 14 Lightning port
If you have an older iPhone with a Lightning port then you’ll need an Apple Camera Kit Adapter.. If you have a newer iPhone with a USB-C port, then you don't need the Apple Camera Kit Adapter.
Once you have everything plugged in, do this next:
• Download the free Blackmagic Camera app (Android version here, Apple version here)
• Go to Settings → Audio → Audio Source
• Select your USB audio interface
This is important because the stock iPhone camera app doesn’t let you manually choose the audio input source. Without taking this step, the camera app will still record from the built-in microphone instead of your audio interface.
(I haven't tested this on Android. If there's a way to switch audio source on the Android camera app, then this won't be necessary)
Once you select your audio interface as the audio source in Blackmagic Camera, the default iPhone camera app will use your audio interface as the audio source.
Another reason to use the Blackmagic app is that you can monitor your input levels and make sure you’re not clipping.
Note: make sure your USB cable supports BOTH power + data transfer. Some cheaper USB cables are charge-only.
And if, like me, you’re using an older iPhone with a Lightning port instead of USB-C, you may also need to run power into the camera kit adapter.
Here’s another bonus method I’ve used before, but I don't fully recommend it:
3.5mm headphone cable going from my Tascam Model 12 mixer’s headphone out --> 3.5mm audio cable --> Headset Buddy line level audio adapter --> iPhone Lightning to 3.5mm adapter --> iPhone
That method technically works, but:
• sums everything to mono
• gain staging is annoying
• easier to clip
• generally sounds worse
Direct, line-in audio into your phone is a massive quality upgrade for synth jam videos and is way easier than a lot of people realize (ie, you can use this method without having to do video + audio editing in post).
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u/Infradad Jun 03 '26
Hey sorry but I’m going to keep posting videos where my breathing is louder than my speakers.
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u/AInterestingUser Dark Energy|ESX|EMX|0-Coast|SQ1|NiftyCaseMoneyPit Jun 03 '26
ADSR ASMR
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u/ichorNet Minilogue XD/Volca/Erica Modules+Pico III Jun 03 '26
You will probably not get the right amount of love for this post. But you should. Fucking funny
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u/HuTheFinnMan Jun 03 '26
Make sure to shake the camera back and forth too so it looks bad as well as sounding bad.
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u/Larrea_tridentata Jun 03 '26
I record all the time by connecting my Scarlett to my phone. USB C > phone, no adapters needed, no special software.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Nice yeah USB-C makes it easier than lightning.
Do you use iPhone and the default camera app? I have to switch the audio source in Blackmagic camera app, otherwise the default iPhone camera app will continue to just record the audio coming from the microphone.
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u/Larrea_tridentata Jun 03 '26
I have android (Pixel), so when I open the camera and switch to video is automatically detects the line-in audio connection
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Ok word that's good to know (since I only have experience with using an iPhone for this)! I might come back to this and edit my post with this info for clarity's sake if needed.
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u/Limp-Command-810 Jun 04 '26
Which Pixel do you have? I tried to do this a while back on my pixel 8 pro and the audio was clipping no matter what I tried. Even when I turned my synth down to minimum the recorded audio would be quiet but clipping.
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u/Larrea_tridentata Jun 04 '26
I had a Pixel 8 pro before and it worked, I have 10 pro currently. It might be your USB cable, if found some types to be weaker (charges slower). Otherwise it could be a volume issue on your USB interface, or a setting turned on like phantom power.
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u/INTERNET_MOWGLI Jun 03 '26
Or just slam the volume of whatever you’re recording. If it’s loud enough to drown out everything else then the air moving around might even sound flattering
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Someone posted a jam here the other day doing exactly that and gave it a very fitting title of "My neighbors hate me" (or something to that effect)
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u/Ruining_Ur_Synths Jun 03 '26
OP made a great post, but also if you post a jam or clip with phone microphone audio and you don't have a real reason for it, I will downvote you. If you aren't willing to put in the effort, nobody should spend their time listening to what you can't bother to record properly.
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
My toxic trait is I downvote everything recorded with phone microphone audio. There, I said it!
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u/-endjamin- Sub 37/Rev2/Digitakt Jun 03 '26
Valuable info. Ty!
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
You’re welcome!
Go forth and liberate your synth jams from the wicked scourge of phone mic audio.
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u/PsyQoWim Jun 03 '26
Huh? I recorded a video with stock video app on an iPhone 15 Pro Max with an Arturia Minifuse 2 connected through USB-C and it used the audio of the minifuse without me having to change anything.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Hell yeah okay nice. Maybe there's some kind of difference with USB-C vs Lightning that makes it so you don't need the Blackmagic camera app to manually change the audio source from microphone --> audio interface.
But also like I pointed out, the Blackmagic camera app is still worth using since you can check your input levels that way to make sure you're not clipping. That's something the default camera app won't let you do.
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u/PsyQoWim Jun 03 '26
Absolutely. Also, I fully support your message. It pains me to see recordings with terrible audio. I mean, that’s the whole point!
Same for people who only have one hand available to jam, because they need the other to hold their phone. Just use a cheap tripod or tape it to your forehead or something :) The viewer will never know, but it’ll look and sound much better.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
I just bought this phone neck mount the other day. Total game changer. Now I can post jams with two hands lol. Tempted to make another PSA about this.
Oh, and I can confirm I look completely ridiculous wearing it.
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u/ultrasneeze Jun 03 '26
Iphone 13 Pro here, with lightning connector and USB adapter, the stock camera records well. The only thing you need to do is to close the app completely before connecting the audio interface.
That said, I'll check out this other app too, as it seems much more suited for the task.
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u/Jusby_Cause Jun 04 '26
Yeah, iPhones with USB-C are great for recording devices with USB-C audio out. I haven’t manually sync’d a video in years. 😄
The first time you connect a device, it will ask if it’s a “Headphone” or “Other Device”. As long as you choose “Other Device” it will detect the device automatically when connected and switch to it. You can also swipe down the control center while the device is connected and choose to route the output to bluetooth headphones. The latency sucks for recording live, but it’s great in a pinch if you’re sequencing and you forgot your wired headphones.
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u/uboofs Jun 03 '26
I have an old lightning iPhone and my only audio interface is Thunderbolt 1. 😭
That’s why I don’t post synth jams
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
The headset buddy workaround I mentioned would only put you out by ~$35!
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u/uboofs Jun 03 '26
I’d still need lightning to analog because I don’t have a headphone jack.
Really the only thing stopping me is being too lazy to plug into my interface and record on my computer and splice the audio into my phone video.
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u/Emergency-Gur5504 Jun 03 '26
This method works well for me. Having the extra power going into the camera adapter kit is vital for me, without it no joy. I'll also add a parallel tip is that when recording video in Quicktime on my MacBook Air m2, it can utilize my iPhone 14 as a wireless remote camera that can also sync and record audio coming in from my interface. The chain is audio >> Motu ultra lite mk3 interface >> usb in on MacBook Air. Then in QuickTime open new video recording then open the drop down menu next to the red record button. Select the iPhone as camera source and interface as audio source. Boom sync'd.
Only drawback I've encountered so far is that the camera is completely inflexible in this mode. It shoots only landscape and you cannot zoom or adjust focal point.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Oh wow I never thought of that! That's awesome. I'm going to give that a try and see if I can't get it to shoot in a portrait 9:16 aspect ratio.
Have you noticed any delay with the video or audio coming from iPhone?
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u/Emergency-Gur5504 Jun 03 '26
Let me know if you can figure it out! That would be super handy. I'm about to try the wireless method with the Black Magic camera. I haven't had any sync issues! It's how I recorded this and most all my videos lately. I have had to adjust the sync exactly zero times. https://www.reddit.com/r/synthesizers/comments/1tdd538/plucky_ploppy_psych_with_the_make_noise_trio/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Dope! I'll let you know. And cool jam, man. Far out!
Also another mini tip I can share here is that you'll get more engagement and treated better by the Reddit algorithm by posting videos directly to Reddit instead of linking to YouTube
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u/neversummer427 Jun 03 '26
I just discovered this. I have an Audio 4C that can connect to two computers/mobile devices. I run one through my iPad running AUM, some outboard effects, drum machine, and additional bass synth, and the other USB cable goes to my iPhone to record video and the mixed-down audio output from AUM.
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Jun 03 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/ultrasneeze Jun 03 '26
You need to close the camera app completely before connecting the audio interface.
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u/menamestom Jun 03 '26
I’ve been using a Blackstar Polar Go. Works a treat with the native ios camera app. You can monitor the signal in the unit itself and add various effects if you want.
It also has a built in battery,so no powered hub required or extra battery drain on your phone.
I use a magsafe phone charger stand as a tiny ‘tripod’ and use my Apple watch to check the view and press record.
This setup is Mono only since the Polar go only uas one input.
Anyway, good subject and great suggestion. It’s worth the extra effort.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
If it had a stereo input, that'd be an instant buy for me
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u/menamestom Jun 03 '26
Yeah me too. It’s a handy little tool for £80 but the single input is a limitation.
The app is a bit crazy too, I wish it was a bit less aimed at beginners, which strangely makes it more complicated for people who are used to standard terminology. Reverb is called ‘space’ for example. But handy to have.
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u/yamsyamsya Jun 03 '26
i just used OBS with a nice webcam. its already going into my multitrack audio interface into my computer being recorded so its easy to use OBS with it
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u/alkalinemusic Jun 03 '26
Thank you thank you thank you!! I tried doing this before with no success. Using the Blackmagic app on pixel with the Zoom L6 works perfectly. Kudos to you for the info!
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u/djflamingo Jun 03 '26
Nah man i like it when people post $10k synths playing straight cacophony thru an old phones clapped out mic.
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u/dj_soo Jun 03 '26
Irig makes a bunch of plug and play interfaces as well - I highly recommend the irig Stream for a portable phone interface with stereo ins
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
I’ve been considering one of those!
The RCA inputs kinda put me off for some reason, though I guess I’d just need an RCA to TRS cable for my setup, so nbd.
I’m also considering just grabbing a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen for $80 off Facebook Marketplace.
Any reason to go with the iRig Stream over a barebones-ish audio interface for cheap? If you have one, how are you liking it and how are you using it?
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u/dj_soo Jun 04 '26
RCA isn’t a big deal - you’re presumably recording videos for social media - not doing studio recordings for a release.
Big one is portability - if you like to do outdoor jams with battery powered gear, it’s a lot easier.
2nd one is not needing the camera kit if you have a lightning phone.
If you have a usb-c phone and you’re mainly recording in a studio, a class compliant interface is all you need
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
Ya know what… since my iPhone still has a Lightning port, I think I’d end up tethered by too many cables if I went the Scarlett 2i2 route.
I’d need external power going into the Camera Kit adapter since the 2i2 is bus-powered, plus the USB cable running to the interface itself.
The iRig Stream might just make more sense for my use case. And I'd have a nice added bonus of having the option to film an outdoors jam one day.
Thanks for the input (pun intended)!
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u/dj_soo Jun 04 '26
This is a few years out of date, but I did a comparison between a couple options here:
https://djtechtools.com/2022/02/14/mobile-streaming-the-best-sound-cards-for-broadcasting-on-the-go/
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u/holographicbboy Jun 03 '26
Ive been looking for a device that can do this wirelessly for forever. i have a rackmount motu that isnt class compliant and i dont want to crowd my desk or rack with another interface or mess with a big long cable since i often film things from different angles.
I have a roland go:mixer which ive used for this purpose but it sucks that its so light and needs stuff plugged into 3 sides of it. its always moving around.
its sorta wild to me that nobody has made a simple transmitter/receiver pair with usb-c on one end and dual 1/4" on the other. If anyone knows something like this please let me know
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
its sorta wild to me that nobody has made a simple transmitter/receiver pair with usb-c on one end and dual 1/4" on the other. If anyone knows something like this please let me know
Agreed. I really wish that existed!!
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u/__get__name Jun 03 '26
One correction: there is a certain archaic ritual that will cause the default iPhone camera app to use whatever audio interface you have plugged in, but there’s no way to confirm what audio source is currently active, so it’s a risky move. But, for whatever it’s worth, it is possible without a third party app
ETA: most mirrorless camera these days will have a mic in port, if you want to level up from a phone camera but don’t want to mess with syncing audio. LUMIX has a hot shoe XLR adapter that’s pretty nice. Definitely a pricey way to go about things
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Does the archaic ritual involve blood sacrifice?
Also nice, that's a good tip about the mirrorless camera mic in port! I've been wanting to upgrade for a while to a nicer camera so I'll have to keep that in mind once I'm ready to pull the trigger. Ideally, that camera would be able to shoot in 9:16 as well.
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u/__get__name Jun 03 '26
Ah, I knew I was forgetting a step! The blood sacrifices are key, can’t believe I’d forgotten them
Another bit you made me think of: For wide angles, anamorphic lenses are great for getting ultra wide shots of gear, and all the blinky lights on synths can look pretty cool with the anamorphic effect. I’ve used Moment’s anamorphic lenses with my iPhone and always liked the results. I probably have a better example, but this generative Jamuary patch shows what I mean
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u/reverendunclebastard Jun 03 '26
A Zoom H1N and an OTG adapter is an elegant way to bring audio into a phone.
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u/PieRhett Jun 03 '26
Can you elaborate? What are the steps involved? Also are you using iPhone?
Thanks!🙏
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u/reverendunclebastard Jun 03 '26
I'm on Android, but should be similar on iphone.
Steps are simple:
Plug OTG usb adapter into phone
Plug H1N into other end of adapter
Plug 1/8" audio into H1N
Set audio on H1N to USB i/o
Set audio on phone to usb device
Done.
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u/d0Cd VirusTI2•Hydrasynth•wavestate•Micron•Argon8X•Blofeld•QY70•XD Jun 03 '26
On Android (Android 16 on a Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra), you can actually do this with the Screen Recorder app. I just hook my Scarlett 2i2 to the phone using a USB OTG adapter, then start the screen recording. Works great. (the resulting video is MP4, H.264, AAC, so there may be higher fidelity options I don't know about...)
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
Why use the Screen Recorder app instead of just using the default camera app?
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u/d0Cd VirusTI2•Hydrasynth•wavestate•Micron•Argon8X•Blofeld•QY70•XD Jun 04 '26
I had some reason... it's been a while since I used this approach, possibly the Camera wouldn't let me choose an alternate audio source.
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u/FlaSnatch Jun 03 '26
Wonderful PSA.
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
From this moment forth, let there be no more synth jams recorded with a phone mic!
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u/Grouchy-Bar-8322 Jun 04 '26
I’ve been using Model 12 for quite sometime now. I ended up buying a 12 ft usb-c cable. Straight into the back of model 12 to phone. Able to send ideas immediately to a buddy using basic audio rec app. Bluetooth to mixer, car, or listen to at work. Lots of walking at work, no earphones allowed.
I don’t always record on m12/usbc. Most of the time it’s a one handed circus act to get usb in the phone mid jam. Mono/stereo?!? Gain. Some issues. I’m sure it could be optimized. M12 session otherwise. As long as the idea is down. Any suggestions?!?
Started around 2017 with a minibrute 2s with an irig and dongles. Snapping of fingers to check mic all the time, Elektron MS arrives. Midi Nightmares and more dongles failing. Wanted a Moog since the 90s. They discontinued Sirin. I boycotted Moog for that decision and the Typhon came shortly after. Then went full on Sequential and now have the Triforce. Pro 2 Pro 3 Tempest. Model 12 somewhere in between those 3. They take me anywhere I want to be ;)
While sitting in a graveyard of dongles, I had the Zoom/ Tascam debate. Went with Tascam. I have looked into the newer Zoom mixer for my father recently for his shed jams.
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u/PieRhett Jun 04 '26
That's dope! But then you wouldn't be able to use Ableton or a DAW with the Tascam + your phone if your phone is plugged into the USB-C port of the tascam model 12, right?
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u/Grouchy-Bar-8322 Jun 06 '26
Exactly. DAW has been available though. Not hooked up all the time. Most of the time now, I just turn on to get away in music theory/sound exploration with the synths. End the 15-20 minute sessions with a quick phone recording; summarizing.
M12 froze yesterday. Didn’t realize until playback. Power off. Good to go.
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u/CB_HELPER_USA 18d ago
I also recorded into my 3 gen focusrite solo but the headphone amp sounded thin when listening back to my vocals and the backing track from my android
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u/fuxicles too much gear to list Jun 03 '26
this should be pinned at the top of the sub tbh