Been searching for so long for a compact mic that works well for smartphone vlogging. I’ve used wireless mic, mv88, shotgun mic, all had their problems.

Let’s begin with my shooting style, I shoot fast pace , often talks behind the camera and having conversations with people I’m shooting.

And issue I had with other mics

Wireless mic: need to charge , need to turn on and connect, only sound great for people with the mic attached, can’t really hear convo with other people

Shotgun mic: too big,needs a rig for it to work, usb-c version often require to go case-less and wind muff is too big

Mv88: almost the perfect choice but, since it’s only available in lightning, and it only works with Apple official dongle, so need to diy a holder and although it supports figure 8 pickup pattern, but it’s still a single capsule,after testing it,  the volume and sound clarity just isn’t the same between the front and rear

What about this mic? It’s called iRig Mic Cast HD

Pros:

1) plug and play, no battery needed

2)built in magnet, can easily stick to my phone or MagSafe wallet stand 

3) adjustable dual capsule figure 8 pickup pattern (this is the most import for me, there’s a switch on the mic to switch between front, rear, or both. So this pick-up pattern made it the best for having conversations with people when vlogging, and it does a pretty good job rejection sound from the side, so even in noisy environments, it’s picks up my voice and the person in front pretty well. Yet i could switch the mic to only one side to further reduce the environment when I’m the only one speaking

Cons:

1) handling noise could be an issue, but as long as you don’t rub your finger while holding the phone, then it should be fine

2)it uses micro usb, adapter choices become limited, especially I can’t find any usb c male to micro male

3)its a pretty old product and not so popular, so you might not able to find it

This might be the best mic for smartphone you might not able to buy