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Audio Gear Recommendations for Switcher
Deciding on the best audio gear for your production is no small task. There are several factors to consider, such as price, quality, and function. With so many variables, it can even be difficult for experienced users to make a decision. To help with this process, the audio experts at Switcher Studio have compiled this list of recommended audio gear to help make the decision process a little easier.
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Microphone Recommendations
Microphones capture sound and transmit it to your device. With the exception of the iRig Mic HD 2, all microphones listed below require either an interface or an adapter and mixer.
Best budget: Behringer C-2
The Behringer C-2 is a pair of condenser microphones. This style of microphone is typically used for instruments, but they work well for voice recording too. If you are new to audio equipment, these will get the job done.
Best overall: Shure SM7B
The Shure SM7B is the industry standard microphone for everything from podcasting to singing. This microphone sounds incredible and is engineered to last.
Best wireless / lavalier: Saramonic Blink 500
The Saramonic Blink 500s are great wireless microphones. These can be plugged straight into a Lightning or USB-C port, and the sound quality is great as well.
Best direct connection: iRig Mic HD 2
The iRig Mic HD 2 is the microphone for you is ideal if you only need one microphone and want something that plugs directly into your device.
Mixer Recommendations
Mixers take audio from multiple sources and compile it into one signal to be sent to the iOS device using Switcher Studio. Adapters are required when using a USB mixer with iOS devices.
Best budget: Allen & Heath Zedi 8
The Allen & Heath Zedi 8 is a great mixer. It is loved by members of the Switcher Studio team for their personal streams.
Best overall: RODEcaster Pro
The RODEcaster Pro is equipped with four microphone inputs, one mobile input, one Bluetooth input, and one USB input/output. It also has built-in effects and the ability to play audio from a micro SD card.
Best portable: Zoom H6
The Zoom H6 is a great portable option if you find yourself at conventions or frequently on the road. It is a recording device by itself, but also has the ability to act as a 4-channel mixer when needed.
Best for large productions: Behringer x32
The Behringer x32 comes highly recommended and has a great system for creating a bus, which will make sure your mix sounds just as great online as it does live.
Note: While most USB mixers will work with Switcher Studio, it is important to ensure that the manufacturer states it is iOS compatible. We also highly recommend a mixer with loop-back audio for video chat purposes.
Interface Recommendations
Interfaces receive audio and convert it into a digital signal that your iPhone or iPad can receive. An interface may be a more economical alternative to a mixer if you are only planning to use one or two audio sources.
Best budget: iRig Pre HD
The iRig Pre HD is a great option if you are on a smaller budget and only need one microphone. It is limited to a single XLR input where the iRig pro can receive either an XLR or 1/4" input.
Best overall: iRig Pro Duo
The iRig Pro Duo is a 2-input interface and is the best way to get stereo audio into your Switcher from a mixer. It is also a great tool for a 2 microphone setup. We recommend plugging in iRigs via Lightning or USB-C whenever possible.
Best for one microphone: iRig Pro
The iRig Pro is a single input version of the Pro Duo. It is more affordable than the Pro Duo but is limited to mono sound.
Best for RCA connections: Behringer U-Control UCA202
The Behringer U-Control UCA202 is our top choice for using an RCA connection. An adapter will be required to connect this to your iPad or iPhone.
Note: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interfaces are not iOS compatible. While they may function, they are not guaranteed to perform properly with Switcher Studio. For an alternative audio interface from Focusrite with iOS compatibility, check out the Focusrite iTrack Solo.
Headphone and Headset Recommendations
Headphones allow you to monitor the audio from your stream. They connect to your mixer or interface, and can be used to adjust the volume and levels of individual microphones.
Best budget: Samson SR850
The Samson SR850 headphones are the best headphones in their price range. They sound great and are flat which makes them ideal mixing audio in post-production.
Best overall: Audio-Technica ATH-M50x
The Audio-Technica ATH-M50x headphones are the industry standard for many industry professionals. They sound great and are built to last.
Best headset: Audio-Technica BPHS1
The Audio-Technica BPHS1 is the best headset (headphone and microphone combination) choice for Switcher Studio. However, headsets generally do not deliver very high-quality audio. For this reason, we recommend using individual microphones and headphones when possible.
Adapter Recommendations
Adapters transfer the audio signal from microphones and mixers to your device via the Lightning or USB-C port.
iOS Devices with a Lightning port: Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter
The Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter has both a standard USB and Lightning port to allow charging while using the lightning port on the iOS device.
iOS Devices with a USB-C port: USB-C Digital AV Multi-Port Adapter
The USB-C Digital AV Multi-Port Adapter has both a standard USB and USB-C port to allow charging while using the USB-C port on the iOS device.
Note: Only purchase adapters from an Apple retailer to ensure you are receiving Apple certified products. Any adapter not made by Apple is not guaranteed to function properly.
Keyword(s): audio, setup, gear, headphones, interface, mixer, microphone, auxiliary