Question: How do I use a USB microphone with a mobile iOS device?

Answer: Using the proper connections between products is important to make certain everything works as intended. USB microphones have been around for some time and are designed to connect to a computer’s USB port, which provides roughly 5 volts of USB bus power. But with mobile devices becoming just as powerful as some computers, it is also possible to use a USB microphone with a mobile device and get great results, but you’ll need the right adapter. Most iOS devices provide only 3.3 volts of power, so to connect an Audio-Technica USB microphone you will need an adapter that accounts for this power difference.

While many Lightning to USB adapters are available, not all of them will work with USB microphones. We have tested and confirmed that the Apple Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter will allow you to use an iOS device with popular Audio-Technica USB microphones, including the ATR2100x-USB, ATR2500x-USB, AT2005USB, and the AT2020USB+, all of which have a headphone jack that lets you connect headphones directly to the microphone.

If you have further questions about connecting your Audio-Technica USB microphone to an iOS device, you may contact the Audio Solutions Department.