How do I change the microphone input sensitivity on iPad 2?

Question

Is it possible to change the microphone sensitivity (input volume) on the iPad?

If so, how?

Answer 1

If you mean some sort of a global setting, then no. You might find an app that allows you to change your mic's sensitivity within the app, but I assume this is not what you need.

If you are asking because you feel that your mic is too quiet, it could be a hardware issue. I've seen a number of people complaining about their microphones, and they would often get a replacement (though using a vacuum cleaner to suck out dust from the mic hole could also theoretically help).

Answer 2

What you can do with the built-in microphone is limited. You should investigate purchasing a third-party microphone, or better yet an audio interface with a microphone preamplifier, into which you plug a microphone. This will cost money but give you much more control.

Look for products from Tascam, Apogee, Line 6, IK Multimedia, and Griffin.

Answer 3

Yes, it is possible to change the microphone sensitivity system wide on the iPad 2 and above, but only for external mics, as far as I know.

To adjust the audio input level you need two things:

• Apple's $5,- GarageBand (I don't know about free apps that can adjust the mic level)
• An external microphone: either attached to the the mini jack (headphone connector, like Apple's own white earbuds) or attached to the Apple 30-pins or Lightning connector using the USB adapter of the camera connection kit or the Lightning-to-USB adapter cable.

In the voice recording section of GarageBand, select the button with the audio plug. With a supported device you should see the audio-input level slider and other extra settings like a monitor switch. The microphone input level adjusted in GarageBand, works system wide.

Depending of the amount of current you USB-mic needs, it could be that the iPad cannot deliver sufficient energy to power the mic. In that case you can use the Griffin iMic, or a powered USB hub. My Samson C01U works perfectly without any additional power requirements.