Plug-In-Power External Microphones: Buyer's Guide

Recently, I was contacted by a field recorder who was wondering about external microphones. After noticing others using external microphones with entry-level recorders, they asked me, “What are the benefits of using external microphones?” This article will answer that exact question.

Please note: although external microphones utilize a variety of connectors, this article will focus on plug-in-power microphones and recorders that use a 3.5mm (1/8”) connection.

The Quest for High-Quality, Affordable Sound

For the beginner, field recording can be intimidating with its huge price tags. After doing some research, one will quickly be dreaming of a Sound Devices recorder paired with Sennheiser microphones. With a total price of $3,000 (€2.600), this really is a dream for most of us.

So the question becomes, “how do we record low noise, high-quality audio on a budget?” One answer is to pair an entry-level field recorder with inexpensive, external microphones.

RELATED: Best Budget Mics For Pro Sound

Benefits of External Microphones

Inexpensive: with options available for as low as $60 (€53), external microphones are a cheap way to achieve better sound quality.
Low self-noise: under the “Recommended Microphones” section of this article, you’ll find mics with as little as 14 dBA. That’s quieter than microphones costing several hundreds more.
Binaural audio: external microphones allow for more creative orientations, capable of capturing wider, binaural recordings.
Easy to use: simply plug them in, mount them, set your gains as usual and you’re good to go!
Portable: being only 1cm wide and with thin cables, there’s no excuse to leave them behind.

Can All Recorders Use External Microphones?

In the case of 3.5mm (1/8”) microphones, the answer is no. That’s because your field recorder must be able to supply 3-5 volts of power through its mini jack input. If your field recorder has this ability, you can turn “plug-in-power” on/off in your settings. It is also referred to as PiP, so keep that in mind as you’re scrolling through your menus.

Below is a list of popular, entry-level recorders that support PiP. Click an affiliate link below to check the price on Amazon.

If you do not see your recorder mentioned here, check your owners manual. It’s helpful to download a free manual from the manufacturer and then do a search for “plug-in-power” or “PiP” to save yourself some reading time.

RELATED: Field Recorder Buyers Guide - Choosing A Recorder 101

Recommended 3.5mm Microphones

If your recorder supports PiP and you already know that external microphones are for you, here are my top three picks.

Please note: All prices listed below include 20% EU VAT. As all of these options come from the EU, you will pay this tax BUT, LOM’s website excludes this tax until after you’ve entered your payment information.

For easy comparison, I created this reference table. Click on a microphone name for more details.

Mic	Price	Pattern	Self-noise	Sensitivity
Clippy EM172	$60	Omni	14 dBA	-28 dB
LOM Usi	$135	Omni	14 dBA	-28 dB
LOM MikroUsi	$120	Omni	20 dBA	-32 dB

1. Clippy EM172 Stereo

Omni-directional
14 dBA self noise
-28 dB sensitivity
$60-85 (€53-75)

At only 14 dBA of self noise, the EM172s are very quiet. The Clippy EM172s are my top pick for three reasons.

They are significantly cheaper than the Usi below with identical specifications.

They have better availability than the LOM microphones and I have never had to wait for them to stock (at the time of writing this you can only pre-order mics from LOM).

I have experience with these mics and in ordering from micbooster.com and I love them. I’m from the US and I have never had a problem with shipping. Micbooster notifies me with an EU tracking number, and then updates me with a new tracking number once the American shipping takes over.

I’ve included a price range because there are two options available. For $60, you get a stereo pair of EM172 capsules. For $15 extra, you get aluminum housings for each capsule and strong, metal clips for mounting your mics. Compare them for yourself here: $60 option, $85 option.

To save even more money, consider building your own EM272 microphone by purchasing just the microphone capsules and doing the wiring yourself!

To hear audio recorded with these microphones check out the playlist below ↓. All of these tracks were recorded with a stereo pair of EM172s plugged into my Olympus LS-10.

Acoustic Nature · Clippy EM172 Recordings

2. LOM Usi

Omni-directional
14 dBA self noise
-28 dB sensitivity
$135 (€120)

The Usi microphones from LOM have become very popular in field recording. So popular, that they are often out of stock. With identical specifications to the Clippy EM172 above, I think these are more popular due to better marketing and website SEO. That popularity comes at a price however.

More than double the cost of the Clippy mics, these are the less attractive option is budget is your main concern. However, there are a few nice-to-have features on the Usi that the Clippy lacks.

The Usi mics come with clips for easy mounting, feature a right-angle jack, and look more professional (in my opinion). If these features are worth the extra cost, check the Usi out here.

3. LOM MicroUsi

Omni-directional
20 dBA self noise
-32 dB sensitivity
$120 (€108)

These microphones seem to be super popular within the field recording community although I don’t know why. They are more expensive than the EM172s with higher self noise and lower sensitivity.

One advantage the MicroUsi has over the Usi is its singular connection point, the 3.5mm jack. The Usi has the 3.5mm jack and additional, mini XLR connectors at each capsule. This makes the MicroUsi more weather resistant. Check out the specifications for yourself here.

Do I Need Wind Protection?

Most of us are familiar with the low and loud sounds of wind hitting our microphones. Most of the time, this is unwanted as it tends to overpower all other sounds. Since these external microphones are likely more sensitive than your internal recorder’s mics, you will absolutely need wind protection.

Even if you are not recording outdoors, a slight movement in air around the microphone will cause problems to a naked mic. I’ve found that walking past a mic and even walking slowly with the mics mounted on my body will cause wind noise without protection.

Because these microphones are so small, it is difficult to find wind protection for them. Most lavalier wind muffs will fit, but because lavalier microphones are usually worn under clothing, the wind protection isn’t designed to be out in the elements and is usually just a piece of foam (not cutting it for nature recordings).

In my research I found a brand that specializes in beefy wind protection for lavalier mics. That company is Bubblebee Industries. Here’s a video of their wind protection in action ↓

They come in four sizes. If you decide to go with the Clippy EM172, or the LOM Usi, you will need size 4. You can shop for them here. If you decide to go with the smaller, MikroUsi, you will need size 2.

I have a pair of these and they’re perfect in winds around 15mph (24kph). They are a little difficult to get on but that’s a good thing. These fit so snugly on my EM172s that I never have to worry about them falling off. I have been impressed by their construction and performance and feel confident in recommending them.

I’ve done a lot of research trying to find a cheaper alternative but I cannot find any products I feel comfortable recommending. Most available options lack a secure attachment method and are unclear on what size microphones fit. If your budget is tight and you’re willing to gamble, try looking on Amazon.

RELATED: Windscreens for Portable Recorders

Conclusion

If you already have a field recorder with plug-in-power, upgrading your sounds with external microphones should be on your list. For around $100, it’s the best bang for your buck in performance upgrades.

So get out there! Have fun and experiment with microphone placement, spacing and subject matter.

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