How to record using micro USB on Android

Android devices can do a lot of things and audio recording is one of them. This article will guide you to record using micro USB on Android.

Tools needed for recording

You will need some things to start recording with micro USB on Android. Not all microphones and Android devices can do this. First, you need an Android device with a USB port capable of supporting USB On-The-Go (OTG). USB OTG simply allows the device to function as a USB host, allowing you to connect to all different USB devices from the game controller to the microphone.

As for the microphone part, it is not as demanding as the Android device because most micro USB devices can work well. Although you can use 'traditional' microphones (not USB), some more work will be required.

In addition, you also need a USB hub, which acts as the interface between the microphone (possibly USB-A) and the phone (possibly USB-C or Micro-USB). If you are using a specially requested interface or microphone, you can use a powered USB hub.

You also need to add a USB OTG breakout cable to convert the phone's Micro-USB or USB-C port into a USB-A port because most hubs are designed for computers with larger ports. Finally, you will need a suitable application to record audio.

Select the recording application for Android

Perhaps the most important part in 'recording rig' is the recording application. Here are some functions that a recording application needs to have:

1. Sound intensity indicator

2. Adjust the volume

3. Easy file management

4. Multitrack recording capability

Sound intensity indicator is an essential requirement of any recording application. Therefore, you should ignore applications that do not have this function. The audio level indicator will clearly display the status of any recorded sound. You will detect immediately when there is an audio signal using the green, yellow and red status. Also, you may know the signal is too big or too small to look at here.

A necessity for the recording application is that it has the ability to adjust the volume level, from which you can adjust the microphone level if it is too big or small. Many USB microphones have physical buttons that adjust the volume but will be more useful and convenient to use in the application.

You can use another file management application if the recording application does not provide an easy way to do this but still has other useful features.

Multitrack recording capability is also necessary if you want to sound multiple audio sources simultaneously. Many USB microphones support stereo recording, or if you have a modern audio or model interface, you can connect multiple microphones at the same time.

Recording multitrack is very simple, you just need to write each channel into its own source to easily edit the microphone level for each channel. But if you and your friend talk into a microphone, you can't change the volume of each person after you've finished recording.

You can use WavStudio, this is a free application with ads but offers many features like volume changes, audio recording, stereo recording, multiple effects selection and audio format conversion .

How to record audio on Android using micro USB

After having the necessary tools, connecting them is a simple process. Most USB microphones usually come with an appropriate USB cable. First, connect a cable to the microphone and the other end is a USB-A male connected to the USB-A port on the USB hub.

Then connect the hub to the USB breakout cable. Note that the USB-A male connector of the hub must be connected to the USB-A connector of the breakout cable. Finally, connect the Micro-USB or USB-C end of the breakout cable to the phone.

That's it, now you just need to open the application and click the record button. Sometimes you need to configure the USB device identification application so that it knows where to record the audio.

If using the above mentioned WavStudio application, you can easily adjust the input source by opening the Settings menu, accessing via settings cog at the bottom right of the main screen. On the settings menu, you will see the input source available via the drop down menu.

Do not provide enough energy to make recording?

Sometimes, after following the instructions, you still cannot record, the culprit here may be due to insufficient power. Micro requires a lot of power, perhaps more than the amount of electricity the phone can provide.

You can solve this with a powered USB hub, connected to an external power source. Data is sent to and from the phone but the microphone receives power through the wall instead of the device. Many USB OTG cables provide connectors for chargers, which can charge phones simultaneously with supported USB accessories.

Tips for better sound quality

Here are some tips to improve recording sound quality:

1. Just because you are using an Android phone and a micro USB does not mean you can ignore the manufacturer's advice. Learn how to use the microphone correctly, the best use cases and where to put it to make a difference in sound quality.
2. Just like recording on a computer, installation in the application also plays an important role in improving sound quality. If the audio input is too large, the interface cannot be processed, it will produce noisy sound and poor quality. If the audio meter displays a red dot, you just need to adjust the small signal to correct the problem.

As you can see, connecting the micro USB to your Android phone is really simple. I wish you all success!

See more:

1. Effective call recording applications on smartphones
2. Top 20 best audio editing apps for Android
3. Why is the voice in the recorder different from the real voice?