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Using RØDE USB microphones to make phone calls on iPhone

  • Updated

Apple have implemented restrictions on Telephony-based apps and protocols built into the iOS operating system that only allow the use of the built-in microphone on the mobile device or Bluetooth devices. This means that users are intentionally prevented from using USB microphones with Apple iOS products for cellular phone calls when using a SC15, SC19, or SC21 MFI USB cable or any USB-C cable for later models.

If you want to use apps, such as Microsoft Skype or Apple FaceTime, which also rely on these Telephony protocols, your RØDE USB microphone cannot be used with these particular apps on iPhones.

NB. These restrictions are not present in other open-source devices, such as Android mobile devices. 

For unrestricted, non-Telephony apps, we recommend using RØDE USB microphones with an MFI-certified USB cable such as the SC15, SC19, or SC21 for audio recording on your iOS devices with apps such as the iPhone Camera, Voice Memos or Garageband. You can also use RØDE USB microphones for live-streaming audio apps such as Instagram Live and Facebook Live. 

Article: For more information about MFI-certified USB cables for iOS devices, please see our article here:
Why is a MFI-certified USB cable needed to connect my microphone to an iPhone?

 

Workaround: Using the NTH-100M for phone calls on iPhone

While RØDE USB microphones are not supported for standard phone calls on iPhone, the NTH-100M can be used as a wired headset for calls over an analogue connection when connected with a compatible 3.5 mm TRRS adapter, such as the Apple Lightning > 3.5mm adapter. The NTH-100M combines the NTH-100 headphones with the NTH-Mic headset attachment, and thus represents a workaround allowing you to enhance the audio quality of your calls.

 

How to connect

  1. Lock the Cable: Insert the included TRRS cable into the NTH-100M's left earcup and twist to lock the connector securely.

  2. Attach the NTH-Mic: As with the TRRS cable, ensure the NTH-Mic is fully inserted into the right earcup socket, and twisted clockwise to securely lock in place

  3. Connect the Adapter: Plug the 3.5mm TRRS jack into the Lightning > Headphone adapter or an Apple USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter

  4. Connect to Device: Plug the Apple adapter directly into the iPhone port

  5. Automatic Routing: Official Apple adapters support TRRS, meaning the smartphone will automatically recognise both the audio output and audio input (NTH-Mic).

 

Important notes

  • The adapter must support TRRS headset connections, not just stereo headphone output
  • If the adapter only supports TRS audio output, the headphones may work, but the microphone will not be detected
  • In most cases, iPhone will route call audio automatically to the connected headset. If it does not, select the headset manually in the call audio options.

Hardware Limitation Note: Third-party adapters often only support TRS (stereo audio out) and will drop the microphone signal. Only use official Apple adapters or confirmed TRRS-compatible DACs to ensure the microphone transmits.

 

Applies to

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