Where Is the Mic on the Pixel 3a

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• #1

I would like to get a relatively inexpensive external microphone that will work when recording videos. Can people recommend specific microphones that are known to work with the pixel 3a?

Would an external microphone plug into the headphone jack or the usb C port? Is an adapter required?

I saw something about TRRS and TRS cables and/or adapters but I would like to know what the best options are to use with the pixel 3a.

• #2

All external microphones that are designed for smarphones should work on the Pixel 3a.

Since the Pixel 3a has an audio jack, you can choose between an 3.5mm jack microphone or a USB Type-C microphone. I would say analog (3.5mm jack) microphones will probably be cheaper than USB Type-C ones. However, if you intend to buy a flagship phone in the future, you may lose the 3.5mm jack and will need to buy another mic.

I only have experience with RØDE microphones, so I would recomend this one: https://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicme
It is very compact, since it directly attaches to the phone without any cables. It costs around $50 and also includes the furry windshield (a.k.a. the "dead cat"), which is a must-have for outdoor filming.

EDIT: the Pixel has the audio jack right next to the camera and this microphone may obstruct it! Please check this before buying.

Last edited: Jan 30, 2020

• #3

All external microphones that are designed for smarphones should work on the Pixel 3a.

Since the Pixel 3a has an audio jack, you can choose between an 3.5mm jack microphone or a USB Type-C microphone. I would say analog (3.5mm jack) microphones will probably be cheaper than USB Type-C ones. However, if you intend to buy a flagship phone in the future, you may lose the 3.5mm jack and will need to buy another mic.

I only have experience with RØDE microphones, so I would recomend this one: https://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicme
It is very compact, since it directly attaches to the phone without any cables. It costs around $50 and also includes the furry windshield (a.k.a. the "dead cat"), which is a must-have for outdoor filming.

EDIT: the Pixel has the audio jack right next to the camera and this microphone may obstruct it! Please check this before buying.

Thank you for the very detailed and helpful answer! I see what you mean about the headphone jack being so close to the camera that a lavalier mic might work better than one without a cord.

A youtuber that I follow got a 3a and found that the external microphone didn't work on it so I want to be able to test mine and verify that it works correctly.

• #4

I'm on a different phone and different version of android... BUT I found that I had to try different recording apps to get my phone to use a mic as a mic instead of trying to use it as headphones. The one app I found to do it is from the play store, called "Voice Recorder" by "quality apps (recorder, weather, music)". There's a free version with ads and a paid version. There are others with the same name that didn't work for me. Maybe it'll work for you.

n1kolaa

Inactive Recognized Developer

• #5

All external microphones that are designed for smarphones should work on the Pixel 3a.

Since the Pixel 3a has an audio jack, you can choose between an 3.5mm jack microphone or a USB Type-C microphone. I would say analog (3.5mm jack) microphones will probably be cheaper than USB Type-C ones. However, if you intend to buy a flagship phone in the future, you may lose the 3.5mm jack and will need to buy another mic.

I only have experience with RØDE microphones, so I would recomend this one: https://www.rode.com/microphones/videomicme
It is very compact, since it directly attaches to the phone without any cables. It costs around $50 and also includes the furry windshield (a.k.a. the "dead cat"), which is a must-have for outdoor filming.

EDIT: the Pixel has the audio jack right next to the camera and this microphone may obstruct it! Please check this before buying.

Did you had overheat problem when filming?

• #6

I'm not filming with the phone, I use a different RØDE microphone with my dSLR.

• #7

I haven't tested any external mics but I do suggest Open Camera for video. Lots of options including bitrate adjustments and you can even save directly to USB storage. I'm pretty sure it has sound source settings as well.

• #8

3a mic - not 3 - Very different beast.

I would like to get a relatively inexpensive external microphone that will work when recording videos. Can people recommend specific microphones that are known to work with the pixel 3a?

Would an external microphone plug into the headphone jack or the usb C port? Is an adapter required?

I saw something about TRRS and TRS cables and/or adapters but I would like to know what the best options are to use with the pixel 3a.

I also have a Pixel 3a. I don't believe the question was answered. A pixel 3a is not a pixel 3a XL.

Different processors etc. I am not a tech person at all but I too need a lavelier for my pixel 3a for videos.

Can a headphone jack be used for a microphone because they are both Audio? Is it the headphone jack that is used or as posted above, possibly the USB - C end of the phone?

I have found the same info as previous poster. "Should work" and Do work are not the same.

According to the research the "should work" options suggested for the lower model 3a phone, options do not work. Any further info available - besides get a new phone? Thanks in advance.

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Where Is the Mic on the Pixel 3a

Source: https://forum.xda-developers.com/t/which-external-microphones-work-with-pixel-3a.4042309/

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