title, is it possible?
There is not much about this on the community. Try a google search on this term:
android record with external microphone
and do some research. They key will then be to get an AppInventor app to access the microphone through SoundRecorder or other method.
Do you mean Record Audio by connecting a microphone to the USB Port?
Specify external mic – USB, jack, bluetooth, etc. – and explain the purpose of your app.
im just asking, CAN mit app inventor receive input? ima connect the mic to the phone via usb port, and i want the mit app inventor to be able to receive input from that mic...
The question is, if Android generally is able to do it. If yes you only need an extension which supports external microphone input.
I asked Gemini for you
I want to connect a microphone to the phone via usb port, and i want an Android app to be able to receive input from that microphone. Is it possible?
Answer from Gemini below
Taifun
Yes, it is possible to connect a microphone to an Android phone via a USB port and have an Android app receive input from that microphone.
Here's what you need to know:
- USB Host Mode and OTG: Most modern Android phones support USB Host mode, which allows them to act as a host for external USB devices, including microphones. For phones with a micro-USB port, you'll typically need a USB On-The-Go (OTG) adapter. Phones with USB-C ports can often connect directly or with a simple USB-C to USB-A adapter if the microphone uses a standard USB-A connector.
- USB Audio Class Compliance: The microphone itself needs to be "USB audio class compliant." This means it adheres to a standard that Android can understand without needing special drivers. Most reputable USB microphones are class compliant.
- App Support: While Android generally supports USB audio input, not all apps will automatically recognize and use an external USB microphone. You'll need to use an app that explicitly supports external microphone input. Some well-regarded apps that often work with external microphones include:
- Open Camera
- Filmic Pro
- USB Audio Recorder (No delay)
- RecForge II
- Hi-Q MP3 Voice Recorder
When connecting, your Android device should ideally recognize the microphone automatically. If not, you may need to check the audio input settings within the specific app you are using to select the external microphone as the input source.
For a visual guide on connecting a USB microphone to your smartphone, you can check out this video: How to Connect USB Microphone to Smartphone & Record Video. This video provides helpful tips on connecting a USB microphone and recording video on your smartphone.
What if it's a mic from an Arduino that has an internal microphone?
You can ask Gemini yourself here
Taifun
Connecting an Arduino with an internal microphone to an Android phone via USB is significantly more complex than using a standard USB microphone, but it is theoretically possible with considerable effort. Here's why and what's involved:
- USB Audio Class Compliance (The Big Hurdle):
- For an Android phone (or any computer) to recognize a USB device as a microphone without special drivers, the device needs to implement the "USB Audio Class" specification. This is a standard protocol that defines how audio data is transmitted over USB.
- A typical Arduino board (like an Uno or Nano) does not natively implement the USB Audio Class. Their USB interfaces are usually designed for serial communication (acting like a virtual COM port) for programming and debugging.
- Some Arduino-compatible boards, particularly those with more advanced microcontrollers (like the ESP32-S2/S3, Teensy boards, or certain STM32 series), have native USB capabilities that can be programmed to act as a USB Audio Class device.
- Arduino Programming for USB Audio:
- You would need to write custom firmware for your Arduino that handles the audio input from the internal microphone (using the Arduino's Analog-to-Digital Converter, ADC) and then packages that audio data according to the USB Audio Class specification.
- This is a non-trivial task. It involves deep understanding of USB protocols, audio sampling, buffering, and real-time data transfer. Libraries like "TinyUSB" for specific microcontrollers (like RP2040 used in Raspberry Pi Pico) can help, but it's still an advanced project.
- Standard Arduino IDE libraries are generally not equipped for this level of USB device emulation.
- App Compatibility:
- Even if you successfully program your Arduino to act as a USB Audio Class compliant microphone, the Android app still needs to be able to detect and utilize it. The same principles apply as with off-the-shelf USB microphones – the app needs to support external audio input.
In summary:
- Standard USB microphones: Yes, easy, plug-and-play with compatible apps.
- Arduino with internal microphone: Possible, but requires advanced embedded programming to make the Arduino emulate a USB Audio Class device. It's a significant development project rather than a simple plug-and-play solution.
Unless you have strong embedded programming skills and a desire for a challenging project, using a purpose-built USB microphone is a far more practical and reliable solution for connecting to an Android phone.
For an example of using an Android phone as a controller for Arduino projects, which might give you some insight into the communication between the two devices, you can check out this video: Your Old Android Phone as a Controller for Arduino Projects.
This is a simple aia with my djwavrecorder extension WIP.
- record mono or stereo (If stereo Camcorder Mics available)
- record Dual channel (Double mono, if 2 Mics are available)
- record from usb (stereo)
- event for displaying record time.
- Uses RECORD_AUDIO permission.
Not tested on all Android versions. ( only on 10 and 11)
You may give it a try!
recordUSB.aia (27.8 KB)
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