Choosing Your Microphone Input on iOS
When you plug in wired headphones on iOS, Smule displays a Microphone Input selector above the vocal monitoring control (‘Your Voice’ slider) on the recording screen. This lets you choose which audio input the app uses to capture your voice, which can make a meaningful difference in recording quality and help resolve common headset audio issues.
How to use the Microphone Input selector
- Pick your song and get ready to record.
- Plug in your wired headphones or headset (or audio interface)
- On the recording screen, tap the Audio Settings icon (🔊) in the top right. This opens a sheet where you can adjust your Your Voice level and select your Microphone Input.
- Under Microphone Input, tap the option you want to use. Your selection takes effect immediately.
- Tap Done when finished.
What inputs will I see?
The inputs shown depend on what's physically connected to your device at that moment.
| Scenario | Available inputs |
| Wired headset with mic plugged in | Built-in microphone / Headset microphone |
| No headset plugged in | Selector does not appear |
| USB-C audio interface connected | Built-in microphone / Interface input (typically Input 1) |
Most users see two choices:
- Headset mic: Picks up your voice more directly since it’s closer to your mouth.
- iPhone built-in mic: High-quality, cleaner sound in quiet rooms, and better at handling louder singing without distortion.
Try both and go with whichever sounds best to you!
FAQ
Q: I plugged in my headset but the Microphone Input selector isn't showing up.
A: The selector only appears when wired headphones are connected. Bluetooth headsets are not supported by this feature. If you're using a wired connection and the selector still doesn't appear, try unplugging and re-plugging your headset, then re-opening the recording screen.
Q: My voice sounds like it's coming from far away / there's echo / my headset mic isn't working.
A: Open Audio Settings and check which input is currently active. If it's set to Headset Microphone, try switching to iPhone Microphone. USB-C headphones and earbuds are the most common cause of headset audio issues in Smule, so swapping to a different input usually fixes it
Q: I use a USB-C audio interface. Is that supported?
A: Yes. If you have a USB-C audio interface connected (such as the Focusrite Scarlett, Universal Audio Volt, or similar), it will appear as an available input in the selector. In most cases, Smule will use Input 1 on the interface. You can also connect your headphones directly to the interface to use it as your audio output. .
Q: Does my input selection save for next time?
A: The selector shows what's connected to your device at the time of recording. We recommend checking your input selection each time you start a new session, especially if you switch between different headsets or setups.
Q: Is this feature available on Android?
A: The Microphone Input selector is currently available on iOS only.
Q: I plugged in headphones but I only see one input option.
A: If your headphones don't have a built-in microphone, only iPhone Microphone will appear. The selector still opens, but there's nothing to switch to. To use a headset microphone, you'll need headphones or earbuds that include an inline mic.
Q: I want to use my headphones for monitoring but still record with the iPhone microphone. Is that possible?
A: Yes. Plug in your headphones, open Audio Settings, and select iPhone Microphone. Your headphones will still carry the backing track and monitoring audio while the phone captures your voice.
Q: I plugged in my headset after the recording screen was already open. Will the selector appear?
A: Yes. The app stays stable as you plug and unplug your headset. If no headset is connected, the Audio Settings icon won't be visible — but it appears as soon as you plug one in.
Q: My wireless / Bluetooth headset isn't showing any input options.
A: The Microphone Input selector only appears for wired connections. Bluetooth headsets aren’t supported, so your iPhone’s built-in microphone is used by default. Bluetooth headsets also do not support real-time voice monitoring, so you'll only hear the music in your headphones.
Q: My audio interface has more than one input. Can I choose which one Smule records from?
A: Not currently. When a USB-C audio interface is connected, Smule records from Input 1 by default. Make sure your microphone or instrument is connected to that channel.
Q: I switched inputs while a session was already in progress. Will it affect my recording?
A: Yes, it can. The app detects the change and pauses automatically, but you can usually resume recording with the new input with minimal disruption. In some plug/unplug scenarios the app may ask you to restart the recording. For best results, set your input before you start recording.
Q: Does my microphone input choice affect what my duet partner hears?
A: Yes. The input you select determines how your voice is captured in the final recording, which is what others hear when they listen to or join your performance.
Q: I'm using a third-party USB-C to 3.5mm adapter. Will the selector still work?
A: It depends on the adapter. Apple's USB-C to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adapter is confirmed to work and will appear by name in the selector. Third-party adapters can vary — if yours doesn't trigger the selector or the headset mic option doesn't appear, try the Apple adapter.
Need more help? Visit smule.com/support.