5 Tips to Enhance Microphone Quality on the Samsung Galaxy S21

Samsung Galaxy S21 microphone tips and tricks

If you’re like most people, you probably use your Samsung Galaxy S21 to take photos and videos. But what if you’re not happy with the quality of the audio in your recordings? The good news is that there are a few things you can do to improve it. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the S21 mic better so you can capture high-quality audio every time.

One of the most important things you can do to improve the quality of the audio on your S21 is to use a high-quality microphone. There are a number of different microphones available on the market, so you’ll need to do some research to find one that meets your needs. If you’re not sure where to start, you can check out our guide to the best microphones for the S21. Once you’ve found a microphone that you like, you’ll need to connect it to your S21. Most microphones will connect via the USB-C port, but some may require a separate adapter. Once your microphone is connected, you’ll need to configure it in the S21’s settings. You can find the microphone settings in the Sound menu. In the microphone settings, you’ll be able to adjust the microphone’s gain, noise cancellation, and other settings. You’ll need to experiment with these settings to find the ones that work best for you.

In addition to using a high-quality microphone, there are a few other things you can do to improve the audio quality on your S21. First, make sure that you’re recording in a quiet environment. Background noise can make it difficult to hear the audio in your recordings. Second, try to position the microphone close to the source of the audio. The closer the microphone is to the source, the better the audio quality will be. Finally, you can try using a pop filter to reduce wind noise. Pop filters are small, mesh screens that can be placed over the microphone to reduce wind noise. Pop filters are especially useful if you’re recording outdoors or in a windy environment. By following these tips, you can improve the quality of the audio on your S21 and capture high-quality audio every time.

Understanding Microphone Limitations

The Samsung Galaxy S21 boasts an array of advanced features, including a triple-lens rear camera system with excellent audio recording capabilities. However, like any smartphone microphone, the S21 has inherent limitations that can impact the quality of audio recordings. Understanding these limitations is crucial for maximizing the microphone’s performance and achieving optimal sound quality.

Distance from Sound Source

The distance between the microphone and the sound source plays a significant role in the clarity and volume of the recording. The closer the microphone is to the source, the stronger the signal and the less ambient noise will be captured. However, if the microphone is too close, the sound may become distorted or overdriven. Finding the optimal distance is essential for achieving a balanced and natural-sounding recording.

Background Noise

Ambient noise is a common challenge when recording audio on a smartphone. Background noises such as traffic, conversations, or machinery can interfere with the clarity of the recording, making it difficult to hear the intended audio. To minimize background noise, it is advisable to record in a quiet environment or utilize a noise-canceling microphone.

Frequency Response

Microphones have a specific frequency range within which they are most sensitive. The S21’s microphone has a limited frequency response, which means it may not accurately capture certain frequencies. For example, very low or very high frequencies may be underrepresented in the recording. Understanding the microphone’s frequency response is important for ensuring that the recorded audio captures the desired spectral content.

Feature	Description
Distance Limitation	Microphone performance is affected by the distance from the sound source.
Background Noise	Ambient noise can interfere with the recording’s clarity.
Frequency Response	Microphones have a limited range of frequencies they capture accurately.

Adjusting System Settings

The Samsung Galaxy S21 series offers several system settings that can be adjusted to improve microphone performance. Here are some key settings to consider:

Microphone Sensitivity

Navigate to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Microphone sensitivity. Adjust the slider to “High” to increase microphone gain and capture sound more clearly. Note that this setting may also amplify background noise, so use it judiciously.

Noise Reduction

Enable noise reduction by going to Settings > Sounds and vibration > Voice and call improvements > Noise reduction. This feature helps to filter out unwanted background noise during calls and recordings, resulting in clearer audio.

Echo Cancellation

Echo cancellation can be enabled in Settings > Sounds and vibration > Voice and call improvements > Echo cancellation. This feature reduces feedback and echoes that may occur during calls, ensuring smoother conversations.

Additional Settings:

Setting	Description
Call Quality Feedback	Sends anonymous feedback to Samsung based on call quality, helping to improve microphone algorithms in future updates.
Microphone Access	Manage which apps have access to the microphone, ensuring only authorized apps can use it.
Reset Microphone Settings	Restores all microphone settings to default values, which can be helpful if any custom adjustments result in poor performance.

Utilizing Third-Party Apps

While the built-in microphone on the S21 offers decent performance, it may not always meet the needs of discerning users. Fortunately, a plethora of third-party applications can enhance the microphone’s capabilities and take audio quality to the next level.

One of the most popular categories of microphone enhancement apps is noise reduction tools. These apps employ advanced algorithms to filter out unwanted background noise, resulting in clearer and more intelligible recordings. Some recommended noise reduction apps include:

App	Features
Krisp	Real-time noise cancellation, adjustable noise reduction levels, custom noise profiles
NoiseGator	Automatic noise suppression, adjustable sensitivity, noise gate function
Audio Hijack	Advanced audio processing tools, multi-track recording, noise reduction filters

In addition to noise reduction, third-party apps can also offer other microphone enhancements, such as:

Equalization: Adjust the frequency response of the microphone to balance the sound
Compression: Reduce the dynamic range of the microphone to make recordings more consistent
Reverberation: Add artificial reverberation to recordings to enhance the sense of space

By combining the capabilities of the S21’s built-in microphone with the enhancements offered by third-party apps, users can unlock the full potential of their device and achieve exceptional audio quality for a wide range of applications.

Enhancing Audio Quality with Accessories

External accessories can significantly improve the audio capabilities of the Samsung Galaxy S21. Consider the following options:

External Microphone

A dedicated external microphone can bypass the phone’s built-in mic, offering superior audio capture. Look for microphones designed for recording voice, music, or video with features like adjustable gain and noise reduction.

USB-C Audio Adapter

If you prefer wired headphones, a USB-C audio adapter will allow you to connect them to your S21. This accessory converts the USB-C port into a 3.5mm audio jack, ensuring compatibility with regular headphones.

Wireless Microphone

For hands-free recording and video calls, a wireless microphone is a convenient solution. These devices typically connect via Bluetooth and offer features like noise cancellation and adjustable volume levels.

Here’s a table summarizing the key benefits of each accessory:

Accessory	Benefits
External Microphone	Superior audio quality, adjustable gain, noise reduction
USB-C Audio Adapter	Allows wired headphone connection, compatibility with regular headphones
Wireless Microphone	Hands-free recording, video calls, noise cancellation

Enabling High-Quality Recording Mode

One of the best ways to improve the audio quality of your S21 is to enable High-Quality Recording Mode. This mode uses a higher bitrate and sampling rate to capture more detail in your recordings.

To enable High-Quality Recording Mode, follow these steps:

Open the Camera app.
Tap the Settings icon.
Scroll down to the Recording section.
Tap the Video Recording Quality option.
Select the High-Quality option.
Tap the OK button to save your changes.

Once you have enabled High-Quality Recording Mode, your S21 will record videos with a higher bitrate and sampling rate. This will result in better audio quality, especially in noisy environments.

Here is a table that summarizes the differences between High-Quality Recording Mode and the default recording mode:

	Default Recording Mode	High-Quality Recording Mode
Bitrate	128 kbps	256 kbps
Sampling Rate	44.1 kHz	48 kHz

Optimizing Audio Levels

The S21’s microphone is capable of capturing high-quality audio, but it’s important to optimize the audio levels for the best possible recording quality. Here are some tips on how to do that:

#### 1. Adjust the microphone volume

The first step is to adjust the microphone volume to an appropriate level. This can be done in the Sound settings menu. Open the Settings app, then tap on “Sound”. Under the “Microphone” section, you’ll see a slider that you can use to adjust the volume. Make sure to set it to a level that’s high enough to capture your voice clearly, but not so high that it distorts the audio.

#### 2. Use a microphone booster app

If you find that the microphone volume is still too low, you can use a microphone booster app to amplify the audio signal. There are many different microphone booster apps available on the Google Play Store, so you can choose one that suits your needs.

#### 3. Use an external microphone

If you’re looking for the best possible audio quality, you can use an external microphone. External microphones can be plugged into the S21’s USB-C port, and they offer a number of advantages over the built-in microphone, including better sound quality, reduced noise, and more flexibility.

#### 4. Record in a quiet environment

The environment you’re recording in can have a big impact on the audio quality. If you’re recording in a noisy environment, the microphone will pick up the background noise and it will be difficult to hear your voice. Try to record in a quiet environment, or use a noise-canceling microphone to reduce the background noise.

#### 5. Avoid speaking too close to the microphone

If you speak too close to the microphone, your voice will be distorted and it will be difficult to hear. Try to speak at a distance of about 6 inches from the microphone.

#### 6. Use a pop filter

A pop filter is a device that helps to reduce plosives, which are the popping sounds that can occur when you speak into a microphone. Plosives can be distracting and they can make your voice sound muffled. If you’re recording in a noisy environment, or if you’re prone to plosives, using a pop filter can help to improve the audio quality.

#### 7. Use a microphone pre-amplifier

A microphone pre-amplifier is a device that can be used to boost the signal from a microphone. This can be useful if you’re using a microphone with a low output level, or if you’re recording in a noisy environment. Microphone pre-amplifiers are available in a variety of форм-факторов, including desktop units, rack-mount units, and portable units.

Форм-фактор	Advantages
Desktop units	Affordable, provide the most features
Rack-mount units	professional-grade, can be used in a variety of applications
Portable units	Compact, easy to use

Employing Noise Reduction Techniques

Excessive background noise can significantly degrade the quality of audio recordings. Fortunately, the S21 microphone offers several built-in noise reduction features that can help minimize this problem:

Noise Reduction Mode

This mode automatically adjusts the microphone settings to suppress unwanted background sounds while enhancing speech clarity. It can be enabled through the “Camera” app’s “Settings” menu.

Directional Microphone

The S21’s directional microphone can be manually configured to focus on specific sound sources while minimizing noise from other directions. This is a useful option for recording in noisy environments or when isolating a particular speaker.

External Microphone Support

If the built-in microphone is insufficient, external microphones can be connected via the USB-C port or through Bluetooth. Using high-quality external microphones can significantly enhance audio recording capabilities.

Third-Party Noise Reduction Apps

There are numerous third-party apps available on the Google Play Store that offer advanced noise reduction algorithms. These apps can be used in conjunction with the S21’s built-in features to further reduce background noise.

Recording in Quieter Environments

Whenever possible, it’s best to record in environments with minimal ambient noise. This can significantly improve the quality of recordings, even without employing any additional noise reduction techniques.

Proper Microphone Placement

The distance and angle of the microphone from the sound source can affect the level of noise captured. Experiment with different microphone positions to find the optimal setup for your recording environment.

Wind Noise Reduction

When recording outdoors, wind noise can be a significant problem. Using a windsock or other wind attenuation device can help mitigate this issue.

Additional Noise Reduction Tips

Here are some miscellaneous tips for further reducing noise:

Tip	Description
Use a pop filter	Blocks plosive sounds and reduces sibilance.
Record in RAW	Provides more flexibility for noise reduction in post-production.
Edit recordings	Remove unwanted noise, clicks, and pops using audio editing software.

Adjusting Microphone Sensitivity

The microphone sensitivity setting on your S21 can be adjusted to improve audio quality in different environments. Here’s how to adjust it:

Open the “Settings” app on your S21.
Tap on “Sound and Vibration”.
Tap on “Microphone Sensitivity”.
Use the slider to adjust the sensitivity to your desired level.
Tap on “OK” to save your changes.

The following table provides guidance on appropriate sensitivity settings for different environments:

Environment	Recommended Sensitivity Setting
Quiet environments (e.g., library, bedroom)	Low to Medium
Moderate noise environments (e.g., office, classroom)	Medium to High
Noisy environments (e.g., construction site, concert)	High to Very High

Implementing Firmware Updates

Firmware updates are crucial for improving the overall performance of your S21, including its microphone functionality. Here are the steps to implement firmware updates:

Go to “Settings” on your S21.
Select “Software Update.”
Check for available updates.
If an update is available, tap “Download and Install.”
Wait for the update to complete.
Once the update is installed, restart your S21.
Test the microphone to ensure it’s working properly.
If the microphone issue persists, try additional troubleshooting steps.
If all else fails, consider reaching out to Samsung support or a qualified technician.
Remember to regularly check for firmware updates to keep your S21 up-to-date with the latest enhancements and bug fixes.

Firmware Update Frequency	Benefits
Monthly	Regular improvements, security patches, and microphone optimization
Quarterly	Major OS updates with significant feature enhancements and bug fixes
As Needed	Immediate resolution of critical issues or microphone-specific problems

How To Make The S21 Mic Better

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a great phone, but it has one major flaw: the microphone is terrible. This can make it difficult to take calls, record videos, or use voice commands. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to make the S21 mic better.

First, try cleaning the microphone. You can do this with a cotton swab or a soft brush. Be careful not to damage the microphone, and make sure to get all of the dirt and debris out.

If cleaning the microphone doesn’t help, you can try disabling the noise cancellation feature. This can be done in the Settings app. Go to “Sounds and vibrations” and then tap on “Call quality and effects”. Turn off the “Noise cancellation” switch.

If you’re still having problems with the microphone, you can try using a third-party app. There are a number of apps available in the Google Play Store that can help to improve the microphone quality. Some popular apps include Microphone Booster and Microphone Fix.

If all else fails, you can try contacting Samsung for support. They may be able to replace the microphone or provide you with other troubleshooting tips.