Can I adjust the audio gain when using an external microphone with the camera app? (iPhone 15, iOS 18)

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Can I adjust the audio gain when using an external microphone with the camera app? (iPhone 15, iOS 18)

I have a Sennheiser MKE 200 external microphone connected to my iPhone 15 via an Apple 3.5 TRRS-to-USBc adapter. When recording video with the Camera app, the audio volume is too low.

One recording app (Voice Recorder) allows me to adjust the microphone gain from within the app, but apparently not the Apple Camera app?

Most online sources say, "to adjust the Mic Settings: Go to Settings > Microphone and adjust the mic settings" but in iOS 18, I cannot find any setting for "Microphone" under any menu.

Is there any way to increase the audio input gain, at the iOS level, or system-wide, so video recorded with the Camera App will have louder audio?

Thank you,

-gw

iPhone 15

Posted on Apr 20, 2025 3:07 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jeff Donald

Community+ 2026

Level 8

48,230 points

Apr 21, 2025 5:38 AM in response to Gary Wright4

You need to use an external device to adjust the levels, or a third party video camera app to adjust the audio. You can try Apple Final Cut Camera. The app is free and has advanced features for videographers. It may have audio gain for external microphones.

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Answer 2

Gary Wright4 Author

Level 1

114 points

Apr 21, 2025 8:10 AM in response to Jeff Donald

Thanks! I spent quite a bit of time last night looking at third party video apps, and I think that is the way I need to go. So far, I have found at least one app -- "Pro Camera" by Moment -- which specifically says it can be used to adjust audio levels.

Apple Final Cut Camera looks like it has a lot of power and features, but many of them require at least an iPhone 15 Pro, and mine is only the iPhone 15. So far, I have not been able to find any documentation to prove that Final Cut Camera can control audio gain, but I may have missed it.

Still looking at other options if anyone has any suggestions.

Thanks

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Answer 3

Gary Wright4 Author

Level 1

114 points

Apr 21, 2025 12:16 PM in response to Jeff Donald

Several online blog-type sites have recommend Filmic Pro, but they say it requires paying by subscription? I don't mind paying a subscription for software I use regularly, but at present I am a 99.9% stills photographer who just wants to dabble a bit with video. And I am still trying to decide how much of my video will be taken with my iPhone and how much with my mirrorless APS-C camera.

I will add Blackmagic Cam to my list of apps to investigate, thank you, for the suggestion.

Also, if anyone else is interested, it looks like Beastcam allows the user to control the gain on an external microphone.

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Answer 4

Apr 21, 2025 9:09 AM in response to Gary Wright4

You’re welcome. Filmic Pro has an adjustment and also auto gain. Blackmagic Cam is another app that might have adjustments. Very good support team too.

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Answer 5

Apr 21, 2025 1:19 PM in response to Gary Wright4

Thanks, I hadn’t thought of that one. Filmic Pro has 2 subscription models, $1.99 a week, or $40 a year. For a casual user, $2 a week seems very reasonable.

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Can I adjust the audio gain when using an external microphone with the camera app? (iPhone 15, iOS 18)

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