Zoom iQ7 Lightning Mid-Side Stereo Microphone for iOS

The Zoom iQ7 is a compact Mid-Side stereo microphone made for recording directly to compatible Lightning-equipped iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It provides a dedicated external microphone option for music, interviews, ambience, and other mobile audio-recording work. The microphone connects through the device’s Lightning port and is powered by the connected iOS device.

Its Mid-Side capsule arrangement combines a forward-facing mid microphone with a bidirectional side microphone. This design lets the user select a 90-degree or 120-degree stereo field at the microphone, or use M-S mode for later stereo-width adjustment in the compatible app. The result is a flexible stereo capture approach for sources ranging from focused speech to wider environmental sound.

The iQ7 includes a physical MIC GAIN control for setting recording level without relying only on touchscreen controls. An LED level indicator helps show connection and input status, including high-level conditions. With a maximum input sound pressure rating of 120 dB SPL, it is designed to accommodate a range of recording situations.

The rotating capsule supports audio and video-oriented physical positions, allowing the microphone to be aimed toward the sound source as the device is held differently. A 1/8-inch stereo mini output supports headphone monitoring and can also function as a line-level output. When used with the Zoom Handy Recorder app, the iQ7 supports direct monitoring from its output.

For an upgrade from a mobile device’s built-in microphone, the iQ7 adds adjustable stereo width, manual gain control, and a dedicated monitoring connection in a pocketable format. It includes a foam windscreen for basic wind reduction and a removable case adjuster for use with some device cases. Confirm the iOS device and app are compatible before purchase, as the iQ7 is designed specifically for Lightning-equipped devices and is not compatible with video or voice-call apps.

Key Features

• Mid-Side Stereo Array: Captures stereo sound with adjustable width options.
• 90°/120°/M-S Selection: Choose focused, wide, or adjustable stereo recording.
• Lightning Connection: Connects directly to compatible iOS devices.
• Manual Gain Control: Adjust recording level with the onboard knob.
• Headphone/Line Output: Monitor recordings or feed a line-level destination.
• Rotatable Capsule: Aim the microphone for audio or camera-oriented positioning.

Design & Installation

The iQ7 uses a compact integrated microphone housing with a rotating Mid-Side capsule, onboard gain knob, stereo-width switch, LED indicator, Lightning connector, and 1/8-inch stereo mini output. Its included foam windscreen fits the microphone for basic outdoor recording support. The removable case adjuster can help the connector fit with certain protective cases.

Connect the iQ7 fully to the Lightning port of a supported iOS device, then open Zoom Handy Recorder or another app that supports microphone input. Point the arrow on the mid microphone toward the source, choose the desired stereo-width setting, and set gain while watching the level indicator. For cleaner recordings, Zoom advises using Airplane Mode because wireless activity can introduce noise and phone calls stop recording.