IK iKlip A/V – Smartphone Broadcast Mount with XLR Mic Preamp & Phantom Power

The iKlip A/V is a handheld smartphone broadcast mount with a built-in XLR microphone preamp, made for mobile journalists, smartphone filmmakers and content creators who want to record with a professional microphone instead of the phone’s built-in mic. It combines a steady grip, a phone bracket, a mic preamp with phantom power and a wireless receiver holder in one unit.

A Real XLR Mic Preamp in the Handle

Plug any balanced XLR microphone into the iKlip A/V: a dynamic handheld reporter mic, a condenser shotgun or the output of a wireless receiver. A gain knob sets the recording level, and a switchable +48V phantom power supply runs condenser microphones, with a red LED to show when it is on. The preamp is specified at 20Hz to 20kHz (+/-1.5dB), 0.025% THD and a maximum output of 2Vrms, and it sends the signal to your phone through the included 1/8″ TRRS cable.

Built for Wireless Systems

The handle includes a support for most popular wireless microphone receivers up to 62 x 31mm. Clip your receiver on, connect its XLR output to the iKlip A/V input, and the whole rig stays in one hand. That makes it a practical choice for interviews with a wireless lapel mic or a handheld wireless reporter mic.

Battery Powered for Long Shoots

Two AA batteries live inside the grip and are included. IK rates them at about 60 hours with phantom power off and about 20 hours with phantom power on (alkaline). A green LED shows when the unit is powered.

Steady Grip and Flexible Mounting

The ergonomic handle helps you hold steady shots, and the expandable bracket fits phones from 54mm to 91mm wide. IK lists support for phones with screens from 3.5″ to 6″ with a case on, so check your phone’s width with its case before buying. A standard 1/4″ thread on the base fits camera tripods and monopods, and you can remove the phone bracket and use the 1/4″ mount for small cameras or field recorders.

Connecting to Your Phone or Camera

The iKlip A/V is an analogue device. It outputs through a 1/8″ (3.5mm) TRRS connection that follows the CTIA/AHJ wiring standard used by most smartphone headset jacks. Keep these points in mind:

• Phones with a headphone jack: connect directly with the included TRRS cable.
• Phones without a headphone jack (most current iPhone and Android models): you need a Lightning or USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor that supports a headset microphone input. It is not included.
• Cameras with a 3.5mm TRS mic input: you need a TRRS to TRS adaptor cable, also not included.

Monitoring: What to Expect

The 1/8″ headphone socket on the iKlip A/V carries the audio coming back from your phone, not a direct feed from the preamp. You will only hear your microphone live if your recording app supports real-time audio pass-through, such as IK’s iRig Recorder. In many standard camera apps you can check your audio on playback but not while recording, so do a short test recording before an important shoot.

Who Is It For?

• Mobile journalists and reporters doing street interviews with an XLR or wireless mic
• Smartphone filmmakers who want broadcast-style sound on a tripod or handheld
• Event and church videographers who already own XLR mics
• Content creators upgrading from clip-on phone mics

It is less suited to someone who wants a plug-and-play digital connection to a modern phone, or who needs to hear the mic live in every app. In that case a digital XLR interface is the simpler choice.

iKlip A/V vs iRig Pre 2 and iRig Pre HD

iRig Pre 2 is a compact XLR interface for iPhone, iPad, Android and DSLR cameras with no built-in grip or phone holder. Choose it if you already own a phone rig. iRig Pre HD is a digital XLR interface that connects directly by Lightning or micro-USB and also runs 48V phantom power from two AA batteries, so it avoids the adaptor question on phones without a headphone jack. Choose the iKlip A/V when you want the grip, the phone mount and the wireless receiver holder in one piece. Compare more options in our microphone preamps and microphone accessories ranges, or find a mic to pair with it in microphones.

Key Features

• Smartphone broadcast mount with ergonomic hand grip
• Built-in XLR microphone preamp with gain knob
• Switchable +48V phantom power with LED indicator
• Wireless mic receiver support up to 62 x 31mm
• 1/8″ TRRS output to phone (CTIA/AHJ standard) with cable included
• 1/8″ headphone socket
• Expandable bracket from 54mm to 91mm wide
• Standard 1/4″ UNC thread for tripods and cameras
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (included)

FAQ

Does the iKlip A/V work with the latest iPhones?

Yes, with an adaptor. Current iPhones have no headphone jack, so you need a Lightning or USB-C to 3.5mm adaptor that supports a headset microphone. The adaptor is not included.

Can I use a condenser microphone?

Yes. Switch on the +48V phantom power. Battery life drops to about 20 hours with phantom power on.

Can I hear my microphone while recording?

Only if your app supports real-time audio pass-through, such as iRig Recorder. The headphone socket carries the audio returned by your phone, not a direct signal from the preamp.

Which wireless receivers fit?

The receiver holder takes most popular receivers up to 62 x 31mm. Connect the receiver’s XLR output to the iKlip A/V input.

Is an XLR cable included?

No. The box includes the iKlip A/V, a 1/8″ TRRS cable, the holding bracket, a camera nut and 2 AA batteries. XLR cables, microphones and wireless systems are sold separately.

Can I mount it on a tripod?

Yes. The base has a standard 1/4″ UNC thread for camera tripods and monopods.