The iPad Pro comes in various models, including the famous 11-inch and 12.9-inch display screens. But it is no secret that finding the location of the microphones on all iPad Pro models can be a bit challenging. Besides, several non-reliable resources online about the microphone placement on these devices puzzle users even more.
So, this article will help you tell the number of microphones on different iPad Pro generations according to their screen size. Starting from the 1st Gen to the 6th Gen of 12.9-inch models and from the 1st to 4th Gen of 11-inch models, you will be able to determine the correct location of the built-in mics.
Moreover, you will uncover valuable clues to easily discover the microphone on your iPad Pro model. By the end of the article, you will explore different methods to use your iPad Pro microphone in the best way possible to get maximum performance.
Where is the Microphone on iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd Generation?
Apple has successfully launched the iPad Pro 12.9 inch 1st and 2nd Gen. Since the launch of these two generations, the world has seen a new way of innovation and functionality with extended portability. These devices are not just for entertainment purposes but can serve in all spheres of life. Among several features, the sound quality in terms of audio capturing is of a high level. The built-in mics of iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st and 2nd Gen have been providing good quality compared to many external microphones.
If you look closely at both generations, you will find similarities in their design. That is why the microphone location in these models is identical. Unlike the latest iPad Pro models, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st Gen (2015) and 2nd Gen (2017) only have two microphones. But despite the limited number, these mics are carefully located on the devices to deliver next-level performance.
According to the technical specifications of the iPad Pro 1st Generation and 2nd Generation 12.9-inch, both devices have dual microphones. As you can see in the image below, the first microphone is located on the back of your 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Generation, whereas the second microphone is positioned on the side, above the volume buttons.
What Do the Two Microphones on 12.9-Inch iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Generation Do?
- Rare Microphone: The rare of the first microphone plays a vital role in improving the audio quality whenever you record videos. Moreover, this microphone is also capable of capturing nuances and ambient sounds to add richness to the audio by providing clarity and depth in the recorded videos. So whether you are recording a live performance, a professional seminar, or a random moment, this rear microphone ensures the accurate reproduction of sound.
- Side Microphone: Many users think that including the side microphone on iPad Pro 12.9-inch 1st/2nd Gen is useless. In reality, it has essential functionality. This mic serves multiple purposes, such as giving Siri voice commands and voice calls. Moreover, it enables you to dictate voice memos, give voice commands to other virtual assistants, and have hands-free and accurate communication.
The reason for adding two microphones in different locations is to cater to several functionalities. For instance, the rare mic ensures the capturing of high-frequency sounds for a massive audio experience. Conversely, the side microphone facilitates effective voice recognition. Apart from these primary benefits, these two mics are of high quality, ensuring clean audio regeneration with minimal noise and echo.
Where is the Microphone on iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Generation and iPad Pro 11-inch 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Generation?
Before you discover the locations of mics on your iPad Pro 11-inch (1st to 4th Gen) and 12.9-inch (3rd to 6th Gen), it is important to know that all these models and generations have the same number of microphones. Apart from the chip, design, and other specs, the main difference between these devices is the screen size.
As per Apple’s technical spec sheet, the iPad Pro 3rd (2018), 4th (2020), 5th (2021), and 6th (2021) generations and iPad Pro 11-inch 1st (2018), 2nd (2020), 3rd (2021), and 4th (2022) generations have 5 microphones.
To confirm this, let’s have a look at the microphone placement of the iPad Pro 12.9 inches. 3rd and 6th generations.
One mic is positioned on the side of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 3rd generation.
Two mics are placed on the top edge between the speaker grills, while the third microphone can be seen next to the front camera, making it a total of 3 microphones on the top.
One mic is placed on the back side (rear microphone) of the 3rd Gen iPad Pro 12.9 inches below the camera.
Similarly, if you look at the 12.9-inch 6th Gen iPad Pro, you will find the same location of microphones.
The three microphones are in the top area.
One mic on the side.
And one microphone next to the back camera (the 5th microphone).
In the same way, all 11-inch iPad Pro Generations have identical microphone placement, even if you compare the “Button and Connectors” specifications of the most recent 12.9-inch iPad Pro 6th Gen with the 11-inch iPad Pro 4th Gen.
However, one noticeable point in the technical specs is that Apple has used the term “studio-quality microphones” for all these generations and display sizes except for the 12.9-inch third generation and 11-inch first generation. So, it can be assumed that the later generations have more powerful microphones. Nevertheless, the number and functionality of the mics in all the mentioned generations remain unchanged.
What Do the Five Microphones on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro (3rd to 6th Gen) and 11-inch iPad Pro (1st to 4th Gen) Do?
As per Apple’s statement, all 5 microphones on iPad Pro (12.9-inch and 11-inch) newer generations facilitate voice calls, audio recordings, and video recordings. So, let’s break it down.
- Top Microphones (Three Mics): All three microphones on the top of the iPad Pro work together to capture high-quality audio in different scenarios. They can provide clean audio recordings by reducing background noises. All of them work in harmony to pick sounds from multiple directions for improved voice clarity. Moreover, these mics ensure crystal-clear sound during video recordings from the selfie camera or FaceTime. They also provide immersive and rich audio experience during voiceovers or recording instruments on different applications, such as Garageband.
- Side Microphone: This microphone has a similar functionality as the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Gen. It transmits clear voice commands and helps capture clean voice memos.
- Rear Microphone: The microphone near the back camera ensures clear audio recordings when you record videos.
How to Find Microphone Openings on iPad Pro?
It is easy to discover where the microphone is on iPad Pro, whether you have the 12.9-inch or 11-inch version. Look for tiny holes in a perfect circular shape. These openings are different from speakers and charging ports. But if you still can’t find them, here are a few tips.
a. Read the User Manual
When you purchase an iPad Pro, the packaging includes a manual with the device’s diagram. You can read it thoroughly and follow the numbering order to identify the microphone openings. In case you lost the manual, you can visit Apple’s official technical specifications site. It has detailed information on all the ports, including the microphone holes.
b. Make Sure You Are Looking into the Right Specs
Many online sources simply tell you about the number of microphones on iPad Pro without mentioning the actual model and generation. So before you look for the openings, confirm the generation of your device. If you have a 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st Gen and you’re looking for five microphones, you won’t be able to find them since this version only has two microphones. Therefore, always look for the microphone specifications according to the iPad Pro model you have.
c. Inspect with a Flashlight
Sometimes, the openings are not visible in dim lights. They may come into your vision but can go unnoticed since they are small holes. So, the next time you look for the mic holes on iPad Pro, you better use a flashlight. Move the light beam slowly near the back camera, sides, and top edge of the device to see the openings.
4 Tips for Optimal Use of Microphone on the iPad Pro
Despite the generation and number of microphones in your iPad Pro, it is necessary to use them correctly to obtain high performance. These four tips will help you get the most benefits from your iPad Pro’s built-in microphones.
1. Avoid Covering the Microphone Openings
To ensure your iPad Pro’s mics perform ideally, don’t block the tiny openings with objects or fingers. These small holes are the reason you can hear sound in your recorded videos or voice commands. Covering these holes can make your audio difficult to hear during recording or calls. It is just like putting a hand over the speaker’s mouth. That is why it is important to keep these areas free from any obstacles.
2. Use the Right Case for the iPad Pro
Choosing the right case for your iPad Pro is vital for protecting the device from damage and the smooth functionality of the built-in mics. If you are using a different model case, it may cover the microphone holes, affecting the sound quality. For instance, the 12.9-inch 2nd Generation iPad Pro’s case only has two microphones. If you will use that case on the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 6th Gen, it will cover the microphones on the top edge. So whenever you buy a case, make sure it matches your iPad Pro’s generation and screen size.
3. Clean the Microphone Openings
It is wise to regularly clean the microphone openings of the iPad Pro to get rid of debris and dust. What happens is that with the passage of time, these particles enter these holes and cover the mics, which diminishes the capability to record clear audio. You can use a dry, soft brush to clean the openings gently for optimal performance.
If you can’t find any brush, you can use soft materials, such as thin napkins or tissue paper, to clean the holes. Simply roll one corner of the napkin and make it pointy from the edge. Then, carefully insert the pointy part of the napkin inside the openings to clean the microphone spots.
4. Keep Mics in the Right Position
For the best recording experience, position the microphones of your iPad Pro in the right direction. This will allow you to capture clean sound with minimal unwanted background noise.
Conclusion
There is a lot of confusion about the microphone locations on the iPad Pro. Users mostly try to find the answer to the question, “Where is the microphone on iPad Pro.” Unfortunately, some sources fail to identify the correct number of microphones and their placement. However, according to the technical specifications by Apple, the 12.9-inch iPad Pro 1st and 2nd Generations only have two microphones – one on the rear camera and another on the side. Contrarily, the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th Generations have five microphones – on the top, side, and back. Likewise, the 11-inch iPad Pro 1st to 4th Generation has the same mics in similar areas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Microphone on iPad Pro
Q1. How many microphones does the iPad Pro have?
The iPad Pro has 2 and 5 microphones, depending on the generation. The first and second generations of the 12.9-inch iPad Pro have two microphones (1 on top and 1 on the rear camera). Meanwhile, the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generations of 12.9-inch iPad Pro have five microphones (3 on top, 1 on the left side, and 1 on the back camera). The 11-inch first, second, third, and fourth generations of iPad Pro also have the same number of microphones. If talking about discontinued models of iPad Pro, like the 10.5-inch and 9.7-inch (all generations), they only possess two microphones.
Q2. Can I improve the microphone quality on my iPad Pro?
Some iPad Pro cases can obstruct the built-in microphones. This can lead to poor audio quality. Therefore, it is suggested that you use the right case according to your iPad Pro model. To ensure high audio quality, remove the case and launch the Voice Memos application to record voice to assess the mic’s performance. If you are still not receiving clean audio, replace the case with another one that doesn’t block the microphone openings. Moreover, try to clean the microphone spots regularly to remove debris for maximum performance.
Q3. What should I do if the microphone on my iPad Pro isn’t working?
If your iPad Pro’s built-in microphone isn’t working, try to remove the case or screen protector covering the device, as these can interfere with the mic’s overall functionality. Also, check for any dust particles obstructing the microphone holes. Clean them using a soft brush, but never use sharp, pointy objects like pins. If the mic is still not working, make sure the app you are using to record audio has permission to access the mic. You can manually enable the access by going to the ‘Settings’ icon. If the issue still exists, contact Apple Support or consult a tech specialist.
Q4. Is there a difference in microphone placement between the Wi-Fi and cellular models of the iPad Pro?
There is no difference in microphone location between cellular and Wi-Fi models of the iPad Pro.
Q5. How can I test the microphone functionality on my iPad Pro?
It is easy to check your microphone on iPad Pro. Launch the camera application. Record your video using the front camera and speak to test top microphones during the recording. Next, switch to the rear camera and record the video to assess the functionality of the back microphone. Play the recorded videos, and you should be able to hear the audio clearly, confirming that all microphones are functional.
Q6. Can external microphones be used with the iPad Pro?
You can use external wired and wireless microphones with your iPad Pro to enhance the audio quality further. However, ensure the external mic connector matches the port of your iPad Pro. Otherwise, you will need an adapter to use the mic. Also, when considering an external microphone, make sure the product you choose is MFi-certified, like the Hollyland Lark C1. This certification ensures that the microphone will work smoothly with iPhone and iPad models.
One-Step Wireless Microphone for Mobile Phone.
Q7. Are the microphones on the iPad Pro good enough for professional recording?
The iPad Pro microphones are quite decent for basic or semi-professional recording requirements. They can be enough to capture song demos and ideas, but they may not match professional studio-grade microphones. Nevertheless, they are far better than old handheld audio recorders. Overall, you can use the built-in microphones of the iPad Pro for podcasts, normal recordings, and video calls.
