🎧 How I Got Pro Audio Out of a Potato Mic (Yes, Really)

You ever record something on your iPad or iPhone using just a pair of wired Apple headphones and think: “Wow… this sounds like I recorded it in a tin can inside a tunnel?”

Yeah, same.

But here’s the thing: with a tiny bit of cleanup using a free tool from Adobe, you can make that tin-can audio sound like it came out of a treated studio. I’ve been using this on my mobile content for a while now, and honestly, it’s a total game changer — especially if you’re editing on the go or just don’t want to mess around with mics and recorders.

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🥔 What I Started With

So this is the exact setup I used:

• iPad screen recording on
• Wired Apple EarPods plugged in
• No external mic, no fancy setup, no acoustic treatment

Just me, recording something quick and useful for a tutorial.

The result? Mono, compressed, flat audio. Usable? Sure. Professional? Not a chance.

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⚡ The Fix: Adobe Enhance Speech

Here’s where the magic happens.

Adobe has this free tool called Enhance Speech (part of their Adobe Podcast web tools) — and it works absolute wonders. I’m talking instant upgrade. Your voice sounds fuller, clearer, and cleaner. All the hiss and room noise? Gone.

Here’s exactly what I do:

1. Record the screen/audio on iPad or iPhone like usual
2. Export the audio-only version (AirDrop or Files app works fine)
3. Upload it to Adobe Enhance Speech
4. Wait about a minute while it works its magic
5. Download the cleaned-up audio and sync it back to my edit

Boom — sounds like I used a condenser mic in a treated room, all without leaving my iPad.

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🔊 The Before & After is Kinda Nuts

If you watch the video, I let you hear both the raw mic audio and the enhanced version. The difference is night and day. It’s one of those “wait, what?” moments that makes you start looking at your potato mic in a whole new way.

📺 Watch the full video tutorial here

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🧰 Who’s This For?

This isn’t just for filmmakers — anyone making content with their phone or tablet can benefit from this. Especially:

• YouTubers filming on a shoestring
• TikTok creators recording voiceovers
• Teachers or coaches doing screen tutorials
• Basically anyone who wants good sound without buying gear

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🧠 Final Thoughts (aka: why this matters)

Audio is half your video. You can have gorgeous visuals, but if your audio sucks, people bounce. That’s just how it is.

This workflow lets you keep your mobile, minimal setup and still sound like a pro. It’s quick, it’s free, and once you try it, it’s hard to go back.

If you’ve got questions or want to hear this in action, check out the video and drop me a comment. And if you’re a mobile creator like me — give this tool a try. You’ll be surprised how much it levels up your sound.

Catch you in the next one,
—Stu

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✨ Bonus Tip:

If you're editing in LumaFusion or CapCut on iPad, this workflow slots right in. No need to leave your mobile environment — I’ve done entire edits this way.