Hardware Guide
Getting the most out of Audiophilio's measurement tools starts with the right microphone and setup. Here's what works, what to watch out for, and what's recommended.
miniDSP UMIK-1 (USB-C)
The UMIK-1 is a USB measurement microphone that ships with an individual calibration file. Load the calibration file into Audiophilio via Settings → Calibration for reference-grade accuracy across all measurement tools. The USB-C version connects directly to iPhone 15+, iPad with USB-C, and Mac.
Without a calibration file loaded, measurements reflect the microphone's uncorrected response. The calibration file is what makes the UMIK-1 worth using — don't skip it.
BUY ON AMAZON →Built-In Microphone
Every iPhone, iPad, and Mac has a built-in microphone that works with all Audiophilio tools out of the box — no setup required. It's suitable for relative measurements: spotting room modes, comparing before and after acoustic treatment, checking channel balance, and getting a general sense of your room.
For absolute accuracy — true SPL readings, flat frequency response curves, and reliable distortion figures — a calibrated external microphone is the right tool. The built-in mic has a real frequency response curve that isn't flat, and no calibration file can correct for it.
Ugreen USB-C Hub (7-in-1 or similar)
A Ugreen USB-C hub is the missing link for a single-device iOS measurement rig. With the right hub, you can connect the UMIK-1 for microphone input and a USB-C to RCA cable for audio output to your amplifier — simultaneously, from one iPhone or iPad. This has been verified to work with the UMIK-1 and the Cable Creation USB-C to RCA cable listed below.
Look for a hub with at least two full-speed USB-A or USB-C ports and a USB-C power pass-through so you can keep your device charged during longer measurement sessions.
BUY ON AMAZON →Cable Creation USB-C to RCA (10 ft)
A USB-C to RCA cable connects your iPhone or iPad directly to an amplifier's analog inputs for test signal output. Paired with the Ugreen hub and the UMIK-1 above, this completes a verified single-device measurement rig. The 10 ft length gives you enough reach to position your device at the listening position while cables run to the rack.
BUY ON AMAZON →Understanding this distinction will help you get the most out of any microphone setup.
Mac
Best experience. Connect the UMIK-1 directly via USB-C. macOS CoreAudio supports aggregate audio devices, so any output (built-in speakers, USB DAC, external interface) can run simultaneously with the UMIK-1 input — no conflicts.
iPhone / iPad
UMIK-1 input + wired RCA output via USB-C hub (verified). Connect a Ugreen USB-C hub to your iPhone or iPad, then plug the UMIK-1 into one port and a USB-C to RCA cable into another. This gives you calibrated microphone input and wired analog output to your amplifier simultaneously — the most accurate single-device setup possible on iOS.
UMIK-1 input + Bluetooth output. Connect the UMIK-1 via USB-C for microphone input, and pair your amplifier or speakers via Bluetooth for test signal output. iOS handles USB audio input and Bluetooth output as separate subsystems, making this a reliable single-device wireless setup.
Note: Bluetooth adds latency to the output signal. This doesn't affect level-based measurements (SPL, RTA, Channel Balance, THD+N, Frequency Response). For timing-sensitive tools — Delay Finder, Energy Time Curve, and RT60 — run the Delay Finder tool first to establish your round-trip offset, then use that value to compensate.
UMIK-1 input + AirPlay output. Similar to Bluetooth, but with higher latency (200–500ms for AirPlay 2). The same advice applies: run Delay Finder first for timing-sensitive measurements. Level-based measurements are unaffected.
Two devices
Use one device (with UMIK-1 connected) for microphone capture in Audiophilio, and a second device to play test signals out to your amplifier. This is a completely reliable setup and mirrors how many professional measurement rigs work.
If you're using Bluetooth or AirPlay for test signal output, latency is consistent within a session — so one Delay Finder run calibrates all subsequent timing measurements.
Timing-sensitive tools: Delay Finder, Energy Time Curve, RT60 Measurement.
Level-based tools: SPL Meter, RTA, Channel Balance, THD+N Analyzer, Frequency Response & PEQ, LUFS Meter, Waterfall, Spectrogram.