BOYA BY-CIP2 Microphone Adapter Cable User Manual

Introduction

The BOYA BY-CIP2 is an adapter cable designed to connect external 3.5mm stereo microphones (specifically battery-powered microphones) or other audio sources to smartphones and laptops with a single audio input. This cable facilitates high-quality audio recording directly to your mobile device or computer.

Important Note: This cable is compatible only with battery-powered microphones. Passive (non-battery-powered) microphones cannot be connected to a phone using this cable.

Product Overview

The BY-CIP2 cable allows you to utilize various audio devices with your smartphone or compatible laptop. Its primary function is to convert the output of a stereo microphone (TRS) to a TRRS input suitable for mobile devices, ensuring proper signal transmission for recording.

Key Features:

• Enables connection of stereo battery-powered microphones to smartphones.
• Compatible with Android and iOS smartphones, as well as laptops with a single audio input.
• Supports connection of various audio sources like computers, DVD players, audio recorders, Walkmans, and MP3 players with headphone outputs.
• Designed for clear audio signal transmission.

Figure 1: The BOYA BY-CIP2 adapter cable, showing its 3.5mm TRRS male connector and 3.5mm TRS female jack.

Setup Instructions

1. Identify Connectors: The BY-CIP2 cable has two ends: a 3.5mm TRRS male plug (with three black rings on the metal tip) and a 3.5mm TRS female jack (the receptacle).
2. Connect Microphone: Plug your battery-powered 3.5mm stereo microphone (or other audio source) into the 3.5mm TRS female jack of the BY-CIP2 cable. Ensure the microphone is powered on if it requires batteries.
3. Connect to Device: Insert the 3.5mm TRRS male plug of the BY-CIP2 cable into the headphone/microphone combo jack of your smartphone or compatible laptop.
4. Verify Connection: Your device should now recognize an external microphone. You may need to select the external microphone as the input source in your device's audio settings or recording application.

Figure 2: Close-up view of the 3.5mm TRRS male connector, designed for smartphone and laptop compatibility.

Figure 3: Close-up view of the 3.5mm TRS female jack, where the external microphone is connected.

Operating Instructions

Once the BY-CIP2 cable and microphone are properly connected to your device, you can begin recording audio.

1. Open Recording Application: Launch your preferred audio recording application on your smartphone or laptop (e.g., Voice Memos, Camera app for video, third-party recording apps).
2. Select Input Source: In some applications or device settings, you may need to manually select the external microphone as the audio input source.
3. Start Recording: Initiate recording within your chosen application. The audio will now be captured through the connected external microphone.
4. Monitor Audio (if possible): If your recording application or device allows, monitor the audio levels to ensure proper sound capture.

Figure 4: Angled view of the TRRS connector, highlighting its robust design for secure connection.

Maintenance

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your BOYA BY-CIP2 cable, follow these maintenance guidelines:

• Storage: Store the cable in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Avoid tightly coiling or bending the cable sharply, which can damage internal wires.
• Cleaning: Gently wipe the cable and connectors with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust or dirt. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
• Handling: Always grasp the connector housing when plugging or unplugging the cable, rather than pulling on the cable itself. This prevents strain on the connection points.

Figure 5: Detailed view of the 3.5mm TRRS connector, showing the four contact points for audio input and output.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues while using your BY-CIP2 cable, refer to the following troubleshooting tips:

• No Audio Input:
  • Ensure your microphone is battery-powered and its batteries are charged. The BY-CIP2 cable does not provide phantom power.
  • Verify that both ends of the cable are securely plugged into the microphone and your device.
  • Check your device's audio settings or recording application to ensure the external microphone is selected as the input source.
  • Test the microphone directly with another compatible device if possible, to rule out a microphone issue.
• Poor Audio Quality / Signal Degradation:
  • Ensure all connections are firm and free from debris.
  • Avoid placing the cable near sources of electromagnetic interference (e.g., power cables, Wi-Fi routers).
  • Test with a different microphone or audio source to determine if the issue lies with the cable or the connected device.
  • Check the microphone's settings (gain, sensitivity) to ensure they are appropriate for your recording environment.
• Incompatibility with TRS Microphones (e.g., Rode TRRS to TRS):
  • The BY-CIP2 is designed to connect a TRS (stereo) microphone to a TRRS (smartphone) input. If you are trying to convert a TRRS microphone (like some Rode models designed for smartphones) to a TRS input, this cable is not suitable. Ensure your microphone's output type matches the cable's input requirement (TRS microphone into the BY-CIP2's TRS female jack).

Specifications