AudioControl SA-4100i Review: Specifications, Uses and Comparisons
Quick summary: the buying decision
The SA-4100i turns a Lightning iPhone, iPod touch or iPad into a calibrated acoustic analyser without a separate interface. Check your device's connector before ordering, because newer iPhones and iPads use USB-C.
AudioControl SA-4100i: what it is
The AudioControl SA-4100i is a full-range, omnidirectional measurement microphone with built-in calibration, preamplifier and A/D conversion that plugs straight into the Lightning port of an iPhone, iPod touch or iPad. With the AudioControl Mobile Tools app it provides RTA, FFT, SPL and polarity measurements for tuning audio systems in cars, boats and homes.
The Mobile Tools app offers RTA in octave and 1/3-octave resolution, FFT up to 1/24-octave, an SPL meter with slow, fast, impulse or peak response and a polarity test, with test tones played through the iOS headphone output. The capsule is individually factory-calibrated, and the preamp has two gain ranges.
Key features
Individually factory-calibrated omnidirectional capsule
Dual-gain-range preamp: 27 – 105 dBA and 48 – 120 dBA
Mobile Tools app: RTA (octave and 1/3-octave), FFT (up to 1/24-octave), SPL meter (slow, fast, impulse or peak) and polarity testing
Test tones can be played through the iOS headphone output for the RTA, FFT and DQ-61 modules
Supplied with a foam windshield and a holder clip for a standard microphone stand
Specifications explained
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB), omnidirectional polar pattern.
Gain ranges 27 – 105 dBA and 48 – 120 dBA; Lightning connector with a 1 m cable; tip diameter 13 mm (0.5 in), fits standard 1/2-inch calibrators; length 145 mm (5.7 in).
Full specifications as published by AudioControl:
Model: SA-4100i
Type: Calibrated iOS measurement microphone
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz (±3 dB)
Gain ranges: 27 – 105 dBA and 48 – 120 dBA
Polar pattern: Omnidirectional
Power: From the iOS device, less than 50 mA
Connector: Lightning
Tip diameter: 13 mm (0.5 in), fits standard 1/2-inch calibrators
Length: 145 mm (5.7 in)
Cable length: 1 m
App: AudioControl Mobile Tools (App Store)
In the box: SA-4100i microphone with attached Lightning cable, foam windshield, microphone-stand holder clip, instruction manual
Connecting and using it
The SA-4100i uses a Lightning connector. Newer iPhones and iPads use USB-C, so check your device's port before ordering. Install AudioControl Mobile Tools from the App Store.
For in-car measurements, place the microphone at head height in the listening position, take several readings around the head position rather than one, and keep the doors and windows closed. Equalise broad trends rather than chasing narrow peaks and dips.
How it compares
Measurement microphones and analysers at VA3 Car Studio:
AudioControl CM-20: measurement microphone (back-electret condenser), ₹18,690
AudioControl C550H: precision measurement microphone (capacitive pressure transducer, prepolarised backplate), ₹93,490
AudioControl SA-4140i: calibrated iOS test and measurement microphone, ₹72,240
AudioControl DM-RTA: real-time analyser, oscilloscope and multi-test tool (analyser only), ₹1,44,490
Price and value in India
At the time of writing (October 2026), VA3 Car Studio lists the SA-4100i at ₹50,990, 15% below the MRP of ₹59,990. A calibrated microphone is the foundation of a reliable tune; the right choice depends on how often and how precisely you measure. Prices can change, so the product page always shows the current price.
Verdict: who should shortlist the SA-4100i
The SA-4100i suits iPhone or iPad users with a Lightning device who want calibrated RTA, FFT and SPL measurements without a separate analyser.
Real-world reviews and limitations
We have not yet published a VA3 installation report for the SA-4100i. The figures in this review are AudioControl's published specifications, not our own measurements, and real-world results depend on how the measurements are taken and the tune. If you have used one, we would welcome your feedback.
Frequently asked questions
Which devices work with the SA-4100i?
iPhone, iPod touch and iPad with a Lightning connector, using the AudioControl Mobile Tools app.
What can the SA-4100i measure?
RTA (octave and 1/3-octave), FFT up to 1/24-octave, SPL and polarity with the Mobile Tools app.
Is the SA-4100i calibrated?
Yes. Each capsule is individually factory-calibrated.
What is included with the SA-4100i?
The microphone with an attached Lightning cable, a foam windshield, a microphone-stand holder clip and an instruction manual.
Sources, pricing and related reading
Buy the AudioControl SA-4100i Calibrated iOS Measurement Microphone at VA3 Car Studio
VA3 guide: Car Audio Explained, Part 8: mic placement, target curves and EQ
VA3 guide: Car Audio Explained, Part 7: tuning process and measurement tools
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