How it works
The mobile app uses your device’s built-in microphone to record ambient audio. Mavio applies real-time noise reduction and automatic gain control to produce clear recordings even in imperfect acoustic environments. After recording, the audio is uploaded and processed through the same AI pipeline as all other Mavio recordings.Starting a recording
Tap the record button
On the home screen, tap the large Record button. The app begins capturing audio immediately.
Place your device
Set your phone on the table or desk, ideally in the center of the group. The microphone should be unobstructed — avoid placing the phone face-down on soft surfaces.
Background recording
Mavio can continue recording when the app is in the background or your screen is locked:- Go to Settings > Recording > Background Audio in the Mavio app.
- Toggle Continue in background to on.
- The app will display a persistent notification indicating an active recording.
On iOS, background audio recording requires the app to maintain an active audio session. A red status bar or Dynamic Island indicator will show that Mavio is using the microphone.
Recording tips for different scenarios
Small meetings (2-5 people)
Small meetings (2-5 people)
Place the phone in the center of the table. The built-in microphone captures a small room well at distances up to 6 feet (2 meters). Speaker identification works best when participants speak one at a time.
Large meetings (6+ people)
Large meetings (6+ people)
Consider using an external Bluetooth microphone with omnidirectional pickup for larger rooms. The Mavio app works with any Bluetooth or wired microphone connected to your device.
Interviews and 1:1s
Interviews and 1:1s
Place the phone between yourself and the interviewee. Quiet environments yield the best transcription accuracy. If in a noisy cafe, sit in a corner to reduce ambient noise.
Conferences and lectures
Conferences and lectures
Position your phone as close to the speaker or PA system as practical. For large auditoriums, the front rows produce significantly better recordings than the back.
Walking meetings
Walking meetings
Hold the phone naturally or keep it in a shirt pocket with the microphone exposed. Wind noise can be an issue outdoors — a hands-free headset with an inline microphone can help.
Audio quality settings
The mobile app offers two recording quality levels:| Quality | Sample rate | File size (per hour) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 16 kHz mono | ~30 MB | Most meetings, voice-focused recordings |
| High | 44.1 kHz stereo | ~120 MB | Noisy environments, musical content, large rooms |
Offline recording
If you lose network connectivity during a recording, the app continues recording locally. The audio is queued and uploaded automatically when connectivity is restored. You will see a Pending upload badge on the recording until processing completes.Privacy and consent
Recording in-person conversations may be subject to consent laws that vary by jurisdiction. In some regions, all parties must agree to be recorded.- Mavio displays a Recording in progress indicator on your device screen.
- Consider informing participants that you are recording for notes.
- Check your local laws regarding one-party vs. two-party consent before recording.