External Microphones for iPhone 4S, iPad and iPod Touch Audio input
Short summary:
- To dramatically increase the quality of the sound you record on your iOS device, you should use an external microphone or mixer, or a direct line input.
- You can do this using adapters (links below), and you can record with multiple microphones or inputs straight into your iOS device.
- These tips and products work with any iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch, without requiring any expensive dock connectors or adapters.
You can use external microphones (using tips found in this guide) with any of the following iOS devices:
- iPad (audio recording), iPad 2 (audio or video recording)
- iPhone 3G, iPhone 3Gs, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S (audio or video recording)
- iPod Touch (3rd/4th generation) (audio or video recording)
Video: iPhone 4 External Mic Comparison
My Recommendations
I'm working on compiling all of my recommendations for different kits that I use for different purposes. Please be patient as I update this section! I recommend you either use GarageBand for the iPad, or FiRe for the iPhone/iPod Touch, to do your recordings.
iPad recommendations: please see the iPad section later on in this article.
1 - On-the-go simple recordings (podcasts, one-person interviews)
It's simple. Get the following two products, plug them into each other, and you're done. I keep both the adapter and the microphone (plus a spare battery) in a tiny zip-lock bag, and stash it in my laptop bag:
- Audio-Technica ATR-3350 lavaliere microphone - $22 from Amazon.com
- KVConnection 1/8" to iPhone Mic-level adapter - $20 from KVConnection.com
- (Alternatively, for an even simpler kit: iRig Mic - read my review of the iRig mic)
2 - On-the-go advanced recordings (podcasts, one-person interviews)
This setup will allow you to record a little nicer quality sound, especially since the VeriCorder cable boosts the signal a bit so it comes into the iPhone at the right level for more clarity and amplification:
- Shure SM58 handheld microphone - $99 from Amazon.com
- VeriCorder XLR Adapter Cable - $60 from VeriCorder
- (Alternatively, for a simpler, but lower quality kit: iRig Mic - read my review of the iRig mic)
Another good option here is to use something like the Tascam iXZ mic/instrument preamp, along with a high-quality microphone. This or something like the GuitarJack (mentioned below) would definitely be a step up in audio quality and tweakability.
3 - Multiple-mic interviews
Either get a Fostex AR-4i (you can put one lavaliere microphone in on the left channel and one on the right), or get a Monster iSplitter and plug a lavaliere microphone into each side. (See example video).
Another option is the GuitarJack Model 2, into which you can plug a stereo input source (or two microphones that go one in left, one in right channel).
4 - Recording loud music, concerts, environmental sound
Right now, there aren't a lot of out-of-the-box options for recording sound in high SPL situations (loud rock concerts) or other environmental sounds. However, there are three solutions I recommend:
- The Tascam iM2 - this looks like a great stereo recording mic for the iPhone 4 that does one thing and does it well: add a simple AB-pattern stereo microphone (that can handle up to 125 dB) to the iPhone 4/4s. (I haven't been able to review one, but here's a quick review from a friend.
- The GuitarJack Model 2 (read my review of the GuitarJack Model 2) allows for padding and relatively high sound level input (I don't know how it compares to the iM2).
- A preamp or mixer in-line before the iPhone 4. This is more clumsy/less portable, but if you simply plug the output of a mixer or preamp into the iPhone (or a product like the AR-4i or GuitarJack), you can handle as loud of sound levels as your mixer/preamp can handle.
5 - Line Inputs (Guitars, Mixers, Sound Systems)
I'm still working on some testing in this area, but I'll be updating this as I go. One option right now is the Apogee Jam, which is basically a nice interface for guitars and other 1/4" plug line-level inputs, that works through the Dock connector, and is specifically advertised for use with GarageBand on the iPad. Another simple option (if you want a little nicer build quality than the KVConnection adapters) is the iRig from Amplitube.
My recommended kit of adapters and cables, though, is below:
- KVConnection line-level 1/4" to iPhone adapter w/ attenuation - $24 from KVConnection
- KVConnection line-level 1/8" to iPhone adapter w/ attenuation - $24 from KVConnection
App Recommendations
If you're going to be recording sound only, there is a large array of options you have. Some of my favorites (I might do full reviews on a few of these apps):
- FiRe (Field Audio Recorder) - has manual input level adjustment, records in multiple formats, shows waveform of recorded track, has great sharing options, and allows audio passthrough to headphones.
- Voice Memos (Built-in) - records low-quality m4a audio, but is simple/easy to use, and has a 'VU' meter.
- iProRecorder - simple and easy to use, but a bit less polished than the alternatives.
If you're recording video, you have more limited options:
- Camera/iMovie (Built-in) - Quick and simple to use, can lock focus, but has very few settings/features. Handles different audio inputs, but without much configuration or level control, and no monitoring.
- FiLMiC Pro - A very nice upgrade from the standard camera app - allows focus, metering, and white balance lock/unlock, and has a built-in audio meter. No audio play-through yet (as far as I can tell).
The Details
Instead of boring you with every minute detail of why I recommend the kits above for different purposes, I thought I'd save that for the bottom of this page. If you'd like to learn about every single thought I've had in the process of putting together my recommendations above, please keep reading...
I'll run through most of my kit for mobile recording, following along with the picture below:
- iPhone 3G/3Gs/4 Tripod (instructions for building the tripod mount)
- Crown Sound Grabber II PZM Boundary microphone - $80 from Amazon
- Audio-Technica ATR-3350 Powered Lavaliere Microphone - $22 from Amazon
- KV Connection microphone-to-iPhone audio adapters (read more about them, and about available alternatives below)
- Spare batteries - you can never have too many
- Sony WCS-999 Wireless Microphone Adapter - $100 from Amazon (Note: Throw out the included mic, and use the ATR-3350 with this. Only good for 10-50 ft., but nice and cheap, that's why I'm recommending it.)
- (NOT PICTURED: The following items have been added to my kit since I wrote this article)
- Rode VideoMic shotgun/condenser mic - $150 from Amazon
- VeriCorder XLR Adapter Cable - $60 from Vericorder
One option for easy external audio in a pinch is to plug in your headset, hit record, and voila! You have a much better sound-isolating mic than the iPhone's built-in mic (especially over distance). The disadvantage here is that the iPhone's headset cable is pretty short.
My typical video setup (especially for interviews) used to be a Canon GL/XL series camera with an XLR -> RCA box with phantom power to a condenser mic, or a wireless lapel mic, and it worked great... but it was rather bulky. I now simply grab my iPhone, an custom tripod mount (click here to see the tripod adapter, and how I made it), and the mic and cables, and set up in about a minute or two.
I just ordered a 1/8" Mic input adapter from KV Connection (among other cables—see below), and tested it with a few different mics and preamps to see if I can get some higher quality audio out of the built-in iPhone 4 Camera app's HD recordings.
Recording with a Shure SM58, Lavalieres, Shotgun Mics, Line-Level Inputs
The iPhone basically requires a mic-level, 800Ω or better input through it's headset jack, so you'll need to do one or two conversions: first, you need to get the correct physical connection, and second, you'll need to have your audio at the right input level (otherwise, the iPhone will switch back to its internal mic).
I've compiled a more succinct guide to using the iPhone and iPod Touch as a professional digital audio recorder in this post.
Connections
Whether you have an XLR mic, a 1/8" mic, a line-level source with a 1/4" TRS plug, or an RCA/phono jack, you can likely find a direct adapter for the iPhone's 4-connection TRS plug from KVConnection.
1/6/11 Update: There is a new adapter cable in town, the VeriCorder XLR Adapter Cable, that includes +6.1dB attenuation so you can have a slightly amplified XLR input on your iPhone 4. Watch my video review above to hear a SM58 with that cable.
Here are the adapters I've tried, and my notes on their usage:
- iPhone to 1/8" Mic-level adapter - this is useful for self-powered microphones, like a condenser lavaliere (see my recommendations below).
- iPhone to 1/8" Line-level adapter - this is useful for plugging the iPhone into a computer, another iPhone/iPod, a tape player, a CD player, etc. (heck, you could even use your iPhone to record tapes to digital audio now!).
- iPhone to XLR Mic-level adapter - useful for self-powered XLR mics, or for outputs on some professional mixers (as long as they're mic-level and not line-level).
- iPhone to 1/4" TRS Mic-level adapter with headphone jack - Useful if you'd like to use a microphone, but still be able to listen to things on your iPhone while/after recording.
- VeriCorder XLR Adapter Cable - Great for use with handheld mics... probably the best solution for this use case, but it's expensive.
If you buy any of these, however, you can almost always find adapters at your local RadioShack, or make your own, to get from any connection to any other connection. I carry a box of about 20 audio adapters in my car for just this purpose.
KVConnection has a guide to all the different adapter types they offer - well worth a read.
Attenuation and Impedence-Matching Transformers
In order to get a line-level signal into a mic-level input (like the iPhone's), you need to attenuate (or 'pad') the signal. Some of KVConnection's adapters do this for you, but if you want to try another method, you can find line-to-mic transformers/pads from a variety of sources. Just be sure you have the right adapters to get your audio from source->iPhone!
You'll also need to be wary of the impedance (measured in ohms or Ω) of the output of your microphone or audio device. It needs to be at least 800Ω before the iPhone will recognize it as a valid audio input.
A few caveats:
- If you're using an unpowered or dynamic microphone (like the SM58), you'll need a preamp, mixer, or low-to-high impedance transformer to increase the gain, or the iPhone will simply switch back to the built-in microphone. You can use almost any dynamic mic if you use either this or this KVConnection adapter, or the VeriCorder adapter.
- For a good mic preamp, try finding a portable headphone amp like the Shure FP12 (an old, but rock-solid amp with level adjustment - see more on my Shure FP12 here).
Recording in Stereo on the iPhone 4 - Two Inputs
There are two solutions for stereo recording for the iPhone 4/4S currently available:
One is from Fostex, the Fostex AR-4i. You can buy the AR-4i for $149 from Amazon. Read my review of the AR-4i to see a video/audio sample, and find some of the finer details of the device. Note: Please read the warning about the iPhone 4S with my review!
Another is from Sonoma Wireworks; the GuitarJack Model 2 is an excellent and very high quality audio interface (with three inputs and one output) for all iOS devices; it has a stereo 1/8" input that works with pretty much any mic or stereo audio source, and a mono 1/4" guitar jack that also works with a variety of guitars, amps, mixers, and other sources. Read my review of the GuitarJack Model 2.
Note: The Tascam iM2 also looks like a good solution if you simply want a stereo microphone (that can handle pretty good sound pressure levels) for your iPhone 4/4s (but it doesn't seem to have a separate input jack). Looks like it will be good for recording live events.
Recording on the iPad - Stereo or Mono
In addition to using the adapters for the headphone jack on the iPad, and recording with a mono input, you can use the iPad's Dock Connector in tandem with the iPad Camera Connection Kit's USB adapter to use most USB-Audio Compliant audio I/O devices with the iPad... meaning you could record two tracks (stereo) sound into the iPad and iPad 2!
First, you'll need to have the USB adapter from the iPad Camera Connection Kit ($32 from Amazon).
Then, you'll need one of the following USB interfaces to translate analog inputs to the USB connection:
- Griffin iMic ($30 from Amazon)
- Zoom H2 ($145 from Amazon) - monitoring must be 'on'
- Art Tube MP USB Pre-amp ($90 from Amazon)
- Alesis AudioLink XLR-to-USB Cable ($35 from Amazon)
Then, you'll need one of the following apps to support multi-channel recording and mixing:
I'll be posting more information about the iPad 2, especially, as I get more time to test it with all these different recording solutions!
For further reading: USB Audio Devices that work with iPad, iSDR (interesting app).
Recording Samples
Recording with Two Lavalieres - through Y-Adapter
If you have two powered lavaliere microphones (or any other similar mics, with mic-level, high impedance connections), you can plug them both into a y-adapter (I use a $5 RadioShack adapter or a little more durable Monster iSplitter), and you will then be able to have two independent mics (both into one mono connection, though) running into the iPhone directly (using the 1/8" iPhone mic adapter from KVConnection)! Click here to watch the video
More sample Videos
- Audio Technica ATR-3350 + Sony WCS-999 Wireless Mic System [YouTube]
- Audio Technica ATR-3350 powered lavaliere [Youtube]
- RadioShack 33-3013 powered lavaliere [Youtube]
- Shure SM58, direct into iPhone – Instructions
- Shure SM58, direct into iPhone (HD) [YouTube] – Instructions
- Shure SM58, through iMac [Youtube]
- iPhone Headset mic (great for when you don't have anything else) [YouTube]
Audio-only Recording on iPhone and iPad
Here are a few audio samples recorded using the Voice Memos app on both my iPhone and iPad!
Recommended Microphones
A lot of people have asked me to recommend some microphones for use with these KVConnection Adapters. Here are a few of my recommendations:
- Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone (~$18)
- RadioShack 33-3013 Electret Condenser Lavaliere Microphone (~$25)
- Crown Sound-Grabber-II Conference Microphone (~$80)
- Audio Technica PRO88W-R35 Wireless Lavalier System (~$120)
- Sony WCS-999 Wireless Microphone System ($99)
- Rode VideoMic Shotgun Microphone (~$145)
- Shure SM58, Shure PG48, Shure PG81, Shure etc. They're all good. Read here for more info »
- NOTE: For any of these mics, you still need an adapter (like the KVConnection adapters mentioned above)
Whichever microphone you get, make sure you have batteries a'plenty for it - for most lav mics, you'll use an LR-44 button-style battery (you can get them from Amazon here, for a nice discount: 50 x AG13/LR44/A76 Alkaline button cell battery). For most other mics, you'll burn through a bunch of AA batteries - get 'em here, on Amazon: Duracell Procell AA Batteries, 24-Count.
Related posts from elsewhere:
Latest Articles
Here are some other articles on Lifeisaprayer.com that you may be interested in reading. Also, be sure to check out Jeff Geerling's blog, Matthew 12:37.
Comments
Wow. I could've checked out my hair before filming... :-/
Jeff: Your hair looks great. Be grateful you have hair.
Thanks so much for these techniques. I will now use my iphone4 much more professionally. Cheers.
Ed
Hi! Great work, thanks a lot and congratulations. Have you had a chance to look into professional
recording, with pro mikes such as Schoeps with 48V into an iPad ? (or iPhone 4 but a bit small to handle...).
I'm already so happy that importing sound with the camera connector is possible with a USB device. Still do you know if a "sound SD card", coming for instance from a digital recorder (Tascam or Sound Devices or ...) in WAV 48-16 would be "recognized" by any iPad program? This would then allow any editing program to do the job and FTP it anywhere ...
I have created livemusiccompany.com and you'll understand my questions...
All the very best
Dominique
Hi there. I am trying to install external mic to my iPhone 4 with KV adapter i purchased directly from them
and it looks like the adapter is not turning off the built-in iphone mic. The camera keeps recording from the internal built-in mic. Am I doing something wrong? Do you need special app for that. Whats the steps for the
process. I couldn't find the WCS999 so I tried with blutooth SonyECM-AW3. Unsuccesfully. Can you help me with the issue. thanks
It could be you have the wrong adapter. The sony ECM-AW3 might output line-level audio, in which case you'd need the KVConnection line-level adapter. If it outputs mic-level audio, you need the mic-level adapter. You should probably contact KVConnection to make sure (a) you have the right cable, and (b) your cable is not faulty.
Azden ECZ-990 Supercardioid Shotgun Mic.
This is a really nice sounding inexpensive shotgun mic. You will need to find a way to either mount this to your tripod as the iPhone does not have a “Cold Shoe” for mounting mics or lights. You can mount to your tripod or get a separate stand to place nearby. There are some solutions that combine all but I have found them clunky.
You'll also need an adapter. The total should come out to about $74 dollars, but it sure is worth the investment!
Source: reviewsquare.wordpress.com/2011/07/20/how-to-use-iphone-video-cam-to-film-pro-marketing-content
It's definitely a good shotgun for the purposes of most who would use an iPhone in the field. Additionally, a product like the AR-4i (which I link to above, and allows stereo input) adds a simple hotshoe mount to the top of the iPhone 4. There are a few pretty good options you could look into (including simple camera grips from Amazon or Adorama).
Hi Jeff,
I am writing from London UK, and I am very impressed with you knowledge and presentation.
I am now retired since 1985, so I am quite old, but I was a very well known Sound Engineer, having worked on many famous movies, in the 50's and 60's, and finished owning a company called De Lane Lea, which is the largest Post Production facility in Europe.
The reason I was looking at your web site was, that I wanted to use my i Pad Touch (3rd Gen), to solve a hearing problems in high ambient background situation, coupled with poor acoustics, by using a remote microphone, with just listening on headphones. (no recording involved).
Is this facility availaailable on the I Pod, using the adaptor KM-IPHONE-MIC-ECM that you recommend.
Hope you can advise.
You could probably use a wireless mic (lav or handheld), and plug it into the iPod, and use FiRe audio recorder to pass through the audio. You would need something like this: http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-2trs-ecm.htm - plug the headphones and mic output from the wireless receiver in, and turn up the volume on the iPhone... Should work.
hi there. thanks for your work!
I take it, once recording through the input jack, there is no way more way to monitor, right!
me: iPad 2 jail broken , focus rite sapphire 6, trying to record AND monitor with Loopy HD app.
thanks a lot
Chris from Berlin
the focus rite is 6 i/o analog or digital out. with 2 C3000 condenser mics connected.
If you use the input jack on the top of the iPad, and you have an adapter that lets you plug in an input and have a headphone jack (many of the KVConnection adapters do this), you can monitor the sound, but only if the app supports playthrough, which some apps do not... I use FiLMiC Pro, which does allow playthrough.
Not sure about Loopy HD, though. If possible, it'd be best to monitor what you're recording on your Focus Rite Sapphire 6 unit, using headphones through that box, and just make sure the level is okay going into your iPad.
Jeff - this was awesome - I'm waiting for delivery of my new phone and would never have thought to use the headphones for recording, so thanks for the tip... I'm be curious for an update on what you discover with the mics too.
And no worries here about the hair! Are you coming to the CNMC?
I will be at CNMC this year, and I'm really looking forward to seeing you and everyone else there! I hope you're having a great summer so far!
Jeff,
Yeah. I often want to check my hair before I do video. Then I remember... I don't have any! LOL!
Mic sounds great. I'm jealous. I've been keeping up with my favorite bloggers and podcasters testing their new iPhone 4, and I.... Well, I smile. I smile because I chose to invest in a Heil PR-40 for the show instead. I've been wanting to do that for a long time and I finally did. One day I will join the iPhone 4 Club. Until then I'll enjoy my iPhone 3Gs and my Heil.
Oh... have you used the Flip cam with the mic input? Can't remember which model it is, but I've heard that the audio is really good.
Thanks for the video!
Jeff
That Heil is a great mic! I got to play with a sample a couple years ago when KMOX was trying a few of them for studio mics. My budget only allows for about $100 per mic right now, though :(
Blue Mic's "Mikey" never got produced because the Flip is getting discontinued.
Please tell me there's an external mic for the Flip somewhere...!!!
Thanks for sharing You can actually loop the headphones around neck and use little clip on headphones to hold loop like a lanyard. Ive used when recording audio lectures.
Nice tip! Would definitely work in a pinch. I hope I can find a good lav mic that doesn't need a preamp that I could use instead, but we'll see!
Any chance you tried the XLR adaptor you mentioned? I'm curious if it will even work as I have a few wireless mics I'd like to use.
Unfortunately, it hasn't come in yet. It should be in next week... at that time, I'll test it at the next youth conference (next weekend).
Great tip! I appreciate your blog, as I am at a conference and I was thinking about an external mic for the iphone 4 and received my answer through your work. Thank you. Christina Hood
Jeff...I like the audio quality of the audio clips more than the YouTube vid of you in the car. Were you using the same mic/cable setup? Different environment perhaps? Or maybe the audio got squashed in the post/compression upload to YouTube?
Running through the mixer sounded pretty decent...nice frequency response, the hiss might just be the s/n ratio of the preamp/mixer.
Really hoping they release a Blue Mikey that's compatible with iPhone 4: http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/05/blues-new-and-improved-mikey-ipod-iph...
I'd pick that thing up in a nanosec.
Thanks a bunch for all this testing...very helpful and informative!
Something like the Blue Mikey would be very, very nice. So far I haven't found any good dock-connector solutions for the iPhone 4, though.
You are a pioneer! Nice going.
Question: With the KV Connection, do you need a mixer? Can you connect a mic right to it?
If you don't need a mixer, which mic do you recommend? If you do need a mixer, which mixer (cheap) do you recoomend?
Thanks so much!
Whatever input source you use, it will need to be line-level, otherwise the iPhone switches back to its internal microphone. So, if you're using pretty much any dynamic mic, you'll need a preamplifier, or a mixer. I love Mackie's products, but they're sometimes a little pricey. I often recommend Behringer for the price-minded.
I recommend any mic that's in your budget ;-)
Go to your local electronics store, and see what they have, for a start... to go directly into the iPhone, the mic will need some sort of battery.
Thanks, I'll take a look!
This is really awesome! I have been looking for a lavalier solution forever. Sorry but could you point out which connector did you buy from KVconnection? There are so many, not sure which one you are referring to
Thanks a lot!
John
Do you know if i could plug this http://www.amazon.com/RiteAV-3-5mm-Stereo-Male-Cable/dp/B000V0G2C4/ref=s... (rca to 3.5 in) adapter from my cable box into the kvconnection and use it to record audio while simultaneously using the camera on the iphone4 for video?
Not necessarily... I tried plugging my Mac's audio line out directly into the KVConnection adapter, and it clipped part of the time, and cut back to the iPhone's internal mic part of the time.
I'll have to see if I can use some other adapters to get a good line-in signal.
Another possibility is the Monster iSoniTalk Adapter, and resoldering the microphone input — this would allow you to also have a headphone jack. But KVConnection makes a good mic/headphone adapter as well...
Will an Azden ECZ-990 work with the iPhone 4 (with the proper adapter)? I've heard something that the impedance levels need to match or else the iPhone won't recognize it.
I'm too much of a expert at tech, so any advice would be great.
From it's specs, it seems like it would work fine.
Rob, Did you buy it? if so do you have a 3gs iPhone you could plug it into to see if it works?
i have that mic, and its not working for me. so far i haven't heard a difference between using it and not using it.. i tried to see if there were any settings to help me, but there arent. If it worked for you, please tell me how you got it to work. thanks!
Great write up! Thank you very much! I'm trying to use iPhone 4 to record my weekend canyon driving, and i'd like it to pickup the car's engine and exhaust notes. Most of the time i can barely pick up the sound. My own voice is clearly picked up, but not anything else. Any suggestion? Would the Radio Shack mic + KV adapters fix it you think? TIA!
The problem here is proximity to the sound source - there are a few options. If you are able, the best solution would be to use a sound mixer and have one mic on your person (a lavaliere, since you probably can't hold it while driving), then one mic closer to your engine or exhaust pipes (away from you - most likely a shotgun mic). Then, set the levels so you can hear yourself clearly while also hearing the sound from the car (through the other mic).
As far as mixer options go, you could find a battery-powered mixer (not ideal, though), or you could buy a power inverter for your car, and get a little MixPad or other small mixer to plug in the mics.
Whatever the case, you'll have a spaghetti mess of wires in your car!
(The second option would be to hold the iPhone or mic further away from you, so it will pick up your voice more evenly with car/environment noises... then boost the volume in an audio editor or iMovie on your computer).
Thanks for the reply! How good is the lavaliere in picking up ambient sound? Or it has a small active area and needed to be close to the sound source, ie. your mouth. May be i can mount it close to the trunk so it will pick up the exhaust sound. Do you think that would work? Hooking up a mixer for recreational video recording is a little too much may be :-P
Awesome work! I'm wondering about a solution for high volumes. With my iPhone 3GS I used to video record loud shows using the Belkin TuneTalk which has an autogain limiter that allowed me to get decent (highly compressed but not distorting) live audio with the built in video app. It plugged right into the dock and was so elegant but alas the iPhone 4 doesn't support it, or any dock mic it seems. Any ideas? I would be looking for something that is small, ominidirectional, and can deliver loud environments to the iPhone without distortion, I guess that would be some sort of compression.
The iPhone itself seems to provide a little bit of limiting, but for anything more professional, you might need to use external equipment :(
RE: How To Bring Analog Audio Into An iPhone 4 With A MicPort Pro
Jeff,
ANALOG SOLUTION 1: The first solution to get external analog audio into the iPhone 4 called for a special connector with an Impedance Matching Transformer in it. This would bring MIC INPUT into the iPhone 4. KV Connection has still not shipped this special Impedance Matching Transformer product for the iPhone 4 yet.
In the meantime I have developed what I think is a higher quality analog solution for the iPhone 4:
ANALOG SOLUTION 2: CEntrance says this will work. See my forum post at
http://www.centrance.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=15&t=291. This solution calls for using a $149 MicPort Pro 3.5 mm female headphone jack for dual purposes via a Y connector: 1. line-out to iPhone 4 & 2. headphone out to headphones for realtime monitoring right at the mic (no need to go through a laptop or use an iMic).
In addition to the MicPort Pro and a decent XLR Mic, ANALOG SOLUTION 2 requires 2 Y cable connectors you can order at KV Connection as noted below.
** A Y ADAPTER SHORT CABLE WHICH PLUGS INTO THE iPHONE 4: The $24.38 KV Connector. iPhone 4 Adapter 3.5mm 4 conductor TRRS MALE Jack (into iPhone 4) splits to (a) a 3.5mm TRS FEMALE Headphone Jack (to monitor iPhone 4 audio playback via headphones) and (b) a 3.5mm TRS FEMALE iPhone 4 Microphone Jack with built-in -22 dB Line-Level Attenuator. This is a -22 dB attenuated LINE LEVEL connection that takes analog audio output from the MicPort Pro headphone Jack. You can also use this Line level connector to import music or sound from a recorder like a Zoom or a Laptop or other line out device such as from a from a stereo. http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-2trs-a22.htm
** A Y ADAPTER SHORT CABLE WHICH PLUGS INTO THE FEMALE HEADPHONE JACK ON THE MICPORT PRO: The $7.90 KV Connection Y Cable is a 3.5mm Mini Stereo MALE Jack (into headphone jack on MicPort Pro) split to Dual Mini Mono FEMALE Y-Cable 6 Inch long ... one can be used to realtime monitor realtime ( 0 latency) the analog mic signal and the other connector connects via a cable (with 2 male jacks) to the line level female connector in 3 above. http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/t-y-mps-2mf.htm
The advantage ANALOG SOLUTION 2 is that you have both an analog audio signal and a higher quality digital audio signal for HD audio to go along with the HD 720P Video from an iPhone 4.
iPhone 4 users should post the results here after they try out this for the iPhone 4 either SOLUTION 1 or SOLUTION 2 or SOLUTION X.
If you are using the Apple iPad there is even a higher quality digital audio solution using the Camera Connector Adapter on the iPad Dock Connector.
George
Hello,
I came across your site and ordered both the KV connector (http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic-a22.htm) and the RadioShack (item 3303013 tie-clip mic) Lav. I must be doing something wrong because I don't get any sound recorded on my iPhone 4. The mic is powered (yes I did put the battery in and I check that it is in the correct way). I would not think I need to attenuate the line as I was under the ipression that the KV is handling that. In any event I would love some feedback and where I have misguided myself.
Thanks very much,
Henry
It looks like you purchased the line-level microphone from KVconnection, rather than the mic-level adapter. The line level will reduce the level of your tie-clip mic so much that the iPhone won't accept it anymore. You need to get this adapter for the RadioShack lav to work: http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic.htm
Thanks!
You said: "Also of note: you can use two powered mics at the same time with a Y-adapter!"
***
Is this how you suggest doing this with ONE ATR-3350 POWERED LAV MIC with a 3.5mm TRS male mono connector?
A. Use KV Part # KM-IPHONE-2RS: http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-2trs.htm
B. The TRRS 3.5mm male connector goes into the iPhone 4 TRRS 3.5mm female jack for mono mic INPUT & stereo headphone OUTPUT.
C. The ATR-3350 TRS 3.5mm male connector plugs into the TRS 3.5mm female MIC jack.
D. The Stereo Headphones TRS 3.5mm male connector plugs into the female HEADPHONE jack.
***
How do you suggest doing this with TWO ATR-3350 POWERED LAV MICs with a 3.5mm TRS male mono connector and using KV Part # KM-IPHONE-2RS: http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-2trs.htm ??
I have been told that in (C) above if you use a 3.5mm Y adapter to Hook up to Mics it won't work because the iPhone 4 connects to the FIRST Mic it sees ... is this correct? OR Can you indeed use the Y connector with both the FIRST and SECOND Mic at the same time going into the iPhone 4?
If indeed the iPhone 4 jack will only input 1 Mic or Line in audio INPUT signal at a time then I think the work around is one of the following as an interface device so the iPhone 4 sees only one Audio INPUT signal:
1. A portable battery powered audio recorder such as the Zoom H1 ($100), H2 ($150). Or, the Zoom H4n ($300) OR the Tascam DR-100 ($300) which both have dual XLR inputs and phantom power.
With a portable recorder, 2 mic signals can be inputted and then you can use the line out to an attenuated iPhone 4 TRRS connector. The advantage of this method is that you have a Dual System Audio with the recorder and can use software in post with Final Cut Pro such as PluralEyes to sync up: http://www.singularsoftware.com/pluraleyes.html ($150). The disadvantage is the cost of $250 min ($100 for recorder and $150 for software) and even more if you have to purchase Final Cut Pro.
2. The Azden CAM3 3 channel mix mixer. No power needed ... about $50. Can input 3 mic signals and then ouput to TRRS Mic connector into iPhone 4. The CAM3 essentially acts like an attenuator for each mic.I don't know about the quality or performance of doing this and hopefully a reader can try it out and report back here.
3. A portable battery operated wireless rec and transmitter such as the Sony WCS-999 ($100). Did your input 2 lav mics to the 3.5mm jack on the transmitter with a Y connector or Y cable?. Have you tried this system outside and do you get any RF interference on it?
Thanks,
George
According to my testing (I can record a video if you'd like to see how it works), if you simply plug two mics into a Y-adapter (I'm using the Monster Cable iSplitter), then both mics will work with the iPhone simultaneously.
No need for a mixer. However, if the output impedences are wildly different, this may not work - haven't yet tried this with a balanced mic + transformer with one of my lavalieres.
Yes ... Please do a video and show how the 2 mics are connected to the iPhone 4 and the parts (part # and names)
I see the Monster Y adapter cable you suggested was 1/4" and that probably works on your 1/4" KV iPhone 4 connector ... but not mine.
I am using this KV Connector iPhone 4 connector with 3.5mm on all sides. KM-IPHONE-2RS http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-2trs.htm and want to use it to connect 2 identical ATR3350 Lav Mics with 3.5mm TRS connections.
Do you think this 3.5mm Monster one would work for me with 2 identical ATR3350 Mics. Monster iSplitter 1000 Y Ssplitter?
http://www.amazon.com/Monster-iSplitter-1000-Y-Splitter-Control/dp/B002E...
Also, can you use your headphones to monitor the audio levels realtime when recording or do they work on playbacl only?
I think a good demo video could help explain this better to others.
The Y-Adapter I referenced above is the correct one for 1/8" connections (it's typically used for splitting one consumer headphone jack into two), so it would work fine with your 1/8" connector (or could be adapted for use in a 1/4" plug, using a 1/4" to 1/8" TRS adapter.
Finally, the headphones will only play back the audio; the iPhone won't pass through the sound.
Hi Jeff. Thanks for the tips! Great site. I wondered if you have found a solution for monitoring the mic audio level while shooting video with an external mic? The only solution I came up with was an old battery powered guitar amp (us old folks used to call them a Pig Nose amp. I use the kv splitter, let it run to the iPhone 4 headphone jack for input and split the signal off into the amp then monitor it through headphones attached to the amp. I have to crank it up a bit to hear it and it does not give the correct level but it has saved me a couple of times when the connection was loose and I would have recorded no audio if I hadn't been able to monitor it.
Also. What about the FiRe app? That says it has "Playthrough" and over dub. The tech at kv suggest this but I'm not sure it would work.
Thanks and keep up the good work!
FiRe (for audio recording only, unfortunately) does, in fact, offer playthrough and overdub. The playthough has a very slight delay (maybe 10ms?), that is not noticable unless you're used to monitoring your voice on a nice, $10k+ sound board ;-)
Right now, there are no apps that allow video recording with audio playthrough (really, really stinks!), but I've emailed the makers of FiLMiC Pro to see if they could add that feature, but my fingers are firmly crossed at this point.
For my own video monitoring needs, I just use my Shure FP-12 preamp (which I write about in this post and elsewhere on the site).
I have posted another video above with instructions for using the Monster iSplitter - hope it works for you! It has two lav mics plugged into the single input on the iPhone!
Great info. Thanks!
Question ...
Do you know of a way to simultaneously record both cameras on iPhone 4 so you end up with a picture in picture video that basically looks like face time? Seems that would be great to do a video where you're the talking head in a small window while the full screen video is whatever you're shooting. Thoughts?
Nope - I don't think the hardware would be able to support that, even if an app could take advantage of both cameras at once, unfortunately (it's a lot of data for a tiny mobile processor to be handling!). But maybe someone will prove me wrong :)
Great blog and very very helpful. I shot a lot of interviews over the past 2 days with an iPhone 4 and an Audio-Technica Omni ATR 3350. I was careful with the mic placement, but sound levels are very low and have to be raised in the editing process. What can I do to increase the sound level of the original recording? Thanks for any suggestions.
You might be able to increase the level using an inline amplifier, like one of the following:
http://www.raysamuelsaudio.com/products/tomahawk
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/VOX+-+AmPlug+Headphone+Amplifier/8889349.p?s...
Thanks for the quick reply. "The Tomahawk" looks perfect for solving the problem. Just ordered one.
Hey Jeff,
Fantastic resource you have here. Instead of using the Sony 900mhz wireless transmitter, is there a way to connect the microphone to some sort of Bluetooth transmitter? Since the iPhone already has Bluetooth inside, it certainly takes a piece out of the equation. Thanks!
Adam
Unfortunately, I don't think there are any bluetooth solutions that would allow this functionality. I just tested my Bluetooth headset with the Camera app, and the iPhone used the internal mic (which is much better sounding anyways).
Very interesting. Thanks Jeff!
Hi Jeff, looks like you know what you're talking about! Wondered if you could help me out - I want to plug a mic into my iphone 4 to make higher quality audio recordings (not video), but I don't understand why my mic doesn't work - it's a great little mic called a Sony ECM-MS907 with a 3.5mm jack. From looking it up briefly on the net it seems to have a 1Kohm rating, which I suspect could be the problem from what you've said above, but I don't know enough about it. I could also do with some recommendations for which apps are good to make audio recordings... any advice? Many thanks.
You will need one of the KVConnection.com adapters as I listed above, because the iPhone has a TRRS (with two rings) plug, while your microphone is only TRS (tip-ring-sleeve). The connection for the mic input is on the last ring, and is not touched without using the KVConnection adapter (or something similar).
I typically use Voice Memos, and am waiting to find a really good recorder/editor for the iPhone. So far there are a few promising apps, but none are as simple/easy as voice memos.
Great advice, thanks. I wonder if I can find someone who sells those adapters in the UK...
B
Have you found anyone that sell it in the UK?
Unfortunately, no :(
Hello Jeff,
your blog post is great. I was wondering if you could tell me if there are any good setups for having 2 headsets(with mics) plugged into the iphone. I know you posted about splitting the 2 mics, but i need the headset part too. I wouldn't think it would be different, but i don't know. Can you also recommend some headsets that you think will work?
You would definitely need at least a two-input headphone amp, if not a full mixer, to accomplish this. I might try rigging something like this up with my Shure FP-12 headphone mixer/mic preamplifier.
Do you think this adapter would work well in place of the kvconnector?
http://bit.ly/c4HPNT
It might, but since that adapter probably lacks a resister to raise the impedance of an input source, the level might be too low, or the iPhone might not accept certain microphones altogether. However, it would definitely put the mic input on the correct pin.
hi with both the 2 or 1 lav into iphone solution is there anyway to monitor the audio?
Yes, you can monitor the audio if you use an App to pass through the sound (like the Fire recorder). Otherwise, you'll need to get a headphone amp or a mixer to pass the audio through to headphones (this also allows you to do passthrough without any delay—the iPhone's processing adds about 10-50ms delay, which can be somewhat jarring).
Will the AZDEN ECZ 990 work on the iPhone 3Gs?, I have the KV TRRS adapter.
It should work fine. You will either need the 1/8" microphone to TRRS adapter, or the 1/8" mic / headphone to TRRS adapter.
Jeff -
Thank you so much for posting the two-lav solution! I've got some interviews to do at a conference, and quick setup, and mobility is a real concern there. I was going to use my Canon T2i, and this has saved me bringing the big camera for a minimal gain on the video quality.
I just wanted to say that I appreciate you for figuring this out, and for sharing it. It's a REAL help.
Thanks, Bob! I'm glad the article could be of help... just make sure you get the right KVConnection cable :D
Hey Jeff. I did get the right cable, thanks to you, and tested it out today. Thanks a ton. I'll be using the iPhone, and your dual lavalier rig at the Association of Applied Sports Psychology convention to record interviews on-site. You've been so generous....I'm curious if you have any recommendations for a quick portable lighting setup. Incidentally, I'm originally from STL. CBC grad...'85.
Thanks again for your generosity with this info.
Awesome! I'm De Smet, '04 :)
For lighting, I'll typically lug around a couple of worklights (the $10 hardware store variety, Halogen bulbs, 250-500W), and set them up pointed straight at a big reflective surface, like the white ceiling, which gives a really nice, diffuse light source.
Unfortunately, lighting is one thing that always requires tons of power and size—the bigger the better.
amazing work. thanks for sharing this.
I'm trying to record audio out from an ipod's 1/8 jack into an iphone's 1/8 mic input. I'm using the kv line-level iphone input adaptor, and a line-level 1/8 male/male cable (from guitar center). The iphone isn't picking up audio.
With other regular unbalanced cable/adaptors, the audio ends up crackly. With the line-level cable/adaptors the audio gets padded out I guess and I can't hear it.
Do you think the kv iphone to 1/8 mic-level adaptor would work better? I bought a similar (I think) mic-level Walmart one which didn't work.
I'm trying to compose and record music for an imovie. Improvox app (vocals) onto nanostudio app(daw, sequencer).
Great article by the way. It's amazing what you can do nowadays.
Thanks Jeff. What a great public service. Do you think your research results would be similar using an iPad to record?
The results should be exactly the same, and I have tried a few of the microphones and adapters this way, and found this to be true.
HI Jeff,
Thank you very much for this overview. Recently I used my iPhone headphone mic to record a talk I gave and it really distorted when I spoke loudly so I bought the Radio Shack 33-3013mic you recommended, and the KV cable, and it works, but the levels are seem really low and the noise is pretty thick. I notice in your YouTube demo of this product the sound is very low, too. Is there something I can do to beef up the input? Do I need to?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated,
-David
You could either use a headphone preamp, or try to get the microphone closer to your sound source. I find that if I have that mic clipped onto my shirt and don't project, it won't pick me up all that well.
Also, one of the KVConnection cables actually amplifies the signal a slight bit, and is better than the standard pass-through cable they have... you might want to send an email to KVConnection support, asking if they have a better cable for your needs (this reminds me, I need to talk to them and ask about what they currently have available... every time I order, they have something new in the works!).
Ah, so you experienced the same problem. The mic is right where it should be so I can't move it closer without being intrusive. I'm looking for a very portable, simple solution. Maybe the KV connection is the right one. The iPhone mic is set way too hot, and the Radio Shack one is to low. Maybe there's a mic out there that'll work better for the iPhone. I'll keep my trying!
Thanks so much,
David
Using the VeriCorder cable along with an XLR-type lavalier mic might be the best option for really good, higher-level sound. I'm going to try to borrow an XLR mic-level lav to test in the next week or two.
Here is what the guy at KV told me:
The problem is that you ordered the attenuated version (KM-IPHONE-MIC-A22) instead of the standard version (KM-IPHONE-MIC). The adapter you received is for recording from a headphone/audio output jacks rather than from microphones. This is the adapter you need for microphones: http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic.htm
I don't know which connector you recommended, but I bought the wrong one. I'm going to try this other one. -David
Yikes! I'll have to make sure my links are all correct - the KVConnection website has changed a bit since last time I ordered...
Wow, you have just owned this issue. You way have way more useful information that anything else on the web (as far as I've been able to find at least). Thanks!
Could you recommend a good set up to record loud music? I'd be willing to shell out some bucks if it was not bulky and gave good results. Any suggestions?
Thanks for the compliments!
I would recommend a Shure SM58 and a mic preamp (I use an FP12, but that's out of production). This way you could monitor the level through headphones, and you could adjust as you see fit, so the input into the iPhone doesn't clip or distort.
The SM58 has great SPL ratings, and you could basically set the mic in front of a speaker stack with no ill effect (I've done it!).
Thanks for your response! I didn't actually take your advice though :) Instead, in the interest of keeping things simple, I got one of those vericorder xlr adapters. But when I tested it with a SM58 the iphone was still using the phone mic... any idea why? Is there a setting I need to change somewhere? Thanks for any insight!
Nevermind! Turned out the case wasn't allowing the plug to go all the way in. Now it works!
Hi Jeff, Awesome videos!
What do you think of this if I want to do wireless? http://www.amazon.com/Technica-PRO88W-R35-Wireless-ATR3350mW-Omnidirecti...
Would I just need this and the iPhone 1/8 inch microphone adapter - 3.5mm 4 conductor TRRS Male to 3.5mm Microphone Input Jack?
Or any other parts?
Thanks!!!
That mic should work great with the mic to iPhone adapter, yes... might look into testing that mic setup myself!
Great update! Definitely thought the Vericorder adapter gave the best sound with the SM58. Now if only someone would either (1) find a way to bypass the low end filter of the mic input, or (2) gain full line-in access to the iphone4, I'd be a happy camper!
The full line-in input would be preferred, but so far it looks like that won't happen, as they changed the hardware for the dock connector :(
Thanks for turning me on to kvconnection. I wanted to make a setup to use a contact mic with a tuning program on the iPod touch, and am using a kvconnection adapter. One thing I am finding though is that occasionally the program I use looses track of the mic. I wonder if it's the rather sever taper of the edge of the iPod touch at the jack. Seems like at the mic section of the jack is very exposed, perhaps making poor contact if pressured even slightly the wrong way. Just a thought; have not fully sorted out the issue.
I've only recently acquired an iPod touch for testing - so I'll definitely look into this issue. That was one of the things that surprised me most - the edge of the touch is tapered to a very extreme degree, and it just doesn't work as well for a 1/8" jack as the iPhone 4's flush mount.
I don't expect an XLR jack or anything, but the greater the amount of tapering, the more difficult it is to get a solid connection and good contact on each pin.
Great website Jeff, thanks for all the great info! I've been hooking up my Behringer Xenyx 802 mixer to my iPhone 3GS through a stock Camcorder AV TRRS cable. I use the FX send to send a signal to the iPhone's mic input, and I've used an SM58 as well as a condenser AKG, both with great results. I recently got an iPhone 4 and now with the exact same setup and gear there is a fairly loud and steady clicking/staticky sound that's there regardless of my level. My new iPad does the same thing, but when I it in Airplane mode the sound stops. On my iPhone 4 though Airplane mode doesn't affect it. Any suggestions or insight you can share? Thanks
Sounds like it could be a problem of a faulty or flaky connection. I've had this happen with a few connectors I've used, and it's usually a matter of using a different cable to connect to the TRRS adapter.
However, it could also have to do with shielding and grounding—especially if you have your iPhone connected to a charger or a dock connector.
I've tried different stock Camcorder AV cables with a couple of different iPhone 4s and iPads with the same result, a steady clicking static-y sound throughout my recordings, iPhones not connected to a charger or dock. I just got some cables from KV Connection and the problem is no longer there, so it must have something to do with shielding / grounding like you suggested. I'm wondering if anyone else has noticed this.
Hi - some great info here, and I also posted across on one of the links here, but I've recently realised that (and this would need to be confirmed) having listened to song recordings I made on my iPhone 3gs compared to recordings made on my iPhone 4 (all in 'Voice Memos' using the mic on the phones) the recordings from the 3gs seem to be at 80kbit/s but the recordings from the iPhone 4 seem to be only 64kbits/s.....
Anyone else confirm this?
Just did some informal testing... it looks like in iOS 4.2.x on both the iPod Touch and my iPhone 4, the files put out by the 'Voice Memos' app are 64kbps, mono, 44.1 KHz.
If I record in FiRe (my preferred app), I can do uncompressed AIFF/WAV, grab the files through my browser (instead of syncing to iTunes), and the files are 700+ kbps, mono, 44.1 KHz.
Hi Jeff,
My name is Adam Faze, and I am about to start shooting a feature documentary using an iPhone 4, and I have no clue about any microphones whatsoever. Being a documentary, I would need wireless wearable mics. Could you please give me a list of everything I need to do so, and it is a feature film, so which ever one has the best sound quality possible.
Thanks,
Adam Faze
You'll need to get as many wireless mic send/receivers as you need (there's a link above), as well as one cable to go into the iPhone 4. You'll probably need some sort of mixer to get all the wireless mic receivers into one cable, to go into the iPhone 4.
Might I suggest something like this? AZDEN CAM-3 Mini Audio Mixer
Hi Jeff,
Sorry to bother you again, but Ii have no knowledge in microphones, so could you please just give me the names of the products I need and where I can find them?
Thanks,
Adam Faze
Ciao Jeff
have you tried stuff like this?
http://www.davidpirek.com/blog/amplitube-irig-alternative-cabel
do you know the iRig?
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irig/features/
cheers
jv
Ps: http://www.agilepartners.com/blog/2010/06/25/connecting-a-guitar-to-an-i...
I'm in way over my head...... i have a 4G Ipod Touch, which we are going to use for interviews with some of our product managers. I need a wireless mic, as they don't want to hold anything. Are you able to tell me everything I will need to buy for this. I have the lavelier picked out, but I get confused with the other parts I will need. Thank you for any assistance you can offer.
@Jennifer - you'll need to purchase a wireless mic system (perhaps the Sony one I link to above?), and the KVConnection 1/8" mic input to TRRS adapter cable (see link above).
Hi - I just found this post and wondered whether you know whether I can record calls with my iPhone using an Olympus recorder and an iPhone to 1/8" Line-level adapter.
Thanks so much
Peter
I did not see any mention of the technical difference between using the ipod touch ( 4g) / i-Pad headset(mic) input vs the docking connector input vis-a-vis the sampling rate.I have heard the headset/mic 3.5mm inout only offers lower quality sampeling rate ( and in mono) as compared to a much higher sampling bitrate for the docking connector mic input ( which allwos stereo recording)
Please explain-TNX
Thanks for this very thorough post; I'm glad I found you. Until now I thought my only option for recording audio onto my iPad was through the camera connector kit but I hate the idea of chaining adapters together... the camera connector kit is nice but I'm always afraid it will snap off under duress.
I'm not an audio expert by any means but I've also learned that plugging my mic into my iMac doesn't work very well, and I suspect that I need something like the amplifying adapters you describe here. Can you advise?
Thanks!
Peter
The iMic adapter (and the mic input on an iMac, as well) doesn't have any amplification built in, like a mic preamp would offer. If you are going to use a normal XLR microphone (almost any of them), you'll probably want to use a mic preamp, or use a mixer or audio interface with a built-in preamp (and maybe phantom power if you need it), to get good quality/adjustable-level sound.
Otherwise, the sound is usually very soft, and sometimes even unusable.
what is about condesor mic (usb, like the "t.bone SC 440 USB"), do they work on ipad ???
That microphone looks like it should work, though I'd try to stick to other microphones from name-brand companies. I'd never heard of T.Bone until seeing your comment :-/
Thanks for the super-helpful post! Is there any way to use one of these usb devices (through the camera adapter) and simultaneously be charging the iPad?
Unfortunately, I don't think so. There might be a hackish way to do this, but as of now, there aren't any adapters that allow this dual functionality yet.
Thnx for doing all these tests. It's a handy site. I recommend the Beachtek DXA-2T for some of what you're doing here.
http://www.beachtek.com/dxa2t.html
The iRig Mic was overlooked. It’s pretty new, and I think is the best mic for the iPhone – and all Apple devices. It’s made to work with the iPhone headset input, and you can even charge your iPhone while you use it.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/irigmic
I'm hoping to review the iRig mic soon... supposedly they're going to send me a test unit, but I haven't received it yet.
I like the set up you have there with the iphone 4 xgrip? I actually have the rode mic. Can you please post a link where i would be able to purchase xgrip? I would like that set up. I really appreciate your help! Thanks!
Buy it from Amazon.com for $35: Opteka X-GRIP
Jeff, thanks so much for your iPhone recording articles! One question -- do you know of a source for replacement foam windscreens that will fit the ATR-3350? I can't seem to find anything anywhere!
Nope, for that, I have no good answer. Maybe find some cheap headphones that have little foam muffs, and try using one of those?
Otherwise, you could try a generic windscreen, like one of these: Ezprogear 20mm Lavalier Windscreen
B&H Photo/Video also sells a variety of windscreen replacements: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Lavalier-Windscreens/ci/8663/N/4223841575
Im curious if any xlr would work ok with the vocal live app, I currently use a crown 311 mic ( phantom powered) or would I have to use that irig mic.?
If you need phantom power, you'll need to use a Mic preamp before going into the iPhone. You might be better off with the iRig mic, in that case.
Hello - Thanks for putting together this great video! You answered my primary question perfectly, which related to how one can / should go about using an external wireless mic with an ipod touch. My purpose is to be able to record video interviews and product demonstrations at industry trade shows. These videos will only be shown on the web. To this end, I am drawn most to the Radio Shack 33-3013 lavaliere mic solution with the KV Connection Cable. Based on your demo (and your use of this solution in your own podcasts), it seems like this solution is more than sufficient for my needs and would also be the most compact to carry around with me. Of course, I would be interested in your thoughts if you disagree with this conclusion. That said, my primary question is whether there is a way to hook up 2 separate lavalieres at the same time with this setup, since I will typically be interviewing someone and it would be nice if both of our voices sounded equally clear. I would really appreciate any feedback you may have on this.
Michael: You should be able to simply use a 1/8" Y-Adapter to plug two mics into one mic input either on a wireless transmitter, or on the KVConnection adapter. I think I did that in one of my YouTube videos. As long as the two mics are the same kind/brand, it shouldn't be an issue. The sound level could decrease a bit, but with most of the mics I mention that won't happen.
This looks like an amazing product. Works with iPhone4 through the dock:
http://www.tieline.com/products/G5/Mic-Adapter
That does look like a pretty cool if you need streaming, but I wonder if it uses the Dock Connector for audio input. Additionally, this would be waaaay overkill for anything besides live streaming.
Greaaaaat info Jeff. Thank youuuuuuuuuu for sharing. I searched online and your answer was the best for somebody new to this field, like me. In addition, I have 2 questions.
1. Would this combination work with Iphone 3GS ? - Shure SM58 + 25’ XLR Cable + Vericorder iphone XLR Adapter (I think that was the best quality of the sound comparing to the others)
2. Does this combination also work with video recordings on Iphone 3GS, or is it only good for audio recordings?
Thank you so much,
Lilo
Yes, it would work very well for both. And yes, the VeriCorder cable will give a little better quality than the KVConnection adapters (in my experience).
No matter what app you're using, this combo should work fine.
Awesome info here. Thank you. Just wondering if there are any cheaper alternatives to the kvconnector iphone to mic adapter? With shipping it'll cost me $26. That's a lot for me right now for a tiny adapter. Cheapest thing on ebay was like $15 but I don't know if it's as good quality.
Unfortunately no... I highly recommend paying an extra few bucks for the KVConnection adapters—they're extremely high quality, and the service/support for them is also great.
Hi Jeff, thanks so much for putting such a nice piece of info together.
I'm wondering if I can buy just one connector for my iphone 4 so that I can record by plugging in EITHER a guitar/bass DIRECTLY, OR a microphone (a Shure SM58 or something). Will this work:
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-43f35f.htm ?
If so, do you think the sound quality will be better than, say, using an iRig mic AND an iRig? If not, what do you suggest?
Thanks.
Unfortunately, unless you have a line-level mic (which usually isn't as nice as an SM-58 for most things), you wouldn't be able to do everything through one adapter.
Also, the iRig mic (which I hope to review soon) promises to be a little higher quality due to the fact that it was built with the input impedance of the iPhone in mind from the start...
Hi Jeff,
Thanks for this helpful post! I yoga videos and I us the Azden Pro wireless system. I have been using a Kodak zi8 to make my videos, but with the new iMovie app I wanted the convenience of doing it all on my phone. So, per your suggestion I got the KVconnection adaptor and did it! I was really excited to be able to do the whole thing on my phone. :-)
Here's a couple questions, problems. First, the volume was a bit low. Is there anything I can do about that? The adaptor I got from KV is the KM-IPHONE-MIC. Also, because I'm moving around I'd love a head mic instead of a Lav. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks a lot for the post - I would have never known about the KV adaptor.
John
For the volume, you can try to increase the level after the fact, but it's mostly due to the fact that the iPhone doesn't have the greatest input in the world. If you have an XLR balanced mic, the VeriCorder cable I mention actually gets a really decent level out of it.
Additionally, here are a couple headworn microphones you'd probably like:
I have an iPhone 4 and I bought the ATR3350 microphone and the recommended adapter. The microphone works when attached to my PC but it is not working with the adapter attached to my iphone 4. Any ideas on how to trouble shoot this?
I took my phone out of the Speck case and it now works. The case was preventing it from being fully inserted. DUH!
Glad to see you could get it working! I've noticed certain cables/plugs are harder to get into the iPhone than others.
Re: I would like to record my band through my iphone 4 connecting the jamhub (http://www.jamhub.com/what/greenroom.html) and also i want to listen right away through my iphone connecting to amplifier do you think this KV connector will work http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic-a22.htm or this one http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-xtrs-a22.htm... ... plsssss help....
The best way would probably be hooking up your own headphone amp or headphones straight into the JamHub. Then connect the recording output from the JamHub to the iPhone. You might need a line-level input adapter from KVConnection (it seems that's the output level from the JamHub.
But you'd need to get the specs from JamHub on the output jack; is it mic or line level? Other than that, you just need to make sure you have the right adapters / connectors. If the JamHub has a 1/8" phono output, you'll need to get that into the iPhone using the appropriate level KVConnection adapter.
I read the user manual It say's for recording Analog via 1/4” jack or digital via USB do you think they are line level ?
If you use an iPad or iPad 2, you might be able to just plug the USB straight into the Camera Connection Kit's USB adapter, and record in mono or stereo. However, this won't work on the iPhone 4.
If it's headphone-level audio, in the 1/4" jack, you could just get the KVConnection line-level 1/4" to TRRS adapter.
by the way the 1/4 jack is for headphone - this is for jamhub user manual
Thanks for your help man! I appreciate it...
Hi Jeff
Wondering if you can help me...
I got everything you suggested - 2 x Azden WM-PRO and y-connector. For some reason the iPhone is ignoring the external mic and using the internal iPhone mic. I tried removing the y connector from the equation but same results. The mic *is* working - i am getting good signal and the headphone jack is responding. Any suggestions?
Do you also have a mic level KVConnection input adapter plugged into the iPhone directly? That has to be plugged into the iPhone (all the way - you might need to remove a case if you have one on you iPhone), and then the y adapter plugs into it.
No I don't -- didn't know I needed it. Can you fire me off a link to purchase?
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