In the past few months, I've finally had time to post more information about two projects I've worked on in the past year or so at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis—both of them having to do with the sending and receiving of video and audio signals through a very large building.
In this article, I explain how we sent crystal-clear audio (used for both communication/VOX and broadcast TV) over a distance of about 300' using nothing but shielded Cat5e cable. Pictures, diagrams, etc. included.
In this article, I explain how we sent very sharp high definition video (up to 1080p) over about 100' using component video baluns and shielded Cat5e cable. (You can also use these baluns to send digital/coax audio).
I truly believe Cat5e cable to be the most versatile cable on the planet. It can be used for almost any kind of data or signal, and is extremely cheap over long distances, in comparison to most other cable types.
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)
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.
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:
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:
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).
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.
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:
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:
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)
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.
Catholic web and app developer from St. Louis, MO. More »