iphone recording

[MarkMcCombs]

wanted to share what I've learned about using an iPhone to record rehearsals and/or gigs....

yes, there are devices now made that attach to the bottom of the phone to record, using either it's own mics or some have an external mic input. Problem - there's no way to attenuate (turn down) the signal, and the iphone's own auto-level will not be sufficient, which means you'll get a totally clipped recording; unuseable.

so, I went to my local Microcenter (computer warehouse) and found an a/v cable that splits the iPhone's headphone signal to 2 1/8" inputs, one for left/right audio and one for video. This cable's male end (the end that plugs into the iphone) is 4-coupled, meaning there are 4 rings on the plug. A 3-ring cable will not work. One of these rings goes to the iphone's mic input, which is what is used when you use the corded earbuds with mic (included when you bought your iphone.). You can use one of those inputs (female) on this a/v cable to plug a mic in, or what I do is run a signal from my Aviom mixer right into it. You'll have to experiment which input you need to be using, I think its the Right audio for me. Works awesome.

Notes - the iPhone wants to see a certain resistance (impedance) when this is hooked up, so not all mics will work. If it doesn't like what it sees, it won't work. It did not like my PZM mic, but it works great with the headphone signal from my Aviom unit. Also worked fine with a cheapo Radioshack mic with a phone plug.

Total cost (since I already had the Aviom) = $ 9.99.

Hope this might help others looking to record using their iPhone....

Mark

[Kevmove]

What app are you using on the iPhone? I use Gig Daddy Mixer, a free app which allow multitrack recording and has gain controls to adjust recording levels.

[Electrica]

There are several cool apps for recording on iphone, and today you can do up to 16 tracks! But maybe it's an overkill...

There is fourtracks by sonoma and rectools08pro and some others.

But the real fun is in the editing on the iphone! There is a simple overview here:
http://en.audiofanzine.com/pocket-re...sequencer.html

This is not for making masterpieces, but for quick edits on the run...it's really not so bad.

[jwbassman]

Originally Posted by MarkMcCombs

wanted to share what I've learned about using an iPhone to record rehearsals and/or gigs....

yes, there are devices now made that attach to the bottom of the phone to record, using either it's own mics or some have an external mic input. Problem - there's no way to attenuate (turn down) the signal, and the iphone's own auto-level will not be sufficient, which means you'll get a totally clipped recording; unuseable.


Mark

No, not true. I use a Blue Mikey. It works awesome for recording rehearsals and gigs. I've had no clipping issues what so ever. It has three gain setting so you won't get clipping if you have it on the correct setting. No additional software required. All recording sync into iTunes and then you can use what ever audio software you want to edit and clean it up.

[vin*tone]

Thought I'd add to this - I'm having a ball with my iphone setup. I use it as a headphone amp as well.

I tried a lot of different recording apps - primarily I was looking for a recording solution that didn't need an amp; so line-in with near zero latency and direct monitoring. The only one that did it was Multitrack. It also has input gain levels. --> http://www.harmonicdog.com/

As Mark said - to get a decent line-in signal you need a buffered input with the right impedance. You can use another device - mixing desk, or even an effects pedal but I dug up an old broken guitar lead and fixed it up with this in one end:



2 resistors and a transistor is small enough to fit in the end of a 1/4" jack. All you need is the other connections from Radio Shack and off you go.

[vin*tone]

Oh and BTW... When recording line-in, the older iphones sound better...
I have the iPod Touch which has a decent curve like a lot of bass cabs. The 3GS sucks pretty hard unfortunately:



The dock inputs are flatter


More info here...

http://blog.faberacoustical.com/2009...ency-response/

[Spaldo]

Originally Posted by vin*tone

Thought I'd add to this - I'm having a ball with my iphone setup. I use it as a headphone amp as well.


2 resistors and a transistor is small enough to fit in the end of a 1/4" jack. All you need is the other connections from Radio Shack and off you go.

ah...i need to make one of these....but where to get a 1/4" TRRS? can't seem to find one!