iPhone 4 External Microphone Tests

[leslie789100]

@geerlingguy....It is called the Nady American Performer....I don't see a model number on the box.....But the the mic says impedance = 600 ohms.....The xlr adaptor is a KIRLIN pro cable mp-280-25 ft/bk 20 awg......Does this make sense? I have no idea what any of this means but it is clearly not working with my iphone....How do you know if it needs phantom power?

[geerlingguy]

@leslie789100 - You need a specific/special adapter from KVConnection (or VeriCorder) to get the signal into your iPhone properly. Please read through the link I have in the video's description—it has links and reference to everything you'll need.

[leslie789100]

I just bought a $10 Nady Microphone Online, a 25 foot XLR Adaptor and the Iphone XLR Adaptor....When I plug it in to my phone and turn the microphone on it does not work.....Is there an application I need to download in order to make this microphone work with my iphone 4? I know the microphone works because the guy at the music store tested it in an amplifier and it worked great.....What do I need to do to make it work with my iphone?

[geerlingguy]

@leslie789100 - Which Nady model did you buy, and what kind of XLR adapter are you using? The output impedance of the Nady might not match up to the adapter you have, or if it needs external power (phantom power), you'll need to provide that somehow...

[mrissamusica]

Hello,

Thank you for your comment. I will check out the guitar jack. I will also look at the link in your post.

Allison

[mrissamusica]

Hi,

Great job on this video. I was wondering if I purchased the KV Connection cable for use with my iPhone 4, would I be able to use my Audio Technica stereo binaural micss? They have a 1 eighth inch jack. I used them with my Zoom h4N in the past. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

Allison

[geerlingguy]

@mrissamusica - Yes, but it would only record in mono (one channel). You'd need something like the GuitarJack to record in stereo - see the link in the description for more info.

[mrfriedfood]

Can i just use a male to male wire?

[geerlingguy]

@mrfriedfood - Since the iPhone has a TRRS (tip ring ring sleeve) connector, normal 1/8" mono/stereo cables won't work. You still need a special adapter (like one from KVConnection) to get a sound source into the iPhone's headset jack.

[SkillCasting]

Great comparison. I found it helpful. The Vericorder XLR to iPhone jack definitely outperformed the kVconnection cable that I typically recommend. Check out my video for 5 additional mic comparisons.

Good job.

[sKarma87]

@geerlingguy hi, thanks for your answer!

I thought the preamp in the iPhone 4 is the limiting factor here, because it adjust the soundlevel automaticly without any control over it. I just dont want to waste 100bucks for a mic that could handle the sound, but is limited by the iPhone itself.

But I found this Mic here: htttp://tascam.com/product/im2­/overview/

Connects through the Dock Connector and has an own PreAmp and can Handle Sound up to 125dB.

thx again for your time!

[geerlingguy]

@sKarma87 - Looks like a good one! You can always limit the sound level before the iPhone input (I often plug my iphone into a mixer's output that has level control built in), but for your needs the im2 is probably a good choice.

[sKarma87]

hi, I have a question about the sound quality in loud situations. The iPhone 4(s) mic has a lot of distortions and clipping while filming in loud sitations like concerts and I was thinking about buying an external mic for these occasions.

But Im not sure if an external mic would make a difference. Maybe somebody could answer the question for me? thx!

[geerlingguy]

@sKarma87 - Yes, it will make a very big difference, depending on the mic you choose - the Shure SM58 is good for very high sound pressure levels.

On top of that, you could use an app like FiRe to adjust the audio input level (gain) to compensate.

[MrAlYbarra]

Question: it seems the Vericorder XLR adapter gave you a much more full sound at the same distance compared to the kVconnection adapter. Do you find this to be true? I find with most adapters the volume is just too low. I'm looking into the Vericorder XLR adapter but want to make sure my ear's are not decieving me.

Thanks,

-Al

[geerlingguy]

@MrAlYbarra - Yes, the VeriCorder is a bit louder, as its circuitry is built specifically for XLR mics and amplifies the signal. Some of the newer KVConnection cables are able to give a better signal, too... but there's a reason the VeriCorder cables is 3x as expensive :)

[Delmundo2002]

Super reviews! - Appreciate the time to compile this and concise manner of your address. Thanks

[baggeeboy]

do either of the connectors supply phantom power for a studio mic? i presume it would have to feed it from the iPhone or require a battery pack. Sorry for the naivety of my question - i'm new to iPhone recording. Thanks for your reviews - really useful.

[geerlingguy]

@baggeeboy - Neither do. You'll need a self-powered mic, or a mic preamp.

[Innateengineer]

I am wondering if the dual channel headset jack can be used as a input for a dual channel microphone to record stereo in separate files

[geerlingguy]

@Innateengineer - Unfortunately, the iPhone 4 only allows mono audio in, no matter what. There's currently no workaround for this limitation.

[baggeeboy]

@geerlingguy the Fostex AR-4i accepts a stereo feed through it's dedicated software (according to the promo vids anyway)

[geerlingguy]

@baggeeboy - I can confirm that it also works with FiRe in recording stereo. More to come soon!

[ecartman12]

Will these mics work on the ipod touch?

[geerlingguy]

@ecartman12 - Yes.

[maykrosoft666]

napak kanka ölek mi ?

[Yiqiter]

he amk cok komikmiş

[krahsloop]

from your recordings the Vericorder sounds way more present and clear than the KV connector. did you find that to be true after reviewing your test recordings?

[geerlingguy]

@krahsloop - Yes, very much so. If you want the best quality without using a pre-amp, stick with the VeriCorder adapter.

[Cephas858]

For the rode videomic rig I see you have the x-grip, but what kind of iphone mount is that? BTW thanks for the video God bless.

[Cephas858]

For the rode videomic rig I see you have the x-grip, but what kind of iphone mount is that? BTW thanks for the video God blesss.

[JangelLarr]

You are a genious man, thanks.

[beerman1957]

Nice video! I just bought the Iphone to RCA because I can hook directly into the mixer box. I think I may look at different software to record audio rather than the Video Recorder. Anyway, thank you.

[HannaH021]

Very useful thanks

[nakamichiguy]

Fantastic and incredibly helpful review. Thank you so much for posting this. I'm a newspaper journalist and have just started making videos with my iPhone but have been very unhappy with the audio. This is gonna solve all of my problems! I've decided to buy both the XLR and 1/8 adapters. We already have some good shotgun mics. It'll be nice to have both options in my tool kit.

[sild123]

can i use sm58 to record a guitar amplifier?

[geerlingguy]

@sild123 - Yes - it's a good guitar amp mic (along with the sm-57), and you just need to make sure the level coming into the iPhone is not too hot (you *might* need to use a preamp or mixer to bring down the level a little).

[popitn2nd]

Hi! Would you be kind to tell me where i can get that rig? I had been looking for an iphone 4 holder with an external mic holder lately and i could not find a good. Until i stumble upon on your website. I message you there. I also have the rode mic. I was wondering if you could help me know where i can buy those iphone tripod with mic holder. Thanks!!!

[christrocks]

@geerlingguy Hey mate, I just received the kvconnection's iPhone 1/8" microphone adapter - 3.5 4 conductor TRRS Male to 3.5 Microphone Input Jack.. and I connected my videomic to my iphone 4 via that adapter but the videomic doesn't pick up any sound! Any thoughts? Cheers.

[1m1a]

Very helpful, thanks so much for making this comparison video.

[DA1CHUNKYLOVER]

would the KV connection work with an ipod touch

[geerlingguy]

@DA1CHUNKYLOVER - Yes.

[DA1CHUNKYLOVER]

thanks

[DA1CHUNKYLOVER]

but what kind would i need to use the rode mic for the ipodtouch 4

[DA1CHUNKYLOVER]

but what kind would i need to use the rode mic for the ipodtouch 4

[aquaphotoboy]

Another great video from you! thanks for sharing

[musicforindies]

Thanks great tips, I had no idea I could plug an sm58 in my iPhone, brilliant, I need to find the vericorder cable, I'm going to check out your podcasts, thanks.

[geerlingguy]

@musicforindies - You're welcome! Check the link in the video description above to see a link to the VeriCorder product page.

[SileDevil]

@geerlingguy hello is it possible to record from line input like a mixing board straight into the ipod 4th gen ?