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The Musician Forums => Music Technology & Pro Audio => Topic started by: deltaslim on July 12, 2013, 05:41:23 AM

Title: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on July 12, 2013, 05:41:23 AM
Guys, pahingi naman advice ano magandang recording setup using iPad/iPhone platform. My main use is for simple recording of guitar and voice (usually live but eventually gusto ko rin mag multitrack sa Garageband, etc). Di naman for commercial release, for Youtube channel lang.

Option 1: Buy a dedicated iPad external mic like the Apogee MiC (http://"http://apogeedigital.com/products/mic.php) or a USB mic like this Samson Meteor Mic  (http://"http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/meteormic/) and use an Apple camera connection adapter. Plug and play sila and ok naman daw audio quality. Portable din so pwede for field or live gig recordings. However, I will not be able to use the various mics I aready have and be flexible with dual micing or dedicated mic for guitar and vox, etc. I'm also worried that eventually ma-obsolete kung magupgrade ka ng iPad kasi nagpalit na ng pin connectors ang Apple.

Option 2: Buy a USB mixer interface like this Alesis (http://"http://www.alesis.com/multimix4usb") na pwede for iPad/iPhone with Apple USB adaptor. I already have several mics (including condenser mics) so magagamit ko existing gear ko with this option. Plus, of course, I can always record to PC with this option.

In terms of cost, halos parehas lang yung affordable offerings for both options. Mas mahal lang yung Apogee MiC $200 but it seem to be of higher quality in make and output, as well as being more plug and play.

What do you guys think?
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: dtmateo on July 12, 2013, 05:52:53 AM
I use Studiotrack for iPad.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: CeL1916 on July 12, 2013, 05:56:58 AM
Mahal nga yung apogee mic.. Sakin okay na yung Irig mic, kaso di ko alam san officialy nabibili, meron sa sulit kaso nakakatakot baka fake( dahil may fake irigs eh)

Tapis sa daw, may mga free daws naman sa itunes, vocalive is also good..
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: skin on July 12, 2013, 10:30:45 AM
Get the Zoom H1.  Its a portable field recorder and an audio interface.  It has line inputs in which you could connect your existing mixer.

Fully compatible with the Ipad.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2806661?start=0&tstart=0
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on July 19, 2013, 11:42:31 PM
I use Studiotrack for iPad.

Thanks. Garageband projects can be imported into iMovie. Pwede ba sa Studiotrack yun?

Mahal nga yung apogee mic.. Sakin okay na yung Irig mic, kaso di ko alam san officialy nabibili, meron sa sulit kaso nakakatakot baka fake( dahil may fake irigs eh)

Di maganda reviews nung iRig mic. Sirain daw. Sayang nga e.


Get the Zoom H1.  Its a portable field recorder and an audio interface.  It has line inputs in which you could connect your existing mixer.

Fully compatible with the Ipad.
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2806661?start=0&tstart=0

Problema sa Apple, when they update the iOS sometimes non-Apple apps and hardware will not work. :-(
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: MYN11 on July 20, 2013, 08:45:36 AM
You can try the Alesis IO DOCK
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on July 20, 2013, 09:39:51 AM
Samson G-Track (http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/gtrack/)

(http://www.samsontech.com/site_media/cms/images/product/samson/microphones/usb-microphones/gtrack/G-Track-front-thumb_medium.jpg)

Quote
As the world's first USB condenser microphone with a built-in audio interface and mixer, G-Track allows for simultaneous stereo input and gain control of vocals and guitar, bass, or keyboard while also providing switchable stereo, mono, and computer monitoring through an on board headphone output.

Quote
G-Track allows you to record vocals like a standard USB mic, or two mono instruments through the line/instrument input or a mix of one mono instrument and vocal. Now singer/songwriters can directly record vocals and instruments quickly and easily with one device, making G-Track a must have for any songwriter's home studio. And its ease of use and portability allows you to take it anywhere inspiration may strike you.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on July 20, 2013, 09:51:43 AM
Lexicon audio interface (http://www.anonym.to/?http://www.lexiconpro.com/en-US/product_families/recording-io)

Quote
A staple in recording studios for decades, Lexicon brings its world-renowned audio quality to computer-based recording with its line of input/output interfaces.


Peavey PV6 USB mixer (http://www.anonym.to/?http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/699/116922/PV%C2%A06%C2%A0USB)

Quote
The PV® 6 compact Peavey mixer offers durable construction and excellent sound quality at an unbelievably low price. Made of metal, not plastic, the PV 6 is built tough and designed for either live sound or recording. Its reference quality mic pre-amps are super quiet with less than 0.0007% of total harmonic distortion. Each of the four channels includes XLR and 1/4" inputs, phantom power, EQ and effects send. The master section offers assignable tape input and a master contour EQ which simultaneously cuts mids while slightly boosting the bass and treble in the overall mix. Outputs include L & R for main and control room, effects send and headphones.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: iankevinangeles on July 22, 2013, 01:59:09 PM
Hi sir, I've recently purchased a simple interface like iRig but the brand and model is Cherub 2gbI. I bought it for P700. It works great, I can directly plug-in my guitar into that and that into my Ipad Mini. Works like a charm and cheap too! And then I got tired of the crappy quality of the built-in mic of the Ipad Mini so I bought a Samson GO mic. Very Cheap too, unlike the Apogee MiC which I thought to be overpriced. I also bought a generic ipad mini camera connector for just P300. The entire rig works great and I'm so happy with the set-up but then the bug bit me. The original plan was to just have some fun recording stuff with my Ipad Mini, but now I'm already planning to upgrade my Rig. I've just installed Avid PRO tools and Mixcraft6 on my PC, recorded some virtual drums, then later I'm going to buy an audio interface to complete the simple set-up. :)

By the way, I'm thinking about selling the entire portable rig that will work with your Ipad. So if you're interested, you can pm me for details. :)
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on July 25, 2013, 10:56:39 AM
Just a quick plug...

Peavey AmpKit LiNK HD (http://www.peavey.com/products/ampkitlink/) digital guitar interface for Mac and all newer iOS devices including iPad, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod touch (4th and 5th generation).

(http://www.peavey.com/news/includes/images/fullsize/617.jpg)

Read more >> http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/617/20121901.cfm (http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/617/20121901.cfm)

Watch video >>

Watch video >>

Thank You!

 :wink:
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: iankevinangeles on July 26, 2013, 10:49:56 PM
Just a quick plug...

Peavey AmpKit LiNK HD (http://www.peavey.com/products/ampkitlink/) digital guitar interface for Mac and all newer iOS devices including iPad, iPad 2, iPad (3rd generation), iPad (4th generation), iPad mini, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, and iPod touch (4th and 5th generation).

(http://www.peavey.com/news/includes/images/fullsize/617.jpg)

Read more >> http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/617/20121901.cfm (http://www.peavey.com/news/article.cfm/action/view/id/617/20121901.cfm)

Watch video >>

Watch video >>

Thank You!

 :wink:

Magkano pala ganyan boss?
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on July 31, 2013, 07:16:46 PM
Wala pang 5k yan.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 03, 2013, 05:04:43 AM
Update ko lang kayo: 

I got an ART Dual Pre usb mixer interface and am happy (for now). I'm sure it's not the best pre out there but it does the job and I'm not expert enough to know what it's faults are (I have basic needs pa lang). With a camera connection kit, it also works on the iPad. It's also very portable as it can be bus powered even with phantom power engaged! I've tested on PC (Reaper) and iPad Garageband, Camera app, and Youtube Capture app. Everything works.

I decided a USB mic was not the best option since I will have limited flexibility in terms of sounds, positioning, micing techniques, etc...

I think this will do... until it doesn't. ;-)
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Garner on August 04, 2013, 05:49:24 AM
Guys may alam ba kayo pede interface for ipad para magamit yung mga mic na xlr cable ang connection? Tia!  :-D 

I am planning to use ipad for recording acoustic covers kasi. Kagaya ni Sir deltaslim, pang Youtube lang :-D Simple setup lang sana, acoustic guitar + vocals tapos minsan may piano. Yung iRig gusto ko una itry, kaso hindi ko sigurado kung pano gagamitin mic (Shure SM57) or interface na pede gamitin or type of connections na dapat isetup - sorry first time! Hehe Salamat sa advice mga kapatid :-D
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: skin on August 04, 2013, 01:55:01 PM
Guys may alam ba kayo pede interface for ipad para magamit yung mga mic na xlr cable ang connection? Tia!  :-D 

I am planning to use ipad for recording acoustic covers kasi. Kagaya ni Sir deltaslim, pang Youtube lang :-D Simple setup lang sana, acoustic guitar + vocals tapos minsan may piano. Yung iRig gusto ko una itry, kaso hindi ko sigurado kung pano gagamitin mic (Shure SM57) or interface na pede gamitin or type of connections na dapat isetup - sorry first time! Hehe Salamat sa advice mga kapatid :-D

Check the post above you by deltaslim.  Art Dual Pre Usb.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on August 04, 2013, 09:44:22 PM
Guys may alam ba kayo pede interface for ipad para magamit yung mga mic na xlr cable ang connection? Tia!  :-D 

I am planning to use ipad for recording acoustic covers kasi. Kagaya ni Sir deltaslim, pang Youtube lang :-D Simple setup lang sana, acoustic guitar + vocals tapos minsan may piano.

Samson Q2U (http://www.samsontech.com/samson/products/microphones/usb-microphones/q2u/) USB/XLR Microphone with HP20 Headphones

(http://www.samsontech.com/site_media/cms/images/product/samson/microphones/usb-microphones/q2u/Q2U-HP20_white-thumb_medium.jpg)

http://www.audiophile.ph/index.php/contact  :wink:
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 05, 2013, 11:55:16 PM
If you really want to get a good sound out of your vocals and/or guitar, whether using iPad or PC, I would really suggest AGAINST usb mics. Getting the best usb mixer interface and condenser mics you can afford will make things better sounding, fun, and cheaper in the long run. I read this before deciding: http://homerecording.com/bbs/equipment-forums/microphones/should-i-buy-usb-microphone-346171/

I might still get a usb mic for quick and dirty video recordings of live performance. But if and when I want good sound, I will use xlr mics and interface.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: KitC on August 08, 2013, 03:52:28 PM
just to be clear though, if you do the occasional podcast, usb mics are easier to set up. the last sentence of the post is the most crucial, however... choose a usb mic that has internal monitoring - THAT should be the most important consideration when choosing a usb mic.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 10, 2013, 02:05:45 AM
just to be clear though, if you do the occasional podcast, usb mics are easier to set up. the last sentence of the post is the most crucial, however... choose a usb mic that has internal monitoring - THAT should be the most important consideration when choosing a usb mic.

hi KitC - no doubt, usb mics are easy and quick to set up. if someone was just looking to do pocasts or voice over, usb mic is really all they will need. but for music, like in my case, i wouldn't even consider it practical.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: KitC on August 10, 2013, 06:44:26 PM
Again, true to your purpose, Joric. If your present arrangement suits your needs, why change? I've been using the same interface now for more than a decade and I'm completely happy with it. If the machine ain't broke...

I was listening to some Blue usb mics (in youtube, unfortunately) but I was pleasantly surprised by how they sounded - even through youtube's sometimes horrendous conversion. I know the Blue Ball and Snowball got good marks in Sound on Sound. It depends on the make somehow, but it also depends on the interface from mic to the computer. What if your interface was also usb? If we were to go deeper, you will find that the interface's A/D and D/A components to be very important to a good sound. Then there's the clock, and the cables... I could go on and on.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: iankevinangeles on August 11, 2013, 09:02:42 PM
The Samson Go mic's good. It has direct monitoring, 3 settings, small and cheap. :) I suggest you buy that if you really want a USB mic. :)
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: CeL1916 on August 13, 2013, 05:15:17 PM
The Samson Go mic's good. It has direct monitoring, 3 settings, small and cheap. :) I suggest you buy that if you really want a USB mic. :)

Meron ako niyan! Ang problema kung wala ka namang vocal booth or studio.. Pick up niya lahat ng sound kahit yung mga sasakyan sa labas.. Hahaha

Pero yun nga ang pinakaportable at sobrang okay naman para sakin ang quality, yun lang condenser mic ko eh.. :-D
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 14, 2013, 02:22:09 AM
Meron ako niyan! Ang problema kung wala ka namang vocal booth or studio.. Pick up niya lahat ng sound kahit yung mga sasakyan sa labas.. Hahaha


Kaya ko nasabi sa earlier post ko na para sa akin di practical ang usb mic for recording music. Di nya kaya approach yung flexibility and tone if you use xlr mic w/ boom stand. 
- You can easily position it wherever it sounds best while playing comfortably. Sa usb mic madalas ikaw pa ang kailang pumosisyon sa mic.
- If you want to increase the signal to noise ratio, you have to get up close to the mic.  If you have to crank up the gain on your mic para lang marinig, tataas din ang noise (ie, anything that you don't want to hear/record).

Kung ideal ang room at walang ibang noise, ok din naman siguro ang usb mic for capturing multiple sources (eg, voice + guitar) or kung madali makakuha ng magandang position.

Just my 2 cents...
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 14, 2013, 02:43:42 AM
FYI for those who might look into the same interface...

I'm noticing some noise introduced when i push past 4 o'clock on the gain of the ART Dual Pre usb interface. Will investigate or ask around what's up but do let me know if you know anything. If it's the fault of the interface, I can still return it.

Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: KitC on August 14, 2013, 05:35:25 PM
The ART Pre has never been known for being quiet, my former StudioV3 notwithstanding. Have you compared between using usb power and the adapter?
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Tarkuz Toccata on August 14, 2013, 05:55:43 PM
Kaya ko nasabi sa earlier post ko na para sa akin di practical ang usb mic for recording music. Di nya kaya approach yung flexibility and tone if you use xlr mic w/ boom stand. 
- You can easily position it wherever it sounds best while playing comfortably. Sa usb mic madalas ikaw pa ang kailang pumosisyon sa mic.
- If you want to increase the signal to noise ratio, you have to get up close to the mic.  If you have to crank up the gain on your mic para lang marinig, tataas din ang noise (ie, anything that you don't want to hear/record).

Para sa mga ayaw gumamit ng USB mic, a very simple solution is to use a mixer with built-in USB port such as:

Peavey PV6 USB (http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/699/116922/PV%26nbsp%3B6%26nbsp%3BUSB)
(http://assets.peavey.com//images/productbox/116922_10858.jpg)

Peavey PV8 USB (http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/699/116921/PV%26nbsp%3B8%26nbsp%3BUSB)
(http://assets.peavey.com//images/productbox/116921_10860.jpg)

Peavey PV10 USB (http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/699/116340/PV%26nbsp%3B10%26nbsp%3BUSB)
(http://assets.peavey.com//images/productbox/116340_10853.jpg)

Peavey PV20 USB (http://www.peavey.com/products/index.cfm/item/699/116338/PV%26nbsp%3B20%26nbsp%3BUSB)
(http://assets.peavey.com//images/productbox/116338_10856.jpg)

 :mrgreen:


Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 14, 2013, 09:15:36 PM
The ART Pre has never been known for being quiet, my former StudioV3 notwithstanding. Have you compared between using usb power and the adapter?


Hi KitC - I did more tests and found that the noise is simply a product of the increase in gain, ie, the Dual Pre is only amplifying the noise that is already present in the environment (room/house) along with the signal. Before the gain jump, I can hear some of that same room noise already. I guess I just have to address the room noise issue first, and get used to the jump in the gain knob.

Other than that, I don't know of any usb mixer/audio interface that has all these features and can be powered (including phantom power) solely by the iPad. Very portable and easy to use, giving you more time for creating music. It reminds me of what they say about the popularity of the iPhone as camera: the best camera is the one you always bring with you.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: iankevinangeles on August 14, 2013, 10:20:26 PM
Meron ako niyan! Ang problema kung wala ka namang vocal booth or studio.. Pick up niya lahat ng sound kahit yung mga sasakyan sa labas.. Hahaha

Pero yun nga ang pinakaportable at sobrang okay naman para sakin ang quality, yun lang condenser mic ko eh.. :-D

Hahaha that is so true! But I guess it's because of the 3-pattern settings that opened up the mic's sensitivity. Unlike microphones that are only cardioid, maybe?

Quote
Hi KitC - I did more tests and found that the noise is simply a product of the increase in gain, ie, the Dual Pre is only amplifying the noise that is already present in the environment (room/house) along with the signal. Before the gain jump, I can hear some of that same room noise already. I guess I just have to address the room noise issue first, and get used to the jump in the gain knob.

Other than that, I don't know of any usb mixer/audio interface that has all these features and can be powered (including phantom power) solely by the iPad. Very portable and easy to use, giving you more time for creating music. It reminds me of what they say about the popularity of the iPhone as camera: the best camera is the one you always bring with you.

I suggest you turn that pre-amp/gain down. I've learned that it is best to track with a low gain and just process the tracks after, to maximize the volume of the whole master track.. I track never above -18db (it can reach up to -10/-12db sometimes though)
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: deltaslim on August 14, 2013, 10:59:43 PM
I suggest you turn that pre-amp/gain down. I've learned that it is best to track with a low gain and just process the tracks after, to maximize the volume of the whole master track.. I track never above -18db (it can reach up to -10/-12db sometimes though)

This is a good suggestion! Thanks.
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: iankevinangeles on August 15, 2013, 01:20:53 AM
This is a good suggestion! Thanks.

Always remember to track at around -18db(peaks). Never do hot-tracking. :)
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: 83jamster on October 24, 2014, 09:57:57 PM
Is it possible to run an shotgun/boom mic through an IRig guitar interface and record onto an Iphone? Or are there xlr to 3.5mm connectors that the Iphone can detect?

Thank you
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: Garner on October 26, 2014, 08:31:32 AM

Other than that, I don't know of any usb mixer/audio interface that has all these features and can be powered (including phantom power) solely by the iPad. Very portable and easy to use, giving you more time for creating music. It reminds me of what they say about the popularity of the iPhone as camera: the best camera is the one you always bring with you.

Ayos to! Sir, kaya niya kahit may naka connect na condenser mic sa xlr with phantom? Wala din ako alam na kaya to kahit yung Focusrite itrack nag rerequire ng external power. This is amazing!
Title: Re: iPad/iPhone recording setup
Post by: sonicassault on October 28, 2014, 10:57:26 AM
Kaya ko nasabi sa earlier post ko na para sa akin di practical ang usb mic for recording music. Di nya kaya approach yung flexibility and tone if you use xlr mic w/ boom stand. 
- You can easily position it wherever it sounds best while playing comfortably. Sa usb mic madalas ikaw pa ang kailang pumosisyon sa mic.
- If you want to increase the signal to noise ratio, you have to get up close to the mic.  If you have to crank up the gain on your mic para lang marinig, tataas din ang noise (ie, anything that you don't want to hear/record).

Kung ideal ang room at walang ibang noise, ok din naman siguro ang usb mic for capturing multiple sources (eg, voice + guitar) or kung madali makakuha ng magandang position.

Just my 2 cents...

I don't know if my USB mic was just that good, or I got lucky, but I got around these two problems.
-As for the positioning, I bought a really long USB extension cable. 200 bucks for something like 5 meters. Fortunately it provided power and didn't drop data, so it worked well enough for me that I was able to position my USB mic just like I could with any XLR mic. But of course my particular model also has a standard circular base mount and mic stand mount.
-For the gain, well, my mic was actually pretty hot out the gate, so no percs louder than a cajon, but it's hot enough for vocals and guitars, but not extremely hot that it always goes above -10db. It also has gain controls via driver, but I don't know how well that works for an iPad.

To TS, the Dual Pre seems to be a good option, that it works with an iPad. Really flexible stuff there, but of course, you can't skimp on your mics either. The very least you can get for yourself would be an SM57, i5, or AT2020.