One of the best things about iPhones and by extension all smartphones, is the amount of amazing things they put in your pocket. The humble mobile phone was transformed into swiss army knife – at a moment’s notice it was a games console in your pocket, a camera in your pocket replete with editing and uploading abilities or a pocket music studio, where multi-track recording and effects processing, once expensive studio luxuries, could be done whilst waiting for the bus. The old adage that the best camera is the one you have with you is even more apt in the smartphone era – as at any given time you have a camera, games console, mobile recording studio and more in your pockets. Oh brave new world that hath such apps in it.
For people who record audio on the go, their “best” option just got better with the new Tascam iM2 – a high quality stereo microphone for the iPhone. I’m a big fan of such devices and used to adore my Blue Mikey for recording podcasts on the go from a few years back (up until the release of the iPhone 4 when the device regrettably stopped working).
Featuring a pair of 180 degree adjustable condenser microphones of the same high quality as TASCAM’s best-selling DR-series recorders, the iM2 plugs into the 30-pin dock connector at the base of iOS devices. The iM2 contains its own microphone preamp and analog-to-digital converter for low noise and premium audio quality. Unlike mics that use the built-in iPhone preamp, the iM2 can handle up to 125dB SPL sounds for the loudest concerts and instruments.
Worried about unexpected background noise throwing your record off balance? The iM2 packs a built-in stereo limiter to tame sudden loud sounds. You can adjust the microphone level via a knob on the side, making it quick and easy to adjust without looking at the unit. The iM2 is powered through the dock connector so no battery is required. If you intend to be recording for lengthy periods of time, there is a micro USB socket on the side that enables you to charge your device. This means with the right set up – a tripod, iPhone 4S, Glif tripod adaptor and an iM2 you can record high quality audio and video, edit it on your phone and share it with the world.
There is also the free Tascam PCM Recorder app which works wonderfully with the iM2 for recording pure audio. The TASCAM PCM Recorder app has input and output level faders with an “on-screen” meter to help check levels. High and low EQ is built-in, as well as stereo limiting and a low cut filter to prevent overload. Users are able to record mono or stereo files at CD-quality for up to 12 hours. After recording, files can be accessed through iTunes or uploaded to SoundCloud right from the iPhone. TASCAM PCM Recorder app is available now as a download from the iTunes store.
[Source: Tascam iM2 review: CD quality recording comes to the iPhone]
(Via Latest Gadgets.)