Stereo Recordings On iOS Devices

By Pete De Vasto, 27 July, 2012

Forum
iOS and iPadOS
Hi, I'm enjoying all the different podcasts folks are making, and so many of them are in stereo. I tried using the TCM stereo microphone on my iPhone 4S, but wasn't able to do anything with it because every time I connected it I lost all speech output from VoiceOver, even with an earphone plugged in. If any of you are recording successfully in stereo using your iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad, please let me know how you're doing it. I love making different sound recordings when I'm on the go, and the quality on my iPhone isn't bad, but it would be so much better if I could have stereo. Thanks, in advance, for any help! Pete De Vasto

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Comments

By Paul H on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 00:06

I have the Fostex AR4I which is essentially a devise which you slide the iphone into. It comes with two mics for left and right channels and has three inputs altogether. Its powered by two (think aa batteries) and you can configure he inputs in several ways. You also have gain control and headphones socket with volume control. A couple of tripod sockets possitioned on the unit and a screw in handle. Also consider the Tascam IM2. much simpler device as its essentially a stereo mic ehich plugs into the bottom of the IPhone. Both have heir uses and advantages. Search Google for full and more coprehensive reviews. Cheers. Paul

By Kevan on Saturday, July 28, 2012 - 00:09

I have a feeling that many of those podcast recorders you speak of are actually just connecting their iPhones and stuff to computers with line-in cables or something similar, and recording with audio editing programs, not on the iPhone. I've never really heard of recording in stereo on actual iOS devices.

Paul, this was the microphone I tried first, after listening to the podcast that Jennifer mentioned in her post. I never could get the thing to work! Every time I connected it to my iPhone 4S I completely lost all feedback from VoiceOver. I even posted to ApleVis but didn't get any responses, so I returned it. If anyone does have the Tascam IM2 working on their iPhone, what model iPhone do you have and how did you get it to work? Thanks, Pete

Was there not a device with line inputs that got released last year that you could plug in to the bottom of your iPhone. I think it was made by blue microphones. That also does stereo recordings. it has 2 mics and a line in jack for line level devices. I can't remember what it is though.

By Pete De Vasto on Friday, September 12, 2014 - 21:29

The podcast was done back in 2012 and I wonder if things have advanced here. Really would like to get any stereo microphone for my iPhone 4S but don't want to purchase the wrong product and hassle returning it if it doesn't work. thanks.

By Edward Alonzo on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 00:28

hello: I to have also been looking into this. I'd love to use my bunaural mics with my iphone 5 but the tscam or how ever you spell it,adaptor uses the 30 pin connection

By Blind Joe on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 01:24

Hey guys. If you want to record and stereo from your lightning port and use voice over, I recommend the zoom IQ five. You can record in CD-quality sound with a 90° or 120° stereo simulation. I haven't had the chance to really put it through its paces yet, but here's a demo that should give you all the info you need. Hope this helps. :-) http://borris.me/audio/IQ5.mp3

By KE7ZUM on Saturday, September 13, 2014 - 09:40

I also recomend the zoom Iq5 mic. It sound sgoof drom what I hear. Although I don't use it it's enough for me to listen to it to know it works and works well. As for th eperson that commencded that they plug stuff in via line in, you are dead wrong. you cannot go line in to computer on the iphone, not yet. So do somer some more research before typing.

Well done recording, and I too would love to get the microphone, but I've got an iPhone 4S and hadn't intended to upgrade. So is there something I can use on that device? I do have a Braille display so maybe there is something that could work, least I hope so.

Hi Paul, I am considering one of the stereo interfaces you mentioned above.\
I'd like to know which apps you used to record with these devices.
I'm going to use an old iPhone 4s to do some field recordings.
thanks!
Rusty

By Carrie Schaffer on Sunday, April 16, 2017 - 01:34

I recommend the Shure MV88 microphone for ios! It works great! It has the lightning connector for those who need it. For something with the 30 pin connection i am not sure what will work. Good luck!