external microphones - ipad2
Hi
I'm doing a lot of video recording of children's learning for evidence based assessment etc. It's usually group based and going on while the rest of the class is busy as well, therefore I have a lot of background noise. My ipad is on a clamp and can video really well but the sound quality is poor. Can anyone recommend an external microphone that will actually work? The ones I've tried so far don't work (they aren't ipad ones, just ones we had already at school). I've looked on Allanah's site but the link to the iRig mic doesn't work anymore. I'm not a techie by a long shot so layman terminology would be helpful......
Replies
- Allanah King (View all users posts) 18 Jun 2014 12:20pm ()
Sorry- thanks for letting me know the link doesn't work any more.
I have Googled it and changed the link to another place that sells them in NZ.
Here they are below.
https://sites.google.com/site/initialipadsetup/ipad-accessories
http://www.rubbermonkey.co.nz/Music-Audio/iPhone-iPad-iPod/Audio-Video-Addons/IK-Multimedia-iRig-Mic-iphone-mic
- Steven Wills (View all users posts) 18 Jun 2014 1:43pm ()
I use a Rode shotgun microphone which I got on Trademe for about $200. You can buy cheaper ones but I knew this was extremely good quality. In order to connect it to the iPad I had to buy an adaptor which goes into the headphones socket.
http://www.kvconnection.com/product-p/km-iphone-mic.htm
With this setup I was able to film in a noisy supermarket and still pick up clearly the audio from an interview. I also use a Makayama movie mount to house the iPad. This not only allows it be attached to a tripod but also has mounts for lights and microphone.
- redbeard45 (View all users posts) 18 Jun 2014 7:54pm ()
Hi Sasha,
You can't use an ordinary microphone as the socket in the iPad requires a four pin connector on the microphone whereas most of the ones you will have at school possibly only have three sections on the plug? Alannah and Steven have given you some good options. If you want something a little cheaper and the group is not too large or far apart, there is this cheaper option here (works well attached to the end of a metre ruler! ;
You can use a cheaper microphone (one you may have around the school if the impediance is about right?) with this adaptor here;
http://www.rubbermonkey.co.nz/Rubber-Monkey/PC-Headset-to-Smart-phone-Adapter-iphone
Good luck
- Sasha (View all users posts) 19 Jun 2014 1:52pm ()
Thanks Allanah, Steven and Redbeard
Redbeard, would that lavalier mic be ok sitting in the middle of a small table? Wondering if I should be going for something wireless that could go on the table or attach to the ipad itself - like the ixy mic (rock shop). Any advice???Thanks again - redbeard45 (View all users posts) 19 Jun 2014 8:46pm ()
Sasha I am not an expert on this stuff but there are different designs of microphones to suit different purposes. If you are recording something at a distance, you need a shotgun mic which will film at a distance but with a narrow recording ' beam' directly in front of the mic. If you are recording a group, you can use an omni (omni directional) mic which has a very wide beam ( up to 360˙) but will not record a great distance from the mic, and I think this would be the best one as I understand what you are trying to do.
There is this one here which seems as if it would do the trick and is affordable;
http://www.rubbermonkey.co.nz/365-Films/iPhone-Clip-On-Lapel-Lavalier-Condenser-Microphone-Omni
But your best bet would probably be to give the guys at Rubber Monkey a call or email (their details are on the right at the top of the page) and talk through what you want to do. I'm sure they would be able to help you. I've always been very happy with their service.
Cheers
Howard P(Redbeard)
