iPhone 7/Plus Connecting two passive mics to iphone 7 plus?

[jmm55]

I would like to record stereo on my new iphone 7 plus, mostly to capture acoustic guitar. I am wondering what kind of adapter or adapters I will need. In an ideal world, there would be a lightning to dual mono 1/4" jacks, or lightning to dual 3.5mm jacks (where I would also need separate 1/4" to 3.5mm adapters) but I have not come across either adapter so far. Do they exist? If not, any insight how to connect to two mics - say like a pair of SM57's - would be much appreciated.

 

[jmm55]

I think I have figured out a way to record stereo using one of these:

https://www.amazon.ca/Edutige-EYL-0...e=UTF8&qid=1532278513&sr=8-8&keywords=edutige

...and one of these:

https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/produ...CA-kwgo-pla-brand--slid--product-MMX62AM/A-CA

Does this seem feasible?

 

[mikzn]

That might work - what are you importing the sound into ? Garageband? some other software - I use the irig and irig acoustic or sometimes just use the voice memo to record something so I don't forget it later.

For a good quality you could look at something like the Focusrite Scarlett-2i2 Gen2 USB Audio Interface

I believe you can connect to ipad / iphone with Garageband with the correct adaptor - I have only used it with the MBP

 

[jmm55]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't decided which sound recording program I'll use long run, but I did download an app called Awesome Voice Recorder, and have tried it with the internal mics: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/awesome-voice-recorder/id892208399?mt=8 It seems to do a good job and is simple to operate, and for some strange reason sounded better than the stock voice recorder found on the phone.

For more sophisticated recording (multitrack, editing, etc.) I would imagine there are enough choices of recording apps to boggle anyone. I am not very tech savvy, so I'll be siding with a recording app that is simple to use. As coincidence would have it, I have a Focusrite Saffire 6 USB audio interface I used with my Lenovo notebook (similar to the one you linked) which is a bit older now, but always served me well for my very modest requirements. I was hoping that there would be a way to connect two mics to the phone without using an interface, just to stay minimalist, but I'm not sure if this possible or what I'd be losing if I did so. The only thing that jumps out as necessitating an interface would be the need for phantom power, but I'm going to stick with passive mics.

 

[iKevinT]

Have you seen or considered one of these?
Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010W6W8OW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FxmvBbPVJ53W3

Plenty of reviews on You Tube. Used with the Motiv audio app for sound or with the regular camera app for video. I used it from 2nd row at a concert last week and results were surprisingly good.

 

[jmm55]

Looks interesting, and reviews are very good indeed. I'll give some thought to getting one, but I think I'd also want the option of using two passive mics for recording electric guitar as well, where convention is one close mic and one set somewhere in the room for ambient sound, and then blending the two to taste. But the MV88 would probably do a great job on most other things, and it might be interesting to see what it could do with close micing an amp. Thanks for the recommendation.

 

[jmm55]

Have you seen or considered one of these?
Shure MV88 iOS Digital Stereo Condenser Microphone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010W6W8OW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_FxmvBbPVJ53W3

Plenty of reviews on You Tube. Used with the Motiv audio app for sound or with the regular camera app for video. I used it from 2nd row at a concert last week and results were surprisingly good.

I just watched a video review of the MV88. One thing that troubled the reviewer was that it does not work if you have your phone in a case, as the insert plug is too short. This was a deal breaker for the reviewer. The video was from 2016, and perhaps Shure has remedied it, but not being able to use the mic with any iphone fitted with a case could be problematic. What is your experience in this regard?

 

[comptr]

I just watched a video review of the MV88. One thing that troubled the reviewer was that it does not work if you have your phone in a case, as the insert plug is too short. This was a deal breaker for the reviewer. The video was from 2016, and perhaps Shure has remedied it, but not being able to use the mic with any iphone fitted with a case could be problematic. What is your experience in this regard?

This is what you need: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B011BV9P34/ref=emc_b_5_t then you plug any XLR based Mic.

 

[iKevinT]

I just watched a video review of the MV88. One thing that troubled the reviewer was that it does not work if you have your phone in a case, as the insert plug is too short. This was a deal breaker for the reviewer. The video was from 2016, and perhaps Shure has remedied it, but not being able to use the mic with any iphone fitted with a case could be problematic. What is your experience in this regard?

These make it work with every case I’ve tried:
Lightning Extender Adapter, Cellularize (Black, 2 Pack) 8 Pin Dock Extender for Lifeproof Otterbox Cases for iPhone 5, 5s, 5c, SE, 6, 6S, 7, 7S, 8 Plus, X, iPad (Available in White & Black, 1-4 Packs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07418ZM96/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_MetvBb3QRWKDY

 

[iKevinT]

Here are a couple videos I recorded a week ago using the Shure MV 88 on an iPhone 7+. I was in 2nd row near center in an outdoor pavilion. Sound in that location is loud and the speakers are way out to the sides from me and quality less than ideal. Bass and subwoofer levels were out of control and I didn’t think the sound in the videos would be worth listening to. My wife was wearing earplugs. First time I used this mic this close to the stage I had the gain in the Motiv app set too high and had a lot of clipping. This time I set the gain lower and results are better. These videos audio are not edited because I haven’t found an app to equalize sound in videos that’s easy to understand or effective, suggestions will be appreciated. I have used Audacity on the PC for audio only recordings, followed by AudioMaster Pro iPad app with good results, probably can’t get better without plugging into the venues soundboard. I don’t know how to share those audio recordings here.

Dig a little further into my You Tube channel videos to listen to the David Byrne videos with gain set too high, different venue but also 2nd row center. A little further down to hear some amazing backyard Wildlife sounds in the bird house video.

 

[iKevinT]

I would like to record stereo on my new iphone 7 plus, mostly to capture acoustic guitar. I am wondering what kind of adapter or adapters I will need. In an ideal world, there would be a lightning to dual mono 1/4" jacks, or lightning to dual 3.5mm jacks (where I would also need separate 1/4" to 3.5mm adapters) but I have not come across either adapter so far. Do they exist? If not, any insight how to connect to two mics - say like a pair of SM57's - would be much appreciated.

Saw this today, maybe what you’re looking for
Gig on the go with Roland's awesome iPhone mixer - Cult of Machttps://apple.news/AG-jbrVC_R1GQOJhGXAnzlQ

 

[jmm55]

Saw this today, maybe what you’re looking for
Gig on the go with Roland's awesome iPhone mixer - Cult of Machttps://apple.news/AG-jbrVC_R1GQOJhGXAnzlQ

Your link didn't work. Is this the device you were talking about: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GOMIXER--roland-gomixer

If so, it looks interesting and might fit the bill.

 

[Puonti]

Your link didn't work. Is this the device you were talking about: https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GOMIXER--roland-gomixer

If so, it looks interesting and might fit the bill.

That's the older, less capable version. The Cult of Mac article is referring to the updated version:

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/GOMIXERPRO--roland-gomixer-pro

 

[jmm55]

Thanks. I'll scout out the Go Mixer Pro. I had also called my local music store and they recommended this iRig unit: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigproduo/

I like having some choice, so I'll compare the Roland to the iRig. All replies appreciated. I feel like I'm now better informed on this technical matter.

 

[mikzn]

Thanks for the reply. I haven't decided which sound recording program I'll use long run, but I did download an app called Awesome Voice Recorder, and have tried it with the internal mics: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/awesome-voice-recorder/id892208399?mt=8 It seems to do a good job and is simple to operate, and for some strange reason sounded better than the stock voice recorder found on the phone.

For more sophisticated recording (multitrack, editing, etc.) I would imagine there are enough choices of recording apps to boggle anyone. I am not very tech savvy, so I'll be siding with a recording app that is simple to use. As coincidence would have it, I have a Focusrite Saffire 6 USB audio interface I used with my Lenovo notebook (similar to the one you linked) which is a bit older now, but always served me well for my very modest requirements. I was hoping that there would be a way to connect two mics to the phone without using an interface, just to stay minimalist, but I'm not sure if this possible or what I'd be losing if I did so. The only thing that jumps out as necessitating an interface would be the need for phantom power, but I'm going to stick with passive mics.

iRig Duo on your link above looks really interesting! - I have an "iRig 2" single input and like it a lot for jamming on my guitar and bought some of the effects to use when recording with the iPhone - but the quality of recording with the Focusrite 2i4 that i have makes it better for more serious recording ( ie final versions) when I want to record a clean signal and add effects after the fact.

You mentioned that you have the "Focusrite Saffire 6 USB audio interface" looks very similar to the Focusrite 2i4 - I noticed there is an update page ( see link) where you could get new drivers for mac for the Saffire 6 and my guess is that you can also download the free version of "Protools First" software that comes with the Focusrite 2i4?

You mentioned a lenovo so maybe there is also a windows version? If you are looking for 2 inputs for stereo or dual inputs Vocals? Your saffire 6 is as good a solution as any? Passive or Phantom Powered?

For simple "KISS" recording - I like the stock iPhone voice memo - press the record button and go - It has very good sound if you can get it within 3 feet of the source and I like auto syncing the files to my itunes library for archiving and comparing multiple versions etc. Note: the new Mojave OS has a version of Voice memo and you can edit and trim the recordings which is really cool for simple quick recording on a MBP

if you go a head with the iRig Duo please share your feedback - I would be very interested since it has the dual inputs and can connect to an iPhone

 

[jmm55]

iRig Duo on your link above looks really interesting!...

... if you go a head with the iRig Duo please share your feedback - I would be very interested since it has the dual inputs and can connect to an iPhone

Will do, but since you've indicated that my Saffire6 might do the job, I might just go that route (with the software update) for the time being instead of buying another interface.