Topic: Tascam Mic accessory for iPhone, iPad

[flintstone]

http://en.akihabaranews.com/117963/accessories/tascam-outs-two-new-mics-for-iphones-in-japan

Since we talk about Tascam recorders in this section, I'll post here about two new accessories for iPhone and iPad.

The first is the iM2X, with an X-Y style pair of cardioid mics mounted on the end.  The mics look like the ones mounted on the DR-07 recorder.  The mic array can be rotated forward, so the iPhone can be upright in a shirt pocket while the mics face forward.  The iM2X includes a preamp with volume control. An LED shows clipping.  Tascam has an app that works with the iM2X, available from the iTunes app store.   

Here's a link to the Google Translate version of the Tascam Japan web page that describes the iM2X
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Ftascam.jp%2Fproduct%2Fim2x%2F

The iM2X joins the iM2 mic, which has been available since December 2011.

Next is the iXJ2, offering a pair of 3.5mm stereo input jacks, but no mics.  The pair of jacks lets you easily attach a pair of mono mics without a cable adapter.  The inputs can be selected for line or mic level signals. 
http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=ja&tl=en&js=n&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=2&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Ftascam.jp%2Fproduct%2Fim2x%2F

I don't see any information about price or date of availability.

It must be noted that these products plug into the 30 pin port found on the current iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.  Apple's next iPhone is rumored to use a smaller port, which would require some sort of adapter to connect to these products. 

[Erick del Valle]

My concern about theses products is the recording format, only 16/44.1

Saludos!

[flintstone]

Hey now, 16/44.1 worked fine for many, many years.  For a shirt pocket setup, I think it's still OK.  And it's easier to tape on the down low if you don't have to hide the phone at the door, just the Tascam accessory.  But hearing is believing.  We'll have to review some samples before arriving at a conclusion.

[Erick del Valle]

Maybe you can try the line 6 mobile in, but you'll need mics and preamp (24/48) (the thing that i don't like of this is that not have a usb ext)

http://line6.com/mobilein/features#studioquality


Saludos!

[DigiGal]

Hey now, 16/44.1 worked fine for many, many years.  For a shirt pocket setup, I think it's still OK.  And it's easier to tape on the down low if you don't have to hide the phone at the door, just the Tascam accessory.  But hearing is believing.  We'll have to review some samples before arriving at a conclusion.

Here's one...

http://archive.org/details/paf2012-08-11.121924.flac16

[earmonger]

Not loving the sound mix on that sample, but the recording sounds mighty tinny to me. Highs crisp, midrange right up front, but I wonder if there's a serious bass roll-off on that mic accessory. Last I heard, this Phil Lesh guy is a bass player.

[DigiGal]

Last I heard, this Phil Lesh guy is a bass player.

Who doesn't allow open taping at his own Terrapin Crossroads venue.  Which most likely explains why this device was used for the recording and the taper didn't credit themselves.