Rode iXY Stereo Mic unlocks 24/96 Audio for iPad and iPhones

Rode iXY Stereo Mic

My Rode iXY just came in recently and I plugged it into my iPad 3 right away. I downloaded the Rode recording app from iTunes and began reading the manual to find out which gestures did what. Do that first and you'll get a lot more fun out of yours.

Not that there's a lot to read, but knowing that spinning your iPhone or iPad 180 degrees puts you in and out of edit mode is not something you might think of.

The iXY supports 24/96 recordings and also lower sample rates. More on this $199 wonder as I have time to work with it. 

Rode NTG-3 Shotgun Mic

NTG-3 and MKH 416 open for close inspection

A $699 USD street, the Australian-made Rode NTG-3 seems extremely well-placed for its price and performance. Like the Sennheiser 416, the NTG-3 is an RF-condenser that combines a somewhat sophisticated RF circuit with the capsule to reduce the deleterious effects of high humidity. Tricky to design, but worth the effort. That design element has contributed greatly to the 416ʼs “bullet proof” reputation and should do the same for the NTG-3.

FEATURES

The RF environment is growing significantly more hostile, though, and Rode seems to have taken shielding a bit farther than Sennheiser did back in 1974 when the MKH 416 came to market. Attention to the mechanical and electronic lay out of the NTG-3 including the surface mount technology (SMT), PCB layout, component selection and dual chamber design of the internal brass tube that appears to separate most of the circuitry from the tunable RF section and capsule, all contribute to RF resistance and mic performance. Sennheiser has also gone to SMT and other upgrades with all of their later model MKH 416 mics.

Centrance MicPort Pro - 24/96 Audio On A Stick

This product has been out a while since my review, but people keep asking for this type of solution, so I thought it worth bringing it back to the surface. In my never-ending search for neat audio toys to talk about, Centrance’s diminutive MicPort Pro caused an instant smile. 24/96 audio from any mic level source you can put in your pocket; all for $150.

Product Capsule Centrance MicPort Pro

Mic level 24/96 USB Converter-Works with any XLR mic or mic level
-Phantom Power
-No latency-No power required

Not Your Father's AKG C 414 XLS and XL II

For the last ten years, established microphone companies have had to find a way to fill the product lines with low cost mics to meet lowball trigger prices. 

Something has to get lost when you're forced to make mics that cost 1/2 to 1/4 of the standard line. It's not all bad though. 

That challenge teaches you how to economize and streamline manufacturing procedures. But in the end, you're making hamburgers and hotdogs instead of steak. I'd like to think we're coming out of that dark period and that the lessons we learned will result in better microphones. 

I see these two new AKG C 414B mics as evidence that this is true. Technically, this new breed of C414B is more sensitive, has less selfnoise, has better capsule isolation and has more features.

Application: Studio and live recordings or PA.

Key Features: Five patterns, multiple roll-offs and pads, low selfnoise, high sensitivity, includes suspensionmount, pop filters and hard case.

Price: $999 for the XLS, $1,099 for the XLII

664 Mixer Introduction Video

More here: http://www.sounddevices.com/products/664/

Non-backlit Lectrosonics Transmitters On Sale

Looks like B&H is moving three Lectrosonics non-backlit transmitters at a savings. Check them out if you've been looking. No way to tell how many they have left.

The HM Digital Hybrid for $915

• Digital Hybrid System Avoids Noise
• Superb Audio Quality
• 5, 18, & 48 Volt Phantom Power
• Powerful Range - 100 mW Output Power
• Works with a Wide Variety of Receivers
• Backward Compatible With 100, 200, & IFB
• Made in the USA

SMQV Super-Miniature with pouch for $1179.95

• Variable, Selectable Power Output
• Dual Battery
• Includes Pouch
• Digital Hybrid Technology
• No Compandor Noise
• Servo Bias Audio Input
• 256 Frequencies
• 200, 100 and IFB Series Compatible
• Frequency Block 23

SMV Super-Miniature with pouch. $1099.95

• Frequency Block 21
• 50 & 100mW Selectable RF Power
• Single Battery Housing
• Includes Pouch
• Digital Hybrid Technology
• No Compandor Noise
• Servo Bias Audio Input
• 256 Frequencies
• 200, 100 and IFB Series Compatible

iPad 3 As Teleprompter

Datavideo TP-200

The Datavideo TP-200 Teleprompter system with prompter software turns an iPad, iPad 2 or iPad 3 into an through-the-lens teleprompter and can also be used as a below-the-lens prompter. What about the eye line when the text is not in front of the lens? I was on a shoot with the talent a little over seven feet away from the lens. Even though the iPod they used was held below the camera lens, the eye line was acceptable. 

Pro: Economical, Lightweight (4.2 lbs) through the lens prompting on an iPad 3

Con: Only fits cameras with 8.5 inches between the nut and lens. Software is very basic or slightly buggy.

Sescom Audio Adapter Cable For iPad 3

I finally got an iPad 3 and, of course, instantly began looking for ways to connect it to audio. Sescom is a very reliable manufacturer of audio problem solvers. I discovered them years ago while writing my first gear reviews for Radio World. I wouldn't mind having one of everything they make just for those  situations where you need to get from here to there and can't.

I don't have an immediate need to get audio into my new iPad 3. I got it so I could use it as a teleprompter. It does have an onboard mic for simple things, but what about things that aren't so simple? Maybe an interview for broadcast or podcast. Because the iPad 3 has a surprisingly good camera; maybe audio for an online video. What about connecting professional mics with XLR connectors? While specs on the 30-pin connector on the iPad 3 show both USB and Fire Wire, I'd still need an easy connection and a USB or Fire Wire adapter. Enter this handy little Sascom cable, the Sescom IPHONE MIC 1RA.

Event Opal - Bearing down on a gem

Event Opal Monitors

I’ve had the pleasure of using some great sounding monitors over the years and there does seem to be a price/performance ratio. When you start throwing dollars at linearity, low distortion, wide bandwidth, high frequency dispersion, transient response and stereo imaging, the bill adds up quickly. There are only so many ways to steal from the laws of physics, but there is always room for innovation. 

FEATURES

My initial impressions of the Opals, in order of their occurrence, were; heavy, almost 54 pounds a piece due to the large-ish torroidal mains transformers, large aluminum heat sink back-plate and high pressure injection-molded aluminum cabinets. Well-packed for shipping, Clean of line and accessible controls. These are bi-amped, two way monitors; Class AB, 600W Peak on the bottom, 140W Peak on top.