Mic for iPad

[Tubaman2365]

What mics are good to use with an iPad to record tubas? I'm looking for something that won't break the bank. Any help would be appreciated!

[Stefan]

Try a blue microphone - http://www.bluemic.com/" target="_blank. You must have something that allows you to adjust the recording level because tuba will distort and the iPad has no such control.

Stefan

[Roger Lewis]

Actually the Blue Microphone that I use with my iPhone has three volume settings on it and they work pretty well. I usually place some cloth under and in front of the Microphone to cut out the distortion issue. I use Gig Daddy as my recording software.

Hope this helps.

Roger

[Bacchanalia]

You may want to look into the Zoom H1 that I've been running my mouth about in another thread here

I've looked into USB mics (including the ones with the special iOS device plug) for iPad/iPhone but the problem is the reliance on Apple that the device won't stop being supported at any moment with an update to their iOS (you can't just add a driver like it's a Mac or PC..it has to be built-in). Blue Mics (and others) have dealt with this issue specifically at times and if it's not supported, there's not a damn thing the mic people can do to help you but point a finger at Apple and shrug.

The Zoom(s) can be plugged into the standard 3.5mm jack and used as an Awesome mic (with other equipment too, I might add), with stereo separation too and also comes with the whole slew of other features since it's sold as a handheld recorder. The newest firmware lets it ALSO be used as a USB mic if that's what you need for any given situation.

Line levels can be set on the mic or with recording software for iPad like the amazing StudioTrack or FourTrack for iPhone...so many cool toys for iOS

Sorry to sound like a ZOOM salesman. I'm not here to make any money I just really love this device, and cannot think of any other $100 toy that I've used in MORE ways and with such excellent results

[Tubaman2365]

Thanks for all of the suggestions!

[Chris Olka]

I'd give this a look.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0065GF5VW/ref ... wo=&hvqmt=" target="_blank
I originally purchased the stand-alone version that Tascam makes with the same mics and it is THE BEST IMHO set-up for recording tuba with a portable device. This plug-in mic is the same hardware but just uses your iPhone or iPad as the recorder. Then you just download the free app from the app store or use any of your device's other recording apps. I just bought this and am testing it with an iPad3 this week and next. So far I'm impressed.

Chris Olka
Seattle Symphony
Seattle Opera

[Bacchanalia]

I would caution anyone against using any device that is designed specifically for iPhone/iPad. Please understand, I'm not an Apple hater. In fact I LOVE my iToys. But too many people have been burned on this in the past. Apple is notorious for changing third-party device support that's built into the iOS (as in simple little upgrade and POOF, your stuff ain't supported NO MO) and there's no recourse whatsoever. With Macs and PC's we're all used to the concept that once a device is supported, then it stays that way...but that thinking will sometimes leave you screwed in iPhone/iPad land. On top of the possible sudden lack of driver support, there's the simple fact that eventually that cute little plug design at the bottom of the iDevices is gonna change. When it does, your nice little mic won't work with your newest iPhone/iPad and you're buying equipment again.

I'm glad that Chris Olka has had such great results with his first Tascam and the new iVersion he's got now. I don't mean to insult anybody's stuff Rather, I would just suggest that his stand-alone Tascam or a device like one of the Zooms would give you similar results and do so without the risk of sudden obsolescence. The other thought that comes to mind is that stand-alone devices CAN stand alone OR be used in conjunction with the iPhone/iPad. I wouldn't want to sit my iPhone/iPad out in front of an audience. Just a thought