Can an iphone app deliver a quality recording?

[bahner]

I think it's crazy overpriced as the Tascam and Zoom handheld recorders offer way more value for money.

Im sorry but you lost me there...were you comparing the Tascam and Zoom recorders to the app?

I use my phone's built in voice recorder all the time. I'm a field linguist and record conversations, interviews, dialogues etc. The only times I'll use a higher quality set up for that sort of thing is when I need a real hi-fi recording to analyze phonetic details. I also use the built in mic and voice recorder to record meetings, and presentations when necessary. It's actually pretty decent for that kind of stuff.

so, in my case, just a better mic to attach to the iphone would be wonderful and fill all of my recording needs, but I wouldn't want to spend more than maybe $50 on it.

Umm, maybe an app that can manage larger files and organize them better than the voice recorder.

Im sure i mentioned you can use an XLR cord to connect a better mic to use with the app. You can adjust the EQ presets to the mic you choose but it doesn't support phantom power.

I've also been told that the soon to be released update for the app will allow it to record larger files. As of now you can title the file before recording it and it saves it in the phone so you can easily find it.

Very true...removable storage is a HUGE deal in the field.

This is true indeed. The app in question offers you the ability to email your files or transfer them to an FTP site. But like people have mentioned, you'd need cell service to use those features.

Again, thanks for all the feedback guys! Its proving to be very informative and useful!

 

[chuckduffy]

Im sorry but you lost me there...were you comparing the Tascam and Zoom recorders to the app?.

Oh - no that's not what I meant. I posted a link to the Alesis iPhone app/dock with built in stereo mic in an XY configuration. I was pointing out that the Alesis device is over $200 bucks. and for that price it makes no sense when you can get a tascam with SD card for $75 bucks from Amazon.

that is all

 

[TyphoidHippo]

Tell me what I said wasn't true....

Ok. What you said wasn't true. Now - let's look at what you said:

You can have more stuff in your pocket than The Beatles has to record with!

How, exactly, do your programs for pocket-sized platforms get "more" mics, recording I/O, instruments, monitoring chains, acoustically treated rooms, untold amounts of other "stuff", "than The Beatles had to record with" at world class studios like Abbey Road into my pocket?

Or did you mean more iPhone apps than they had? ever... Now let's look at what you said the second time:

The same FX and sounds you can get in your DAW can be had on an iOS device now...

Ok, now it's about my DAW... Well that's less absurd than last time, at least. So - where can I get the Waves/CLA plugs for iOS? Also - how can an iOS device play virtual instruments with sampling rates other than 48KHz on it's audio hardware, let alone store 250 GB of samples? So... not the same FX? And.. not the same sounds? I could take this infinitely further, but I feel retarded for even debating this, when it's perfectly obvious...

You're advertising your company's products. And doing so under a thin veil of actually contributing to the discussion. That's a shitty thing to do. Kindly submit your "More stuff in your pocket than the Beatles had at Abbey Road app!!!" and "Same FX and sounds as TyphoidHippo's DAW!!" advertisements through whatever channels gets them put into that little advertising box up there so we don't have to waste time refuting silly marketing claims in threads we take part in just because we want to. Thanks!

 

[Manslick]

No one with an iPhone cares about audio quality. An audio app on an iPhone is merely something to kill time while waiting for a latte.
So, check out an app called Figure from Propellerhead software.

 

[kcearl]

Thats a great wee app...i wish you could record a bit morre on it

 

[240v]

Hey Bahner,

I used to record music on iOS. I'll try and answer your questions.

If you want some examples of what is a successful app for music production (for iOS), you might want to check out Multitrack DAW or Xewton Music Studio. Not many apps advertise the bit depth, rate etc. in the description as people who would be concerned about these specs will more likely be recording on a PC.

When I look (used to) for apps, I look for flexibility in what it can do. If it's got no MIDI support and only a few instruments and doesnt allow AudioCopy, then it will likely not be sufficient. However, some apps, such as Multitrack DAW, Xewton Music Studio and BeatMaker hold the top positions in the mobile music creation category. If you give them a spin, you'll know why.

Most likely, if you're recording with an iPhone, you wont be looking at state-of-the-art 24-bit 96000kHz recording. It's more for laying down ideas that you'd like to build onto later on. Also, because iPhone users will be "on the move" a lot, people will look for SoundCloud and Email support for getting your tracks out there ASAP.

When it comes to recording, there have always been two options. An analog connection which runs through the headphone jack and a digital connection that runs through the dock connector. The former can be found for a cheaper price in exchange for audio quality, crosstalk and noise. The digital connections will cost you a bit more but will be nicer in sound quality.

Many apps don't offer an extensive range of effects/plugins. As most users will not opt to pay for a $150 interface, having some effects, primarily a noise will be important for those using an analog connection.

I hope this has given you a basic idea on what customers look for and what iOS apps offer. If you have more questions, I'll be happy to answer