Microphone for recording acoustic mandolin using iPad pro

[RodCH]

Everyone,

I mostly play an Emerson md 504, and I have some antique instruments as well. I don't want to modify any of the instruments.

I have one of those large format iPad Pro's, which I love, and I use garageband acoustic recording operations to record the mandolin quite a bit. These recordings are just for me. They act as a form of memory since I don't read or write any form of music notation (I understand how it works but I am a functional illiterate, just takes me too long to get what I want out of it).

I don't sing. The world is a better place for that.

I'm price sensitive, but I might like a better microphone than just "point your iPad at the instrument". The microphone would need to have a lightning connector or bluetooth connection.

Anybody have a suggestion for this situation?

Thanks,
Rod

[DavidKOS]

Start looking at large diaphragm condenser mics that are USB and can plug in your computer directly. Lots of them in the budget range:

http://www.sweetwater.com/c981--USB_...yIyIiwiMyJdfX0

http://www.sweetwater.com/c981--Larg...ZSI6WyI0Il19fQ

and so on.

[almeriastrings]

Your iPad PRO supports the USB-Lightning Apple 'Camera Connection Kit'... so in theory, you can connect a wise range of USB microphones and audio interfaces:

http://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD...camera-adapter

However.. it does not supply sufficient power for all devices (interfaces, especially) and some slightly untidy methods can be required to get everything to work, i.e., including a powered USB hub.

If you want something that is truly 'Plug and Play', these are both very good solutions:

Apogee MIC 96K

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/mic

Irig Pro interface:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iRigPro

With this one, you add your own choice of microphones. It accepts a wide range of 'industry standard' types.

http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigpro/

Both are very good, compact and easy to use.

[RodCH]

The iRig Pro controller sounds like an interesting option. I have an iRig Keys keyboard, which works really well with garageband (and a KeyLab49 keyboard, which, although it is a wonderful keyboard, pulls too much power to run just from the lightning connector and needs a separate power supply).

[CES]

Just as an FYI, I bought an entry level Samsun condenser USB mic. It would probably be fine for your use, but it does break up at higher volumes (i.e., recording with my daughter). Fine for podcasts, etc, but I wouldn't recommend it for recording music because of my experience...which is, of course, an N of 1, so take it for what it's worth

[almeriastrings]

You cannot use a standard USB mic directly into an iPad. They do not have a USB port. Even with the adapter kit, there can be powering issues. Hence, a unit specifically designed to work with an iPad is a neater and safer option.

Incidentally, if you want to record in stereo you'll need a two channel unit, e.g.:

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iRigProDuo

Apogee and RME also make suitable devices but they are much more expensive.

[Rob Meyer]

Was at an Apple Store the other day and spied a Shure MV88. I've never used one, but I have noticed the reviews seem very positive. Price isn't too bad.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MV88

[almeriastrings]

Mics with a 'hard mount' direct to an iPad are a problem:

1) 'Aiming' them can be very awkward.
2) If you need to make any adjustments they can pick up contact noise.

Something that allows the mic to be positioned away from the iPad is preferable.

[BrianWilliam]

How about a cheapo mixer and pair of standard condenser mics?

[lukmanohnz]

Several good suggestions above, but no mention yet of the Line 6 SonicPort VX. I bought one of these last year and have gotten so much use out of it. The built-in stereo condenser mics do a great job of capturing acoustic instruments for looping, catching tune ideas, or recording a jam session with friends or group lessons at music camps. And the additional 1/4" and mini stereo inputs - and balanced stereo and headphone outputs - make it a real Swiss Army knife for iOS-centric musicians. If you want pristine studio quality recording, it's not the right solution. But for every-day recording and as a general audio interface (works with any computer with USB inputs as well) it's a really nice solution. It's iOS compliant and comes with the Lightning connector cable and one for any USB port as well.

[almeriastrings]

How about a cheapo mixer and pair of standard condenser mics?

Unfortunately, no way to get clean audio into the iPad.... it has no analog line level inputs. It does not even have a USB port.

It has a lightning connector.

The Sonicport is good suggestion. Those are nice enough.