When the iOS revolution started in the shape of iPhones and iPads, there seemed to be an unending trail of promises about how these devices would enable us to hold virtual recording studios in our hand, and make recordings out and about that would parallel anything in a ‘proper’ studio.
It didn’t happen quite like that.
Mainly due to a high-pass filter that Apple built into the microphone and headset circuits in an attempt to cut down background rumble, but which made any ‘proper’ recording virtually useless. Until iOS6 that is, which suddenly allowed the filter to be bypassed, and all of a sudden the possibility was there. But, would it ever be realistic to expect the hardware to make it all possible?
Enter MicW!
Oh my word! These little guys are the business!
MicW prides itself in designing and manufacturing high quality, high performance microphones for a wide range of audio measurement and recording applications.
MicW is a member of BSWA Technology Ltd., a measurement microphone company. BSWA was founded in 1998 as a joint venture between the Chinese Academy of Sciences and five sound engineers looking to market better, more affordable measurement microphones. Today, BSWA microphones are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and environment noise measurements.
MicW uses unique methods to produce its capsules, the heart of a microphone, resulting in better performance, reliability, sound definition, and transparency. MicW capsule diaphragms are made from titanium, nickel, stainless steel, and polymer composites so that the best material is always used in its designs. In addition, carefully selected quartz insulating material within the construction ensures stability against high temperatures and humidity. Each capsule is individually calibrated using the free field method according to IEC 61049 measurement microphone standards and aged in an environmental chamber for long term stability.
So what does this mean for us?
It means that there is now a range of microphones, very competitively priced, which will allow you to use your iPhone or iPad for audio measurement, recording, and broadcast use
Let’s take a look at some examples from the range:
The i266 is a high sensitivity cardioid microphone recommended for dedicated, high quality sound recording. Durable enough to withstand the rigors of an ENG life, the warm and clear sound of the i266 microphone is an excellent choice for broadcasting and enables the iPhone to act as a genuine reporter’s tool of the trade. The i266 can also be used in conference room as well as an excellent choice for recording voice and live music.The i266 is a cardioid microphone with high sensitivity. It is recommended for high quality sound recording, specially for broadcasting、 live radio interviews and other live applications.
The iShotgun is the newest member in MicW, i-Series professional microphones. It is a uniquely designed super cardioid shotgun for smartphones such as iPhones, tablets and DSLR cameras.
The iShotgun design is smart and small, it is low weight, coupled with an easy fix onto iPhone and camera. The super directional patterns eliminates unwanted background noise when you make recordings. The iShotgun is the ideal tool for mobile journalists and audio professionals.
The iShotgun has been tested for the following devices：
- iPhone 3, 4, 4S and 5
- iPad 2 , 3, 4 and mini
- ipod Touch
- Mac book
- Samsung Galaxy
- HTC Desire
- Canon 5D, 7D, 60D
- Sony Alpha 6 and 7 series
- Nikon D7000
- Panasonic X900M/X909/V707
- Sony CX250/CX570/CX730
- Canon HFD10
- Computers with Microphone Input
The i436 is a mini microphone with a unique streamlined design, and a cool metal texture. Designed for use with the iPhone, iPad and iTouch, it can be used for recording, measuring, meetings, interviews and many other applications. It requires no extra power, it connects through the headphone jack, and consequently it is very portable. It features omni-directional sound and is equipped with a special connector so you can monitor while you record.
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