mobile recording

The New Fast Track Solo And Duo Interfaces iPad Compatible

April 20, 2013 by Ken 6 Comments

Avid just announced the new Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo audio interfaces. I have talked much of the venerable Fast Track audio interface. It’s an affordable ($99.99) good quality microphone preamplifier/converter that plugs into your computer via USB. It has one microphone input, which is sufficient for voice-over home studios, as well as most music recording. I have recorded many an album entirely with a single input. It’s best for singer/songwriter stuff where you don’t need to record an entire band at the same time.
Well Avid just announced (in 2013) its brand new versions of both the Fast Track and the Fast Track Pro (the 2-mic input version, which was discontinued in 2012). They are the Fast Track Solo and Fast Track Duo.
Not only do both interface units sport the same compact and portable, high-quality preamps with mic and instrument inputs as their predecessors. They also come with Pro Tools Express. But get this: They now support the iPad!
Yup. You can plug this interface unit into either your computer via the standard USB connection, but also into your iPad, where it is compatible with any iOS recording apps. The specs say that it will work with iPad 2 or later, as well as iPad mini. And it appears that the connector is the 30-pin type. I base this on the statement on the Avid site: “ iPad (4th generation) and iPad mini require a Lightning to 30-pin Adapter (sold separately),” that the Fast Track uses the 30-pin connector, as opposed to the Lightning connector that is on the iPad 3 and 4 (now called the “iPad With Retina Display”). Though to me, the “tablet” outlet on the back (see pic on right) doesn’t look like a 30-pin iPad connector. As of 2017, I believe the iPad connector is a lightning type connector. But even if it isn’t, the adapters are easy to come by at just about any electronics store, including Best Buy and Target.

The new Solo and Duo are not universally available – at least not from online retailers like B&H or Sweetwater – as of this writing (April 20th, 2013) ARE available (as of Apr 29th)! You can get them from Amazon:

I’ll do a review of this new interface as soon as there is one within my reach. Watch this space.
Cheers!

iRig Mic and iRig Recorder Now Work With Android

March 25, 2013 by Ken Leave a Comment

The iRig Mic, by IK Multimedia, which I reviewed last year, now works with Android devices! that was a real bone of contention when the iRig products first came out. they worked on iOS devices (iPhones, iPods, and iPod Touch) only. But finally Android users can make use of the iRig microphone, as well as the apps that work with it, such as the iRig Recorder.
In my initial review, which you can see here: Review of IK Multimedia’s iRig Microphone For iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, I used the irig MIC and my iPhone 4 to make a few audio recordings (one voice-over audio and one singing audio), and put them on the review page so you could hear them.
The iRig Recorder app can be downloaded for free at the Google Play store.
And here is some more good news. IK Multimedia’s iRig PRE (microphone preamplifier) and the iRig Mic Cast (another type of microphone that you plug into your device) also work with Android now.
Below are images of the PRE and the Mic Cast, along with links (just click on the picture) to go check out more information on them or buy them, or both.

Gravity Beats – Free Music App For iPad

March 5, 2013 by Ken Leave a Comment

This free app certainly isn’t going to produce any award winning symphonies or chart-topping hits, but it can still be a lot of fun. By drawing lines to interact with the falling balls, you can create simple melodies in your spare time. Since this app doesn’t have any deadlines or demanding clients, you can sit back and relax with your productions.
You can read more here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gravity-beats/id608047949?mt=8

Mobile Mics

January 24, 2013 by Ken 2 Comments

The days of mobile recordings being limited to grainy video and maybe-understandable audio are over. High quality cameras in cell phones have become a huge marketing point for cell phones, but unfortunately we haven’t seen nearly as much improvement in the on-board microphones in these devices. Whether you’re using an Android phone, an iPhone, or even a tablet, using an external microphone can drastically improve the quality of your recordings. You may not want to try and record vocals for a studio album through your iPad, but recording the audio of an interview for later publication is much more within reach. Take a look at what external mics there are and what it will take to get them working with your device. The benefit they offer far exceeds their cost.
You can read more about USB and other mobile mics here: http://audioundone.com/microphones-and-mobile-devices

Audio Recording Apps For iPad

January 21, 2013 by Ken Leave a Comment

Recording audio is a great way to put your iPad or other iOS device to use. Depending on what your purpose is, you may have much different needs than the average user. Even if the biggest selling point for an audio recording app for you is its price, there are plenty of options. Sites like Soundcloud and Audioboo have their own recording apps.
You can read about some of the app options here: http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/01/5-useful-audio-recording-ipad-apps.html