I use an iPad to perform a lot of various jobs in my business. However, I’ve been pushing the iPad’s abilities to a whole new level. By default, it contains a built-in microphone that allows basic recording. I heard rumors that I could attach USB Microphones and record audio. So I plugged in my Audio-Technica AT2020 microphone and crossed my fingers. To my amazement, it worked. Here’s a sample recording…
This is an audio recording of the AT2020 being used with the iPad and the iPad Camera Connection kit. Just wanted you to hear the quality. It’s superb. I basically connected the AT2020 to the iPad using a Camera Connection kit. Upon connection, the iPad didn’t do a thing. Then I launched QuickVoice (although it’ll work with any audio app, really) and recorded the audio. QuickVoice created a high-quality 192kbps .caf file which I exported via Quicktime to .wav format. Then I converted to MP3 and uploaded it to my blog for your review. Please ignore the popping “p”, please. 🙂
I’m sure if I look around the App store, I could find an app that will record straight to MP3. This would skip the 2 intermediate conversion steps from QuickVoice and allow straight uploading once I get home.
As it stood, the AT2020 was a great mic already. Now that it works with an iPad, I can take it anywhere and record anything. This increases the value 100x.
Possible Uses for the iPad and AudioTechnica AT2020:
- Record an entire podcast with the iPad. Email it to myself, then clean it up and upload it to my blog.
- Record audio samples of various indoor and outdoor sounds and sell them on AudioJungle.
- Record audio products, interviews, meetings, events…anything…anywhere. Sell them later as courses.
- Record seminars or concerts with permission (the iPad has phenomenal battery life).
- Records daily notes and todo lists.
If you’re considering the purchase of an iPad for your business, don’t hesitate. It can allow you to break away from your desktop and get really creative. Plus, it’s “instant on” nature allows you to get to work asap without waiting for hibernation or bootup.
Update: The Audio-Technica AT2020 Microphone also works in the iPad version of GarageBand. My wife is signing in our bedroom as I speak. I may never see my iPad again! 🙂
Update 2: I compared the Onboard, Wired mic and AT2020 on a followup-up post. Recording a Podcast on iPad
Great article. Can you recommend some multitrack recording programs for iPad that will wok with this mic? I tried multitrack DAW and that didn’t work
Jeff, I can confirm that GarageBand for the iPad works with the AT2020. I just bought it and it’s working great!
Thanks for the article. Can you clarify if the AT2020 still works with iOS 4.3? I heard that some people were having issues after the update. Also have you tried with GarageBand on the ipad?
Thanks!
Christian
http://www.litewavemedia.com
Christian, I jailbreak all my devices. I won’t be upgrading to 4.3 until there’s a solid jailbreak available. I suspect that will take a while.
Christian, it’s definitely working with the iPad version of GarageBand 1.0.1. I just bought and successfully used it tonight.
The AT 2020 USB seems to work fine..I think it draws less current than other mics
This is really cool! Another use, which is why I’m interested in this, is for voice-over on-location for video. Taking a setup that is much smaller to a client and allow them to record voice-over for a commercial or something is huge!
I’m planning on using my AT2020 mic, EditorsKeys Portable Vocal Booth, and Propellerhead’s ReBirth software. I’m hoping my setup is killer. When its done, I will be posting it on my website (randypugh.com).