Video recording to iPad/iPhone using large diaphragm mic, T1

Portable PA
1

I want to shoot video of acoustic guitar using an iPhone, but I would also like to use my large diaphragm mic that requires phantom power for the audio. I was thinking of running the mic through the T1, in part, to supply phantom power. Not sure how to route the audio from the T1 to the phone. I presume I need adapters including 3.5mm to lightning, but what other cable(s) are needed and what is the input output path, physically and in terms of T1 settings please? I searched through the forums and did not quite see the answers I was looking for and I apologize if I overlooked it.  Thank you in advance.

 

John

2

You could use a 3.5mm TRSS cable to XLR or 1/4 TRS. We often feed audio directly from our mixer and use the phone's video camera to record. We use a iRig Pre XLR Microphone Interface.

3

Thanks, DJ Erv. Good information, though I need it a little more idiot proof.

4

John, I was also going to suggest the iRig Pre as well, as you would just plug your mic into it, plug it into your headphone jack and turn on the phantom power switch. If you don't have a headphone jack (newer iPhones) just get a lighting to headphone adapter. I've used that adapter for my iRig2 (guitar interface) and have had absolutely no issues using it with any guitar apps.

Not sure how much more idiot proof you're looking for? I don't think you even have to run the iK Multimedia app, as the interface should just make it available as an audio source for the video recording app, as Dr Erv described.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

5

Thanks for the iRig Pre recommendation. Hoping to avoid purchasing another device unless necessary. As for idiot proof, what I mean (and thought I articulated in the initial post, but apparently not)  is which inputs and outputs should be used. For example, on the T1, channel 1-3 vs 4/5. And different channels behave differently and (can) accept different types of cables (mono, stereo, etc). I want to be certain I get the right cables the first time. There are some variables in this area that have not been addressed. Hoping someone with detailed knowledge will chime in. Thank you.

 

6
John S posted:

As for idiot proof, what I mean (and thought I articulated in the initial post, but apparently not)  is which inputs and outputs should be used. 

Ahhhh, I see now. I thought you were wanting something in place of the T1 rather that to use with it. As the T1 has a 1/4" output (balanced or unbalanced), I would suggest the $40 iRig2 guitar/instrument interface for the iPhone (and select androids). You're going to need some kind of cable adapter anyway with built in resistive attenuation and the proper wiring to convert a mono 1/4" input to the iPhone's 3.5mm TRRS and they typically run around that same price. So, it'd be either a 1/4" to 3.5mm TRS cable to a 3.5mm TRS/TRSS adapter cable or a plain old 1/4" guitar cable to the iRig2, which plugs into the iPhone.  (Note: if you have a lighting connector, you'll need a lighting/headphone adapter as well.)

The iRig2 is unpowered, small, designed to do this, takes a simple instrument cable connection from your T1 Main Out, and unlike a simple adapter cable, gives you headphone monitoring of what's going into and playing on the iphone (if tracking), input volume control and a 1/4" output to an external amp or speaker if you want. If you normally use the T1 1/4" output to your L1(?) you can easily put this between your T1 and L1. If you use the T1 Tonematch output, you can connect the unused Main 1/4" T1 output to the iRig2 and iPhone.

Hope this helps,
Jeff

7

Jeff, K, Very much appreciate you taking the time to answer.  Blessings to you.

Does anyone know if it is possible to use the T1, iPhone, large diaphragm condenser mic with phantom power and cables (no additional equipment such as iRig or other preamps). If so, what cables do I need (what kinds of tips?) and which T1 inputs/outputs are ideal?

ST?

Thank you,

John

8

Hi John,

You've gotten some great information above.

John S posted:

I want to shoot video of acoustic guitar using an iPhone, but I would also like to use my large diaphragm mic that requires phantom power for the audio. I was thinking of running the mic through the T1, in part, to supply phantom power. Not sure how to route the audio from the T1 to the phone. I presume I need adapters including 3.5mm to lightning, but what other cable(s) are needed and what is the input output path, physically and in terms of T1 settings please? I searched through the forums and did not quite see the answers I was looking for and I apologize if I overlooked it.  Thank you in advance.

 

John

Please help us to understand what you're doing.

Are you looking for professional results or a casual record of someone playing?

Are you recording any other audio in addition to the acoustic guitar? Vocals? How many inputs will you use on the T1?

Will you be playing audio in the room through your L1 while you are recording?

Are you recording a live show at a venue?

Are you recording in a studio environment designed for audio and video recording?

Do you have an iPad based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to process the audio track after you do the recording?

Will you be streaming the video live?



John S posted:

Jeff, K, Very much appreciate you taking the time to answer.  Blessings to you.

Does anyone know if it is possible to use the T1, iPhone, large diaphragm condenser mic with phantom power and cables (no additional equipment such as iRig or other preamps). If so, what cables do I need (what kinds of tips?) and which T1 inputs/outputs are ideal?

ST?

Thank you,

John

Regardless of the answers to the questions above, you will probably need some kind of interface.

ST

9

Thanks, ST. Answers to your questions embedded below:

"Please help us to understand what you're doing."

I want to record instrumental acoustic guitar. Not live stream, but to be posted to various social media. No vocals, single track.

"Are you looking for professional results or a casual record of someone playing?"

A step above casual recording. I have access to a very nice Neumann mic and either an iPhone 8 Plus or a couple year-old iPad pro. I do not have any special software. 

"Are you recording any other audio in addition to the acoustic guitar?"

No other audio or vocals to be recorded.

"Vocals?" Nope

"How many inputs will you use on the T1?" 

I am assuming 1 input for the external Neumann mic.

"Will you be playing audio in the room through your L1 while you are recording?"

Probably not, though I would be interested to know how this might be done.

"Are you recording a live show at a venue?"

Nope, in my home

"Are you recording in a studio environment designed for audio and video recording?" Nope, in my home. 

"Do you have an iPad based DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) to process the audio track after you do the recording?"

I do not know what a DAW is. I am assuming if you mean something other than whatever is standard on an iPad pro the answer is no. And I am probably not looking for such advanced control/enhancement. I just want decent audio a step above that of the built-in iPhone mic.

"Will you be streaming the video live?"

My question was not intended in the context for going live, though it would be extremely useful to know how to do this as well if possible. 

Bless you for helping!

John

10

Hi John,

Thanks for this added information.

From what you've told us, it's simpler to use the iRig Pre instead of the T1.

Reasons to use the iRig Pre

  • From what I can see on the IK Multimedia website the iRig Pre was designed to do exactly what you've asked for.
    • Simplicity
    • Phantom power for a condenser microphone
    • Compatible with iPod or iPad (analog input)
    • The final outcome might be better than using the microphone in the iPod or iPad
  • If you use the T1
    • If you connect the T1 to the L1 this may cause feedback
    • If you don't connect the T1 to the L1, you will need a T1 Power Supply
    • You will still need an interface like the iRig 2 between the T1 and the iPod or iPad (same price as the iRig Pre)


Notes about using the T1

  • You have zEQ and ParaEQ to control the tone of the microphone. That would allow you to change the tone picked up in the video.
  • You can add Effects (you probably won't)
  • You can add reverb (you probably won't)
  • In order to hear what you are doing, you will need the headphones connected to the iRig 2.
  • The T1 involves more complexity to manage while trying to record. (Trim setting, channel volume setting, master volume setting)


More thoughts coming.

ST