Ever since Apple first included a microphone recording application in iOS, people have been stretching the limits of what iOS devices are capable of.  Do they work reasonably as personal recording devices? Absolutely!  But as with any technology, there is a small minority that demands more of the hardware.

This is where the new iRig MIC Cast comes into play.  Gone are the days of sounding like you are sitting in a bathtub, because this handy little peripheral promises to make you sound as clear as day.  The secret is a “unidirectional condenser capsule that isolates the intended audio source, yielding dramatically better results than an integrated microphone.”  We couldn’t have said it any better ourselves!

Aspiring podcasters on the move will find that this coin sized device could be the answer to all of their prayers, not to mention a mobile studio to boot!  At only $39.99, the iRig MIC Cast is also a bargain, so give it a spin an let us know what you think.  This could be just the evolution you’ve been waiting for!

A new tool for musicians is slated to be released by Alesis. The Alesis iO Mix is a mixer/recorder accessory for the iPad.

The Alesis iO Mix lets musicians mix and record four channels of audio into GarageBand (all Core Audio apps are compatible). Alesis previously released the iO Dock, which made the iPad compatible with studio equipment. But with the iO Mix, the iPad basically becomes the studio.

The iO Mix has four input channels (combo XLR-1/4”) and stereo outputs (1/4”). It even has video output for live show videos. It has a guitar-direct (DI) switch for recording a guitar without an amp. And an Alesis Module Mount (sold separately) can mount the iOS Mix to a mic stand.

The iPad is enclosed securely and the power supply keeps the iPad charged during recording.

The Alesis iO Mix currently has no release date or pricing available.

Recording audio is great, except when you play it back and realize, with some frustration, that you can’t see what’s being talked about—whether it’s a reference to diagrams on a blackboard, a lecture slide, or even a person. As for video, well, it requires a lot more storage space, as well as a steady hand.

Eidetiq aims to combine the best of both worlds with their new iPhone app. The name “Eidetiq” is a play on the real term, “eidetic memory,” or what pop culture calls a photographic memory. Loosely termed a “note-taking” application, Eidetiq allows you to record audio as well as snapping pictures. Turn the app on, and then take pictures when necessary. The app then plays back the recording with the pictures synchronized in time to the audio. A free piece of desktop software allows you to sync those recordings to your Windows or Mac machine as well.

The developers have plenty of suggestions for how to use Eidetiq. These range from the standard lecture recording—record audio, plus pictures of relevant diagrams or problems—to medical applications, such as a doctor recording a patient’s description of their symptoms along with photos of the injury. Despite its “note-taker” moniker, the developers intend for Eidetiq to be much more.

“Never ask again – what did the teacher just say?” said Jason Novak, CEO, Chubby Weasel Technologies…”The app allows you to focus on what you’re listening to in the moment, and then go back and document the highlights.”

Eidetiq is now available on the App Store for $4.99.

$4.99

Eidetiq

iPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad
Released: 2010-09-14 :: Category: Education