The iXY microphone from RØDE looks like no other add-on microphone for iPhone or iPad that I’ve seen. It’s designed to connect directly into the charging port of the iOS device, but it unfortunately uses the 30-pin connector, so it’s limited to the iPhone 4/4S and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation iPads. The iXY has “24-bit/96k recording and on-board high-fidelity A/D conversion”, so your sound is “rich, smooth, and accurate.” RØDE says: “At the heart of the iXY is a matched pair of ½” cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a perfect 90 degree ‘near-coincident’ alignment. This results in immersive and true-to-life stereo recordings, captured in incredibly high detail.” The iXY comes with a foam wind-shield for outdoor recordings and a reinforced protective zipper case. You’ll need either the RØDE Rec app ($5.99 in the Apple App Store) or the RØDE Rec LE app (free) for 24-bit/96K recordings. The iXY is $199 and the first production run of the iXY mic is sold out, but you can leave your email address at the iXY page to be notified when it’s back in stock. In the meantime, you can visit the iXYmic site for more information and to hear actual sound recordings.
