If you would like to turn your older iPod, iPhone or iPad into a high-end recording device check out the Tascam (TAIM2) iM2 Stereo Microphone for Apple iOS. When it was first launched the retail price was $99.99. However, since Apple has now switched to the lightning connector, the price has dropped significantly for Tascam iM2 Stereo Microphone for Apple iOS Products (White) B&H Audio to $23.95.
I am a long-time user of Tascam recording devices. When we researched how to create compelling audio of class room lessons for iTunes and Amazon distribution, we decided on the the original Tascam DR-1. We have since upgraded to the DR-100MKII. This microphone turns an iPod Touch 4th Generation, iPhone 4/4s or iPad(1/2) into a Tascam recorder. It comes with Tascam software for uploading the files to a computer where you can edit them.
Original reviewers noted that getting the files off of the iPod, iPhone or iPad was difficult it required at Sound Cloud account. It's not true any more since the software has been updated, all you have to do is connect your iPod/iPad/iPhone to your computer with iTunes and the files are available to be copied onto your computer.
I have personally used the iM2 for recording a choir rehearsal and songwriting the quality as far as I can tell the quality is very close to other Tascam recorders, I have used. The software looks very familiar to the al Tascam recorders.
When recording music, I could hear the full sound of the both the instruments and the singers. I could edit the sound files the same way I do with other Tascam recordings.
There is only a small problem when listening back to the music on the iPod/iPhone/iPad, the device takes over both the listening jack and the 30 pin connector to work properly. You have to remove the mic and reset the software to listen to music on the iPod/iPad (1/2)/iPhone.
The speakers on the iPod itself are not good enough to actually hear the quality of the music, well after recording. I have found that transferring the files to my computer and using my sound-editing headphones works better.
Recording from the microphone are excellent for the price. If you have an iPod Touch 4G you are not using it turns it into a professional recording device.
The iM2 can make CD quality or iTunes quality recording using the 44.1 kHz / 16 bit Linear PCM format, which I convert into MP3 files for distribution.
The iM2 does draw extra battery juice from the iPod when in use, but you can also connect a USB cable (sold separately) to charge it.
The stereo microphone is adjustable by angles. There is also a limiter to cut out the highest.
This mic is deal for people who want to record events, church services, music with a far superior quality than the original microphone on the iPhone 4/4s, iPod Touch 4 or iPad. Singers, speakers, speech makers and teachers could benefit from the use of the iM2. I found that acoustic music sounded live and with a full spectrum.
With the price decease, we suspect that Tascam is discounting this model after it developed the iM2X with X-Y stereo condenser mics that are same stereo condenser microphones as the DR-07MKII and DR-40 for fuller sound.
If you are currently using an iOS for sound recording this is best way to upgrade easily for professional sound recording. The iM2 comes in black or white to match your iOS device.
We rate the iM2 4.5 out 5 for its high quality. We wish it came with a connector for newer devices.