With each new accessory it would seem the iPhone takes one step closer, to becoming the 1 Device to rule them all. The iRig Mic certainly helps that notion by taking the iPhone to the next level in Mobile Recording. So how does the iRig hold up with on the go interviews?
Features
What really sets the iRig Mic apart from other portable microphones is it’s features. First up on the list is the Volume settings, which the iRig has 3. Low for really close up interviews, as it eliminates most background noise. Medium for a not so close Interview as it picks up some background noise. Then there is High which is for a larger group type of thing, as it picks up a lot of background noises. I myself generally kept the Mic set to the Medium setting, as I found it picked up just the right amount of both. The other major feature that iRig Mic has is the Live Audio Output. This allows you to listen to your Audio while your recording it, provided that you have a pair of Headphones laying around. The only disappointment with this feature is the Program that you record with needs to support it. Which for me meant Filming with the default iPhone Video meant no Live Audio Output.
Design
While it is just a Wired Microphone you could tell there was some emphasis on the Design. The Mic itself looks really nice, especially when dressed up with Mic Flag and Foam Windscreen. What stood out to me was the length of wire attached to the Mic. It was long enough for you to be in Frame for filming, while not having to much that you would fear tripping. While not the most important thing, the packaging was also very well done, and came with a few extras. Including a carrying case and a Mic Stand adapter.
Sound Quality
Being the most important feature for any Microphone, I really wasn’t sure what to expect with the iRig. After doing various on the spot field tests with the Mic I was pleasantly surprised. As the device itself has a wide range when it comes to sound. It’s certainly an item that I would recommend testing first, as it’s good to know it’s limitations. With some settings meaning if you don’t speak directly into the Mic you might lose Audio.
Overall
A really amazing device that has gone from simply a Microphone to my Mobile Microphone of choice. Through all the events that I took the iRig with me it became an invaluable tool that I couldn’t work without.