Australian-based audio company RØDE Microphones has announced the iXY, a stereo microphone for Apple iPhone and iPad that allows high quality recording at sampling rates up to 24-bit/96kHz, the only microphone on the market to do so.
At the heart of the iXY is a matched pair of 1/2-inch cardioid condenser capsules, fixed in a perfect 90 degree 'near-coincident' alignment resulting in immersive and true-to-life stereo recordings, captured in incredibly high detail. Connecting via the iOS device's digital interface, the iXY uses its own high-fidelity analogue to digital conversion ensuring all recordings are rich, smooth and accurate.
The iXY's small form factor and incredibly detailed performance makes it the perfect microphone for recording live music, meetings, lectures, reporting, dictation, sound design, and also is ideal for use on-camera both as a stand-alone recorder for DSLR as well as with the Apple device's built-in iSight camera.
A foam windshield is provided for outdoor recordings, as well as a rugged zip pocket to ensure the mic is always around when you need it.
Released in conjunction with the iXY is RØDE Rec HD, an iPhone and iPad app designed to be the ultimate companion to RØDE's new microphone. When used together the iXY and RØDE Rec HD transform the Apple device into a fully featured field recorder.
RØDE Rec HD allows for complete control of the iXY's continuously adjustable input levels for recording in loud and quiet environments, as well as the high pass filter to cut out low frequency rumbling such as air conditioning or outdoor traffic noises.
Available on the iTunes app store for $1.99, the app provides a full suite of features including multiple sampling rates up to 96kHz, equalisation effects (compressor/expander, high-pass filter, low pass filter, parametric EQ), non-linear editing, geo and photo tagging, and one-touch publishing to SoundCloud, Dropbox, email, FTP and iTunes. RØDE has also announced a feature-limited free version of the app, simply titled RØDE Rec.
The RØDE iXY is shipping this month, and the RØDE Rec and RØDE Rec HD apps are both available now in the iTunes store.
