Compatible microphones with normal ipod?

Question

Can someone tell me what high-quality microphones are compatible with the ipod? I need to do interviews with my ipod and want to buy the highest quality there is. Those little attachments don't have very good ratings and I wanted to buy something professional. I haven't bought the ipod yet, because I see that the newest one doesn't even have a mic. So I'm gathering info... any suggestions? thanks!
ipod    

Answer 1

It depends on what you will record... only voices, ambient noises, in a studio, etc. But here is some basic information.
Use a low impedance microphone. It's the only way to get a really clean signal. Your options here are Dynamic or Condenser.
Dynamic: If you record mostly voices, a Shure SM58 is a good dynamic microphone. It's the one with the ball-type end that most singers use on stage. It has a little more mid-range in the sound, which makes voices sound more like the radio, but that may not be desirable for other sounds. For voice and other sounds (and what I prefer in a dynamic mic, even for voice) is the SM57. A little flatter sound profile-- better for a wide variety of sounds. They're both bomb-proof... they take rough treatment in the field and come back for more.
Condenser: If you're in a studio, and the mic will not be subject to rough treatment, a large diaphram or a ribbon microphone is best. These all require an isolation mount, because they will pick up room noises and vibration through the stand. An AKG 3000 or BULS; Oktava, Shure, Sennheiser, Marshall, Rode, Neumann... all of these make wonderful large diaphram and ribbon mics.
In more of a traditional, straight microphone shape, the Sure SM81 and the less-expensive PG81 are good choices. They both require power (an AA battery fits inside) and must be turned off when not in use, but they have a wonderful, clear signal and would do an excellent job on a wide variety of voices, music, and sounds.
One thing you WILL need if you use a low-impedance microphone is a Shure A96F XLR to 1/8" transformer. It plugs into your mic on the XLR end and into your iPod on the 1/8" end. They cost about $45.00. It gets a clear, powerful signal into your iPod (or into a Camcorder) and is required when using a low-inpedance mic.
One very important thing to consider is that the iPod only records at a maximum of 44mHz (16bit). For my money, I'd go with the Shure PG81 and the A96F transformer. They're not expensive, they're tough, and high quality. And, if you remember to carry some extra AA batteries, you'll get excellent results. If you have more money, the Shure SM81 has a little wider range... a little more of the very lowest and the very highest sounds -- more than most stereos and certainly all MP3 players and reproduce.
G4 Dual 450   Mac OS X (10.3.9)  
G4 Dual 450   Mac OS X (10.3.9)