By technical editor Matt Allard:
At IBC in Amsterdam, RØDE has announced the i-XLR, a digital XLR interface for Apple iOS devices. The i-XLR is used to connect professional XLR microphones to an iPhone or iPad to record audio in the field. It allows reporters, correspondents and audio professionals to quickly and easily capture interview dialogue to a smartphone or tablet.
I have often used the Rode smartLav and Rode Rec app to record audio where the distance between me and the subject didn’t allow for using a traditional wireless audio system.
The i-XLR features an intuitive record button that enables the user to start recording without accessing their mobile device, and an LED indicates the recording status in apps that support this feature. A headphone jack with variable level is conveniently located on the body to allow the operator to monitor their audio during interviews, and for dynamic microphones the i-XLR features a +20dB level boost, giving these microphones a high level of clean gain.
To accompany the i-XLR RØDE has previewed an updated version of its RØDE Rec app that supports remote record functionality for the new interface, as well as an innovative set of EQ presets for industry-standard interview microphones, that optimise the audio for consistency across recordings, as well as an optional ‘safety track’ that can be set at a lower level.
The i-XLR will be available later this year. The price is yet to be announced.
