Fostex AR-4i

[pwnified]

Just got a Fostex AR-4i, which is the only stereo input device for iPhone 4 so far. The sound quality is pretty good for an initial quick test. I guess they were trying to target videographers because the whole thing feels like a camera with no way to set it on the desk. I'll do a proper review later but despite some things that bug me about it, it's not bad overall for recording with multitrack. Had to download the free app that allows you to turn off hardware monitoring so you can monitor in software with effects. There was a bit of noise on the input 2 and 3 which is a shared input. Had to put the phone in airplane mode because of loud interference, the unit is very sensitive to all the transmitters inside the iPhone 4.

Got it for 149.99 which is steep, but again the only iPhone 4 (only) product that allows stereo recording.

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs ... R-4i.shtml

ar_4i_001-thumb.jpg

[grb]

http://www.fostexinternational.com/docs ... R-4i.shtml

Apparently now compatible with iPhone 4S and iPod Touch 4G...

I wouldn't recommend the Fostex AR-4i, it's a bulky device and has some noise issues. Not sure it will work with the iPod 4th gen

Have any of the updates adjusted your views on the AR-4i... or is it still not recommended. In the UK it's around £88 vs. £139 for the GuitarJack 2, and £60 for the Tascam IM2.

Does anyone know if you can use headphones to monitor an IM2 on the iPod if you use a 30 pin cable to clear the headphone socket ?


grb.


+ AR4i still the cheapest stereo line in for the iPod 4G / iPhone range... ?

[Anorton]

I don't know how much help this post will be to you, but I use the Blue Mikey 2 with my 3rd generation iPod touch. I am able to monitor using the iPod's headphone jack. To my ear, it sounds nice and warm for vocals, without any of that high end digital sound and captures a nice, clean acoustic guitar sound. I have used the line in on the Mikey 2 to link up 2 devices in order to take better advantage of MultiTrack's punch in feature when recording guitars in AmpKit, AmpliTube, and JamUp Pro. It also has a USB pass through so you can charge your device while recording. Blue is releasing another version of the Mikey with all the same features, which will be combatible with iPod and iPhone 4 and all the iPads. If it's as good as the Mikey 2, it may be worth waiting for. Here's Blue's link:

http://www.bluemic.com/mikey_digital/#/desc/

There is another post about the iM2 by DavePDX here. He gives it a pretty enthusiastic recommendation for recording acoustic guitar.

http://forum.harmonicdog.com/viewtopic. ... &start=370

Good luck. At least there are options.