Recording to iPod: Griffin iTalk

I just got the most amazing recording device. The iTalk by Griffin (http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-9734-ITALK30-2-iTalk-Pro/dp/B000ENQT1W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209156903&sr=8-1) allows you to record directly to your iPod then upload to your computer through iTunes as a wav file. Then you can rename it and convert to mp3 or whatever you want. I just did a quick recording with my acoustic and plugged in my headphones and I couldn't believe the quality of the recording. Maybe not CD quality but maybe for demos or if you're out and get a musical inspiration and want to get your ideas down.

I got mine from eBay brand new for about $7 shipped. I was skeptical but for the price I figured it was worth a try. It is simple to use and the quality is more than adequate.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/310K3M0XGKL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

those are cool. I use an XtremeMac MicroMemo (http://www.xtrememac.com/press/pr/2006/2006_01_10.php)

the mic is detachable, so you can connect your ipod to the board if you want a direct out! Crazy! I record gigs and rehearsals with it and have found it works great!....

glad you like the griffin, they make great stuff.

I forgot to mention that the iTalk allows you to connect an external mic is you choose. However, from what I heard from my test I see no reason to use an external mic. I never heard of the XtremeMac MicroMemo but it looks cool.

I just did a QUICK recording to demonstrate what this can do. Please don't laugh at my playing...I know it sucks! I clamped my iPod to a mic stand about 18 inches away from my VibroChamp XD and used my SX Strat.

iTalk Blues (http://guitar.mikespe.com/mp3/iTalkBlues.mp3)

I've got a the Belkin version of that -- or, should I say, several Belkin versions of that. I use 'em for in-person interviews. These devices are not compatible from one generation of Ipod to another -- not in my experience, anyway.

I should mention that I, too, was impressed with the sound quality of the recordings these make. I can't see myself using them for music recording, I can see how they might be useful to record song sketches.

I just got the most amazing recording device. The iTalk by Griffin (http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Technology-9734-ITALK30-2-iTalk-Pro/dp/B000ENQT1W/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1209156903&sr=8-1) allows you to record directly to your iPod then upload to your computer through iTunes as a wav file. Then you can rename it and convert to mp3 or whatever you want. I just did a quick recording with my acoustic and plugged in my headphones and I couldn't believe the quality of the recording. Maybe not CD quality but maybe for demos or if you're out and get a musical inspiration and want to get your ideas down.

I got mine from eBay brand new for about $7 shipped. I was skeptical but for the price I figured it was worth a try. It is simple to use and the quality is more than adequate.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/310K3M0XGKL._SL500_AA280_.jpg

Can you control the input volume or record volume so it does not distort? I am trying to record our practices on my laptop, but the mic distorts heavily. Will the griffin allow you to record very loud music? Thanks

Can you control the input volume or record volume so it does not distort? I am trying to record our practices on my laptop, but the mic distorts heavily. Will the griffin allow you to record very loud music? Thanks

On your laptop I am assuming you are using a preamp to increase the line signal to your computer. Line signals are weak and need boosting. The preamp should have a gain control on it so you can do just that. It should also have a "clipping" light on it to let you know when your signal clips (distorts too much).

But to answer your question, there is a setting (I haven't tried it yet) that allows you to go automatic or manual. I have mine set to automatic and let the device sort it out. But you can manually set the gain as well.

So for example with your setup, you can have it on automatic and place it in front of say a tweed deluxe thats cranked, and not have it distort or clipping in the recording?

So for example with your setup, you can have it on automatic and place it in front of say a tweed deluxe thats cranked, and not have it distort or clipping in the recording?

Well from my experience when you record you should never really "crank" your amp. However, I work with smaller amps. Many of the best music from the 70's was done with the Champ or Princeton Recording Amps. O am not familiar with your amp...does it have Attenuation on there? If not you may want to invest in an attenuator (Weber has some nice ones).

But based on what I am reading from you, the iTalk may not be the best thing for you. It really is only meant to record ideas to be recorded later. I suggest you invest in a good preamp/computer interface and a mixer. You will have a lot more control of your input signal and then crank your amp but reduce the clipping via the mixer and the interface.

Let me clarify. I want to record my band practices which are pretty loud. I am not concerned with how good it sounds as long as it is clear and not distorted.

Let me clarify. I want to record my band practices which are pretty loud. I am not concerned with how good it sounds as long as it is clear and not distorted.

If you were in an acoustic band I would say this would definitely work. But I think you may want to invest in a Tascam DP-1 Digital 8 Track Recorder (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-DP01-Digital-8Track-Portastudio?sku=241106). You will have much more control.

this is an example (http://homepage.mac.com/macmanager/.Public/18w.mp4) of the xtreme mac device recording a band... we were backing a guy singing with a band for the first time and he wanted a recording... I tossed my ipod up on a shelf and recorded using the microphone... it was good enough so we could all learn the song from it.

this is an example (http://homepage.mac.com/macmanager/.Public/18w.mp4) of the xtreme mac device recording a band... we were backing a guy singing with a band for the first time and he wanted a recording... I tossed my ipod up on a shelf and recorded using the microphone... it was good enough so we could all learn the song from it.

thats what I want to do thanks. Where did you buy the attachment?

hmmm, I bought it at the Apple company store. But I think you can get it from the usual places.. like Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=XtremeMac+MicroMemo&x=0&y=0)

this is an example (http://homepage.mac.com/macmanager/.Public/18w.mp4) of the xtreme mac device recording a band... we were backing a guy singing with a band for the first time and he wanted a recording... I tossed my ipod up on a shelf and recorded using the microphone... it was good enough so we could all learn the song from it.

Actually the iTalk can do that as well. I thought you wanted something more for demo recordings...a bit more professional. The iTalk is basically the same thing...just looks different.