Recording to iPod: Griffin iTalk

mikespe · April 25th, 2008, 05:56 PM

I just got the most amazing recording device. The iTalk by Griffin 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.

getbent · April 25th, 2008, 06:05 PM

those are cool. I use an XtremeMac MicroMemo

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.

mikespe · April 25th, 2008, 06:49 PM

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.

mikespe · April 25th, 2008, 09:11 PM

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

Skully · April 25th, 2008, 09:12 PM

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.

Skully · April 26th, 2008, 05:11 PM

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.

giogolf · April 28th, 2008, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikespe

I just got the most amazing recording device. The iTalk by Griffin 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.

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

mikespe · April 28th, 2008, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giogolf

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.

giogolf · April 28th, 2008, 05:32 PM

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?

mikespe · April 28th, 2008, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giogolf

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.

giogolf · April 28th, 2008, 05:43 PM

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.

mikespe · April 28th, 2008, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by giogolf

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. You will have much more control.

getbent · April 28th, 2008, 07:47 PM

this is an example 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.

giogolf · April 29th, 2008, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

this is an example 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?

getbent · April 29th, 2008, 07:45 PM

hmmm, I bought it at the Apple company store. But I think you can get it from the usual places.. like Amazon

mikespe · April 29th, 2008, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by getbent

this is an example 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.

April 25th, 2008, 05:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
mikespe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Western New York Age: 42 Posts: 1,075	Recording to iPod: Griffin iTalk I just got the most amazing recording device. The iTalk by Griffin 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.

April 25th, 2008, 06:05 PM	#2 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,137 37 Photos	those are cool. I use an XtremeMac MicroMemo 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. __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

April 25th, 2008, 09:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 3,987	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. __________________ Myspace.com/skullysounds

April 26th, 2008, 05:11 PM	#6 (permalink)
Skully Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Glamorous NoHo Posts: 3,987	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. __________________ Myspace.com/skullysounds

April 28th, 2008, 07:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,137 37 Photos	this is an example 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. __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'

April 25th, 2008, 06:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
mikespe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Western New York Age: 42 Posts: 1,075	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.

April 25th, 2008, 09:11 PM	#4 (permalink)
mikespe Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Western New York Age: 42 Posts: 1,075	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

April 28th, 2008, 05:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
giogolf Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 198	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?

April 28th, 2008, 05:43 PM	#11 (permalink)
giogolf Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NJ Posts: 198	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.

April 29th, 2008, 07:45 PM	#15 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 10,137 37 Photos	hmmm, I bought it at the Apple company store. But I think you can get it from the usual places.. like Amazon __________________ 'never pet a burning dog'