So I’m thinking of replacing my Zoom H4N with a mic for the ipad. Has anyone gone this route? Advice?
Anyone have experience with using a mic for the iPad? Last I checked the quality wasn’t up to snuff but that may have changed these days.
The H4n is just another box I have to bring along with me. I’m not a person who goes out with an idea in mind for what I want to record; just whatever I happen to come across. And considering I never have the H4n with me, due to convenience, I miss a lot.
I use a Tascam iXZ which allows any mic to be plugged in to the iPad. It takes batteries and supports phantom power. I’ve used it with lots of different mics - including pro studio mics - and it works great.
Yeah idk. An interface would just add to the weight and an external mic even more so. Ill keep it in mind, though. Thanks!
bought a røde iXLR about a month ago. Decent sound but only works with their app. No phantom power either. But small a f
I bought an iPad and an Apogee usb mic a couple years ago, but I ditched the mic for an H4npro. I can’t stand doing anything music related on an iPad except using my metronome or tuner app. Getting audio on and off an iPad sucks beyond description. With the H4n, I’ve just learned to take it with me like my notebook and pencils. I had to start the habit, just like other habits. It’s easy to transfer files, and since I like to grab a lot of sounds from nature, I don’t worry about taking something delicate like an iPad out in the woods.
edit: I’m not sure the H4nPro sounds better than the Apogee + iPad, but the convenience (not having two delicate pieces in the field) beats it for sure. I’m happy with the sound of the H4nPro.
I vote stay with the zoom.
I have a class compliant mic that connects to the iPad via cck. It’s awesome to be able to edit and name files on the fly but fiddly af. Further, tsa hates it. It’s been nothing but trouble in that respect.
In the tradition of purpose built hardware, the zoom does one thing well and doesn’t get facebook.
If you do go with the iPad mic, look at ‘measurement mode’ on the iPad which I think disabled the low cut. On the other hand, I suppose low cut is a common feature on mics. Might want to check it out anyway.
Yeah you guys might be right. Looking into them it’s still not on H4n level, even for a casual field recorder like myself.
Quoted for truth.
Thanks ya’ll!
This might be a dumb question, but can you plug a USB of a field recorder into an Octatrack and transfer files that way, direct from a field recorder?
Sorry to go OT
Good question. Haven’t tried it yet. Might try it soon.
No, both act as USB slave if that makes sense. OT needs a device with a ‘proper’ host OS to push the files onto it.
OP I agree that it’s better to just train yourself to carry it! My Sony M10 lives in my backpack and can idle for months on a set of batteries so it’s always good to go.
Yeah imagine the irony: I give up the H4n for an iPad mic, it’s on me always, I start really going deep into field recording, OH LOOK AT THAT, I need a proper field recorder 
just fyi, you can also use H4n as an audio interface for iPad. you need a powered usb hub though (and camera connection kit), but it’s a nice addition; let’s you input a stereo source into your ipad (or two mono sources)
you can’t use the mics on the H4n at the same time - it either works as recorder or interface.
+1 about moving audio in and out of the iPad
quick tip though: if you have AudioShare (a must-have app) you can activate a function called WiFi Drive that let’s you move files around with a computer - I started using it recently and I think so far it’s the easiest method (at least for some uses)
does the zoom have ext mic pres? What I find most limiting with entry level zooms (not sure if this model is one) is that then you cannot make any mic selections… As you know, there is no single “best” mic for every recording situation. Phantom power would be great too, although many portable systems skimp on the phantom power a tad
For my uses, something like the røde iXLR but with phantom power and coreaudio functionality would be ideal.
Avoid anything to do with computers or iPads if there is a hardware equivalent.
How many times do you really need a field recorder? I am really addicted to field & foley stage recording.
I started with the Apogee Mic / iPad combo and now hardware is the only way to go. It’s a extreme example but here’s my list of sold and what i now have:
Sold:
Current set:
The Tascam DR-44WL is a solid starting point with dual XLR/TRS Inputs (Phantom Powered) for expansion perhaps down the track for higher-end external mics and booms. Personally resist Zoom handheld recorders they’re panned center and have scooped mid frequencies, Tascam however in comparison have a wider stereo field and greater presence in the mid frequencies with their built-in mics in the same price bracket.
The Tascam DR-44WL also features a dual recording mode for either a -12dB offset or MP3 for burning and distributing performances. With support for 128GB SDXC recording media. Again, baby steps with room to grow. Cheap too.
I would go with the H5 instead as the H4N. Doesn’t cost much more, but feels a lot sturdier, has exchangeable mics and proper level controls.
The iPad is a bit of a PIA in many regards. getting audio onto or out of it is cumbersome, plus you need to be very careful not to update anything, because that will likely screw up things. also, it will probably not replace your computer, takes up more space in your bag and will make you look silly in public 
That’s one of the reasons I ditched iOS devices completely from music making. No full backups, no rollback to older versions, no direct access to files, cmon.
Damn dude that is a high level set up. You doing this for work as well?