By
RØDE Microphones
Designed in
Australia
Description
The iXY is a high-quality stereo microphone designed for use with the Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. It incorporates an acoustically matched pair of 1/2” condenser capsules, in a stacked X-Y configuration to provide immersive, true-to-life stereo recordings. Its on-board analogue-to-digital conversion bypasses the Apple device’s audio hardware, to provide incredibly high-quality audio recordings. Using the 'RØDE Rec' app, the iXY is capable of recording at 24-bit/96kHz resolution, which makes the iXY the highest quality microphone available for Apple’s iOS devices.
Key Features
and/or Benefits
The iXY’s primary function is to capture incredibly detailed stereo recordings. It features a pair of 1/2” condenser capsules that are acoustically matched to ensure an almost identical sensitivity. These are arranged in a perfect 90 degree alignment, in a stacked, near-coincident pair. This arrangement is proven to provide a superior stereo image to a spaced pair approach, which is used by the vast majority of iOS microphone accessories. The iXY also features an adjustable analogue input level and high pass filter to provide even greater recording versatility for the user.
Using traditional sound design tools, the user would need to carry a dedicated audio recording rig consisting of (at least) a separate audio recorder, microphone and cable. By employing the Apple iOS device as the interface and storage, the iXY frees the user from the added bulk, and leverages a device that they would likely be carrying on their person already. Using the 'RØDE Rec' app the user is able to capture audio in the field and share it instantly, across a number of popular file sharing protocols and platforms.
While the iXY operates with any iOS audio application that accepts a stereo microphone input, it offers extended functionality when paired with RØDE’s recording app, 'RØDE Rec'. By controlling both the hardware and software, RØDE has been able to provide the iXY with recording quality up to 24-bit resolution with 96kHz sampling, the only microphone for iOS devices on the market to do so. Additionally the 'RØDE Rec' software allows the user to control the iXY’s on-board analogue level and high pass filter settings.
The combination of portability and high-quality audio capture makes the iXY suitable for a wide range of applications, from recording live music to sound design and on-camera use, through to reporting and electronic news gathering (ENG). The 'RØDE Rec' app also allows the user to select individual microphone capsules, in addition to combining them to a mono channel to make the microphone highly suitable for voice-over and podcasting applications.
With an all-metal body, the iXY is incredibly robust and built to handle the rigours of field recording. The housing is cast from aluminium and is designed to feel like a natural extension of the iOS device. The metal housing also provides a high level of electrical shielding for the internal audio components.