Over a year ago, RØDE introduced the iXY Microphone for the iPhone 4, the first device for iOS capable of 24-bit/96k audio recordings, which meant studio quality audio could be collected with a device that could fit inside your pocket. However, iPhone 5 users were pretty much out of luck until today. RØDE announced the highly anticipated update that allows you to use the award-winning mic with your iPhone 5, 5c, and 5s. Now fitted with a Lighting connector, the iXY microphone will provide the same quality audio found in the previous version, but on the latest Apple smart phone devices.


Here's a bit from RØDE's press release:

Equipped with the same broadcast audio performance as the original 30-pin microphone, the iXY with Lightning connector features a matched pair of ½ inch condenser capsules arranged in a stacked X-Y configuration, with on-board high-fidelity analogue to digital conversion. This ensures accurate, immersive and true to life stereo recordings.

The iXY microphone is probably most appealing to those who don't want to lug around a bunch of gear; documentarians who are conducting a bunch of interviews or recording in places where being unobtrusive is key, or any filmmaker who is recording in a location where transporting gear is a challenge. Really, given the quality of the audio and the ability to monitor and level the audio with the RØDE Rec app, the iXY is a great option for the price. Obviously, you're not going to get the same audio quality with this mic that you would if you were using a $3000 one with a pro mixer, but the sound you will get is surprisingly clear and robust. You can listen to a bunch of audio samples on the iXY website.

IXY MIC 2

Ixy_large2

Ixy_large4

RØDE also updated their field recording app to increase compatibility and stability on the iOS 7 platform. You can purchase it for $5.99 in the App Store. If you're unfamiliar with the app, check out this intro:

RØDE is now shipping the iXY microphone at $199. (By the way, if you're using an iPhone 4 or iPad, you might be happy to know that the original 30-pin iXY version is now available for $150.)

Link: iXY Stereo Microphone for iPad & iPhone -- RØDE

Disclosure: RØDE is a No Film School advertiser.