[nnager]

Although I found a number of Macworld threads that discuss mics, I'm so new to iPods and microphones that I can't figure out what would work with the 120 GB Classic.

Please share your insights and experience on a decent mic for recording talk by others.

I bought a Belkin TuneTalk Stereo but the "stand" that comes with it lacks stability needed for angling it to pick up the voice of an interviewee across the desk or in front of an individual leading a seminar.

It's essential to control the recording from the iPod while the interviewee or seminar leader speaks into a mic. I learned the hard way not to rely on persons unfamiliar with the setup to remember how to record, pause, resume and save. (I had an interviewee who wanted to hold the iPod Classic and give it commands while he talked into it. He forgot to select "start recording." Another accidentally deleted all voice memos recorded in that session while thinking he had just deleted the last one.)

Is there a mic with a stable stand that could be angled toward another person across the desk or table and, at the same time, allow me--not another individual--to control start recording, pause, resume and save?

Thanks for considering my question and for any counsel you can share.

Respectfully, Norm

[nnager]

Updated to add: The Belkin TuneTalk Stereo for recording voice memos into an iPod plugs into the iPod?s USB port. The Belkin device, itself, has a 3.5mm line-level input port for connecting an external microphone.

Please recommend an external mic that could be plugged into that 3.5mm port.

Here?s how the Belkin manual describes the input for an external mic:

3.5mm Auxiliary Stereo Input

The auxiliary input can be used with any line-level input, such as amplified microphones or other audio devices. The TuneTalk Stereo also provides three-volt (3V) ?plug-in power? for use with an external microphone. When the TuneTalk Stereo senses that an auxiliary source is connected, the on-board microphones are automatically disabled.

I would like to have a microphone (either lapel or table) that can be used by another person four or more feet away from my iPod.

If I search at Amazon.com or other re-seller websites for microphones, I can?t understand the names of the models, let alone the product descriptions or the specifications.

Help, please?

Respectfully, Norm

[pj4184]

Just about any microphone with a 3.5mm male input will work. You should be able to find one at any Radio Shack. You can also Google "lapel microphone 3.5mm input" and come up with numerous sites selling such microphones. The mic I use is a clip-pn lapel mic that came from Radio Shack; it has a 6 ft cord and works extremely well.

[nnager]

Thanks for your thoughtful response.

Do you attach your Radio Shack lapel microphone to your iPod through a Belkin TuneTalk Stereo or through a different device?

I did plug a Radio Shack mic into the Belkin device but the sound that came through to my iPod Classic was faint.

I then tried a Sony ECM-CR120 Omnidirectional Clip-On Business Microphone but, again, the volume of voice memos was faint compared to just using the built-in mic of the Belkin TuneTalk.

Norm

[pj4184]

Long story short... I pastor a church and sometimes minister at other churches. To be sure sermons are recorded clearly when I'm at the other churche I have been using an 80GB iPod Classic Video. I use a Micromemo attachment purchased from XtremeMac (it came with a 4" gooseneck mic that is very effective); but I use a Radio Shack lapel mic that has a 4' cord (this mic requires no battery or other external power source.) It works very well. My only complaint is that there is no way to adjust the recording volume down (other than placing the mic lower on my shirt) because sometimes the level is just slightly too high. Even so, I know of others who use this same set-up (80GB iPod + Micromemo) with great success. The Micromemo works with all 80GB ipods and, in theory, all iPod Classics.

This past Satruday I received (via FedEx) a 160GB iPod Classic that I had purchased on-line from Apple. For some odd reason, my Micromeo attachment does't work. So, I went to Apple's site (www.apple.com/) clicked on 'Store" AND called Sales Support (1-800-MY-APPLE). Talked to Ben and explained everything above. Told him I need a mic-up that works with the 160GB Classic. He told me they sell the Belkin TuneTalk. I haven't received the Belkin unit yet, but Ben guaranteed me that it would work re: my described need.

The microphone should be attached into the small hole that is just to the right of the word "ON" on the bottom of the Belkin unit. Keep in mind that this is a stereo recorder (even though you can record in mono using the "low" setting on the iPod). Because the Belkin unit is a stereo recorder, you must use a stereo mic to get the best quality recording, even if you have the iPod set to "low". The reason is because the hole on the bottom of the Belkin is set up for a stereo mic and this cannot be changed. Therefore, you must use a stereo mic; a mono can result in the problem you are describing.

Another problem can be how the mic is connected to the Belkin. Meaning, if the stereo mic is not plugged in all the way, it is only making partial contact and the recording will definitely be faint. (By the way, that Sony mic is a good one.)

Something else to consider... Though I haven't used it yet, things I've read on the web re: the TuneTalk indicate that there may be a way to adjust the recording input level. The little red light on the front of the unit is a clipping level indicator. Therefore, if it has a clipping indicator, it would seem that there is a way to lower the recording level to avoid clipping. Thus, if there is a way to lower the recording level, there must be a way to raise the recording level. On the bottom of the unit there is an "AUTOGAIN" switch. This is probably the way clipping is avoided and recording level is adjusted. By turning that switch on, I am guessing that the unit has an internal level adjustment to keep the recording volume high, but avoid clipping. But again, having not yet used the unit I am speculating.

Personally, I would suggest going to Belkin's web site ( [http://belkin.com/]) click on Contact Us then click on Support. Or, try this link ([http://www.belkin.com/support/product/?lid=en&pid=F8Z082-BLK&scid=247]) to see if you can go directly to the TuneTalk help page. Also, here is a link that should take you to the TuneTalk on-line PDF manual ([http://cache-www.belkin.com.s3.amazonaws.com/support/dl/f8z082%20tunetalk%20stereo.pdf]).

Hope all works out!