Recording conversations in a moving car

May 30, 2017 9:10 PM

I am planning on recording conversations in a moving car - either for use in a podcast or for archival purposes. Ideally, I'd like to record on a device I already own (iPad/iPhone) with some sort of external microphone. Participants may in in the front seat or back seat. What equipment should a budget conscious person like me look for?
posted by m@f to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

Bluetooth lapel microphone is probably your best bet to minimise external noise but it would be complicated getting two feeds into a single device by that method. However it's very easy syncing up two digital files after the event in Audacity, so if you can't get more than one feed just use two devices.

This Rode lapel mic looks good, and not too expensive.
posted by Sebmojo at 9:51 PM on May 30, 2017

Something like this?

http://www.azden.com/dual-channel-wireless-smartphone/
posted by mary8nne at 5:30 AM on May 31, 2017

The Rode lapel mic linked above is my go-to. Great sound. Easy to pass back and forth in the car. No fiddly Bluetooth to deal with. You can record into garage band, but I found the AVR recording app to be easier.
posted by songs_about_rainbows at 5:39 AM on May 31, 2017

Eh, for not much more than that lapel mic I'd get a bona fide field recorder.

You can get nice ones starting around $80. Here's one from sweetwater, that page can also help you comparison shop.
posted by SaltySalticid at 7:40 AM on May 31, 2017 [1 favorite]

It's easy to sync up multiple audio recordings, so don't worry about needing to get everything onto one device.

Just do this: once all of the audio devices are recording, somebody claps loudly three times.

In your editing software the sharp spikes are a snap to line up.

I'd rather have everyone mic'd up into separate devices, especially when there is significant ambient noise.
posted by trinity8-director at 11:45 AM on May 31, 2017