AR-4i
audio interface
An audio interface for iPhone 4 and iPod touch 4G is now available. Equipped with multiple stereo inputs that support line to microphone level, it enables high-quality sound recording for a wide range of applications such as movie recording, live streaming distribution, interviews, and band performances, depending on the application.
A terrestrial TV program was produced with the iPhone4S and AR-4i.
KKB Kagoshima Broadcasting’s information program “Kingspe Kingspe” will produce a program using only iPhone4S video recording and broadcast on Friday, April 20, 2012. This groundbreaking project is a gourmet spot report project for a 30-minute program on terrestrial digital broadcasting, filmed and broadcast using only an iPhone and AR-4i!
KKB Kagoshima Broadcasting’s information program “Kingspe Kingspe” will produce a program using only iPhone4S video recording and broadcast on Friday, April 20, 2012. This groundbreaking project is a gourmet spot report project for a 30-minute program on terrestrial digital broadcasting, filmed and broadcast using only an iPhone and AR-4i!
In Kokubu, Kirishima City, Kagoshima Prefecture, where Sony and Kyocera factories are located, many fashionable and particular gourmet spots are mushrooming there. A female announcer (iPhone user) sneaks in there with an iphone film crew. They report on cafes that offer delicious sweets in renovated old apartments, authentic Vietnamese cuisine, and unique okonomiyaki restaurants with private rooms. The video footage is also remarkable, and you will be amazed at how beautiful and tasteful iPhone video can be.
To give the recording an iPhone-like feel, we dared to use the standard camera app. The only other app is the AR-4i setting app. Microphones are used according to the scene with the microphone and pin microphone included with the AR-4i. The wireless system is designed for broadcast use with an XLR connector output, but to input to the AR-4i, we had to convert the connector (XLR-mini), which was time-consuming and bulky when carrying it around. Editing was done on an H264-compatible non-linear editing machine.
Features
Three inputs are provided for line to microphone level, two of which can be used simultaneously.
● Inputs are also compatible with plug-in powered microphones.
Two uni-directional microphones (x2) are included as standard.
LED level meter allows confirmation of input audio volume.
The volume control volume allows for quick volume adjustment.
A headphone output is provided for monitoring input and playback sound.
A cold shoe is provided for attaching camera options.
The device can be operated for 4 to 8 hours with two AAA alkaline or nickel metal hydride rechargeable batteries. Furthermore, it can also be powered externally via the USB port, in which case it can also be used to charge the iPhone4 battery.
The AR-4i does not have a power switch; the AR-4i automatically turns on when an iPhone is plugged in.
The AR-4i will also consume power while the iPhone is plugged in. Please disconnect the iPhone when not in use for long periods of time.
The built-in AAA batteries cannot be charged.
The terminal layout and design allow for use in either portrait or landscape orientation.
●Body design that allows the user to hold the camera like a compact camera.
Two tripod screw holes are provided horizontally and vertically for attaching a tripod, grip, or other camera options.
A machined aluminum hand grip is included as standard equipment to reduce camera shake when shooting hand-held.
The hand grip is thick enough to be inserted into a microphone holder for a standard handheld microphone, so a microphone stand in a rehearsal studio or live music club can be used in place of a tripod.
AR-4i Configuration Application
The AR-4i setup application allows you to switch between mono and stereo input (PAN), cut low frequencies (low-cut filter), limit (reduce distortion when input is too high), and adjust input level (attenuator). When using a line signal from a third-party stereo microphone or portable player, the INPUT setting can be set to center to enable stereo input.
The INPUT setting “Reverse” is used to switch between left and right depending on the camera orientation when using stereo microphones.
The input level can be adjusted in -3dB steps for each input with a maximum attenuation of -12dB. For example, when using microphones with different levels and line signals together, the level can be adjusted easily.
The low-frequency cutoff frequency can be selected from 4 points, allowing the user to select an appropriate value for each environment.
The release time of the limiter can be adjusted in three modes: Fast, Slow, and Deep.
The release time (the time to continue suppressing the volume when there is excessive input) increases in the order of Fast, Slow, and Deep. For example, in an environment with continuous loud sound, such as a concert, selecting Deep mode allows the user to continue inputting the task. Ultimately, select the appropriate mode while monitoring with the AR-4i.
The AR-4i control application can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.
The AR-4i setup application allows you to switch between mono and stereo input (PAN), cut low frequencies (low-cut filter), limit (reduce distortion when input is too high), and adjust input level (attenuator). When using a line signal from a third-party stereo microphone or portable player, the INPUT setting can be set to center to enable stereo input.
The INPUT setting “Reverse” is used to switch between left and right depending on the camera orientation when using stereo microphones.
The input level can be adjusted in -3dB steps for each input with a maximum attenuation of -12dB. For example, when using microphones with different levels and line signals together, the level can be adjusted easily.
The low-frequency cutoff frequency can be selected from 4 points, allowing the user to select an appropriate value for each environment.
The release time of the limiter can be adjusted in three modes: Fast, Slow, and Deep.
The release time (the time to continue suppressing the volume when there is excessive input) increases in the order of Fast, Slow, and Deep. For example, in an environment with continuous loud sound, such as a concert, selecting Deep mode allows the user to continue inputting the task. Ultimately, select the appropriate mode while monitoring with the AR-4i.
The AR-4i control application can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store.
Specifications
Main Specifications
| analog input | |
|---|---|
| port (e.g. LAN port) | 3.5mm dia. stereo mini jack |
| Input signal type | Line to microphone input |
| Plug-in power output | Constant output |
| Settable gain | -12 to 59.6dB |
| PHONES | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | 3.5mm dia. stereo mini jack |
| Applicable load impedance | 16 ohm or more |
| Maximum output | 15mW (32Ω load THD: 0.1% or less) |
| DC-IN | |
| port (e.g. LAN port) | Mini-USB |
| Supply voltage | 5V |
| general | |
| External Dimensions | 73.5 (W) × 106 (H) × 50 (D) mm (main body) (* maximum projection) Φ23 × 110 (H) mm (Grip) |
| mass | Approx. 200g (main unit) Approx. 110g (grip) |
| accessory | Unidirectional microphone x 2, AAA batteries x 2, hand grip, pouch The batteries included are manganese dry cell batteries for testing purposes. We recommend replacing the batteries as soon as possible because the operating time will be short. |
Attention
Note about AR-4i and the iOS App
The AR-4i is an audio interface; the AR-4i itself does not have recording/recording capabilities. Recording time, recording format, etc. depend on the iOS application used.
The AR-4i may not work with some iOS applications. The AR-4i communicates audio data with iOS via the dock connector, but it cannot be used with apps that have restrictions on audio input/output from the dock connector, for example. Please note that AR-4i has no way to solve these problems because it does not communicate directly with the app.
In some Live video streaming applications, only the L channel of the audio signal is streamed over the Internet. All inputs will now be distributed.
The AR-4i may not be usable with some applications due to the difference in the way audio data is handled depending on whether the communication environment is 3G or Wi-Fi.
*This product complies with the European RoHS Directive.