the dynamic audio input range of most headphones sucks.
(good at output)
the dynamic audio output range of most microphones sucks.
(good at input)
but they're fundamentally interchangeable in function.
don't know if the new soundbugs would work this way, as they use an external vibrating medium (window, desk, etc) as a diaphragm. might be worth investigating.
and presumably, any headphones sold as "noise cancelling" will have a harder time at this trick, since they're explicitly trying to damp down competing audio with a feedback loop back into the amplified stream
That is true. If I can record audio much less VIDEO!!!!! with an adapter or whatever I'm sold. One of my favorite new features is how SMALL these are! I haven't even seen one yet but I can't wait!
Thanks to Amorya and curiousuburb for explaining why you can use a speaker as a microphone. I understood the physics of speakers and microphones but simply didn't believe they could work in reverse of their designed function. I guess the fact that the guy quoted on MacRumors spoke into the left headphone made me even more suspicious.
Slightly off topic: I haven't done any serious physics or math since high school many years ago. I desperately need to revive that knowledge and maybe even improve upon it. Can anybody recommend a good introductory math and physics self-tutorial book?
Thanks to Amorya and curiousuburb for explaining why you can use a speaker as a microphone. I understood the physics of speakers and microphones but simply didn't believe they could work in reverse of their designed function. I guess the fact that the guy quoted on MacRumors spoke into the left headphone made me even more suspicious.
Escher
Generally speaking with audio devies, if you plug a stereo plug (like on headphones) into a mono jack (which is probably how the INPUT is wired on the iPod's headphone jack), you'll get an input level from the left side only - it makes complete sense.
I agree that the quality will be rather poor (depending on your definition, of course!) no matter how good of headphones you use. Can make for interesting recordings though!
Slightly off topic: I haven't done any serious physics or math since high school many years ago. I desperately need to revive that knowledge and maybe even improve upon it. Can anybody recommend a good introductory math and physics self-tutorial book?
Escher
Hang on, you're going to learn maths voluntarily?
I'm studying for an A level in it at the moment, so I'm still in an education setting and stuff, but I find the textbooks we use are pretty decent at explaining all the different concepts. If you're prepared to put up with having to follow the A level syllabus (it's not that bad, especially if you're not working to the same time constraints we are!) then they'd be pretty good to teach yourself from. If you manage to work through one, you could also (if you so desired) go and take the relevant exam, and have another qualification to your name.
Oooh, hang on a sec - you're not in the UK. Sorry, missed that. The books I recommended are based on the UK A level qualifications. They'd still be good for you if you just wanted to learn maths but not get the qualification, I guess. If you want, I could scan a page or two and send you.
I don't think anywhere in the US would enter you for an A level... correct me if I'm wrong, anyone? I suppose if they did, you'd have to do it in the middle of the night to meet the time zone requirements.
Hey Escher, gotta love those helpful "Anonymous" posters at iPodding.com. They make the AI flamers sound like a Mensa convention....but they are kinda funny.
It amazies me that there are people out there who are smart enough to find out this possibility of the microphone input on a device released only days ago, but can't take a photo to save their lives...
I would also think that some one by now would have soldered a real microphone to an iPod' audio plug and discovered what quality it recorded at. C'mon someone out there in this forum has got to try soon.
Comments
the dynamic audio input range of most headphones sucks.
(good at output)
the dynamic audio output range of most microphones sucks.
(good at input)
but they're fundamentally interchangeable in function.
don't know if the new soundbugs would work this way, as they use an external vibrating medium (window, desk, etc) as a diaphragm. might be worth investigating.
Originally posted by torifile
This is cool. It's a feature people have been clamoring for for quite some time.
Matsu!! Get your iPod NOW!
HEY!!! It's about friggin time! But I'll wait till it's officially supported or a really good 3rd party hack from a reputable vendor comes along.
If they can somehow use the USB to enable a digital wallet function, this will be the greatest small device EVAR!
Slightly off topic: I haven't done any serious physics or math since high school many years ago. I desperately need to revive that knowledge and maybe even improve upon it. Can anybody recommend a good introductory math and physics self-tutorial book?
Escher
Originally posted by Escher
Thanks to Amorya and curiousuburb for explaining why you can use a speaker as a microphone. I understood the physics of speakers and microphones but simply didn't believe they could work in reverse of their designed function. I guess the fact that the guy quoted on MacRumors spoke into the left headphone made me even more suspicious.
Escher
Generally speaking with audio devies, if you plug a stereo plug (like on headphones) into a mono jack (which is probably how the INPUT is wired on the iPod's headphone jack), you'll get an input level from the left side only - it makes complete sense.
I agree that the quality will be rather poor (depending on your definition, of course!) no matter how good of headphones you use. Can make for interesting recordings though!
fish
Originally posted by Escher
Slightly off topic: I haven't done any serious physics or math since high school many years ago. I desperately need to revive that knowledge and maybe even improve upon it. Can anybody recommend a good introductory math and physics self-tutorial book?
Escher
Hang on, you're going to learn maths voluntarily?
I'm studying for an A level in it at the moment, so I'm still in an education setting and stuff, but I find the textbooks we use are pretty decent at explaining all the different concepts. If you're prepared to put up with having to follow the A level syllabus (it's not that bad, especially if you're not working to the same time constraints we are!) then they'd be pretty good to teach yourself from. If you manage to work through one, you could also (if you so desired) go and take the relevant exam, and have another qualification to your name.
The books are found here
Amorya
I don't think anywhere in the US would enter you for an A level... correct me if I'm wrong, anyone? I suppose if they did, you'd have to do it in the middle of the night to meet the time zone requirements.
Amorya
It amazies me that there are people out there who are smart enough to find out this possibility of the microphone input on a device released only days ago, but can't take a photo to save their lives...
I would also think that some one by now would have soldered a real microphone to an iPod' audio plug and discovered what quality it recorded at. C'mon someone out there in this forum has got to try soon.