Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G
Designed to dramatically improve the sound quality of videos captured with your iPhone 4/4S, the Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G offers excellent quality stereo audio recording using the dock connector and built-in AD/DA converter. The device features LED input level metering, gain control and headphone monitoring.
The AR-4i is battery powered, and has a generous operation time of eight to ten hours. Two threaded tripod mounts offer compatibility with a tripod or camera rig, and a cold shoe accepts third party camera options. A dedicated, easy-to-use app for your iPhone 4/4S or iPod touch 4G is available as a free download from the Apple App Store. After you download it, you can easily control input level, microphone setting, equalization, filters, and more. In order to allow for compatibility with your fourth gen iPod touch, a dedicated adapter comes with the unit.
The audio quality and versatile operation of the AR-4i make it ideal for both professional and in-home applications. It's a perfect accessory for TV and radio reporting, live video streaming to the web, and even in-home use to help you create high quality home videos. Or if you regularly stream videos to web services like Twitter or U-Stream or use video upload sites like YouTube or Vimeo, you'll be able to start uploading videos with better sound.
- Exceptional audio quality; record/playback via dock connector with built-in AD/DA converter
- Equipped with 3 stereo inputs (line/mic) for using 2 of the 3 simultaneously for vertical or horizontal use
- 2 plug-in powered condenser cardioid type microphones with pop-shields included; third party microphones can also be used
- 4-dot level LED level meter for input monitoring
- Thumb wheel input gain control
- Headphone output for recording and playback monitoring
- Long operation time: 8 to 10 hours with 2 x AAA alkaline batteries
- Sturdy hand grip is included
- 2 threaded tripod mounts on the bottom side for use with a tripod, camera rigs, etc.
- Cold shoe allows for use of third party camera options
- Setup App can be downloaded free from the Apple App Store; for setting Pan (L/C/R), Low Cut Filter, Limiter, and more
- Precision-cut plastic adapter with elastic pad on the back holds a fourth gen iPod touch
- Certified as "Made for iPhone" to meet Apple performance standards
Go To
| Input | |
|---|---|
| Connector | 1/8" (3.5 mm) diameter stereo mini |
| Input Impedance | More than 2k ohm |
| Gain | -12 / -59 dB (variable) |
| Power | 2.5 V (continuous) |
| LED | 1 x level meter, 4-dot (doubles as system status indicator) |
| Headphones | |
|---|---|
| Connector | 1/8" (3.5 mm) diameter stereo mini |
| Load Impedance | More than 16k ohm |
| Maximum Output | 15 mW (32 ohm loaded, THD less than 0.1%) |
| Audio | |
|---|---|
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz / 20 kHz +-4 dB (Mic-phones / 15 mW / 32 ohm loaded) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | More than 73 dB (Mic-phones / input gain maximum) |
| General | |
|---|---|
| Compatibility |
iPhone 4S - 16GB 32GB 64GB iPhone 4 - 16GB 32GB iPod touch 4th generation - 8GB 16GB 32GB 64GB (with the supplied adapter) |
| Power | 2 x AAA batteries (alkaline 3V / Nih 2.4 V) |
| External Power Supply | USB mini B type (5V) |
| Power Consumption | 0.3 W |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
Including Protrusion: 28.9 x 4.2 x 1.9" (735 x 106 x 50 mm) Hand Grip: 9.25 x 4.0" (235 x 101 mm) diameter (excluding screw) |
| Weight |
Main: 7.1 oz (200 g) Hand Grip: 3.6 oz (102 g) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 8 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
83%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (4)
- Lightweight (4)
- Durable (3)
- Simple controls (3)
- Versatile (3)
Cons
Best Uses
- Reviewer Profile:
- Business professional (4), Avid listener (3)
- Primary use:
- Business (5), Personal (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (7)
Reviewed by 8 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-8
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
Like the product.
- Primary use:
- Personal
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Easy Controls
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
The Audio Quality is enhanced dramatically.
Video capture is aided by hand grip and larger area to hold while shooting.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy Controls
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Travel
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
Used it for pro interviews. Amazing results.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Durable
- Easy Controls
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
Love my iPphone4 but was underwhelmed with the quality of the audio when using the video camera functionality. The AR-4i (couln't they come up with a better name?)solves that problem. My audio is now so much louder, so much clearer. My posts on You Tube and FB are so much more professional. This little guy is EXACTLY what I need. While it may not be suited for a high end user it is well designed, well crafted, well enginered.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Clear Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
I have the iPhone 4 S....I love the sound quality.as advertised... the monopole makes it a much better platform to shoot form....
BUT Im not sure the 4S likes that sync cradle...You have to take the phone out to upload a clip...just finding a few bugs...but overall..its worth tinkering with...the sound can be very touchy too...and not every earphone will work...so not perfect but would buy an updated one when offered..they are on the right track
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Durable
- Easy To Set Up
- External mic input option
- Fits Well
- Improves Audio Quality
- Records in Stereo
- Tripod mounts
Cons
- Tutorial would be nice
Best Uses
- Recording Interviews
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
I made a few short videos of interviews with artists for an art exhibit promotion. It was a good idea but the quality was lower than I wanted. I researched a lot and found out that the quality of the audio of an iPhone video counts for as much as 70% of the experience for viewers. Some form of external mic is essential. The AR-4i was just what I needed.
I just slide my iPhone 4 with the bumper case taken off into the unit and it starts up. I can adjust the audio input and monitor it with earphones. The improvement in audio quality over the built-in mic is astounding.
What I also like is that there are two tripod mounts for vertical or horizontal. I plan on also using this unit with a wireless clip-on mic I have and can easily plug that into one of the ports.
I was testing out the unit in my patio and accidentally left it on the table after removing the iPhone. It rained all night with it outdoors. The next morning I removed the mics and windscreens and laid everything on a newspaper to dry. When I plugged in the iPhone later it worked just fine. It is solidly built and easy to use.
The unit itself requires AAA batteries and are said to last 10 hours. I use a lot of AA batteries but will have to stock up on AAA for this unit. Not a big issue.
I downloaded the free app that goes with it. I can use it to make adjustments. What I do not like is that there are not very complete instructions as to how to make the adjustments and how to maximize the settings for my particular use. I would like more extensive tutorials.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
It produces static on a 4S and it disconnects the phone from the network when used with the AR-4i.
- Primary use:
- Business
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Adds Functionality
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
- Problems with iPhone 4S
Best Uses
- Home Use
- Travel
Comments about Fostex AR-4i Audio Interface for iPhone 4/4S & iPod touch 4G:
I used this on several occasions with my iPhone 4, and it performed flawlessly. The audio is fantastic. I recently upgraded to an iPhone 4S, and it is not working well. The audio playback produces static.
In all fairness to Fostex, the specs claim that it is compatible with the iPhone 4. There is no mention of the 4S.
There is the capability to update the firmware on the AR-4i. I hope that Fostex can get it working on the 4S as well.
If you're an iPhone 4 user, this device will dramatically increase the audio qualtiy of your recordings.
- Primary use:
- Personal
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Displaying reviews 1-8
Batteries & Power
-
- Original: $16.95
- Save: $1.69
- Price: $15.26
- Price: $1.99
What's in the Box
- Hand Grip
- 2 x Cardioid Plug-In Mics
- 2 x AAA Batteries (Manganese)
- Adapter for iPod touch 4G
- 1-Year Warranty
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