VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

heyguido

A number of Android users on the bb have asked about using their devices to record. Until now, it hasn't been possible without some rather kludgey workarounds. iPad and iPhone users have been able to do this for a while now, but Android, not so much....

But now, there appears to be a solution.... USBAudioRecorderPro, a new a Hobo Tounge

from XStream Software Development, purports to record from USB sources, in 16 and 24bit, at resolutions up to 192khz. The software is presently in beta, and available on the Google Play Store for $4. There's also a trial version for those of you too cheap to pony up $4 for a look-see.

The developers have provided a listing of compatible Android hardware, and compatible USB devices, available here:

http://www.extreamsd.com/USBAudioRecorderPRO/index.html

As you can see, the list of compatible devices is pretty good, and includes some gear common to many of our setups. Encouraging.

I'm planning on downloading and installing to my Motorola Xoom this weekend/holiday.... and will report back in this space soon. Meanwhile, I'm sure Courvo and a few other Android enthusiasts will be all over this, as well, in the coming weeks.

If you check it out, please let us know of your experience, and share your input with the developers. This could be good....
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

cyclometh · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:17 am Post subject:

I might have to give this a try, but I'm skeptical. I have an HTC Thunderbolt and just to record anything in my studio I have to either put the thing in airplane mode or take it to a different part of the house because the RF emissions it gives off play havoc with my gear. How will that work when you're using the thing with a USB interface plugged into it?

Anyway, I've got a Fast Track here, might see how it works out. Also could give it a test drive with my MicPort.

I'm going to guess that it'll play hell with battery life and won't work well with anything that drives phantom power from the USB voltage, though.
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Corey "Vox Man" Snow
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heyguido · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:27 am Post subject:

I'm guessing it would be easiest to use with a usb mic like the Yeti or Samson, and powered interfaces would be better than usb powered, where battery life is concerned. Still, Beau weaver manages to use a 416 and an iPad to do the same thing, so anything's possible.

I'm gonna try my 415 with it's battery power field pack. I've got a couple of interface options floating around to try as well. I'll report back after I've had a chance to play with the various options.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

JoeActor · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 12:53 pm Post subject:

little bit of a bummer that the "H4" is supported, but not the "H4N".

I'm interested, but will probably wait a bit longer.

Would be better if I had a stock android tablet to play with, but I've only got a Kindle Fire at present.
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Joe J Thomas
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COURVO · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 1:58 pm Post subject:

Thanks for this tip, Guido...I can afford $4, and I'll be reviewing it on my blog over the weekend.

courvo
_________________
Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."

Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 2:31 pm Post subject:

Where'd you come from?? Smile

. Good to see your face, Dave. I'll be looking for the blog, as I'm curious too.

COURVO · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 3:50 pm Post subject:

Jason,

I can just "smell" stuff like this. Smile

No, Don gave me the heads-up in an email.

I've already downloaded the a Hobo Tounge

... and my Blue Spark Digital is on its way to Guitar Center!

WooHoo!

Dave C
_________________
Dave Courvoisier - Las Vegas, NV
http://www.CourVO.com
CourVO@CourVO.com
Courvo's "Voice Acting in Vegas" Blog: http://www.CourVO.biz
on your phone at courvo.mobi
702.610.6288
"I'm not a news anchor, but I play one on TV."

Jason Huggins · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 6:40 pm Post subject:

That is the mic I wanted to test out! Thanks for being the test lab. Smile

georgethetech · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 10:29 pm Post subject:

Awesome, Courvo! If you like it I will get one for my (wife's) ipad Mini (which is gift wrapped at the moment). I will try my GS3 with the usb on the go adapter, soon.
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If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
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georgethetech · Posted: Fri Dec 21, 2012 11:01 pm Post subject:

This sample recorded, edited with Tape Machine, uploaded to Dropbox, and shared to this posting entirely on my Galaxy S3 running jelly bean. Interface is the ART Usb Dual Pre and a Countryman lav.
http://db.tt/J7E0s1dO

It works!
_________________
If it sounds good, it is good.
George Whittam
GeorgeThe.Tech
424-226-8528
VOBS.TV Co-host
TheProAudioSuite.com Co-host
TriBooth.com Co-founder

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 12:20 am Post subject:

George, do you have a recording of the same setup into a computer in the same location? I'd be interested to see if there is a difference in noise floor on the different platforms.

heyguido · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:16 am Post subject:

Jason, the noise floor should be a function of the mic and the interface. OS should not make a difference.

George, congrats! Good to hear it works.... And on a GS3? That's fantastic news.

Please share your results with the developers.

Can't wait to try this myself.

And you're right.... This IS a great moment in audio recording history. Thank you.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

Jason Huggins · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:26 am Post subject:

In theory. But a software that adds functionality to a system that previously didn't have the connectivity of the interface could potentially cause issues...depending on how well it was written. It could handle the data in a way that causes distortion digitally. I'm just curious if George is getting identical sound quality with the same gear. Hopefully you are right, though. I use an iPad on the road partially because of the ability to connect a good quality mic.

heyguido · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2012 1:43 am Post subject:

Jason.... You're right. To a point....

The USB driver was written by the developer. But the functionality for USB audio and USB Host came straight from Google's team. If the developer got the driver right, we're there. If not, we'll be there in a matter of days.
_________________
Don Brookshire
"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

ballenberg · Posted: Mon Dec 24, 2012 11:18 am Post subject:

Maybe I missed this in the discussion, but would a MicPort Pro work with this ? --especially with a Galaxy S3 which I'm strongly considering getting soon