What iPhone 3’s Voice Memos actually sound like (not bad!)

Sean Carruthers did a great review of the iPhone’s new Voice Memos application (comes with the iPhone 3.0 software update) the other day.

iPhone 3's Voice Memo app

One thing I haven’t been able to find any reviews of the actual audio quality, so I did my own test and I have to say… the quality is really much better than you’d expect. It can easily be used in broadcast production on CBC Radio One (which has stronger compression/limiting at the transmitter end), AM stations, and podcasts.

When you look at the file in iTunes (it creates a playlist called “Voice Memos”), it will claim a ridiculously high bit rate (around 350kbps) which may trick you into thinking it would sound, well, like 350kbps. Don’t let the numbers fool you. My tests sounded closer to around 128k, maybe a little higher.

Also, pay no attention to the (beautifully retro) VU meter. It really won’t help you. It has a clip light, but you’ll overmodulate around -3dB or -4dB, not 0dB like you should. Just keep an eye on it when you’re recording and when you hit -4dB, back the mic off a little.

Attached is the audio of a field test I did — a conversation between podcasters Mark Blevis and Paul Lyzun (videostudentguy.libsyn.com).

[audio www.todmaffin.com/uploads/voicememotest.mp3]

Have you tried the Voice Memo app? Have you used it in your productions? What has your experience been?

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