With the addition of a few pieces of gear, we’re now able to record up to 4 simultaneous TRS/XLR tracks in the middle of nowhere in studio quality. With this setup we can record a four person podcast without needing to plug into electric.
Hardware
iPad
This is the heart of the system, running PreSonus Capture to track up to four concurrent audio sources.
ZOOM U-44 Handy Audio Interface
The audio interface provides two combo TRS/XLR inputs. Most important, it runs on a pair of AA batteries. The first port can handle direct electric guitar or bass inputs. Both can be supplied with phantom power.
ZOOM EXH6 Dual XLR/TRS Input Capsule for U-44
This input capsule adds two combo TRS/XLR inputs to the U-44. These two are good for dynamic mics and inputs such as from a keyboard. They cannot handle a guitar and they don’t provide phantom power. For the purpose of having four mic inputs, this is a handy accessory.
ZOOM ZHA-4 Handy Headphone Amplifier
This is a battery powered headphone amplifier. It allows me to plug in four headphones.
ZOOM H4n Pro Field Recorder
This is an alternate recording device. It provides two combo TRS/XLR inputs and a built-in XY mic. It can serve as an audio interface with the two separate inputs being used for add on-mics and the XY mics allowing for stereo area recording.
TASCAM TH-02 Studio Grade Headphones
These are closed-back studio monitoring headphones.
Behringer Ultravoice XM8500 Cardioid Dynamic Vocal Microphones
I have four of these in my on-site kit.
Software
PreSonus Capture
PreSonus Capture is free software available on iPhones and iPads. It allows you to track up to 32 simultaneous tracks should you have the audio interface to support it. In my experience, I track up to four simultaneous tracks. There is functionality that will let you transfer the recorded tracks directly into Studio One when you get back to your computer. I believe it’s a matter of both the computer and mobile device being on the same Wi-Fi network.
goodsoundwaves 