Education iPads

This guide walks you through the process of setting up the iPad recording kit to film your class session using the iPad camera and the included wireless microphones.

For more support or a one-on-one consultation, you can email makerspace@humboldt.edu to make an appointment, ask a question, or request equipment. If any of the parts aren’t working properly, please email makerspace@humboldt.edu to let us know and we will replace or troubleshoot to help you get back on track.

Below is a Google Slide rundown of how to setup the iPad kit and how the wireless microphone system works. An accessible text-only version of the slides is further down the page.

What You'll Need

• You will likely also want to check out the iPad tripod to help hold your camera while filming.
• Be sure to charge the iPad, receiver, and transmitter before recording.
• Choose the type of mic you want to use:
• The headset mic wraps around your head and rests on your ears or in your hair.
• The lavalier mic clips onto your shirt or clothing.
• If you want to use a camera other than the iPad, you can use the included ‘camera’ cable for the mic receiver.

This kit has quite a few parts, but it’s actually pretty simple to get started. Your mic is connected to the transmitter, which sends your audio to the receiver, which is connected to your iPad (or other device), which in turn ‘sees’ the mic that is connected to the transmitter as your mic for recording (either audio alone or with video).
You can use the transmitter with either the headset mic or the lavalier mic (aka lapel mic).

The Parts

1. The iPad -- this is main piece of gear and can be used on its own, though your audio will possibly be terrible without using the included wireless mic system, so it is strongly recommended. The camera app allows you to record your video and you can edit it with iMovie right on the iPad.
2. Receiver -- this is the part of the wireless mic system that syncs up your mic's audio to the video recording.
3. Receiver cable -- this is how you connect the receiver to the iPad using the 3.5mm jack at the top of the iPad. Be sure to use the 'Phone' receiver cable with the iPad. The 'Camera' receiver cable can be used with other types of cameras like camcorders and DSLRs.
4. Transmitter -- this is the part of the wireless mic system that sends your mic's audio to the receiver.
5. Microphone -- you can use either the headset mic or the lavalier mic. Be sure to pick one that works with your hair/glasses/etc and clothing. Try both out to see which you prefer.

The Setup

After you have charged the receiver and transmitter using the included USB cable:

• Plug the receiver cable into the iPad using the ‘phone’ cable. The jack on this cable has three black rings on the tip.
• Plug the receiver’s jack into the other end of the receiver cable.
• Plug the mic (headset or lavalier) into the transmitter and screw the collar on to prevent it from being accidentally unplugged during recording.
• Attach the mic to your clothing or head so that it fits securely and doesn’t get bumped (the mic will pick up those bumps as well as  your voice). Clip the transmitter onto a belt or other piece of clothing.

To Record

Open the Camera app on the iPad.
Select the ‘VIDEO’ option (under the red record button).
Tap the red record button to start and stop recording. (If the button is white, it is in photo mode)
If the iPad is not detecting the mic:

• be sure you are using the ‘Phone’ cable with the receiver.
• be sure the receiver and transmitter batteries are charged