Hi Nigel.. I’ve been using the cloud vocal isolo prime microphone for a year now and I love it. I have been using the usb single to record to my laptop however I recently ordered the AR1 dongle and am excited to start using it! Thanks for the great review!! Cheers!
Nice . I’ve been looking at this for months. You explain it well. One thing I want to do is video from my iPhone Instead of voice recording. Is it possible to use video mode to record you playing so get the great sound onto a video. 👍
Dear viewers, If you have any technical questions about ISOLO wireless system, please leave comments below, we will get back to you soon. Cloudvocal support team.
Hi Nigel I don't use any microphone to record, but would like to and I am a complete techno newbie when it comes to this. Do I get a cloudvocal mic, and receiver and the AR1 together to record on my phone as I would like to enhance my recording. Do you have any tutorials in Sax school about setting up mics for newbies like myself please.
Hi Nigel, great review. I have one of these for Spain - handy to take back and forth rather than an interface. Ive recorded straight to iPhone video so video and recording all done at the same time. Really neat!
An interesting device. I have an AKG wireless set (mic AKG C 519 ML + AKG PT transmitter + AKG SR receiver). It has a balanced 6.3 mm audio output. I think this device could be used with it too.
Works out quite expensive if you’ve got to buy everything.. The basic kit is $650, that’s for the 3 items but if you already have a mic then a used Focusrite iTrack solo from eBay for around £40 will take any XLR mic (it has phantom power too) and get you recording on laptop, iPhone or iPad . I use it on a laptop and it will even work on an iPad with GarageBand, you can hear the backing track and record at the same time.. I get all my effects through GarageBand and use it’s equaliser etc, it gives very good quality recordings and if you have a mic etc already it’s a cheap way of getting quality recordings on an iPad. That’s my budget set up that delivers quality recordings.
I'd second that. For a lot less than $650 I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the audio-digital converter (2 inputs, 2 outputs, separate control for input gains and output, direct monitoring, phantom power, works with Windows laptop and Android phone), together with an old laptop, and Audacity (free) for the recording & editing software. I already have several mics, but may also invest in a proper clip-on mic as my current mic capsule scavenged from an old laptop isn't exactly convenient. What are your views on the best (wired or wireless) clip-on mics for sax?
Thanks Nigel, best review I found so far. Just got the AR1, works just fine with the iPad. However, I still cannot record with my Android phone (android 11, supports OTG). When connected to phone's USB C, the AR1 light stays green (doesn't turn purple) and the OpenCamera App doesn't receive a sound signal. Do you have any experience with AR1/ Android and/or any suggestions? Greetings from Germany, Oliver
I have the Isolo Prime just taken delivery of an AR1 so looking forward to playing with it. have you any thoughts on the directional aerial for the reciever
Great question Graham. They sent me one too but I didn’t have a need for it. Perhaps if your receiver is further away it would be helpful? Let me know if you discover anything.
I have the Cloudvocal iSolo Choice and the USB device and am definitely interested in trying the AR1 device. Also, just curious, did it record you playing AND the backing track? If you wanted it to just record your playing while listening to the backing track separately in headphones and wanted to add it to a backing track later on Audacity or the like (for example when doing a virtual collaboration with other musicians) could you do that? I guess you wouldn't monitor your own playback though in that case...
Absolutely Lisa. So I added the backing track as I was recording via the extra input plug on the microphone receiver, so both the backing track and the sax mic signal went through. If you just want to record the sax, don't plug in the backing track.
Hi Nigel Good review. I did buy this soon after it was released. It does solve several problems esp when it comes to quality of live recording. One issue that o am trying to resolve is on how to get the proper balance of sound between the backing track and the saxophone. There are several volume buttons to play with or balance out: the device from where the backing track is playing and the knobs on the receiver. Any thoughts ?
I agree that is a slight challenge. You need to control the volume of the track coming into the receiver - that seems to be the best way to balance it with your sax.
It certainly gives you another option George. However GarageBand allows you to do more complicated recording (multi track / composing etc. This mic + AR1 setup is good for quick simple recordings.
I was exactly the same when I first started delving into the world of mics and recording... it still confuses me and I'll often just revert to straight recording on my phone camera as the setting up of all the gear seems like too much effort, but just like learning the sax, practice makes... better! 😀
Hi Nigel.. I’ve been using the cloud vocal isolo prime microphone for a year now and I love it. I have been using the usb single to record to my laptop however I recently ordered the AR1 dongle and am excited to start using it! Thanks for the great review!! Cheers!
Brilliant Rick! Great to hear you are enjoying the mic!
This might be a great starting point for those new to the technology side of our art!
Definitely.
Nice . I’ve been looking at this for months. You explain it well. One thing I want to do is video from my iPhone Instead of voice recording. Is it possible to use video mode to record you playing so get the great sound onto a video. 👍
Dear viewers,
If you have any technical questions about ISOLO wireless system, please leave comments below, we will get back to you soon.
Cloudvocal support team.
Hi Nigel I don't use any microphone to record, but would like to and I am a complete techno newbie when it comes to this. Do I get a cloudvocal mic, and receiver and the AR1 together to record on my phone as I would like to enhance my recording. Do you have any tutorials in Sax school about setting up mics for newbies like myself please.
Great info Nigel but how do we do the very necessary video recording at the same time? 🤷🏻♀️🤔🤪
You might need some more gear…
This is helpful! Anything to simplify recording is welcome. I'll have to check out those prices with your added discount. You sound amazing as usual!
Thanks Barney!
Lovely review Teach.
Cheers Kadrian. I hope you are doing well.
@@McGillMusicSaxSchool I Am Thanks.
An excellently presented and very detailed explanation!
Cheers.
Hi Nigel, great review. I have one of these for Spain - handy to take back and forth rather than an interface. Ive recorded straight to iPhone video so video and recording all done at the same time. Really neat!
Cool! Glad it’s working for you Kay.
An interesting device.
I have an AKG wireless set (mic AKG C 519 ML + AKG PT transmitter + AKG SR receiver). It has a balanced 6.3 mm audio output. I think this device could be used with it too.
Hi...thanks for really informative vedio...would like to know whether AR1 can be connected to windows PC
HI Naadan, yes you should be able to connect it to a PC.
Works out quite expensive if you’ve got to buy everything.. The basic kit is $650, that’s for the 3 items but if you already have a mic then a used Focusrite iTrack solo from eBay for around £40 will take any XLR mic (it has phantom power too) and get you recording on laptop, iPhone or iPad . I use it on a laptop and it will even work on an iPad with GarageBand, you can hear the backing track and record at the same time.. I get all my effects through GarageBand and use it’s equaliser etc, it gives very good quality recordings and if you have a mic etc already it’s a cheap way of getting quality recordings on an iPad.
That’s my budget set up that delivers quality recordings.
Cool. That’s another good option Ian.
I'd second that. For a lot less than $650 I use a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 for the audio-digital converter (2 inputs, 2 outputs, separate control for input gains and output, direct monitoring, phantom power, works with Windows laptop and Android phone), together with an old laptop, and Audacity (free) for the recording & editing software. I already have several mics, but may also invest in a proper clip-on mic as my current mic capsule scavenged from an old laptop isn't exactly convenient. What are your views on the best (wired or wireless) clip-on mics for sax?
Thanks Nigel, best review I found so far. Just got the AR1, works just fine with the iPad. However, I still cannot record with my Android phone (android 11, supports OTG). When connected to phone's USB C, the AR1 light stays green (doesn't turn purple) and the OpenCamera App doesn't receive a sound signal. Do you have any experience with AR1/ Android and/or any suggestions? Greetings from Germany, Oliver
I have the Isolo Prime just taken delivery of an AR1 so looking forward to playing with it. have you any thoughts on the directional aerial for the reciever
Great question Graham. They sent me one too but I didn’t have a need for it. Perhaps if your receiver is further away it would be helpful? Let me know if you discover anything.
I have the Cloudvocal iSolo Choice and the USB device and am definitely interested in trying the AR1 device.
Also, just curious, did it record you playing AND the backing track? If you wanted it to just record your playing while listening to the backing track separately in headphones and wanted to add it to a backing track later on Audacity or the like (for example when doing a virtual collaboration with other musicians) could you do that? I guess you wouldn't monitor your own playback though in that case...
Absolutely Lisa. So I added the backing track as I was recording via the extra input plug on the microphone receiver, so both the backing track and the sax mic signal went through. If you just want to record the sax, don't plug in the backing track.
If you're using a wireless mic live, do you have a wireless monitor setup too?
Interesting question - depends on your PA setup. In smaller gigs I have always used a hard wired monitor.
Hi Nigel
Good review. I did buy this soon after it was released. It does solve several problems esp when it comes to quality of live recording. One issue that o am trying to resolve is on how to get the proper balance of sound between the backing track and the saxophone. There are several volume buttons to play with or balance out: the device from where the backing track is playing and the knobs on the receiver. Any thoughts ?
I agree that is a slight challenge. You need to control the volume of the track coming into the receiver - that seems to be the best way to balance it with your sax.
Hi Nigel how do i record the video at the same time like you do on the tutorial
I don't have any of the above Nigel would this sideline Garageband and Audacity when it come to recording ?
It certainly gives you another option George. However GarageBand allows you to do more complicated recording (multi track / composing etc. This mic + AR1 setup is good for quick simple recordings.
Can all this work with a MAC
Sure.
Is this Gadget available in India ?
I think so. You can order directly from their website I think.
I don’t understand any of this ….. 🥲
Sorry!
I was exactly the same when I first started delving into the world of mics and recording... it still confuses me and I'll often just revert to straight recording on my phone camera as the setting up of all the gear seems like too much effort, but just like learning the sax, practice makes... better! 😀
@@lisawanderess thank you 🙏 I feel that although many RUclipsrs offer a simple explanation I need it EVEN simpler!