iPhone OS Audio Routes
Getting audio signals into and out of an iPhone OS device can sometimes be a bit tricky. The information presented below outlines the available means for getting audio signals into and out of each iPhone OS device.
Available Input Routes
| Built-in mic | Headset input | Dock input | |
| iPhone | Yes(1) | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 3G | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPod touch | No | No | Yes(2) |
| iPod touch 2G | No | Yes | Yes |
- The built-in microphone of the original iPhone appears to be routed through a speech-processing codec, which limits the sample rate to 8 kHz and significantly degrades the frequency response.
- Using a dock connector input with the original (1st generation) iPod touch appears to require that something be plugged into the headphone jack, unless the dock connector device also supports audio output (like the Macally iVoice Pro, which, ironically, is one of the few devices that is narrow enough to allow you to plug your headphones into the bottom of the iPod).
Available Output Routes
| Receiver | Speaker | Headphones | Dock | |
| iPhone | Yes(1) | Yes(1) | Yes | Yes |
| iPhone 3G | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| iPod touch | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| iPod touch 2G | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
- Even when using the dock connector for input, if the receiver or built-in speaker is the current output device on the original iPhone, the sample rate will be limited to 8 kHz (for input and output).
Links to additional information:
you guys need a limited use or some type of trail for the iphone3G.
like the idea but won’t drop the cash without seeing it work…
What would you suggest?
Have you found the videos to be helpful? What else would be helpful to see in videos?
Ben
I have an iPod Touch that I assumed to be an iPod Touch 2nd generation. However, the operating system is 3.1.2. Does that mean it is a 3rd generation iPod Touch? Will it not work?
The Belkin TuneTalk does not work with the iPod Touch.
Do ThumbTacks work with the iPod Touch OS version 3.1.2? The website claims iPod Touch 2G.
It looks like I just blew $75 today on SignalScope Pro. Can someone explain?
Thank you
The device model and OS version are independent. Knowing that the OS version is 3.1.2 tells you nothing about whether you have a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd generation iPod touch.
The Belkin TuneTalk works with all iPod touch models. In my experience, if you are using a 1st gen iPod touch, you need to also have something plugged into the headphone jack in order for it to work.
The ThumbTacks mic works with iPod touch 2G or 3G (but not 1G), regardless of which version of the OS you are using.
Thank you, Ben,
Last night I visited the Apple community support site where I learned that the iPod Touch is 2nd generation. It has a chrome back plate with an oval transparent to EM and Settings> General> About > Model > MB528LL — in case anyone else has this question. It has an “8” GB capacity that apparently means it can’t be 3rd generation.
A ThumbTack is on order, with a plan to try an Apple Remote Headset with Mic as you have mentioned. Will try the Belkin if neither of those works out.
Good to know $75 was not wasted.
Has there been any testing done on the new iTouch 4th-Gen. I know that it will not work with Macally iVoice. Dock-connector Alt. audio is only by HDMI or USB. Can SignalScope Pro work just by using 4-conductor Headphone jack on the 4th-Gen iTouch?