Simple, easy, and useful. I wanted one just from seeing this ad and imagining all the problems the i-XY could solve for me.

It's pretty awesome to have a quality company like RØDE design and build a mic/converter like this for use with Apple iOS devices. In the past, we've had to suffer through tech companies creating accessories like this that were always lacking in build and sound quality. Before now, I never considered using my iPhone to record a show or anything beyond a simple voice memo or a roughed-out musical idea. Now I will be carrying the i-XY (in the included protective zip case) with me everywhere I go.

RØDE has recently developed a reputation for making the right tools for the job at a good price, and these two well-thought out packages won't disappoint. The i-XY improves audio on the iPhone beyond what most people thought was possible.

With the advent of iThings and apps came the expectation that pretty much anything you could run on them or plug into them would be cheap and cheerful. But to make the best possible use of their 24-bit, 96kHz recording capabilities, you need a good microphone, which is where the RØDE i-XY comes in.

The i-XY sounds good, works as it should do, and as an alternative to buying a separate flash recorder, it makes a lot of sense.

It has a solid build and physically feels top-notch.

In the new world of social media where everything is nearly instantaneous, the i-XY delivers professional quality instantly.

Whether it’s to record song ideas, capture a one-on-one interview, or even create any type of foley or sound effects on-the-fly, the i-XY is a cool little powerhouse device, and I’m sure you’ll be impressed.

Immediately out of the box its clear that Rode has brought the proverbial gun to a knife fight. The i-XY is unquestionably one of the most professional looking iThings to plug in to the 30 pin dock of an iOS device.

When it comes high quality field recording for iOS devices Rode brings their A-Game with the i-XY. They’ve managed to package high quality hardware with a clever and complete recording application that in our opinion negates the need to carry around a separate field recording device.

RØDE has a knack for over-delivering. i-XY is a case in point.
While for some manufacturers the iDevices are just another opportunity to graft a few bucks from the general public with adjunct plastic bits ’n’ bobs. RØDE has really bought into the design story of Apple’s devices and designed an accessory that would even satisfy Jonny Ives’ aesthetic sensibilities.

The combo of i-XY and RØDE REC is far more formidable than a phone ‘accessory’ and an app should be. Not to mention it comes in a miniature moulded, zip-up case you can carabiner to your key chain,and a custom windsock. RØDE’s on a winner with these two.

The unit’s build oozes quality.

We tested the unit by recording a vocal and acoustic guitar performance, percussion sampling and general speech capture. The fidelity of the i-XY is impressive – no grainy frequencies and good high-end detail. Stereo is also nice and wide while retaining good positional information.