iPhone Audio accessories update | Fostex AR101 Data Sheet just released – now also iPhone 5/Lightning compatible

Click this link AR101_NAMM2013  to view the data sheet that has just been released by Fostex for the New AR101. Due to ship by end March (Q1) it now appears that Fostex have beaten Tascam to the line with a Lightning as well as 30pin version of the device. The prototype was displayed at NAMM in the last few days. It will be interesting to see review or feedback in the coming days. No price mentioned as yet. I like the fact that there are now dual LED level monitors and and a dynamic controller – It will be interesting to see the reaction to the form factor (cold shoe mount) when it starts shipping. Head over to the Fostex Website to keep up to date.

 

Fostex Ar4i test with Apple Lightning to 30pin dock adapter and iPhone5

Ive been waiting to test the iPhone5 with the Apple Lightning to 30pin dock adapter and the Fostex Ar4i – just to see will the electronics work. Well I got the chance to put the kit together this morning and on first look it appears to work, the sound was quite hissy, but as Im down with a serious case of man-flu I cant discount the fact that my voice sounds like Im on whiskey and smokes so the additional gain might account for the hiss. OK – it goes without saying that the form-factor of the iPhone5 is different to the 4/4s so it doesn’t “snug” fit the cradle but if this test is correct then it means that Fostex might only have to adapt the cradle and build in an extended base for iPhone 5 compatibility – this is bearing in mind that Fostex hope to have the  recently announced Ar101 on the market early in the new year.

What remains to be seen is will the Ar101 work with the lighting adapter too….