Support Our Site
Get Better Gear!
- Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking from Hunter Research and Technology, US$3.99 (Pro and HD versions)
- Akron’s TAB802 Table Mount For iPad Is Sturdy from Akron, US$99.95
- Dinosaurs Roar to Life on the iPad with Stephen Fry from M58959 Studios, US$14.95
- Poldera’s iKeep Holds Your iPhone Close from Poldera LLC, US$19.99
- Mediadevil’s Easyscreen Screen iPad Protector Is Unusual from Mediadevil, £16.97 (US$22.09)
Premier Sponsors
Top 5 Free Apps
iTunes New Music Releases
Top 5 Paid Apps
Discover New Music
- Revolting Cocks
It's hard to believe it's been more than a decade since Ministry founder and front man Al Jourgensen's side project Revolting Cocks released any new material. 2006 brings us Cocked and Loaded
- The Stooges
Another pillar of my musical foundations, The Stooges' first album is one those records whose influence far outweighed its popularity. Like The Velvet Underground & Nico, hordes of people wh
- Brother Love
- Killer grooves, catchy riffs, edgy vocals with oh-so-just-right layered harmonies, and a drive that will move even YOU out of your chair, Brother Love's initial release is what rock and roll should be
- Red Hot Chili Peppers
- Billy Miles
- Take the voice of a young Billie Holiday and stuff it into a svelte, petite body with the face of an angel, and you have some idea of what it's like to experience the music of Billy Miles in her self-
Reader Specials
Visit Deals On The Web for the best deals on all consumer electronics, iPods, and more!
In-Depth Review
Mic Extender Cable for iPhone
Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 at 5:15 AM - by Bob LeVitus
The Mic Extender Cable by Newer Technology is an ingenious little device that combines a short cable and a microphone to allow you to use your favorite stereo headphones as your iPhone headset. Of course you can use your favorite stereo headphones with your iPhone without this device, but you will probably need a $5 or $10 adapter to allow the plug to fit into the iPhone's recessed headset port. And, of course, if you use your favorite stereo headphones with your iPhone without this device, you can use them to listen to music or video, but you'll have to unplug them to talk on the phone.
The concept is brilliant. The cable is a little over two feet and includes the microphone, an on/off switch (shown below) and a shirt clamp (on the back of the mic; not visible below). Just plug in your favorite earphones and you can enjoy great sounding music, video, and phone calls. That's the good news.
The bad news is that the execution isn't nearly as stellar as the concept. Unfortunately, the microphone just isn't very good. Of the five headsets I tested recently, this product almost certainly had the worst sounding microphone. On the other hand, it didn't totally suck and only one person commented that I didn't sound as good as usual during my testing.
P.S. To test microphone quality I created a set of short audio recordings using five different headsets (and the iPhone alone without a headset). If you'd like to hear them, you'll find them here.
The Bottom Line
If you're an audiophile or just wish the Apple iPhone Stereo Headset (the white one that comes with each iPhone) didn't suck so much, the Mic Extender Cable is just the ticket. If you can live with its mediocre microphone it's a bargain at $15.
Just The Facts
Pros:Lets you use your favorite earphones as your iPhone headset.
Cons:Microphone quality is marginal.
Recent Headlines
- OnLive Desktop: Windows & Office on Your iPad
- Battle Pocket Bulge With The Hint for iPhone
- Theodolite App for iOS is Breathtaking
- Forum Poll: Are You Planning on Buying a New iPad?
- Apple Highlights Siri in Two New iPhone 4S Ads
- Canaccord: Apple Claims 80% of Q4 Mobile Handset Profits
- Apple Planning March iPad 3 Announcement
Post Your Comments