An external microphone, such as a lavalier on a coach or announcer or a mic closer to the mat, records clearer sound than the iPad's built-in microphone in a loud gym. Recording video in Takedown requires a Scoring + Video Recording subscription (or a direct LevelChanger subscription) and works on iPad only.
How it works
Takedown records sound from whatever microphone the iPad is currently using. Takedown has no microphone setting; plug in a supported mic and Takedown uses it.
Wired microphone
A microphone that plugs into the iPad's USB-C port works. The iPad switches to it automatically when it's plugged in.
Wireless microphone with a USB-C receiver
Wireless systems that come with a USB-C receiver also work. The wireless link is between the mic and its receiver; the iPad sees the receiver as a plugged-in microphone. Current examples:
- Hollyland Lark M2S (USB-C version)
- DJI Mic Mini and DJI Mic 2, with the USB-C mobile receiver
- Rode Wireless Micro
When buying, choose the version sold for mobile devices, with a USB-C receiver, not the camera version that connects with a 3.5 mm cable.
What doesn't work: Bluetooth
Microphones paired with the iPad's own Bluetooth, such as AirPods, Bluetooth headsets and Bluetooth lavalier mics, don't work for Takedown video. The iPad leaves Bluetooth microphones out of video recording unless an app is built to use them, and Takedown isn't. There's no warning: the video simply records with the iPad's built-in microphone.
Tips
- Plug in the mic or receiver before you open Scoring and start recording.
- Don't unplug it during a recording. If it comes out, the rest of that recording switches to the iPad's built-in microphone.
- Make sure Microphone is on for Takedown in the iPad's Settings > Apps > Takedown.
- Record a short test before the Event and play it back to check the sound.
See also Recording Match Video.