The iBook is a great all-purpose portable computer that lacks only one feature: a built-in microphone, useful for chatting with buddies, recording sound, voices, or music. The pocket-sized MacAlly iVoice tries to fill this gap, especially for laptop users.
Let My Voice Be Heard!
My first experiences with the iVoice were disappointing. The output level of the microphone is way above the level appropriate for microphone input in iMovie. Even the lowest possible volume setting was no help. Clearly a mismatch.
I also used it with AOL Instant Messenger, a messaging application that provides extra sound input/output sliders for voice chat. By adjusting them, I was finally able to achieve moderately good quality, understandable sound.
Jaguar's Roar
I have tested iVoice with OS 9, OS X 10.1, and recently with Jaguar. My experience with the microphone on 10.1 was just as bad as on 9. Surprisingly, the problem with iVoice on 10.2 is the opposite: now, the level is too low. Recording into iMovie now generates an almost inaudible whisper!
Fortunately, there is a way to end up with a decent result: just use any sound editing software to increase the volume of the file imported by iMovie, and the nearly inaudible voice becomes normal.
You Insert Here, And It Comes Out There
The input and output jacks included with the iVoice also have their pluses and minuses. I tried thousands of slider configurations, but the imported and exported sound didn't get any better. The two jacks included seem to be another limitation to the sound quality.
