iPro-Max Professional Lavalier Microphone (for use with smartphones or Apple computers)

Using a DSLR to capture sound is difficult. As a lot of DSLR’s are not know for their quality sound recording. Some cameras don’t even allow for an external microphone to be plugged in to the. That is where the iPro-Max comes in to play and is very affordable. Using a lavalier microphone to capture an interview or a person in a video farther away from a shotgun mic mounted on the camera, is one of the best ways. Sound for any video is very crucial. You don't have a good video, unless it has great audio.
 How is the iPro-Max different?

First off, it uses something pretty much everyone has already, a smartphone, either being Apple iPhone or Android.  The voice recorder that came on my Samsung S5 was okay, but I searched around the Google Play store for a better app to record sound/voice. The small lapel mic is uni-directional, therefore capturing only the persons voice your are talking to or interviewing. It won’t pick up background noise. The microphone comes with two sponge windscreens and two clips, an upper clip for the mic head and a cord clip that can be used farther down the cord. 

It simply plugs directly into where your headset would be plugged in, using its 3.5mm stereo plug and for those with Samsung or other Android operating smartphones using the Smart Conversion Adaptor Cable. Place your phone in “airplane” mode so notifications or phone calls will interrupt your audio track being recorded. 

Depending upon the recording program you are using on your smartphone, simply download or send the file to your computer and insert the sound file into your video production. There you have it a very simple and efficient way to improve the sound quality of any video production. 

By the way, I have used it (without the Smart Conversion Adaptor Cable) plugged directly into my MacBook to record voice-overs and it works and sounds great. No echoey sound like using the built in microphone on the Mac. 

To find out more or order your own
head over to the link below.

iPro-Max Professional Lavalier Microphone

Studying my sleep

For well over a month now I have been wearing the Zeo Sleep Manager to bed. A simple headband which sends information to my iPad on the quality as well as the quantity of sleep I get each night. Let just say my sleep, as I started using it was great. It fell a little off and now I think I'm back on track to getting a better rest at night. All of my training so far this year is being done during the daytime, so no early morning workouts have been needed. That will change a lot when warmer daytime temperatures start to increase.

Monitoring my sleep with the Zeo Mobile Sleep Manager

Just before the holidays began I won a contest online winning a Zeo Mobile Sleep Manager. You may ask what the heck is that. Well, it an app used by either a iPad, iTouch and Android device which receives signals from a head band worn while sleeping at night. It monitors the overall time you sleep as well as the different levels of sleep you are getting each night.

The information it gives you is very cool. After a nights sleep it gives you what they call a (ZQ) or IQ number as to the quality of sleep you are getting. The head band sends information via Bluetooth to your device where it is recorded.
I have only worn it for about 13 nights now and look forward to finding out more on how I sleep and what I can do to improve the quality of my sleeping.

It records too how many times you have woken up during the night too. I was joking with my wife and told her I need to wear it the night before a race, just to see how crappy my sleeping is, if any. I will keep you posted what I learn.

Check the device out for yourself at www.myzeo.com

I found a perfect app for that!

Last weekend while riding, I found out just as I pulled out of my garage, I was not able to access my large chain ring. Instead of canceling the ride I still got out to ride. I figured on my ride I would either stop by my local bike store or find some how to work my magic mechanic skills and get it fixed. Lucky for me I was able to locate a computer app called Bike Repair, available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android.
When it comes to mechanics, I am not exactly a NASCAR pit crew member. The simple easy to use app, walked me through a front derailleur adjustment which fixed my problem. The app has a full menu of repairs to fix your bike. Follow the simple part of the bike that needs fixing, a list of possible problems with that part come up, in which you answer them pinpointing your repair. The great detailed photos with text walk you through the steps.
As someone that wants to save some money and feel the accomplishment of fixing your own ride this app is a must. Leave the the visits to the bike shop simply to visit the lonely repair techs, after you download this gem for yourself.
So with the month of May being National Bike Month, fix your ride and get out on the road. What is stopping you?
I look forward to using this app to combat other repairs I might have down the road.