If you’re looking for a way to connect your iPhone to your guitar, there are a few kits available, but if you’re looking for something with a little extra clarity, it is possible to create your own connecting cable for around $15 in parts.
Gadget lab reader Paul Stidworthy makes the RiotFX multi-effects processor application for the iPhone and would like his customers to get the best possible sound. So, he has put together a guide on how to make your own connecting cable.
Materials Needed for the DIY iPhone Guitar Connector
To make the connector, you need a cable that splits a jack into three RCA phono plugs and needs to have the ground on the right ring of the jack. A good quality iPod AV cable will be perfect. These cables are designed to provide clear audio and video signals, making them ideal for this purpose.
Next, you will need to connect an RCA-to-mono jack adapter to your guitar. This adapter will allow you to plug your guitar directly into the RCA cable. Additionally, you will need an RCA-to-female-minijack adapter for the headphones. This setup ensures that you can monitor the sound directly from your iPhone while playing.
Steps to Enhance Your DIY Connector
If you fancy a more advanced version, you can add an impedance matcher. An impedance matcher is a device that matches the impedance of your guitar to the input of your iPhone. This improves the sound quality, tone, and volume, making your guitar sound more natural and dynamic when processed through the iPhone.
Adding an impedance matcher involves a few more components and a bit more technical know-how, but the results are well worth the effort. The impedance matcher ensures that the signal from your guitar is at the optimal level for the iPhone’s input, reducing noise and distortion.
For those who are more technically inclined, you can also consider adding a preamp to your setup. A preamp boosts the signal from your guitar before it reaches the iPhone, providing a cleaner and stronger signal. This can be particularly useful if you are using effects apps that require a strong input signal to function correctly.
Full details of how to create both connectors can be found on the Riotmode iTunes page. The guide provides step-by-step instructions, complete with diagrams and tips to ensure that you get the best possible sound from your DIY connector.
By creating your own iPhone guitar connector, you not only save money but also gain a deeper understanding of how your equipment works. This knowledge can be invaluable when troubleshooting issues or looking to further customize your setup.
Via Gadget Lab
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