audio specialists familiar with iphone? Two leads and comments

[hermespan]

I use an iphone5 for my bread and butter. I am starting to have serious doubts whether the portability and integrated factor is worth the hassle in finding accessories and service in the second and third world (Apple is great if you are wealthy and live long term in international capitals such as Tokyo and New York - I am neither), but that's another thread.

As every videographer, blogger, journalist and anyone trying to create high quality images and sound knows (especially if you are a digital retard like me who can hardly operate a toaster) the biggest hassles with all devices are BATTERY POWER and AUDIO, especially audio. Images, at least the functional non-aesthetic part, is a no-brainer by comparison.

I am having huge problems using my iphone5 as an audio recorder, especially in conjunction with video. I bought an ATR3350 lavalier mic at Hung Brothers in Singapore only to finally get a response from the Audio Technica distributor for southeast Asia that it doesn't work with iphone without a special adapter. The retailer neglected to tell me that. I get blank stares when I explain the challenge in any Apple-centric shop.

Apple 'premium resellers' shops in Bangkok don't sell any/many third party accessories and the stuff sold in MBK and Panthip is mostly garbage. Sure, I can mail order top-end and good value from USA, which has plenty but I am in and out of the country. I need stuff here and now.

I also bought a Smartlav by Rode at Fotofile here in BKK. It too doesn't work without a hiss.

I am about to contact the local reps for both Audio Technica and Rode but today is yet another holiday (monarchist) just after Singapore's long weekend (Islamic and then political). Sometimes I just want to scream trying to accomplish anything fast and efficient in southeast asia. Is it just me or is technology and business not the forte of the region except Vietnam which is more Chinese-like?

Anyway, can anyone recommend shops that are professionals in audio/video with iphone combination? So far I have two leads, the reps for Rode and Audio Technica respectively...

Vichai Trading

02-715-0888

419/2 Soi Sukhumvit 63 (Ekamai))

KDM Trading

02-718-6085

1939/57-58 Ramkamhang, Soi 21

Perhaps I am expecting too much. Even in Seattle, USA, audio is an esoteric niche with only specialist shops really knowing anything about sound, bring closed on Sundays and commanding premium prices. Just like the west too has more fashion than protective cases and stores in malls are staffed by bored teenagers earning minimum wage instead of owner-operators out in the 'fresh air'. Add to the challenge two separate manufacturers (Apple and whatever mic one uses) and this is a recipe for delays and even disaster.

[tominbkk]

I think you answered your own question...it is a very specialized item, and probably nobody else is looking to purchase such items here, or they do online where it is relatively hassle free.

There's a fairly large professional audio/video shop at Crystal Park, but I don't know the name of it. I have never gone in but I thought I saw what looks like a lot of portable audio paraphernalia...you might want to check it out. It's around the corner from the Boots, facing the back parking lot. Next to the pet store.

[hermespan]

IStudio at Siam Paragon has a large selection of IRig add-on audio devices specifically designed for Apple-using journalists, bloggers, musicians etc. They are supposedly fully integrated though not professional. Good, I don't want the price and features of pro.

But, yes I can get precisely what I want online in USA.