XtremeMac MicroMemo for iPod due in July

XtremeMac is taking pre-orders for its MicroMemo 16-bit digital audio recorder for iPod; units cost $59.95 should ship in early July.

Since the iPod was first introduced, students, journalists, and even musicians have been searching for ways to turn the diminutive audio players into decent-quality diminutive audio recorders. But there have always been snags: input bandwidth, recording quality, and chintzy built-in mics which make everything sound like a bad stereo in an apartment a block away.

XtremeMac is one of the companies hoping to fix that problem with its MicroMemo digital audio recorder for fifth-generation video-capable iPods. The MicroMemo plugs into an iPod’s dock connector (activating the iPod’s menu and displaying recording time onscreen when you do so), works without batteries or cables, and features a removable microphone. If the included mic isn’t up to your particular task, no problem: disconnect it and hook up any input device with a 3.5mm audio plug. The MicroMempo features one-touch recording, a built-in speaker, and features two recording quality settings (22 and 44 KHz).

MicroMemo is available for pre-order on XtremeMac’s Web site and will ship to consumers as soon as its available, which XtremeMac says will be early July. Suggested retail price: $59.95.