When an external mic is plugged into an iOS device, the device reads it as headphones, so that device loses the ability to output audio and the Subject can not hear anyone during recording. This is the reason we created Admin Talkback, but it also prevents two Subjects from being able to have a free-flowing conversation since they would not be able to hear one another.

To work around this, your Subjects (and any Collaborators who may also want to communicate with the Subjects) will need to communicate through an external conference line on a separate device (such as Zoom on a computer or a conference call on a phone).

All participants in the shoot call into a conference line on a separate device, this includes Subjects and/or Collaborators and the Director.

When utilizing this method, you will need to minimize the primary recording device from picking up the secondary-device audio. The best way to do this is to have the Subject wear headphones connected to the secondary device running the external conference line. If headphones are not an option, have them turn down the speaker volume as low as possible while still allowing them to hear the conference line participants.

Equipment:

Audio Settings in OpenReel

Change Admin Feed to: Dominant Speaker

Now we have our Subjects on an external conference line able to hear each other; an audio feedback loop is prevented; and you can proceed with your high quality recording!