When I recently started using my iPod touch (2nd generation), I found voice recording programs I wanted to use, but I didn't have Apple's stereo headset. After taking a look at the connectors for the Apple headset and a regular microphone, I wondered what would happen if I plugged the regular mic into my iPod. Putting the connector in all the way didn't work, although voice recorder apps thought a mic was inserted (they allowed me to start recording, but it just recorded silence.) Then, I decided to see what would happen if the cord was only plugged in part way, and the microphone worked! This works because Apple's headset connector has another section, which is used for the microphone function. Inserting the standard PC microphone's connector part way makes its connection line up with the connection for apple's mic.
In short, you can record with an iPod touch in 3 steps:
1. Download a recording app from the App Store. (iTalk recorder and Quickvoice Recorder are both free, but iTalk had ads and Quickvoice won't let you save your recordings on your PC or Mac.) Many other recording apps are available, but those are the two I found that are free. (If you decide pay for a recording app, make sure it is compatible with iPod touch, not just the iPhone.
2. Insert a regular pc microphone into the iPod part way. (Push it in softly. It should not click or be hard to pull out, but you may have to hold it in when recording.)
3. Start recording with the application you downloaded. (Ensure that the microphone is inserted before starting the recording app for best results.) Enjoy your iPod's new voice recording capability!
Note: Although this method works to record just like using Apple's headset, no audio will play out of the speaker when the mic is inserted (The iPod thinks the headset is plugged in, and it trys to play sound through headphones, which aren't connected). Therefore, apps like fring (for making voip calls) won't work optimally because you will have to unplug the microphone each time you need to hear sound.
