What is an iRig?

IK Multimedia have released an update to their best-selling iRig, a high spec, highly portable mobile recording device aimed at guitarists on the go. It can run batteries, records at 24bit/96Khz quality, has a headphone out, an amp out with switchable options and comes with a full version of IK's awesome Amplitude 4 software for Mac/PC/IOS, perhaps the best AU amp emulator we've used.

What connections does the iRig HD 2 Have?

96kHz Digital Audio with 24-bit A/D conversion
1/4" Amp output jack with switchable output “FX” and “Thru”
1/8" Headphone output with preamp and level control
Comes with microphone stand mounting clip and Velcro strip
Comes with AmpliTube 4 for Mac/PC
Unlocks full version features and gear of AmpliTube for iOS (Free download from App Store)

Can iRig plug into an Amp?

Yes! You can use the 1/4" Amp output straight into your amp, this is found on the iRig2, HD2 or on the iRig Pro Duo there's 2 balanced 1/4" outputs for speakers on an amplifer.

Perhaps the most useful feature of the iRig HD 2 is the ability to send your signal to an amp without the need for any converters. You can send your "wet" or "dry" signal allowing you to connect directly to a tuner, or another amplifier so you can blend sounds to create another huge guitar tone in a live set-up. You can send a stereo signal out to a PA to create more width in your sound. There's also a handy mic stand clip so you can keep the interface in place as your rocking out on stage.

Can I use the iRig with my iPad, iPhone and Garageband?

The ability to hook your guitar up with Amplitude and use in a live setting is very useful. No need to lug around heavy guitar amps to gigs anymore! You can just use your iPad or iPhone and plug straight into the PA or speaker system. It offers a much cheaper alternative to Kemper's famous profiling amps. You can hook the iRig up with the Blueboard which allows you to switch between amps/pedal settings via bluetooth. You can of course use the iRig to then use the inbuilt amps on Garageband, but the Amplitude amps a WAY better and sound more realistic.

Can I iRig be used on a PC or an Android device?

Yes! Don't be put off by the "i" iRigs are compatible with PC's and Android devices, you just need to be careful which one you buy. There's a specific Android devices The iRig UA, but the standard iRig 2 works with PCs/Android/Samsung devices. You can also use the Amplitude UA app on android devices.

Can iRig be used with a microphone?

You can hook up a microphone to an iRig as long as you have the correct cable (XLR to jack) but you might be better offer buying the iRig Pro Duo. This model comes with 2 XLR / 1/4" jack inputs, 2 balanced outputs, phantom power for condenser microphones and input gain knobs. It's the most connectable of all the iRigs and works more like a multi-functional audio interface, therefore it's the most expensive, but it works with any device, PC, Apple or Android.

iRig Pro Duo features

iTruly mobile dual-input audio interface for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC
Simultaneous dual track recording interface for all instruments
Ultra-compact housing for extreme portability
Dual identical XLR/TRS combo input jacks
Dual ultra-low noise studio-quality IK preamps
Individual input gain controls
48V phantom power
Self-powered (2 AA batteries), device powered or DC power adapter (not included)
24-bit AD-DA converters
Dual 1/4” switchable TRS balanced outs
1/8” 3.5mm Headphone out w/ level control
MIDI IN/OUT jacks
Ultra-compact housing fits in the palm of your hand
Includes Lightning, OTG and USB cables (optional 30-pin cable can be used for older iOS devices)

The iRig pro duo comes with €450 of freebies through a whole bunch of IK multimedia music making software: Amplitude, Volcalive, iRig Recorder, SampleTank, iGrand Piano and many more: http://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irigproduo/