IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 Guitar Interface Review (November 2024)
$99.99
Description
In this review post, we’re going to be discussing the IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
The leaders and pioneers of mobile music making now bring you another breakthrough in mobile guitar interfaces — the iRig HD 2, the next generation of the immensely popular iRig HD interface. iRig HD 2 fits easily in your pocket and connects directly to your Lightning and USB devices – so no matter which iPad, iPhone, Mac, or PC you have, you’re ready to rock at a moment’s notice. There’s no complicated setup – just plugin and play.
Do a quick study of the guitar interfaces out there and immediately you’ll see what we mean by a “higher level”. Only iRig HD 2 gives you so many player-centric features in such a compact, affordable and professional level mobile guitar interface.
And, since we pioneered the mobile music revolution and invented the mobile guitar interface way back around the dawn of prehistoric smartphone times, we know a few things about playing guitar on the go. When we say, “a higher level,” we mean you simply won’t find better with this many features and this much value. Ready to play and record at a higher level? Read on….
First and foremost, iRig HD 2 simply sounds amazing. It features superior digital audio quality with premium 24-bit A/D converters and a 96kHz sample rate — the highest in its class — for a crystal clear digital signal that’s free from noise and crosstalk. This pure high-resolution conversion lets your guitar’s natural performance tone come through loud and clear when playing and recording on your iPad, iPhone, Mac, or PC. Its super-transparent preamp ensures that every nuance — from the pickups, wood tone, string size, nut material, electronics, and every other reason you picked “that” guitar in the first place — is accurately communicated to your device with zero coloration or interference. And because of its 96kHz sample rate, the depth and clarity of your sound will simply floor you — iRig HD 2 sounds amazing.
One of the things that make the iRig HD 2 unique is the ability to send your processed signal directly to a guitar amp without the need for special conversion adapters. iRig HD 2 features an unbalanced 1/4″ Amp Out jack that you can use to send your processed or unprocessed guitar signal to an external amplifier, floor tuner, or completely different rig setup for live performance. The Amp Out jack features a dual-mode switch allowing you to choose what type of signal you want to send to your amp.
The “FX” setting sends your processed signal or the sound coming out of your software/app to the external device. This is perfect when you want to use your iPad or Laptop as your effects pedalboard, your amp’s front end, or complete tone rig in a live setting.
The “Thru” setting sends your guitar’s dry, unprocessed signal directly to the out jack, allowing you to use a floor-based or rack tuner, a pedalboard, or even an additional full-on stage rig.
Plus as an added performance feature, iRig HD 2 has an integrated microphone stand “clip” and Velcro strap so you can secure it to a mic stand on stage for live performance.
If you’re contemplating upgrading to the latest and greatest iPhone, then listen up. iRig HD 2 sports a new 1/8″ (3.5mm) headphone jack with preamp and level control integrated into the unit so you can monitor your recording and playing… even if your device doesn’t feature a headphone jack. Pretty smart.
But this is no ordinary standard “headphone” jack — it features a high-resolution headphone preamp that optimizes the audio signal for full-range playback and monitoring. You can also use this output to send a stereo signal out to a mixing console or a pair of powered monitors like the iLoud Micro Monitor.
Product Features
- High definition digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC
- High-quality instrument-level 1/4″ Hi-Z input jack
- Detachable cables for Lightning and USB included
- Preamp input gains control
- Headphone output with preamp and level control
- 1/4″ Amp Out jack with switchable output “FX” and “Thru”
- High-quality low-noise, high-definition guitar preamp
- High-quality 24-bit A/D conversion
- 96kHz sampling rate – the highest in its class
- Powered by the iOS device or USB
- Can be used with line-level signals from synthesizers, keyboards, and mixers
- Ultra-compact and lightweight – fits in your pocket, laptop bag, or gig bag
- Comes with microphone stand mounting clip and Velcro strip
- Comes with AmpliTube 5 SE for Mac/PC
- Unlocks full version features and gear of AmpliTube for iOS (Free download from App Store)
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Strong build
- Affordable
- Value for money
- Incredibly trusted
- Excellent sound output
- Favorable customer review ratings
- Excellent studio-grade sound quality
- Simple to use across a variety of devices and applications
- This is a good value buy because it includes a free full edition of AmpliTube (PC/Mac/iOS)
- The amp and headphone/stereo output give you a lot of options for how you utilize it
Cons
- Android smartphones are incompatible
- It comes with a lightning cable, but not a 30-pin cable for older iOS devices
- This is a guitar-only gadget
IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 Guitar InterfaceDemo
Our Verdict
The original iRig HD delivered much-needed audio quality. The iRig HD 2 has the same audio quality as the iRig HD but adds some much-needed functions. It’s also a lot more future-proof now that you don’t have to use your device’s headphone jack for output. The amp output jack is also a fantastic addition because you can now use your iOS device as a pedalboard with programs like AmpliTube or BIAS FX while still using your amp.
Overall, the iRig HD 2 is a versatile gadget that will appeal to a wide range of users. The fact that it includes the complete edition of AmpliTube 4 (PC/Mac or iOS) makes it an excellent bargain.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad and Mac (IP-IRIG-HD2-IN)
$99.99
Pricing History
Price History for IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 digital guitar interface for iPhone, iPad and Mac (IP-IRIG-HD2-IN)
Statistics
| Current Price | $99.99 | November 21, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $99.99 | August 16, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $99.99 | August 16, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $99.99 | August 16, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best Audio Interface
Best Audio Interfaces Under $100
Additional information
| Item Weight | 1.28 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 3.9 x 0.83 x 1.54 inches |
| Item model number | IP-IRIG-HD2-IN |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 15, 2016 |
| Color Name | Black |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Connector Type | USB Type A |
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