IK Multimedia iRig 2 Mobile Guitar Interface, Black

Product Information

This model is based on the Peavey® 5150™ head, an amp made famous by a guitarist whose combination of chops and musicianship is legendary.

iRig 2 Portable Guitar Audio Interface IK Multimedia iRig 2 Portable Guitar Audio Interface

You might have to experiment with these settings to get the mix sounding right or to avoid clipping. However, while testing the unit, I didn’t have much trouble finding workable spots for both volume and gain. Sound Quality and Tone The AmpliTube software can be used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. | Image via IK Multimedia. For example, the iLoud Micro Monitors (also developed by IK Multimedia) work great as they can use the headphone output via another 1/8" audio cable.For a little variety (and to test distortion) I installed the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 4. Even without that concern, it’s a lot of work to get all my gear together just to play for 20 minutes. This is where the beauty of the iRig HD 2, and the entire concept, really shines through. With that interface, I need only my guitar and a laptop or phone.

iRig HD 2 IK Multimedia - iRig HD 2

As I previously mentioned, the best "feature" of the iRig HD 2 is the convenience and ease-of-use you get from being able to play guitar through your computer or mobile device. I could utilize lots of effects and amp models on my couch, while my wife watched TV and my kids slept soundly. The volume wheel controls the master volume going to your headphones after the signal has been mixed, functioning simply as a monitor level adjustment. Gain controls signal strength at a preamp level, which means you’ll find that the more it’s turned up, the more prone your signal will be to distortion. If you don’t count basic volume tweaking, the device is ready to roll straight out of the box. Conclusion The iRig HD 2 interface essentially routes your signal through one of either a phone, tablet or computer, allowing you to use any of those devices as a fully functional amp modeler. You can then use AmpliTube 4, or other DAWs like GarageBand and Audacity, to run amp models and effects or even to record and produce your own music. In fact, any software that can recognize and hear external audio should be compatible.Tone and volume knob changes were more subtle, and sounded best when they were both kept at 10. Convenience and Ease of Use My wife and I have three children, who all go to bed early, around 7 p.m. After bedtime has come and gone, we watch TV, read or just spend time in the living room. There are a lot of times I’ve found myself wanting to play guitar, but can’t because I’m worried about waking the kids up or disturbing my wife while she watches TV. This stompbox model is based on the DigiTech Whammy™ pedal, and is great for both contemporary and classic metal. The original Whammy, which is no longer in production, is capable of a range of extreme effects, and is much sought after on the used gear market.

iRig2 iOS Audio Interface - Andertons Music Co. IK Multimedia iRig2 iOS Audio Interface - Andertons Music Co.

An additional benefit (that I overlooked before trying the iRig HD 2) is that the small interface lets you plug in and play nearly anywhere. The iRig HD 2 is IK Multimedia's second release of the widely-used iRig HD. Both units are mobile guitar interfaces that route your guitar’s signal through a phone, tablet, PC or Mac for effects processing and amp modeling. The iRig HD 2 unboxes with all the necessary cables for either a phone, tablet or USB-based connection. Since I happened to be using a Macbook Pro, I used the USB connector cable, running from the iRig HD 2 enclosure to the Macbook’s USB port. Pretty simple. With AmpliTube 4's default amp, I used the clean channel and, at times, a little reverb and chorus layering.

So, how does a device like the iRig HD 2 benefit you? Primarily, the iRig HD 2 interface allows you to use mobile amp modeling and effects processing applications to play guitar more freely, with or without a full rig. Its most significant benefit, that I can now vouch for (more on that below) is its portability. Any guitar player can benefit from the convenience and portability of the iRig HD 2, though I like it particularly in the following situations: While the iRig HD 2 is class compliant with the Mac OS, I still had to set things up so it could "talk" with the sound i/o device and amp modeling software. It sounds complex, but the setup process is really simple. In a Mac, go to Settings - Sound and set the iRig HD 2 as both the default input and output device. Based on the MXR® Flanger 117, it puts one of the most distinctive flanger sounds at your fingertips. Based on the Randall® Warhead 300™, this amp is designed for the most extreme of metal tones. If you want to rattle the windows and shake the floors, this is the amp to use.