iRig 2 vs iRig HD 2: Which One Is Better for Recording Guitar?

If you are a guitar player who wants to record on your iOS, Android, Mac, or PC, you might be interested in getting a portable guitar interface that lets you connect your guitar and headphones to your device. Two popular options are the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2, both made by IK Multimedia.

The iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 are both compact and easy-to-use guitar interfaces that allow you to record your guitar with your mobile device. The main differences are that the iRig 2 has an analog input and output, while the iRig HD 2 has a digital input and output. The iRig 2 is cheaper and more compatible, while the iRig HD 2 is more expensive and more professional.

In this article, we will compare the features, sound quality, compatibility, and pros and cons of the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2, so you can decide which one is better for your guitar recording needs.

A Quick Look

If you are looking for a cheap and compatible interface that lets you connect your guitar to any device with a headphone jack, and you don’t care much about sound quality or noise level, we would recommend the iRig 2. It has an analog input and output that works with most devices, and a switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode that lets you use your amp or pedals.

If you are looking for a professional and high-quality interface that lets you connect your guitar to any device with a Lightning or USB port, and you care about sound quality and noise level, we would recommend the iRig HD 2. It has a digital input and output that delivers a cleaner and clearer signal than the iRig 2, and a higher sampling rate that gives more detail and clarity to your sound.

iRig 2 and iRig HD 2 – Common Features

The iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 have some common features, such as:

• A 1/4 inch input for guitar or bass.
• A 1/8 inch output for headphones or speakers.
• A Lightning cable for connecting to iOS devices.
• A USB cable for connecting to Mac or PC.
• A software bundle with AmpliTube and other apps.

iRig 2 – Unique Features

• Analog input and output: The iRig 2 has an analog input and output for connecting to any device with a headphone jack.

• FX/THRU switch: A switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode, which lets you use your amp or pedals with the interface.

• Charge while playing: Can be plugged into a headphone jack and charged while playing, without needing an additional PowerBridge.

iRig HD 2 – Unique Features

• Digital input and output: The iRig HD 2 has a digital input and output for connecting to any device with a Lightning or USB port, which delivers a cleaner and clearer signal than the iRig 2.

• Onboard volume control: A gain control knob with LED indicators for adjusting the input level, which the iRig 2 lacks.

• Higher sampling rate: Has a higher sampling rate of 96 kHz, which gives more detail and clarity to your sound than the iRig 2, which has a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.

Sound Quality

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 offer good sound quality with low noise and latency. They work well with AmpliTube and other apps that let you create various tones and effects. However, there are some noticeable differences in their sound quality that may affect your preference.

The iRig 2 has an analog input and output that can introduce some noise and distortion to the signal, especially when using high-gain settings. The sound quality also depends on the quality of your device’s headphone jack, which may vary from model to model. The iRig 2 also has a lower sampling rate (44.1 kHz) than the iRig HD 2 (96 kHz), which means less detail and clarity in the sound.

The iRig HD 2 has a digital input and output that can deliver a cleaner and clearer signal than the iRig 2, especially when using high-gain settings. The sound quality also does not depend on the quality of your device’s headphone jack, as it bypasses it completely. The iRig HD 2 also has a higher sampling rate (96 kHz) than the iRig 2 (44.1 kHz), which means more detail and clarity in the sound.

Compatibility

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 are compatible with most iOS devices, Macs, and PCs. They work with any app that supports Core Audio on iOS or ASIO on Windows. They also come with a software bundle that includes AmpliTube, a guitar amp and effects simulator app that lets you create various tones and presets.

However, there are some compatibility issues that you should be aware of before buying either device. Here are some of them:

iRig 2 Compatibility

• The iRig 2 works with any device with a headphone jack, but it may not work well with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable.

• Does not work with some older iOS devices that have a 30-pin connector, such as the iPhone 4s or earlier. You have to use an adapter or a different cable to connect to these devices.

• Does not come with a USB-C cable, so you have to buy one separately if you want to use it with a USB-C device.

iRig HD 2 Compatibility

• The iRig HD 2 works with any device with a Lightning or USB port, but it may not work well with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable.

• Does not work with some older iOS devices that have a 30-pin connector, such as the iPhone 4s or earlier. You have to use an adapter or a different cable to connect to these devices.

• Comes with a USB-C cable, so you can use it with a USB-C device without buying an extra cable.

Pros and Cons

Price Comparison

One of the factors that may influence your decision between the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 is the price.

The iRig 2 is cheaper than the iRig HD 2, as you might expect from its simpler design and features. The iRig 2 has a recommended retail price of $39.99, but you can find it online for around $30-$40.

The iRig HD 2 is more expensive than the iRig 2, as you might expect from its more professional design and features. The iRig HD 2 has a recommended retail price of $99.95, but you can find it online for around $80-$100.

So, the price difference between the iRig 2 and the iRig HD 2 is not huge, considering what you get with each device. However, if you are on a tight budget or just want a simple and easy-to-use interface, you might prefer the iRig 2. If you are willing to spend a bit more or want a more professional interface, you might prefer the iRig HD 2.

Which One Would You Choose?

Bundled Software List

iRig 2 / iRig HD 2

Both interfaces come with the same bundled software:

• AmpliTube 5 SE for Mac/PC: A powerful guitar and bass tone studio with over 400 gear models, a redesigned interface, a new mixer, and more.
• TONEX SE for Mac/PC: A standalone application and plug-in that lets you model the sound of any amp, cabinet, combo or pedal, and turn it into a plug-in to use on both Mac/PC or iPhone and iPad. It includes 200 Tone Models and access to ToneNET.
• AmpliTube for iOS: A mobile guitar and bass tone studio with over 160 gear models, a looper, a drum machine, and more.
• Cubasis LE for iOS: A mobile music production application by Steinberg Media Technologies that offers multi-track recording, editing, mixing, MIDI sequencing, and more.