iRig 2 vs iRig MIDI 2: MIDI Made Simple

If you are a musician, producer, or content creator who wants to use MIDI devices on your mobile device or Mac/PC, you might be interested in getting a portable device that lets you connect your MIDI devices and headphones or speakers to your device.

The iRig 2 and the iRig MIDI 2 are both compact and easy-to-use devices that allow you to use MIDI devices with your mobile device. The main differences are that the iRig 2 has a 1/4 inch input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone, while the iRig MIDI 2 has a MIDI input and output for any type of MIDI device. The iRig 2 is more versatile and compatible, while the iRig MIDI 2 is more professional and high-quality.

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

iRig 2 vs iRig MIDI 2

The Quick Answer

If you are looking for a versatile and compatible device that lets you use your electric guitar or dynamic microphone with any device with a headphone jack, and you don’t need MIDI input and output for your MIDI devices, we would recommend the iRig 2. It has a good sound quality, a 1/4 inch input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone, and a switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode. It is also powered by the connected device (no batteries or external power required).

If you are looking for a professional and high-quality device that lets you use any type of MIDI device with any device with a USB port or a Lightning port, and you need MIDI input and output for your MIDI devices, we would recommend the iRig MIDI 2. It has a great sound quality, a MIDI input and output for any type of MIDI device, and a switch for enabling phantom power. It also has a LED indicator for showing the MIDI activity and phantom power status.

Versatile
iRig 2

iRig 2

  • A 1/4 inch input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone.
  • A gain control knob for adjusting the input level.
  • A switch for selecting between clean or processed signal.
  • A switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode.
  • A 1/4 inch output for connecting to an amp or mixer.
  • An analog input and output for connecting to any device with a headphone jack.
  • Powered by the connected device (no batteries or external power required).
  • Compatible with iOS devices, Android devices, Macs, and PCs.
Sound Quality
IK Multimedia iRig MIDI 2

iRig MIDI 2

  • A MIDI input and output for any type of MIDI device.
  • A switch for selecting between direct monitoring or processed signal.
  • A switch for enabling phantom power (5V) for bus-powered MIDI devices.
  • A LED indicator for showing the MIDI activity and phantom power status.
  • A digital input and output for connecting to any device with a USB port or a Lightning port.
  • Powered by batteries or external power.
  • Compatible with iOS devices, Macs, and PCs

Common Features

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

  • A 1/8 inch output for headphones or speakers.
  • A volume control knob for adjusting the output level.
  • A software bundle with AmpliTube and other apps.

Sound Quality

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig MIDI 2 offer good sound quality with low noise and latency. They work well with headphones or speakers that have good sound reproduction. However, there are some noticeable differences in their sound quality that may affect your preference.

The iRig 2 has a more versatile and customizable sound, while the iRig MIDI 2 has a more professional and high-quality sound. The iRig 2 also has a lower output level than the iRig MIDI 2, which may affect the volume and clarity of your sound. The iRig MIDI 2, on the other hand, has a higher output level than the iRig 2, which may improve the volume and clarity of your sound.

The sound quality of both devices also depends on the quality of your audio sources’ type and sensitivity, as well as your device’s headphone jack or USB port. The iRig 2 has a switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode that lets you use your amp or pedals to shape your sound. The iRig MIDI 2 has a switch for enabling phantom power that lets you use bus-powered MIDI devices that require external power.

Compatibility

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig MIDI 2 are compatible with most audio sources that have a standard 1/4 inch jack or MIDI connectors. They work with any headphones or speakers that have a standard 1/8 inch jack. They also work with any app that supports Core Audio on iOS or ASIO on Windows. They also come with a software bundle that includes AmpliTube, an 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 device works with any electric guitar or dynamic microphone that has a standard 1/4 inch jack, but it may not work well with some microphones that have high output levels or low impedance. You have to adjust the gain control knob accordingly.
  • The device works with any device that has a headphone jack, but it may not work well with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable. You have to check the compatibility list on the IK Multimedia website before buying.
  • The device 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.

iRig MIDI 2 Compatibility

  • The device works with any type of MIDI device that has MIDI connectors, but it may not work well with some MIDI devices that have low output levels or high impedance. You have to adjust the volume control knob accordingly.
  • The device works with any device that has a USB port or a Lightning port, but it may not work well with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable. You have to check the compatibility list on the IK Multimedia website before buying.
  • The device 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.
  • The device does not come with a power supply, so you have to buy one separately if you want to use it with batteries.

iRig 2 Pros

  • More versatile than the iRig MIDI 2.
  • More compatible than the iRig MIDI 2.
  • Has a 1/4 inch input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone.
  • Has a switch for selecting between FX or THRU mode.
  • Has a 1/4 inch output for connecting to an amp or mixer.
  • Powered by the connected device (no batteries or external power required).

iRig 2 Cons

  • Lower sound quality than the iRig MIDI 2
  • Lower output level than the iRig MIDI 2
  • Has no XLR input for any type of microphone.
  • Has no switch for enabling phantom power.

iRig MIDI 2 Pros

  • Higher sound quality than the iRig 2.
  • Higher output level than the iRig 2.
  • Has a MIDI input and output for any type of MIDI device.
  • Has a switch for enabling phantom power.
  • Has a LED indicator for showing the MIDI activity and phantom power status.

iRig MIDI 2 Cons

  • Less versatile than the iRig 2.
  • Less compatible than the iRig 2.
  • Has no input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone.
  • Powered by batteries or external power (not included).

Price Comparison

The iRig 2 is cheaper than the iRig MIDI 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 MIDI 2 is more expensive, as you might expect from its more professional design and features. The iRig MIDI 2 has a recommended retail price of $99.99, but you can find it online for around $80-$100.

If you are on a tight budget or just want a simple and easy-to-use device for your MIDI needs, you might prefer the iRig 2. If you are willing to spend a bit more or want a more professional and high-quality device for your MIDI needs, you might prefer the iRig MIDI 2.

Which One Would You Choose?

iRig 2 vs iRig MIDI 2