iRig 2 vs iRig Pre HD: Guitar v Microphone Needs

If you are a singer, podcaster, or content creator who wants to record your voice or guitar on your mobile device or Mac/PC, you might be interested in getting a portable device that lets you connect your microphone and headphones or speakers to your device.

The iRig 2 and the iRig Pre HD are both compact and easy-to-use devices that allow you to record your microphone 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 Pre HD has an XLR input for any type of microphone. The iRig 2 is more versatile and compatible, while the iRig Pre HD 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 Pre HD, so you can decide which one is better for your microphone needs.

The Quick Answer

If you are looking for a versatile and compatible device that lets you record your electric guitar or dynamic microphone with any device with a headphone jack, and you don’t need an XLR input or phantom power for your microphone , 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 record any type of microphone with any device with a USB port, and you need an XLR input or phantom power for your microphone, we would recommend the iRig Pre HD. It has a great sound quality, an XLR input for any type of microphone, and a switch for enabling phantom power. It also has a LED indicator for showing the input level and phantom power status.

Common Features

The iRig 2 and the iRig Pre HD 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.

iRig 2 – Unique Features

• 1/4 inch input: The iRig 2 has a 1/4 inch input for electric guitar or dynamic microphone, which the iRig Pre HD does not have.

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

• Analog input and output: Has an analog input and output for connecting to any device with a headphone jack, which the iRig Pre HD lacks.

iRig Pre HD – Unique Features

• XLR input: The iRig Pre HD has an XLR input for any type of microphone, which the iRig 2 does not have.

• Phantom power switch: Has a switch for enabling phantom power (48V) for condenser microphones, which the iRig 2 does not have.

• LED indicator: A LED indicator for showing the input level and phantom power status, which the iRig 2 does not have.

Sound Quality

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig Pre HD 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 Pre HD has a more professional and high-quality sound. The iRig 2 also has a lower output level than the iRig Pre HD, which may affect the volume and clarity of your sound. The iRig Pre HD, 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 microphone’s 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 Pre HD has a switch for enabling phantom power that lets you use condenser microphones that require external power.

Compatibility

Both the iRig 2 and the iRig Pre HD are compatible with most microphones that have a standard 1/4 inch jack or an XLR connector. 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

• 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.

• 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 Pre HD – Compatibility

• The iRig Pre HD works with any type of microphone that has an XLR connector, but it may not work well with some microphones that have low output levels or high impedance. You have to adjust the gain control knob accordingly.

• Works with any device that has a USB 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.

• 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.

Pros and Cons

Price Comparison

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

So, the price difference between the iRig 2 and the iRig Pre HD 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 device for your microphone 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 microphone needs, you might prefer the iRig Pre HD.

Which One Is Best for You?