iRig HD 2 vs iRig Pro I/O: Which One Should You Choose?

If you are a guitar player who wants to record or perform with your iOS device, you might be interested in getting an audio interface that lets you plug in your instrument and microphone.

The iRig HD 2 and the iRig Pro I/O are both portable audio interfaces that allow you to connect your guitar and microphone to your iPhone, iPad, Mac or PC.

The main differences are that the iRig HD 2 has a built-in headphone output and an amp output, while the iRig Pro I/O has a MIDI input and output and can run on batteries or external power. The iRig HD 2 is cheaper and simpler to use, while the iRig Pro I/O is more versatile and professional.

A Quick Look

If you are looking for a simple and affordable interface that lets you connect your guitar and microphone to your iOS device or Mac/PC, and you don’t need MIDI or phantom power, we would recommend the iRig HD 2. It has a great sound quality, a built-in headphone output and an amp output, and a switch for selecting between clean or processed signal. It is also powered by the connected device, so you don’t have to worry about batteries or external power.

If you are looking for a versatile and professional interface that lets you connect your guitar, microphone, and MIDI devices to your iOS device or Mac/PC, and you need MIDI or phantom power, we would recommend the iRig Pro I/O. It has a great sound quality, a MIDI input and output, and phantom power for condenser microphones. It can also run on batteries or external power, so you can use it anywhere.

iRig HD2 and iRig Pro I/O Common Features

• A 1/4 inch input for guitar or bass
• A combo XLR/1/4 inch input for microphone or line level signals
• A gain control knob for adjusting the input level
• A 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio converter (DAC) for high-quality sound
• 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

Sound Quality

Both the iRig HD 2 and the iRig Pro I/O offer high-quality sound with low noise and latency. They have a similar frequency response, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. However, there are some subtle differences in their sound quality that may affect your preference.

• The iRig HD 2 has a slightly warmer and smoother sound, while the iRig Pro I/O has a slightly brighter and clearer sound.
• The iRig HD 2 has a bit more headroom and less distortion than the iRig Pro I/O, especially when using high-gain settings.
• The iRig Pro I/O has a bit more detail and definition than the iRig HD 2, especially when using low-gain settings.

The sound quality of both devices also depends on the quality of your headphones, speakers, or amp. The iRig HD 2 has a dedicated amp output that bypasses the DAC and sends the analog signal directly to your amp. This can give you a more natural and authentic sound than using the headphone output. The iRig Pro I/O does not have an amp output, so you have to use the headphone output or a splitter cable to connect to your amp.

Compatibility

Both the iRig HD 2 and the iRig Pro I/O 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 HD 2 Compatibility

• The headphone output does not work with some older iOS devices that have a headphone jack, such as the iPhone 6s or earlier. You have to use an adapter or a splitter cable to connect your headphones to the device’s headphone jack instead.

• The amp output does not work with some newer iOS devices that do not have a headphone jack, such as the iPhone 7 or later. You have to use an adapter or a splitter cable to connect your amp to the device’s Lightning port instead.

• The device does not work with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable. You have to check the compatibility list on the IK Multimedia website before buying.

iRig Pro I/O Compatibility

• The device does not come with a power supply, so you have to buy one separately if you want to use it with phantom power or MIDI devices. The power supply also has to meet the specific requirements of the device, such as voltage, polarity, and plug size.

• 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 work with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable. You have to check the compatibility list on the IK Multimedia website before buying.

Price Comparison

The iRig HD 2 is cheaper than the iRig Pro I/O, as you might expect from its simpler 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.

The iRig Pro I/O is more expensive than the iRig HD 2, as you might expect from its more versatile and professional design and features. It has a recommended retail price of $169.99, but you can find it online for around $150-$170.

So, the price difference between the iRig HD 2 and the iRig Pro I/O 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 HD 2. If you are willing to spend a bit more or want a more flexible and professional interface, you might prefer the iRig Pro I/O.

Which One Would You Choose?

Bundled Software List

iRig HD 2 / iRig Pro I/O

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.