iRig Pre HD vs iRig Pro I/O: What You Need To Know

If you are a singer, podcaster, or content creator who wants to record your voice, you might be interested in getting a portable microphone interface.

The iRig Pre HD and the iRig Pro I/O are both compact and easy-to-use microphone interfaces that allow you to record your voice with your mobile device. The main differences are that the iRig Pre HD has an XLR input for microphone only, while the iRig Pro I/O has a combo XLR/1/4 inch input for microphone or instrument. The iRig Pre HD is cheaper and simpler, while the iRig Pro I/O is more expensive and versatile.

In this article, we will compare the features, sound quality, compatibility, and pros and cons of the iRig Pre HD and the iRig Pro I/O, so you can decide which one is better for your microphone recording needs.

A Quick Look

If you are looking for a simple and affordable interface that lets you connect your microphone to your mobile device or Mac/PC, and you don’t need an input for instrument or MIDI devices, we would recommend the iRig Pre HD. It has a great sound quality, a gain control knob with LED indicators, and a phantom power switch for condenser microphones. It is also powered by the connected device or batteries (no external power required).

If you are looking for a versatile and professional interface that lets you connect your microphone or instrument to your mobile device or Mac/PC, and you need an input for MIDI devices as well, we would recommend the iRig Pro I/O. It has a great sound quality, a combo XLR/1/4 inch input for microphone or instrument, and a MIDI input and output for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices. It can also run on batteries or external power.

Common Features

The iRig Pre HD and the iRig Pro I/O have some common features, such as:

• A 24-bit/96 kHz digital audio converter (DAC) for high-quality sound.
• A Lightning cable for connecting to iOS devices.
• A USB-C cable for connecting to Android devices.
• A USB-A cable for connecting to Mac or PC.
• A software bundle with AmpliTube and other apps.

Sound Quality

Both the iRig Pre HD 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 Pre HD has a slightly warmer and smoother sound, while the iRig Pro I/O has a slightly brighter and clearer sound. The iRig Pre HD also 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, on the other hand, has a bit more detail and definition than the iRig Pre HD, especially when using low-gain settings.

The sound quality of both devices also depends on the quality of your headphones or speakers. The iRig Pro I/O has a headphone output with preamp and level control that can deliver a cleaner and louder signal than the headphone output of the iRig Pre HD.

iRig Pre HD vs iRig Pro I/O Compatibility

Both the iRig Pre HD and the iRig Pro I/O are compatible with most iOS devices, Android 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:

• Both devices do 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.

• They also both don’t work with some Android devices, even with an OTG cable. You have to check the compatibility list on the IK Multimedia website before buying.

• Both devices do not come with a power supply, so you have to buy one separately if you want to use them with phantom power.

Price Comparison

The iRig Pre HD is cheaper than the iRig Pro I/O, as you might expect from its simpler design and features. The iRig Pre HD 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, as you might expect from its more versatile and professional design and features. The iRig Pro I/O 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 Pre HD 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 for your microphone, you might prefer the iRig Pre HD. If you are willing to spend a bit more or want a more flexible and professional interface for your microphone or instrument, you might prefer the iRig Pro I/O.

Which One Would You Choose?

Bundled Software List

iRig Pre HD & iRig Pro I/O

• 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.

The iRig Pre HD also includes:

• Mic Room for Mac/PC and iOS: A versatile application that emulates the sound of iconic microphones and lets you record using the same style. It is compatible with other applications, so you can achieve classic microphone sounds with ease. It comes with 9 microphone models (one of which is available after registration). More mic models can be added through in-app purchase.