iRig Pro I/O vs iRig Pro Duo I/O: Which One Suits Your Needs?

If you are a musician, podcaster, or content creator who wants to record high-quality audio on your iOS, Android, Mac, or PC device, you might be interested in getting a portable audio interface that lets you connect your microphones, instruments, and MIDI devices.

The iRig Pro I/O and the iRig Pro Duo I/O are both compact and versatile audio interfaces that allow you to record 24-bit/96 kHz audio with your mobile device. The main differences are that the iRig Pro I/O has one combo input and one MIDI input/output, while the iRig Pro Duo I/O has two combo inputs and two MIDI inputs/outputs. The iRig Pro I/O is cheaper and lighter, while the iRig Pro Duo I/O is more powerful and flexible.

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

A Quick Look

If you are looking for a simple and affordable interface that lets you connect one microphone or instrument and one MIDI device to your mobile device or Mac/PC, and you don’t need balanced outputs or independent headphone outputs, we would recommend the iRig Pro I/O. It has a great sound quality, a headphone output with preamp and level control, 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 two microphones or instruments and two MIDI devices to your mobile device or Mac/PC, and you need balanced outputs or independent headphone outputs, we would recommend the iRig Pro Duo I/O.

It has a great sound quality, two balanced outputs for speakers or mixers, and two phantom power switches for condenser microphones. It can also run on batteries or external power.

Single Input

iRig Pro I/O

A combo XLR/1/4 inch input for microphone or instrument.
A MIDI input and output for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices.
A 1/8 inch headphone output with preamp and level control.
A gain control knob for adjusting the input level.
A phantom power switch for condenser microphones.
Powered by two AA batteries, an external power supply, or the connected device.

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Guitar Center

Dual Input

iRig Pro Duo I/O

Two combo XLR/1/4 inch inputs for microphones or instruments.
Two MIDI inputs and outputs for connecting keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI devices.
Two 1/4 inch balanced outputs for connecting speakers or mixers.
Two 1/8 inch headphone outputs with independent level controls.
Two gain control knobs for adjusting the input levels.
Two phantom power switches for condenser microphones.
Powered by two AA batteries, an external power supply, or the connected device.

Buy at Amazon

Buy at Guitar Center

Common Features

The iRig Pro I/O and the iRig Pro Duo 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.

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

The iRig Pro Duo I/O is more expensive than the iRig Pro I/O, as you might expect from its more versatile and professional design and features. The iRig Pro Duo I/O has a recommended retail price of $229.99, but you can find it online for around $200-$230.

Sound Quality

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

The sound quality of both devices also depends on the quality of your headphones, speakers, or mixers. The iRig Pro Duo I/O has two balanced outputs that can deliver a cleaner and louder signal than the headphone output of the iRig Pro I/O. The iRig Pro Duo I/O also has two independent headphone outputs that can accommodate different impedance levels and preferences.

Compatibility

Both the iRig Pro I/O and the iRig Pro Duo 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:

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.

iRig Pro Duo I/O Compatibility

The device is larger and heavier than the iRig Pro I/O.

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.

iRig Pro I/O Pros

Cheaper and lighter than the iRig Pro Duo I/O.
Has a simple and easy-to-use design.
Has a headphone output with preamp and level control.
Powered by the connected device (no batteries or external power required).

iRig Pro I/O Cons

Has only one combo input and one MIDI input/output.
Does not have balanced outputs for speakers or mixers.
Does not come with a power supply.
Has some compatibility issues with some iOS and Android devices.

iRig Pro Duo I/O Pros

More powerful and flexible than the iRig Pro I/O.
Has two combo inputs and two MIDI inputs/outputs.
Has balanced outputs for speakers or mixers.
Comes with a power supply.

iRig Pro Duo I/O Cons

More expensive and heavier than the iRig Pro I/O.
Has a complex and bulky design.
Does not have a headphone output with preamp and level control.
Has some compatibility issues with some iOS and Android devices.

Which One Is Better for Your Recording Needs?

Bundled Software List

iRig Pro I/O & iRig Pro I/O Duo

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.