When most music industry companies were first contemplating the possibility of making music with iOS, IK Multimedia was already hard at work, producing the first generation of mobile-ready gear and specialty apps that would prove it could be done. As of early 2010, the original iRig and AmpliTube app revolutionized the way guitarists interacted with iOS, almost single-handedly ending the market for standalone guitar practice tools. In the years that followed, IK Multimedia steadily expanded the iRig line, introducing microphones, interfaces, keyboards, and more. Today, there’s a whole iRig ecosystem, providing gear that makes mobile music production easier than ever.
Record, Produce, and Perform
Right from the start, guitarists used the first-generation iRig not only to practice and record, but to perform as well. From a simple analog adapter that plugged into the iPad or iPhone’s 1/8″ jack, the iRig series quickly expanded into interfaces that could plug into conventional guitar rigs and PA systems. Now there are microphones and keyboards that tap into stage-ready live processing and virtual instrument apps.
Built for iOS and Beyond
In the beginning, the iRig was a simple way to get guitar-level signal into the AmpliTube iOS app and its output back into your headphones. That set the trend, but as the series expanded into digital interfaces with first 30-pin and eventually Lightning connectors, iRig gear started becoming cross compatible with applications on Mac and Windows platforms as well. With the addition of the iRig UA to the line, the series officially found its way onto Android devices too. With its broad compatibility, great apps, and low prices, the iRig series has become a perfect option for anyone who’s getting into music production software.
iRig Hardware for Everyone
IK Multimedia’s iRig interfaces have come a long way from the original iRig guitar adapter. Today, there is a wide range of options, from simple analog devices that interface with traditional 1/8″ TRRS jacks to modern digital models that connect via Lightning, USB, and (in some cases) legacy 30-pin cables.
Whether you’re a musician, engineer, video tech, or other media specialist, IK Multimedia’s iRig series includes gear that fits into your world. The series breaks up into three main categories: interfaces, microphones, and keyboards, and each one is worth taking a closer look at. There are also some excellent stands and accessories you’ll want to check out.
iRig Recording Interfaces
Top-of-the-line iRig interfaces accommodate much more than instrument-level signals. Several include simple yet effective preamps, plus additional I/O to fit into all kinds of systems. Here are some highlights:
iRig PRO
This series includes the 1-channel iRig PRO and the 2-channel iRig PRO DUO. Both are battery powered and support an optional power supply that also charges iOS devices, and they feature up to 24-bit/96kHz for professional-standard recording. Combo inputs accommodate mic-, line-, and instrument-level signals, and the preamps include switchable phantom power for condenser microphones. On top of that, iRig PRO series interfaces provide MIDI I/O, making them among the least expensive and most versatile iOS interfaces on the market.
iRig Pre
There are two models in the iRig Pre family: the original iRig Pre and the iRig Pre HD. The original iRig Pre is a remarkably simple gadget that lets you connect your microphone directly to your iOS device’s 1/8″ TRRS jack or adapter. It runs on a single 9-volt battery and provides both +48-volt phantom power and a headphone output. The iRig Pre HD ups the ante with 24-bit/96kHz digital resolution for extra clean and clear audio, making it perfect for run-and-gun interviews and video applications.
iRig Guitar Interfaces
Over the years, the iRig guitar interfaces have gone through the most changes in the line. They’ve expanded from a simple analog adapter to a fully loaded pedalboard-style option. Whichever you choose, they’re all perfect for IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube app and most other iOS effects and recording apps. Check them out:
iRig
The successor to the original iRig is the iRig 2. It provides all the simplicity of its predecessor, including an integrated 1/8″ TRRS connection cable and headphone monitor, but with the added benefit of an input volume control, stand mount, and amp-ready 1/4″ output. The iRig Nano Amp 
takes this same concept and packages it in a fun little 1 x 3″ mini guitar amp. It’s perfect for rocking out in your bedroom or jamming in the park.
While these two models are great for practicing and performing live, guitarists who want to record to their mobile devices typically prefer the iRig HD 2. The iRig HD 2 swaps out the analog cable for a 24-bit/96kHz digital connection via Lightning for your iOS device or USB for your computer. What’s more, Android users can also benefit from the AmpliTube app, thanks to the iRig UA model.
iRig Acoustic
Bringing the iRig experience to your favorite acoustic-electric guitar, the iRig Acoustic series is a singer/songwriter’s best friend. At its simplest, there’s the original iRig Acoustic. This purely analog version clips onto your guitar’s soundhole and runs right into your mobile device’s 1/8″ jack. There’s even a headphone output for easy monitoring.
The iRig Acoustic Stage really kicks it up a notch. It uses a similar kind of contact pickup, but the rest of the system is 32-bit digital. There are connections for both recording and performing setups, and onboard controls provide everything from tone shaping to feedback cancellation.
iRig Stomp
The first iRig Stomp answered the demand for a way to use IK Multimedia’s AmpliTube app (and other effects apps) onstage. This standard stompbox-sized pedal is pretty ingenious. 
It connects to your iOS device via the 1/8″ TRRS jack, passing audio to and from your favorite app. There’s a headphone jack for silent practice, but the main output goes to your amp. What’s more, the footswitch totally bypasses the iRig Stomp, treating it just like any other pedal.
Step up to the iRig Stomp I/O, and you’re in an entirely different league. This 24-bit/96kHz digital powerhouse features four multifunction footswitches and an expression pedal, giving you advanced real-time control of the AmpliTube app and desktop software. What’s more, the iRig Stomp I/O lives up to its name, including stereo line inputs, a combo mic/instrument preamp, two external footswitch inputs, and MIDI I/O.
iRig Mic Series
Between video techs and vocalists, there’s been a huge demand for iOS-ready microphones right from the start. That’s why it wasn’t even a year before IK Multimedia expanded the iRig series to include the iRig Mic and iRig Mic Cast. 
These analog mics, along with the iRig Mic Lavalier, plug into the 1/8″ TRRS jack on your device or adapter, which makes them great, super-inexpensive ways to record your voice, interviews, sounds, or vocals. Like the entire rest of the iRig Mic lineup, these models include integrated headphone monitoring.
When you need even better sound quality, the iRig Mic line provides excellent 24-bit digital models. For podcast spoken-word, voice-overs, acoustic instruments, and vocals in general, Sweetwater recommends the iRig Mic Studio. This small front-address condenser is remarkably detailed! If you prefer a handheld model or want to conduct on-the-run interviews, you’ll want to check out the iRig Mic HD 2 instead. Both of these models are compatible with any mobile or desktop platform, while the Lightning-equipped iRig Mic Field is perfect for A/V and sound design applications on iOS, such as IK Multimedia’s Mic Room and VocaLive.
iRig Keys Series
Why stop with audio-related products when there are so many great virtual instrument apps out there — including IK Multimedia’s own SampleTank, Syntronik, and various piano apps? To answer this, IK Multimedia introduced several iRig Keys keyboard controller models. 
The original iRig Keys gives mobile songwriters and players a simple, lightweight keyboard, while the expanded iRig Keys Pro adds the mod and pitch wheels that are essential to keyboardists. Going even further, iRig Keys I/O models borrow additional triggers from the iRig Pads pad controller while adding single-channel audio interface (including a preamp with phantom power) to the mix. All iRig Keys models are fully cross-platform compatible and include killer virtual instruments.
Other iRig Gear
There are several other cool iRig models you should know about. For starters, there’s the iRig BlueBoard
and iRig BlueTurn. These compact Bluetooth footpedals are great for everything from triggering effects to flipping pages in IK Multimedia’s iKlip Stage score-management app. If all you need is MIDI I/O, then the iRig MIDI 2 is a perfect choice. For longer sessions, you may find yourself needing to connect your iRig gear and power your iOS device. While several iRig models already do this, the iRig PowerBridge is an excellent solution to this problem.
iKlip Series
With all these cool iRig gadgets to fuel your creativity and bring new sounds with you onstage, IK Multimedia recognized the need for reliable stands and holders for iOS devices. The iKlip series includes several models to handle different tasks. 
For instance, the iKlip Studio and iKlip Stand are simple, sturdy desktop holders for various iPad models, while the iKlip Xpand line provides secure stand-mounting options. There are even iKlip models available for media production, such as the iKlip Grip and the videography-ready iKlip A/V, which includes a mount for battery-powered wireless systems.
Take the Next Step into iRig
As you can see, there are tons of wonderful options available in the world of IK Multimedia iRig gear. Whether you’re a singer or a guitarist, a podcaster or a video pro, the iRig line has something to offer you. If you have questions about iRig gear or want to find out what it can do for you, don’t hesitate to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.
