IK Multimedia iRig 2 Mobile Guitar Interface, Black

Product Information

An additional benefit (that I overlooked before trying the iRig HD 2) is that the small interface lets you plug in and play nearly anywhere. The iRig HD 2 unboxes with all the necessary cables for either a phone, tablet or USB-based connection. Since I happened to be using a Macbook Pro, I used the USB connector cable, running from the iRig HD 2 enclosure to the Macbook’s USB port. Pretty simple.

iRig HD 2 IK Multimedia - iRig HD 2

Tone and volume knob changes were more subtle, and sounded best when they were both kept at 10. Convenience and Ease of Use If you don’t count basic volume tweaking, the device is ready to roll straight out of the box. Conclusion With AmpliTube 4's default amp, I used the clean channel and, at times, a little reverb and chorus layering. Any guitar player can benefit from the convenience and portability of the iRig HD 2, though I like it particularly in the following situations: For example, the iLoud Micro Monitors (also developed by IK Multimedia) work great as they can use the headphone output via another 1/8" audio cable.This stompbox model is based on the DigiTech Whammy™ pedal, and is great for both contemporary and classic metal. The original Whammy, which is no longer in production, is capable of a range of extreme effects, and is much sought after on the used gear market. This model is based on the Peavey® 5150™ head, an amp made famous by a guitarist whose combination of chops and musicianship is legendary. While the iRig HD 2 is class compliant with the Mac OS, I still had to set things up so it could "talk" with the sound i/o device and amp modeling software. It sounds complex, but the setup process is really simple. In a Mac, go to Settings - Sound and set the iRig HD 2 as both the default input and output device.

iRig2 iOS Audio Interface - Andertons Music Co. IK Multimedia iRig2 iOS Audio Interface - Andertons Music Co.

As I previously mentioned, the best "feature" of the iRig HD 2 is the convenience and ease-of-use you get from being able to play guitar through your computer or mobile device. I could utilize lots of effects and amp models on my couch, while my wife watched TV and my kids slept soundly.With the heavier distortion settings, the signal came through a little noisy at times, though not more than I would expect with a physical amplifier. Generally, the high-gain settings I tried (at varying volumes) sounded full and studio-quality. I’d go as far to say it sounded more like a full guitar rig than a headphone outfit. For a little variety (and to test distortion) I installed the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 4.

iRig 2 IK Multimedia - iRig 2

The iRig HD 2 interface essentially routes your signal through one of either a phone, tablet or computer, allowing you to use any of those devices as a fully functional amp modeler. You can then use AmpliTube 4, or other DAWs like GarageBand and Audacity, to run amp models and effects or even to record and produce your own music. In fact, any software that can recognize and hear external audio should be compatible.

Based on the Randall® Warhead 300™, this amp is designed for the most extreme of metal tones. If you want to rattle the windows and shake the floors, this is the amp to use.