Well
those opening demo song's definitely aren't getting any better. If you think we hit a
new low thumbs up and subscribe, and that entire track was produced entirely using IK
Multimedia's latest addition to the iRig family, the iRig Pro available for $150, there is
link in the description below.
Let's get straight into the unboxing for the iRig Pro. Now the packing is very similar
to the iRig HD which we reviewed previously and it's very nice and easy to open without
tearing. Sliding the box out reveals the iRig Pro along with four cables including a USB
cable to connect to a computer, a lightning cable for iOS devices as well as the older
30-pin connector and finally a 2.5mm midi cable meaning you do not have to buy any additional
cables which is amazing.
It also comes with a 9v battery so you can start using microphones that require phantom
power straight away without going to the shops along with the usual quick start guide, registration
card and catalogue.
The iRig Pro features an XLR plus quarter inch combo jack at the base of the device
as well as a 2.5mm MIDI in on the upper left hand side, a phantom power switch on the right
and at the top you have IK Multimedia's own 7 pin connector known as a Mini DIN which
fits the cables included with the iRig Pro. On the back you have access to the 9v battery
compartment which is required for delivering phantom power to condenser microphones but
can be left out if only using the midi in or guitar input.
It features a large gain wheel on the front along with a power/audio level LED. Directly
about this audio level LED we have the Phantom power/MIDI LED.
The iRig Pro uses the same plastic as the iRig HD which has a nice rubbery feel to it
and is a very very light. It's easy to grip and adjust the gain with your thumb and the
combo jack feels very well made and very solid with both XLR and 1/4 inch jacks connecting
and disconnecting flawlessly.
I do have a couple of minor gripes however with the iRig Pro's build quality. The gain
knob feels very delicate and is not as robust as I would like and secondly there is the
9v battery compartment on the back - Originally I had thought I had received a faulty unit
as the battery does not sit in it properly and continually pops out. I wrote to IK Multimedia
who said this was actually normal behaviour and that the cover will hold it in place which
is true, however it can be tricky trying to hold the battery in place with one hand whilst
trying to slip the cover on with the other.
However these minor issues are soon forgotten once you start to use the iRig Pro. The audio
quality is excellent, and I am amazed that I can finally use XLR condenser microphones
like the Rode NT1A and Rode Lavalier with my iPhone and iPad without having to use a
powered USB mixer, making this ideal for field recording.
The dialogue you are hearing now is being recorded using a Rode NT1A via the iRig Pro
with phantom power engaged into my iPhone 5s using the Rode Rec app. The iRig Pro really
does deliver on it's promise of low noise and professional quality.
When it comes to recording guitar via the 1/4 jack, it performs every bit as well as
the iRig HD allowing your app of choice to get the most out of your guitar's natural
tone.
But what really blew my mind was that on top of this is that for the first time I was able
to connect external keyboards like the Kawai ES1 with the included cable and use it with
compatible apps like IK Multimedia's own Sample Tank which I used for the drums in the opening
track.
Overall this is a truly incredible device and the first of it's kind for iOS devices.
For only $150 you get three incredible devices in one and the fact that it offers 48v phantom
power from a 9v battery makes this insanely powerful for mobile music makers and finally
offers a solution to iOS field recordists. The couple of minor build quality issue I
had become but a distant memory after using this for a couple of weeks and the iRig Pro
is now my most used iPhone and iPad accessory. We are awarding the iRig Pro 4.5/5 and for
a more in-depth review check out epictutorials.com - and if this helped you out please thumbs
up and subscribe if you love to get creative with your iOS devices.
Until next time take it easy.