IK Multimedia has announced that it's shipping iRig 2, the sequel to the most popular guitar interface of all time.
In 2010, the original iRig allowed guitar and bass players to plug into their iPhone and use their mobile device to play, practice and record with apps like IK's AmpliTube, Apple's GarageBand and thousands more.
Five years later, and with more than a million units sold, IK is introducing iRig 2.
A significant upgrade, it improves on its predecessor by providing better sound quality and more universal compatibility than ever before; and it does this while maintaining the convenience and ease-of-use that have made it such a staple piece of equipment in the arsenal of millions of musicians around the world.
The universal mobile guitar interface
Just like its predecessor, the new iRig 2 plugs directly into the mini jack input of a mobile device. It lets musicians send an instrument signal to apps, such as IK's AmpliTube, while also providing on-board output for real-time monitoring.
iRig 2 now comes with gain control, which lets users precisely adjust the input gain of their instrument to match their mobile device. This means that it can be customized to always provide the best sound, no matter what type of guitar, bass or line-level instrument or device is used.
In other words, iRig 2 sounds just as good connecting a wailing humbucker electric guitar to an iPhone 6 as it does a jazzy archtop or mellow electric piano to a Samsung Galaxy Note 4.
iRig 2 now not only works with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac, but that it also supports the complete line of new Samsung Professional Audio devices. Using the Android version of AmpliTube, iRig 2 is fully compatible with Note 3, Note 4, Galaxy Edge, Galaxy S5 and also the forthcoming S6.
Plus iRig 2 now also offers compatibility with Android 5 devices. As the most convenient way to bring a guitar signal into a mobile device, it lets musicians use the hundreds of available tuning and recording apps available, such as the forthcoming UltraTuner for Android.
Live flexibility and integration
When it comes to playing live on stage or with a band, iRig 2 provides multiple new features that offer even more flexibility and integration than before.
Its new 1/4-inch amplifier output, in addition to its traditional 1/8" headphone output, allows iRig 2 to be plugged directly into a guitar amplifier or powered speakers without an adaptor. This helps to keep all cable connections tidy and organized.
A new FX/THRU switch allows iRig 2 to send either a wet or dry signal through the device. This means that guitarists can play live with an amplifier and use their mobile device with a tuner app, such as IK's UltraTuner, or a recording app, such as IK's iRig Recorder, to record a dry signal for further processing.
iRig 2 also comes with a clip and a Velcro strip so it can be firmly installed on a microphone stand, avoiding accidental disconnection.
Apps galore
iRig 2 is ready to go right out of the box. It comes with a powerful cross-platform suite of apps and software that includes free versions of AmpliTube for iOS, Mac and Android Samsung Pro Audio.
Galaxy Note 4, Galaxy Note Edge owners will receive AmpliTube LE for Samsung Pro Audio as a complementary download courtesy of the included Galaxy Gifts app bundle that comes with their mobile device.
And while iRig 2 is made to pair with AmpliTube, it's also compatible with many other mobile music creation apps and utilities, such as Apple's GarageBand, Samsung's Soundcamp and literally thousands of others.
More features at the same price
The new iRig 2 interface is now available from select music and consumer electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK Online Store, at the same price of the original iRig: Just $39.99 (excl. taxes).
For more information, check out the two videos below and visit irig2.com and amplitube.com.