IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD Class-A Best Price
The IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD is a portable XLR microphone preamplifier and audio interface that allows you to connect professional XLR microphones to your smartphone, tablet or computer. With its compact size, solid metal construction, and studio-quality Class-A preamp, the iRig Pre HD aims to provide high-quality audio recording capabilities in a portable and affordable package.
In this review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features and performance of the iRig Pre HD to see how it stacks up for field recording, music production, podcasting, and other applications. We’ll examine the device’s design and build quality, preamp performance, connectivity options, bundled software and accessories, and overall value for money. Read on to see if the iRig Pre HD’s combination of portability and pro-level sound quality makes it the right audio interface for your needs.
Key Features and Specifications
- Compact and rugged metal construction
- 48V phantom power for condenser mics
- Class-A preamp circuitry
- 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A conversion
- Sample rates up to 96kHz
- Balanced XLR mic input
- Stereo headphone output
- Direct monitoring knob
- iOS, USB, and micro USB connectivity
- Comes with Lightning, USB, and micro USB cables
- Works with iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC, and Android devices
- Bundled with IK Multimedia apps and software
Frequency Response: 10Hz – 22kHz (±0.5dB)
Dynamic Range: 111dB (A-weighted)
Maximum Input Level: +12dBu
Maximum Output Level: +12dBu
THD+N: 0.005% (1kHz, -1dBFS)
Power Requirements: 9V DC, 300mA power supply included
- CONNECT ANY MICROPHONE TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE: This portable preamp's XLR input and true +48V phantom power ensure a clean, crisp sound with any dynamic mic, condenser mic or ribbon mic.
- CREATE HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL MUSIC PROJECTS: A Class-A mic preamp with adjustable gain and 24-bit, 96 kHz converters deliver exceptional audio quality for recording, performance, broadcast and podcasting.
- DIRECT MONITOR WITH YOUR HEADPHONES: Connect your earbuds directly to the headphone jack to monitor your sound in real-time, with no latency or echo. Ensure you always sound your best.
- WORKS GREAT WITH YOUR FAVORITE APPS: This microphone preamp recorder is built for audio professionals and delivers studio-quality sound on almost any device and any app like Clubhouse, Instagram, Zoom, etc.
- COMPATIBLE WITH: A must-have accessory for any recording enthusiast. Whether you have iPhone, iPad, or Android devices, this recording interface will work on all (even with digital cameras), and make your vocals and instruments shine.
Design and Build Quality
The iRig Pre HD has an ultra-compact and durable metal construction that feels solid in the hand. Measuring just 4.1 x 1.9 x 0.9 inches and weighing 5.6 ounces, it’s small and lightweight enough to easily fit into a gear bag or backpack for mobile recording. The chassis is made of aluminum which feels premium and helps protect the components inside.
Despite its portable size, the build quality doesn’t feel compromised. The knobs have a sturdy feel and all the jacks are securely mounted to the body. Overall, the iRig Pre HD gives the impression of being an well-made, road-worthy miniature audio interface.
On the front panel, there is a large gain knob, 48V phantom power button, and 1/4” headphone jack. The back panel houses the XLR mic input, 1/4” line output, micro USB port, and power jack. The side panels include the direct monitoring knob and ports for Lightning, USB-C, and micro USB cables. This varied I/O selection provides good connectivity options for most recording devices.
Class-A Preamp Performance
At the heart of the iRig Pre HD is its studio-quality Class-A preamplifier. Class-A preamps are known for having extremely low distortion and noise, which helps them capture the true tonality and dynamics of microphones. This gives the iRig Pre HD the ability to provide clean gain to mics while preserving clarity and detail.
The Class-A gain circuit can provide up to 55dB of preamp gain to the XLR input. This allows you to boost weak microphone signals to healthy recording levels. Even at high gain settings, the preamp remains quiet and transparent.
Overall, the preamp captures the subtle nuances and richness of condenser microphones and also handles dynamic mics well. Vocals come through with a clear presence and instrumental tones retain their warmth and color. The preamp has plenty of headroom to handle transient signals without overload distortion.
For critical recording applications, the iRig Pre HD delivers the pristine preamp performance needed to do justice to high-end microphones. It’s a testament to IK Multimedia’s mic preamp design capabilities in such a compact device.
Connectivity and Device Compatibility
A key highlight of the iRig Pre HD is its extensive connectivity options. It can interface with just about any smartphone, tablet, laptop, or recording gear you want to use.
For iOS devices, there is a Lightning port for connecting to iPhones and iPads. This allows you to directly capture pro-quality audio into apps like GarageBand, allowing mobile content creators to record on the go with studio-grade sound.
For Android devices, the iRig Pre HD includes a micro USB (OTG) cable. After installing the included software drivers, the interface shows up like an external sound card in your device settings. You can then access the input in audio recording apps running on Android phones/tablets.
The USB port allows direct connection to Mac and Windows laptops and desktops. The iRig Pre HD shows up as a 24-bit/96kHz audio interface in your system sound settings for integration with DAW software like Pro Tools, Logic, Ableton Live, and more. No additional driver downloads are required.
Finally, the line outputs allow you to connect the iRig Pre HD to mixing boards, PA systems, or amp/speaker rigs for live sound reinforcement. With all these connectivity options covered, the iRig Pre HD provides seamless integration across practically any recording platform or setup.
Software and Accessories
The iRig Pre HD comes bundled with IK Multimedia’s Mic Room app for iOS and Mac. This software provides effects like compression, EQ, and reverb to polish your recordings. There’s also a handy digital tuner built in.
For Android devices, you get the iRig Recorder 3 app, which provides effects and editing features for mobile recording. All required cables – Lightning, USB, micro USB – are included in the box for easy hookup.
You also get an IK Multimedia FullTank registration code to unlock additional plugins. These effects and amp modelers further expand your software processing options when using the iRig Pre HD.
Finally, IK Multimedia provides a 2-year standard manufacturer’s warranty for added peace of mind. Overall, the included software and accessories provide good value on top of the device’s core capabilities.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the main advantages and downsides of the IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD:
Pros
- Excellent Class-A preamp performance
- Compact, rugged metal construction
- Extensive device compatibility via multiple I/O options
- 48V phantom power for condenser mics
- Quality accessories and software bundled
- Good value for the price
Cons
- No pads or filters for line/hi-Z inputs
- Only one XLR mic input
- Headphone output isn’t extremely loud
- Limited controls (just gain and direct monitoring knob)
Who is it For?
With its portable design, studio-grade preamp, and cross-platform compatibility, the iRig Pre HD is ideal for:
- Field recordists who want to capture high-quality audio while working on location using their mobile device or laptop
- Podcasters who need pristine, low-noise preamp performance for speech recording
- Vocalists/musicians seeking rich, detailed capture of their instruments and voice when recording demos or performances
- Mobile content creators who want pro-mic sound quality in their videos, livestreams, or other productions
- Home studio owners seeking an affordable, compact preamp to integrate with their setup
Conclusion
With premium Class-A preamp quality in a highly portable chassis, the IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD delivers impressive audio recording capabilities in a compact package. Its rugged metal build, phantom power, and multi-platform connectivity allow you to interface professional mics with virtually any recording device or platform.
While controls and outputs are a bit minimal, the stellar preamp performance punches above its weight for the price. For those seeking an ultra-portable interface for capturing pristine audio with studio-grade microphones, the iRig Pre HD is easy to recommend. It packs substantial pro-level sound into a compact, road-ready unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iRig Pre HD provide power to condenser microphones?
Yes, the iRig Pre HD has 48V phantom power to provide power to condenser mics. Just press the +48V button on the front panel to activate it.
What cables come included with the iRig Pre HD?
It comes bundled with a Lightning cable for iOS devices, USB cable for computers, and micro USB OTG cable for Android devices.
Can I use the iRig Pre HD with stereo microphones?
No, the iRig Pre HD only has a single XLR mic input, so it only supports mono microphones. You’d need a 2-channel interface to use a stereo mic.
Does the iRig Pre HD work with USB-C Android phones and tablets?
Yes, you can use a USB-C to micro USB adapter or OTG cable to connect it to USB-C Android devices.
What software does the iRig Pre HD come with?
It includes IK Multimedia’s Mic Room software for Mac/iOS and iRig Recorder 3 for Android devices, plus some additional IK Multimedia effects plugins.
- CONNECT ANY MICROPHONE TO YOUR MOBILE DEVICE: This portable preamp's XLR input and true +48V phantom power ensure a clean, crisp sound with any dynamic mic, condenser mic or ribbon mic.
- CREATE HIGH-QUALITY DIGITAL MUSIC PROJECTS: A Class-A mic preamp with adjustable gain and 24-bit, 96 kHz converters deliver exceptional audio quality for recording, performance, broadcast and podcasting.
- DIRECT MONITOR WITH YOUR HEADPHONES: Connect your earbuds directly to the headphone jack to monitor your sound in real-time, with no latency or echo. Ensure you always sound your best.
- WORKS GREAT WITH YOUR FAVORITE APPS: This microphone preamp recorder is built for audio professionals and delivers studio-quality sound on almost any device and any app like Clubhouse, Instagram, Zoom, etc.
- COMPATIBLE WITH: A must-have accessory for any recording enthusiast. Whether you have iPhone, iPad, or Android devices, this recording interface will work on all (even with digital cameras), and make your vocals and instruments shine.
Review
IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD Class-A
The IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD is a cutting-edge Class-A XLR microphone preamp and audio interface designed to offer professional-grade audio recording capabilities for musicians, podcasters, vloggers, and content creators on the go. With its compact and portable design, the iRig Pre HD allows users to connect their XLR microphones to smartphones, tablets, and computers, transforming these devices into powerful recording studios. The Class-A preamp ensures pristine, transparent, and low-noise amplification of the microphone signal, delivering superior audio quality for any application. Additionally, the iRig Pre HD features a headphone output with independent volume control, enabling real-time monitoring of the recordings. Its compatibility with popular recording and streaming apps makes it a versatile tool for creators seeking a professional audio solution that fits in the palm of their hands.
Review Breakdown
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Audio Quality
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Versatility
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Portability
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Features
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Ease of Use
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Value for money
IK Multimedia iRig Pre HD Class-A Best Price
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$119.99
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