iRig 2 Vs. iRig HD 2

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Written By Sarah Barlow

Chief Music Officer

Today, we will talk about the differences between the iRig 2 and the iRig 2 HD. The iRig devices from IK Multimedia are ground-breaking guitar interfaces. The variants in this category are cutting-edge guitar interfaces explicitly created for use with iPhones, Macbooks, and iPads. 

These two audio interfaces suffer from zero latency while using it. However, iRig 2 tends to muffle the sound a bit. On the other hand, iRig 2 HD eliminates this potential defect and makes the sound rich and unbelievably complete.

iRig 2

  • Portable Guitar Audio Interface
  • Lightweight Audio Adapter
  • iPhone, iPad, Android

The iRig 2 comes in a simple package that includes the guitar interface, a removable mic stand with a Velcro slot, and, of course, a Velcro strap. This is all you need to utilize the interface, despite the fact that it is extremely basic.

Pros of iRig 2

  • The iRig 2 is a compact and lightweight device. 
  • If you wish to charge it while using it, it may easily be plugged into a headphone jack. 
  • It offers excellent sound transmission quality with minimal delay when used. 
  • It’s also reasonably priced.

Cons of iRig 2

  • Lacks integrated volume controls.
  • The sound is a little muffled than the iRig 2 HD.
  • if you don’t utilize a noise gate pedal, you could potentially have issues with feedback.

iRig HD 2

  • Portable Guitar Audio Interface
  • Lightning and USB Cables
  • iPhone, iPad, iOS, PC

The iRig HD 2 has a few more capabilities than the iRig 2. Most notably, we’ve stated that this model’s connection is a little lacking in contrast to its predecessor, so the included Lightning-to-Mini-USB cable (together with the USB to micro USB cable) comes in useful for dealing with the problem. A removable microphone stand and a Velcro strap are also included in this bundle.

Pros of iRig HD 2

  • It’s a little bigger than the iRig 2, but it’s still quite portable. 
  • Onboard volume controls are available. 
  • There is no feedback issue, and there is no delay. 
  • It can also produce a high-definition sound transmission.

Cons of iRig HD 2

  • You’ll need an additional PowerBridge if you want to charge it while playing.

iRig 2 Vs iRig HD 2

iRig 2iRig HD 2
INPUTS1x Hi-Z Instrument input1x Hi-Z Instrument input
OUTPUTS• 3.5mm (1/8″) Headphone Out
• 6.35mm (1/4″) Amplifier Out
• 3.5mm (1/8″) Headphone Out
• 6.35mm (1/4″) Amplifier Out
CONTROLSInput gain controlInput gain control
CONNECTION TYPE• 3.5mm (1/8″) TRRS
• CTIA/AHJ Wiring Standard
Micro-USB
MONITORINGSoftware & Direct (THRU) 6.35mm (1/4″) monitoringSoftware & Direct (THRU) 6.35mm (1/4″) monitoring
COMPATIBILITYiOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad) (onboard or via adaptor)iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad)MacPC
SIZESize: 72mm/2.83″ x 39mm/1.54″ x 21mm/0.85″Size: 39mm/1.53″ x 99mm/3.9″ x 21mm/0.83″
WEIGHTWeight: 43g/1.57ozWeight: 51g/1.8oz
INCLUDED APPSAmpliTube CS (iOS) – 4 exclusive amps/stompsAmpliTube CS (iOS) – AmpliTube Essentials packCubasis LE (iOS)AmpliTube 4 (Mac/PC)
WARRANTY• One (1) Year Warranty PARTS
• Ninety (90) Days Warranty LABOR
• One (1) Year Warranty PARTS
• Ninety (90) Days Warranty LABOR

Comparison

It’s difficult to tell which is better because they’re so different, even if they appear similar. One feature that the iRig 2 lacks is the onboard volume control, the sound is a little muddy, and you should expect some static and feedback issues. This brings us to the conclusion that the iRig 2 HD is a better alternative for all-around performance and value, even though it costs more.