The iRig HD 2 and iRig Pro I/O devices are both excellent interfaces that are high quality. They have headphone outputs and instrument outputs and are compatible with most devices. The iRig Pro I/O does have more options and thus is more versatile, making it a suitable interface for professional and complicated projects. However, the lighter and smaller iRig HD 2 may be useful for simple projects on a budget.
In this article, we go over the iRig HD 2 and the iRig Pro I/O. We recommend the iRig Pro I/O for beginners and professionals because of its versatility. However, the iRig HD 2 may be more suitable for some. We have listed down important data of each model to have a clear and objective comparison of these two models.
iRig HD 2
- Portable Guitar Audio Interface
- Lightning and USB Cables
- iPhone, iPad, iOS, PC
This model has a 1/4″ instrument and amplifier input. A micro USB device, and a 1/8″ headphone output. This device also has input gain control and has a one-year warranty. It is compatible with IOS, Mac, and Windows, connecting directly to your Lightning and USB devices, and it also comes with powerful IK applications and software such as AmpliTube. And it is powered by an IOS device or USB.
Pros of iRig HD2
- Excellent audio quality through both headphones and speakers.
- Gain and volume controls are separate.
- It provides Amplifier out
- Simple setup and configuration
- Easy plug and play
Cons of iRig HD2
- There are some noise concerns at higher gain levels.
iRig Pro I/O
- Versatile Interface
- Microphone/Instrument Input
- iOS, Mac, Windows, Android
- MIDI Input/Output
The iRig Pro I/O is the most versatile interface. It has microphone and instrument input, stereo headphone output, and MIDI input/output. It is compatible with IOS, Mac, Windows, and Android. A one-year warranty is also included in this model. This device allows for control over gain and headphone volume, and it also comes with numerous full-version software and apps. It is powered via a USB bus, two AA batteries, or iRig PSU 3A.
Pros of iRig Pro I/O
- The Device charging feature enables you to keep your iPhone/iPad charged while still using it.
- In and Out MIDI
- High-quality audio recording (24 bit at 96kHz)
- Compatibility with iPhone 7
iRig HD 2 vs iRig Pro I/O
| iRig HD 2 | iRig Pro I/O | |
| INPUTS | 1x Hi-Z Instrument input | 1x XLR/TS Combo (Hi-Z Instrument & Microphone input with phantom power)2.5mm MIDI IN |
| OUTPUTS | 3.5mm (1/8″) Headphone Out6.35mm (1/4″) Amplifier Out | 3.5mm (1/8″) Headphone Out2.5mm MIDI OUT |
| CONTROLS | Gain control | Gain control Headphone volume control |
| CONNECTION TYPE | Micro-USB | Mini-DIN |
| MONITORING | Software & Direct (THRU) 6.35mm (1/4″) monitoring | Software |
| COMPATIBILITY | iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad)MacPC | iOS (iPhone/iPod/iPad)MacPCAndroid* |
| SIZE | 39mm/1.53″ x 99mm/3.9″ x 21mm/0.83″ | 43mm/1.69″ x 127mm/5″ x 37mm/1.46″ |
| WEIGHT | 51g/1.8oz | 120g/4.23oz (batteries excluded) |
| INCLUDED APPS | AmpliTube CS (iOS) – AmpliTube Essentials packCubasis LE (iOS)AmpliTube 4 (Mac/PC | AmpliTube CS (iOS) – AmpliTube Essentials packAmpliTube 4 (Mac/PC)SampleTank 3 SE (Mac/PC)T-RackS Deluxe (Mac/PC)Mic Room (Mac/PC) for T-RackS CS |
| WARRANTY | One year | One year |
Comparison
The iRig HD 2 is the entry-level model that is suggested for people on a low budget. The iRig Pro I/O, on the other hand, provides a range of capabilities ideal for professionals and complex projects for better outcomes.
