iRig 2 vs iRig 2 HD

IK Multimedia’s iRig models are revolutionary interfaces for guitar players. The models from this series are state of the art guitar interfaces that are purposefully designed to be used with iPhones, Macbooks, and iPads. This offers you the ability to record your music in more portable ways, but iRigs are also useful for a variety of other reasons.

Today we’re going to discuss the differences and similarities between the iRig 2 and iRig 2 HD after which we’ll proclaim the ‘victor’.

Overall performance

First and foremost, let’s talk about how the sound is punching through after using iRig 2 and iRig 2 HD and how they generally perform. Both of these audio interfaces suffer zero latency when you use them, although the iRig 2 tends to muddy the sound up a little bit.

On another hand, iRig 2 HD eliminates this potential flaw and makes the sound come out as rich and incredibly full.

Additionally, the iRig 2 has quite a few problems when handling feedback and static coming out from amps and effects, which means that you might need a noise gate pedal to even it out. Again, the iRig 2 HD took care of this problem and can be used without any additional pedals.

It’s obvious that the iRig 2 HD performs better – it sounds superior in comparison to its predecessor and you don’t need noise gates to remedy the feedback problem. Although, we shouldn’t discredit the iRig 2 – it still performs great, only it pales in comparison to the newer model.

Connectivity

We’ve already mentioned that both of the iRig models are meant to be used with iPhones, tablets, and Macs, but even so, they feature a different kind of connectivity.

The iRig 2 can be plugged into a headphone jack, leaving its lightning port available. This means that you can simultaneously use the audio interface while charging it, ensuring that you never run out of batteries in the middle of your recording process.

The iRig 2 HD plugs straight into a lightning port, meaning that it can’t be charged while you’re using it. However, you do have the option of buying a PowerBridge to gap this issue. This basically means that both iRig 2 and iRig HD 2 are great in terms of connectivity, but obviously the iRig 2 is better as it doesn’t require the addition of the PowerBridge.

Bundles and value

The iRigs come in bundles that are packed with several utility features (cables, mounting clips, and such). In order to determine how valuable the bundle is, let’s take a look at what each package contains.

The iRig 2 comes in a very plain and straightforward bundle which is comprised of the guitar interface, a detachable mic stand with a Velcro slot, and obviously a Velcro strip. Though quite basic, this is all you need to actually use the interface.

The iRig HD 2 comes with a bit higher amount of additional features. Most noticeably, we’ve mentioned that the connectivity of this model is a bit inferior in comparison to its predecessor, so the gratis Lightning-to-Micro-USB cable (as well as the USB to micro USB cable) really comes in handy with dealing with the issue. Apart from that, this bundle also contains a detachable mi stand and a Velcro strap.

In summary, the iRig HD 2 bundle has more features, but these are actually cables that aim to help you overcome the small flaw in its connectivity. That being said, both bundles are of equal value basically.

Price

Simply put, the original iRig was incredibly cheap, and with the upgraded versions flooding the markets, there’s a high chance that its price will nosedive even further down. The iRig 2 is a couple of times more expensive than the original, but even so, it’s still pretty affordable.

On another hand, the iRig 2 HD is almost three times more expensive than iRig 2. It is an upgraded and updated version, but the changes aren’t so drastic that it should cost as much, so this round goes to the iRig 2.

Pros & Cons

iRig 2
PROS: Small and very portable Can be plugged into a headphone jack, leaving you with an available lightning port if you want to charge it while using it Decently affordable Zero-latency Great sound transmission quality
CONS: Doesn’t feature onboard volume controls The sound is a bit muddier than that of iRig 2 HD Potential problems with feedback unless you use a noise gate pedal
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iRig 2 HD
PROS: Somewhat bigger than iRig 2, but it’s still incredibly portable Onboard volume controls Zero-latency and feedback problems Hi-Fi sound transmission quality
CONS: Quite expensive You’ll need a separate PowerBridge you want to charge it as you play
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Conclusion

IK Multimedia’s iRig versions are all of tremendous quality, there’s no doubt about that. Even the original iRig was great in its own right, and it’s only fair to say that the upgraded versions bring even more benefits to the table.

However, since we’re talking about the two versions of iRig 2, it’s pretty hard to say which one is better as they’re pretty different, even though they look relatively the same.

The most obvious similarities between iRig 2 and iRig 2 HD are that they’re both small, portable, and suffer zero latency during the recording process. Now, the most obvious differences are that the iRig 2 HD is more expensive and it requires a PowerBridge in order to be used while it’s charging (or vice versa).

The iRig 2 doesn’t have these problems, but it doesn’t have onboard volume control features, it sounds slightly muddier, and you should expect some problems with static and feedback. This leads us to the conclusion that the iRig 2 HD, even though it does cost several times more, is a better option in terms of all-around performance and value.