TEST: IK Multimedia iRig Steam Mic USB

 It's a blessing and a curse at the same time. We're talking about social media with an accompanying flood of audio and video recordings. On the one hand, if handled correctly, it is a highly effective method of reaching thousands of fans worldwide and delighting them with your personal art or self-expression. On the other hand, I don't know of any professional colleague who doesn't get cold horror when asked about this topic, as he or she is latently forced to distribute regular content to fans at short intervals, or new content via Insta, Tiktok and Co. to reach. In order to keep the audio quality of presentations at a certain level with minimal effort, IK Multimedia is launching the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB, which aims to make it as easy as possible for the user, especially in the area of podcasts and live streams.

The concept of the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB

The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB is a USB microphone that also has an internal stereo audio interface installed. The microphone, made of simple plastic, is intended to give the external impression of a large-diaphragm condenser microphone, although this cannot really be achieved due to the relatively “plastic-esque” feel.

The microphone comes with a very stable metal base, which also has a rubberized surface on the underside to ensure the product is as stable as possible in terms of its stability. The microphone is attached to the base with a screw on the side. Unfortunately, there are no other mounting options here. This means that the use of a regular microphone stand or corresponding holders, which can be attached to the edges of tables or stands using a clamping mechanism, unfortunately do not work here.

In some promotional photos from IK Multimedia you can see a holder with which you can screw the microphone to a tripod. Unfortunately, I couldn't find out what kind of holder this is, where it can be purchased, how much it costs or whether it is custom-made.

Theoretically, holders designed for the iPhone or other corresponding mobile devices could work here, but they usually work with corresponding clamping jaws, which means that either certain control units on the side of the microphone are covered or moved or the angle of incidence of the microphone is changed Sound for the cardioid capsule on the top of the microphone is negatively affected. All in all, it can be said that the microphone is designed exclusively for table use. The microphone capsule itself is secured from the inside against pop noises with a simple foam. The practical test will show to what extent it is worthwhile to use an additional external pop protection.

Speaking of the cardioid capsule, in contrast to the slightly more expensive Pro version of this microphone, no directional characteristic can be changed here. A regular cardioid is preset, but the variations known from the pro range such as ball or 8 are unfortunately not offered here. This also means that if you use the microphone for podcasting, you can only record a single person speaking directly in front of the microphone. Unfortunately, sitting opposite a conversation partner and placing the microphone in the middle between the two is not possible.

The construction of the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB

The entire handling of the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB is aimed at simple and, above all, quick handling. The microphone is operated via USB-C. A corresponding cable with 2x USB-C is included with the product. The connection is located on the bottom of the housing. In addition to the USB-C port, there is a mini jack stereo socket for an AUX-IN on the left side. On the right side there is a mini jack stereo socket for a headphone OUT. Both the AUX-IN and the headphone OUT can be controlled using two small knurled controls on the right side of the microphone.

Visually, IK Multimedia has placed a large volume control in the middle of the housing as the centerpiece, which works with an additional LED. The three-color LED offers the color blue for an applied voltage, green for a good input volume and red for an excessively high input volume as optical signals, which can be adjusted accordingly using the gain control. Below the control there is a push button that takes over the mute function, so that you can mute the microphone for a short time with a simple click without much effort. The loopback function is not affected by this, which must be seen as very practical.

Furthermore, the microphone has a switchable high-pass filter, which acts as an impact sound filter and initiates a corresponding reduction in bass from around 150 Hz. Two other interesting switches are located on both the right and left of the case. On the left we have the so-called loopback function. This allows the signal to be mixed with the additionally generated return signal, which is usually generated by an additional player, to output the overall signal. On the opposite side there is a mix control called Monitor, which regulates the direct portion of the microphone to the headphones and the processed signal to the headphones.

IK Multimedia offers a selection of free software with which you can edit the signal from the IK Multimedia microphone accordingly. This includes various areas up to a complete channel strip, which offers the usual editing tools such as compressors, equalizers and various software-based room effects to give the unprocessed sound of the microphone a little more pressure and punch.

The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB in practice

First of all, it must be positively emphasized that the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB is an absolute no-brainer when it comes to configuration. On my Macbook this actually just meant plugging in the cable, selecting the input and output device in the control panel, and that was it. It really couldn't be easier.

The stability of the included foot is also very good. However, we have a very high level of impact sound transmission, which of course can never be completely avoided with this design. However, it is impressive how even a very light tap on a tabletop about 1.5 meters away is still transmitted very well by the base. It would therefore be advisable to place the microphone on a soft surface that ensures a certain degree of isolation from impact sound.

In terms of sound, I would throw out the theory that the microphone sounds the way it looks. That means it makes a good impression and will be exactly the right thing for many areas of application. However, the sound cannot keep up with real, high-quality large-diaphragm microphones. I really like the microphone in the close-up area, with a nice depth, a certain warmth and also quite good resolution.

However, we have the problem here that we can't actually take any recordings without an additional pop filter. The internally installed foam hardly dampens the impact of air at all, which means that every explosive sound like P or K immediately creates a lot of distortion in the recording. This cannot be compensated for with a downstream compressor, as the distortion is present directly on the input signal. If you increase the distance to the microphone, the pop sounds are reduced significantly better, but the microphone then loses its character. The sound becomes a bit brittle and loses a lot of warmth.

What you shouldn't forget, of course, is that the microphone is a fully-fledged interface with which you can get appropriate sound sources into the computer. This should also be taken into account when determining the purchase price.

In summary, it can be said that the microphone is very suitable if you want it to be quick, if you want it to be uncomplicated and if you want to achieve a good result using simple means. If you want the ultimate sound selection, you probably won't be able to avoid making a larger investment, but if you're looking for a cheaper and better-sounding alternative for the microphones built into your MacNook, you should give the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB a try.

Conclusion

With the IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic USB, the Italian manufacturer has a flexible USB microphone in its portfolio, which particularly shines with its uncomplicated handling and simple operation. In combination with a laptop and headphones, you have everything you need for live streaming or solo podcasts.

However, if you want to record a conversation with several people and value different directional characteristics in the capsule area, you should try the Pro version of the product.

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Additional Informations:

IK Multimedia, a prominent player in the music technology industry, has significantly contributed to the evolution of audio interfaces, empowering musicians, producers, and content creators to capture and manipulate sound with precision and ease. From its inception to its current lineup of innovative products, the journey of IK Multimedia interfaces is a testament to ingenuity, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to excellence.

**Founding Years and Early Innovations:**

IK Multimedia was founded in 1996 in Modena, Italy, with the vision of developing cutting-edge software and hardware solutions for musicians and audio professionals. In the early years, the company focused on software products, such as virtual instruments and effects plugins, before expanding into the realm of hardware with the introduction of audio interfaces.

One of IK Multimedia's earliest forays into audio interfaces was the iRig MIDI, released in 2011. This compact MIDI interface allowed musicians to connect their MIDI-compatible instruments and controllers to iOS devices, unlocking a world of creative possibilities for music production and performance on mobile platforms.

**iRig Series:**

The iRig series marked a significant milestone in IK Multimedia's interface offerings, catering to the burgeoning demand for portable and affordable recording solutions for mobile devices. The iRig lineup included audio interfaces, microphones, and MIDI controllers designed to seamlessly integrate with smartphones and tablets, empowering musicians to capture high-quality audio on the go.

The iRig HD and iRig Pro were among the standout products in the series, offering professional-grade audio conversion and connectivity options for iOS and Android devices. These interfaces provided musicians with studio-quality recording capabilities in a compact and portable form factor, revolutionizing the way music was created and recorded outside of traditional studio environments.

**iRig Pro Duo and Pro I/O:**

Building on the success of the iRig series, IK Multimedia introduced the iRig Pro Duo and iRig Pro I/O, versatile audio interfaces designed for both mobile and desktop use. These interfaces offered dual-channel recording capabilities, high-quality preamps, and a range of connectivity options, including XLR, 1/4-inch, and MIDI inputs, making them ideal for recording vocals, instruments, and MIDI controllers with ease.

The iRig Pro Duo and iRig Pro I/O also featured compatibility with a wide range of recording software and apps, providing users with flexibility and freedom to create music on their preferred platform. Whether in the studio, on stage, or on the road, these interfaces empowered musicians to capture their musical ideas with uncompromising quality and convenience.

**AXE I/O Series:**

In 2019, IK Multimedia introduced the AXE I/O series, a lineup of premium audio interfaces tailored specifically for guitarists and bassists. The AXE I/O and AXE I/O Solo combined high-fidelity audio conversion with advanced guitar tone shaping and recording features, allowing guitarists to achieve studio-quality recordings with ease.

These interfaces featured IK Multimedia's proprietary PURE microphone preamps, which provided transparent and natural sound reproduction, as well as a range of guitar-specific features, such as Z-Tone impedance-adapting circuitry and AmpliTube guitar amp and effects modeling software integration. The AXE I/O series represented a new standard in audio interfaces for guitarists, offering unparalleled tone control and recording capabilities for both home and professional studio environments.

**Future Prospects and Innovation:**

As technology continues to evolve and the demands of musicians and producers evolve with it, IK Multimedia remains committed to pushing the boundaries of innovation in audio interface design. The company's dedication to providing musicians with versatile, high-quality recording solutions for both mobile and desktop platforms ensures that IK Multimedia interfaces will continue to play a vital role in the creative process for years to come.

In conclusion, the evolution of IK Multimedia interfaces is a testament to the company's commitment to empowering musicians and audio professionals with tools that inspire creativity and facilitate expression. From the pioneering iRig series to the advanced AXE I/O lineup, IK Multimedia has consistently delivered innovative solutions that redefine the possibilities of music production and recording, cementing its reputation as a leader in the field of audio technology.