TEST: IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo

The IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo in the test for Amazona. After IK Multimedia could win a large clientele with the predecessor iRig Pro, now follows the successor, which already suggests in its name that it now goes to the point with 2 channels. The cornerstones such as ultra-compact format and connection to all common, mobile recording devices should be maintained and one or the other point in terms of equipment should be added.


Design

Built in Italy, the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo comes in a sturdy plastic case with dimensions of 127 x 75 x 37 mm and a very light weight of just 197 grams. This makes it roughly equivalent to an iPhone 6 in terms of width and length, along with the height of a pack of cigarettes. Four small rubber feet on the bottom of the case prevent scratching the surface on which the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo is placed, but due to their hard compound, they only provide very little grip on smooth surfaces.

The device is powered either by two AA batteries or by means of a 9V power supply that is not included in the package, which must have a power output of at least 500 mA. The batteries are placed on the back of the case via a flap inside. If you switch on the optional phantom power of 48V, the two batteries guarantee a runtime of just under 1 hour. For extended mobile recording sessions, it is therefore recommended to carry spare batteries/rechargeable batteries.



Accessories

Meanwhile, the gates have also opened for the competition beyond the iOS camp. Thus, in addition to all current iOS devices backwards compatible to iPhone 4 / iPad 2 and OSX 10.6, Android devices and Windows ASIO4ALL drivers can also be operated. To ensure this, the product comes with several cables that switch to Lightning, as well as Micro-USB and USB 2.0. 2 mini-jack cables also allow MIDI IN/OUT, which increases the flexibility in terms of 19" equipment immensely.



In/Out

Two XLR/TSR combo jacks are available on the front of the case, which can handle both microphone and line signals. The gain is determined via two smooth, nice looking, but poorly readable knobs. Two multi-color LEDs each provide information about the incoming level, outgoing signals and the battery charge status by means of 4 colors. At outputs, the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo has a headphone output in the form of mini-jack and 2 TSR plugs for line signals, both adjustable in its volume via a separate wheel. The ON/OFF switch for direct monitoring and phantom power is also located on the side. The signal is converted in the common standard 24-bit format at either 44.1 or 48 kHz.

Practice

During the test operation, the signals of an unbalanced electric guitar as well as a condenser AKG 414 microphone could be managed without any problems. The system has sufficient headroom and exerts virtually no coloration on the signal. Both an acoustic guitar and voice recordings were handled by the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo without any problems.

In terms of output level, the headphone output is of course highly dependent on the impedance of the headphones. Here, too, there were no problems whatsoever; an AKG K 240 was used. For line operation, two active monitors from JBL were used; here, too, there were no complaints whatsoever in terms of level and sound.

Due to the fact that the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo has its own power supply, the battery of a mobile device is not used, which speaks for a longer operating time. However, I would always try to run the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo from a stabilized power supply to avoid sudden voltage drops at the end of battery life.



Conclusion

With the IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo, the Italian company expands its catalog in the mobile recording interface sector. After the successful establishment of the predecessor model iRig Pro, the successor now has 2 channels along with optical upgrades in terms of level and function control.

Apart from an increased power consumption with phantom powering and an associated short battery life, the product convinces on all levels and is recommended for all areas where you want to generate a high-quality conversion of the signal in a hurry.

Absolutely recommendable!

Additional informations:

- IK Multimedia is a leading company in the music technology industry, specializing in the development of innovative hardware and software products for musicians, producers, and audio engineers. With a strong focus on mobile solutions and an extensive product lineup, IK Multimedia has established itself as a pioneer in the field, consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible in music creation and production.

Company History IK Multimedia was founded in Modena, Italy, in 1996 by Enrico Iori and Davide Barbi. The company started as a software development firm, providing tools for MIDI music production. In its early years, IK Multimedia gained recognition for its groundbreaking software products, including T-RackS, SampleTank, and AmpliTube, which quickly became industry standards.

Product Range IK Multimedia offers a wide range of products that cater to various aspects of music production. Their product lineup includes software plugins, virtual instruments, audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, mobile interfaces, and accessories. This diverse range of products allows musicians and producers to create, record, mix, and master music with exceptional quality and versatility.

3.1 Software Plugins IK Multimedia's software plugins are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and usability. AmpliTube, their flagship product, is a guitar and bass amp modeling software that accurately recreates the sound of famous amplifiers and effects. T-RackS is a powerful mixing and mastering suite, offering a comprehensive set of processors and tools. SampleTank is a virtual instrument workstation with a vast library of high-quality sounds, suitable for any genre or style.

3.2 Virtual Instruments In addition to SampleTank, IK Multimedia has developed other virtual instruments that cover a wide range of musical needs. MODO BASS is a physically modeled electric bass instrument that offers incredible realism and expressiveness. Syntronik provides a vast collection of vintage synthesizers, faithfully reproducing their iconic sound characteristics. These virtual instruments provide musicians with endless creative possibilities.

3.3 Hardware IK Multimedia's hardware products are designed to complement their software offerings and provide musicians with hands-on control. They offer a range of audio interfaces, such as the iRig series, which enables musicians to connect their instruments or microphones to computers and mobile devices. Their MIDI controllers, such as the iRig Keys series, provide intuitive control over software instruments and DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations).

Mobile Solutions One of IK Multimedia's distinguishing features is its strong emphasis on mobile solutions. Recognizing the increasing use of mobile devices in music production, IK Multimedia developed a range of products specifically tailored for iOS and Android platforms. Their mobile interfaces, such as iRig Pro I/O and iRig HD 2, allow musicians to connect their instruments directly to their mobile devices for recording and performance purposes. Additionally, IK Multimedia offers a variety of mobile apps, including AmpliTube, SampleTank, and iGrand Piano, providing musicians with professional-quality tools on the go.

Collaborations and Partnerships IK Multimedia has collaborated with renowned musicians and industry-leading companies to enhance their product offerings. They have partnered with musicians like Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, and Slash to develop signature gear and expand their artist-driven product lines. IK Multimedia has also collaborated with companies like Fender and Moog, resulting in the development of officially licensed software and hardware products that accurately capture the essence of these iconic brands.

Awards and Recognition Over the years, IK Multimedia has received numerous awards and accolades for their products and contributions to the music technology industry. Their software plugins and hardware solutions have been praised for their innovation, sound quality, and user-friendly interfaces. IK Multimedia's commitment to excellence and continuous improvement has solidified its position as a trusted and respected brand in the industry.

Conclusion IK Multimedia has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of music technology. Through their innovative software plugins, virtual instruments, and hardware products, the company has empowered musicians and producers to unleash their creativity and achieve professional-level results. With their focus on mobile solutions and a commitment to quality, IK Multimedia continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in music production, ensuring that musicians around the world have access to cutting-edge tools and technology.

- The Mobile Field Recorder is a revolutionary device that has transformed the way audio professionals capture and record sound outside of traditional studio environments. Designed to be portable, versatile, and user-friendly, these compact recorders have become essential tools for field recording, journalism, podcasting, filmmaking, and various other audio applications. This report explores the features, benefits, and impact of Mobile Field Recorders in the audio industry.

Overview of Mobile Field Recorders Mobile Field Recorders are handheld devices specifically engineered to capture high-quality audio in a portable format. They are equipped with built-in microphones, preamps, and recording capabilities, allowing users to capture sound in diverse environments with exceptional clarity and fidelity. These recorders often support various audio formats and offer features like adjustable gain, phantom power, and onboard processing options.

Key Features and Functionality 3.1 Portability and Durability Mobile Field Recorders are designed to be lightweight and compact, enabling audio professionals to carry them easily during field recording sessions. They are built with durable materials to withstand challenging conditions, such as outdoor environments and travel.

3.2 High-Quality Recording These recorders incorporate high-quality microphones and preamps, ensuring accurate and pristine audio capture. Many models support different microphone configurations, including built-in stereo or multi-directional microphones, as well as XLR or TRS inputs for connecting external microphones or other audio sources.

3.3 Versatility and Connectivity Mobile Field Recorders often provide various connectivity options, such as USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi, allowing users to transfer recordings to computers or other devices seamlessly. They may also offer headphone outputs for real-time monitoring, as well as external inputs for connecting instruments or additional microphones.

3.4 Battery Life and Storage To accommodate extended recording sessions, these recorders feature long-lasting battery life. Some models also offer expandable storage options, such as SD cards, to ensure ample space for recording hours of audio.
Applications and Benefits 4.1 Field Recording Mobile Field Recorders are widely used for capturing environmental sounds, nature recordings, sound effects, and ambient audio. Their portable nature allows audio professionals to venture into remote locations, ensuring that no unique sound is missed. Field recordists, sound designers, and filmmakers greatly benefit from the versatility and high-quality recording capabilities of these devices.

4.2 Journalism and Interviews Journalists and reporters rely on Mobile Field Recorders to conduct interviews and record audio in various locations. The portability and ease of use make them ideal for capturing on-the-spot interviews, press conferences, or live events, ensuring the preservation of critical audio content.

4.3 Podcasting and Broadcasting Mobile Field Recorders have become essential tools for podcasters and broadcasters who record interviews, discussions, and on-location segments. The ability to record professional-quality audio outside of the studio environment empowers content creators to produce engaging and immersive content.

4.4 Filmmaking and Video Production In film and video production, Mobile Field Recorders serve as an invaluable tool for recording high-quality audio during shoots. They enable synchronization with camera footage, capturing clear dialogue, ambient sound, and foley effects on location. The convenience and reliability of these recorders contribute to the overall production value of films and videos.

Notable Mobile Field Recorder Brands Several prominent brands offer Mobile Field Recorders, each with its own unique features and capabilities. Some well-regarded brands in this domain include Zoom, Tascam, Sony, Roland, and Sound Devices. These manufacturers have established themselves as industry leaders, consistently delivering innovative and reliable recording solutions.

Conclusion Mobile Field Recorders have revolutionized the way audio professionals capture sound in various contexts. Their portability, high-quality recording capabilities, and versatile features make them indispensable tools for field recording, journalism, podcasting, and filmmaking. As technology advances, Mobile Field Recorders continue to evolve, enabling audio professionals to push the boundaries of creativity and capture the essence of the world around them with unprecedented clarity and convenience.