![]() It was the most productive I've ever been on my guitar on a Tuesday night at 7:30. I could utilize lots of effects and amp models on my couch, while my wife watched TV and my kids slept soundly. Convenience and Ease of UseĪs I previously mentioned, the best "feature" of the iRig HD 2 is the convenience and ease-of-use you get from being able to play guitar through your computer or mobile device. Tone and volume knob changes were more subtle, and sounded best when they were both kept at 10. My 2005 PRS CE 24 has five pickup combinations, which all sounded rich and distinct through either the headphones or iLoud speakers. The tone was also very responsive to changes coming from my guitar. | View Larger Image.Īll these effects sounded clear, defined and had an almost addictive quality, coming through the iRig HD 2's interface. I used the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 4 to test the HD 2. Everything was clear, crisp and even had an addictive quality to it, which reminded me nothing of the tiny headphone amps I’ve used in the past.įor a little variety (and to test distortion) I installed the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 4. Once everything was plugged and I was playing guitar (I tested headphones first, then iLoud Micro Monitors), the tone I got was shockingly good and there was no latency in the headphones or monitors. However, while testing the unit, I didn’t have much trouble finding workable spots for both volume and gain. You might have to experiment with these settings to get the mix sounding right or to avoid clipping. Gain controls signal strength at a preamp level, which means you’ll find that the more it’s turned up, the more prone your signal will be to distortion. The volume wheel controls the master volume going to your headphones after the signal has been mixed, functioning simply as a monitor level adjustment. Gain (functions as a preamp for your guitar). Volume (controls the headset jack signal strength)Ģ. The iRig HD 2 has two different controls for volume on its exterior:ġ. Setting the iRig HD 2 as the default input device. ![]() In a Mac, go to Settings - Sound and set the iRig HD 2 as both the default input and output device. ![]() It sounds complex, but the setup process is really simple. While the iRig HD 2 is class compliant with the Mac OS, I still had to set things up so it could "talk" with the sound i/o device and amp modeling software. Setting up the iRig HD 2 to work with AmpliTube Here are a few other ways you can set things up, using either the 1/8" headphone jack or the 1/4" amp out jack. While a set of headphones, via a 1/8" headphone jack, is the easiest solution, there are a number of different ways to setup output.įor example, the iLoud Micro Monitors (also developed by IK Multimedia) work great as they can use the headphone output via another 1/8" audio cable. When you have your guitar and device of choice connected, there are a few different options for monitoring the output. While it isn’t likely to be your main rig, the iRig HD 2 has some major situational benefits. It’s an ideal solution that will allow me to practice more often, without having to deal with a cheap-sounding headphone amp.Īs you read through the iRig HD 2 review, keep this context in mind. All of this could happen in a matter of minutes, without risk of disturbing the evening peace. While testing the iRig HD 2, I could run AmpliTube on my Macbook, grab a set of headphones and play through any amp model I wanted, with all the functionality of a full guitar rig. With that interface, I need only my guitar and a laptop or phone. This is where the beauty of the iRig HD 2, and the entire concept, really shines through. There are a lot of times I’ve found myself wanting to play guitar, but can’t because I’m worried about waking the kids up or disturbing my wife while she watches TV.Įven without that concern, it’s a lot of work to get all my gear together just to play for 20 minutes. After bedtime has come and gone, we watch TV, read or just spend time in the living room. My wife and I have three children, who all go to bed early, around 7 p.m. In fact, any software that can recognize and hear external audio should be compatible.Īn additional benefit (that I overlooked before trying the iRig HD 2) is that the small interface lets you plug in and play nearly anywhere. You can then use AmpliTube 4, or other DAWs like GarageBand and Audacity, to run amp models and effects or even to record and produce your own music. The iRig HD 2 interface essentially routes your signal through one of either a phone, tablet or computer, allowing you to use any of those devices as a fully functional amp modeler. The AmpliTube software can be used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC.
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