IK Multimedia unleashes a plethora of new hardware this week at CES 2012 within their iRig line. This triumvirate of products look to make it easier than ever to use iOS devices, live and inline, with analog musical instruments like guitars, bases, vocals and regular DJ consoles.
I have used several of their devices in the past with excellent results, so I am stoked to see how this new group of products perform.
First up, the iRig MIC Cast
This miniature microphone looks to be a smaller, more compact version of their previously released iRig MIC (which I have to say I love). I have the older, larger version right here in my computer bag and use it constantly for recording interviews and voice overs. The tight pattern noise cancellation on the original iRig MIC is excellent and is extremely useful in loud situations (like CES).
The new, smaller iRig MIC Cast promises similar noise canceling, in a smaller more compact package. If matches the original in that arena, it stands to be an excellent in-the-field microphone for mobile devices. Check back for updates after I get my hands on one.
Here are the detailed specs straight from the press release:
- Features a stereo mini-jack headphone output which enables real-time monitoring of what is being recorded using headphones or speakers.
- Offers a mini-switch that provides two different sensitivity settings to record close-up or distant sources.
- Includes an adjustable desktop stand for convenient iPhone/iPod touch positioning during recording.
- Has a bumper-friendly mini-jack connector that fits the majority of iPhone/iPod touch cases.
- Has an ultra-compact profile that can be carried anywhere with ease.
- Like other IK Multimedia microphones, it includes 2 free apps: iRig Recorder, an easy-to-use voice recording/editing app, and VocaLive, a multi-effects processing app for singers.
- Works with all regular phone calls and any Voice-Over-IP app.
- Is compatible with iPhone/iPod touch/iPad.
Offering live monitoring is a nice touch and very useful for interviews. You definitely don’t want to record a whole conversation only to find out you had the microphone too far away, etc.
iRig MIC Cast costs $39.99/€29.99 (excl. tax) and will be available in Q1 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world.
For more information: www.irigmiccast.com
Next up, the iRig STOMP
This interface for using IK Multimedia’s excellent AmpliTube guitar modeler, finally makes it practical to use your iPhone as a tone source for live guitar or bass use. The form factor of the iRig STOMP is that of a traditional Stompbox guitar pedal, which allows for “hands free” use.
More press release specs:
- Compact, durable yet lightweight, aluminum-cast enclosure integrates easily into any traditional pedalboard.
- Can be used inline with other effects pedals, or directly connected to amplifiers or PA systems using regular ¼” guitar cables with no need for adapters.
- Allows precise adjustment of the signal for perfect guitar and bass levels with its large input gain knob.
- Active battery-powered output circuit improves headroom, especially when used with high-gain amplifiers in the AmpliTube app reducing feedback and crosstalk when recording.
- The bypass switch allows engaging or bypassing the AmpliTube app chain of effects –like a traditional stompbox – for seamless integration into any existing rig.
- Ultra-compact form-factor can be easily carried on the road.
- Features a 3.5mm/1/8” jack for silent practicing with headphones.
- Includes AmpliTube FREE app and can be used with any other guitar processing app that uses the iOS mini-jack
I’ve toyed with the idea of using AmpliTube as the sole source for playing upright bass at small gigs, but the inability to truly “bypass” was always a deal-breaker for me. This could enable that scenario. We’ll see.
iRig STOMP costs $59.99/€44.99 (excl. tax) and will be available in early Q2 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world.
For more information: www.irigstomp.com
And lastly the iRig MIX which the makers tout as “The first mobile mixer for iPhone, iPod touch, iPad for DJ’ing anytime, everywhere.”
Again, IK has developed hardware that mimics traditional setups for DJing, yet added an easy way to use iOS devices as the source, enabling compact setup.
I doubt this will ever actually supplant the true sounds and art of vinyl DJing, but surely anyone that has shlepped a huge stack of records to a show could appreciate the smallness going on here. In any event it looks like it could be one part of a DJ setup.
Pricing and availability is as follows:
iRig MIX costs $99.99/€74.99 (excluding taxes) and will be available in February 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world. Pre-orders are already available from the IK Multimedia online store and other selected resellers.
For more information: www.irigmix.com
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