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IK Multimedia's iRig and iKlip STUDIO mobile peripherals learn to play nice with Android, stay friends with iOS
Ever since IK Multimedia released its mobile music peripherals, Android users have been left to look on their iOS-toting brethren with jealousy. No longer. Today at CES 2013, the company has announced that its iRig MIC, iRig MIC Cast, iRig PRE, iRig MIX and iKlip STUDIO devices will now work with phones and tablets powered by little green bots. The catch? If you don't have a Samsung Galaxy device, you're out of luck. It's unfortunate that not all Android users can partake in IK Multimedia's offerings, but judging by Sammy's sales numbers these days, there's plenty of you out there who can.
Review: IK Multimedia's iRig Pre (Updated)
IK Multimedia is about to launch the iRig Pre (announced at the beginning of the year), joining the iRig, iRig Stomp, iRig Mic & Mic Cast, iRig Midi and iRig Mix as its lineup of music making accessories for iOS devices. The iRig Pre is a mic preamp with built-in phantom power (48v) and gain control, allowing you to plug in any dynamic or condenser microphone with an XLR connector to your iPhone or iPad. This means you're no longer limited to passive microphones when recording with your iOS device. Basically, with the iRig Pre, you can plug high-quality mics into your iDevice. This is certainly not the first preamp interface for iOS devices, but with IK Multimedia's high profile in the mobile music making market, it's certainly one that will reach the masses with its low price point at US$39.99. However, the foremost question is whether it sounds any good. What can you expect from a $39.99 preamp? You can use the best mic in the world, but if the preamp is no good, there's just no point. So, how does the iRig Pre shape up? Well, for starters, the iRig Pre is very compact and easy to transport around. It houses a 9 volt battery inside of it (to power the iRig Pre itself and the additional 48v when required), has a basic on/off/+48v switch on the front and a gain control slider on the side. %Gallery-161734% A 9 volt battery is required to power the iRig Pre for 30 hours with dynamic microphones and 10 hours with condenser microphones using phantom power. There's no external power supply here, but it's unlikely you'd need one considering the usage you get from a single battery and the type of recording you're likely to do with this kind of accessory. Output is a 40 cm (15.75") TRRS cable to connect to your iOS device as well as a headphone output to monitor what's coming directly out of the iRig Pre. Input is the XLR connector for a microphone. The specifics are as follows: Frequency response: from 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 1.5dB Noise: -98 dB fullband, phantom power ON Maximum output level: 2 Vrms Distortion: 0.025% THD Like many of IK's iRig accessories, the quality of build is not what you would call high-spec, but it's sturdy enough in its own plastic way. It's not going to break in normal use, but if you were to drop it or get it squashed between two sturdier items, it feels like it's going to come out worse for wear. I tested the iRg Pre with my Rode NT2000 condenser microphone through my iPhone using my Ultimate Ears headphones for monitoring. The first thing I noticed when I plugged the mic in and turned on the preamp was that there was a subtle, but definite and consistent hiss on the iRig Pre. With the gain on full, it was much more noticeable, but pulling the gain down a few notches did make it come down, although I couldn't create a situation where I could eradicate it. The hiss isn't overbearing, but if you're recording, it's always going to be there. And that's not what you want. I did a comparison test with my desktop audio interface just to make sure my NT2000 wasn't playing up, but it wasn't. The NT2000 was hiss free through my desktop interface. Just like a good mic should be! However, my audio interface does cost significantly more than the iRig Pre. Aside from the hiss, the iRig Pre did its job of powering the mic. I did a few test recordings using IK's Recorder app and then compared those with the iPhone's built in mic using the same app. It was surprising just how well the iPhone's built-in mic stood up to the NT2000 using the iRig Pre, but there was no doubt about it, the NT2000 had a fuller and more detailed sound. However, comparing those tests to the NT2000 through my desktop audio interface revealed that sound was significantly clearer, fuller and quieter, as you'd expect. From there, I decided to see whether using a different app to record would yield different results. Using the iPhone's Voice Memos app, I couldn't get a monitoring signal. It would record audio, but not send a signal to my headphones for monitoring. However, using GarageBand with the monitoring turned on in the track settings gave me a monitor signal. Which is a relief because you can obviusly do so much more with GarageBand than with IK's Recorder app, or even IK's VocaLive. By this point my ears may have begun to tire, but to me it sounded like the quality of the recording was better in GarageBand than in IK's Record app. I can't see how this can be unless it's all down to the programming of the apps. That, or my ears simply got tired. At the end of the day, is the iRig Pre worth investing in, even at its low price point? Well, there is that hiss to contend with. If there was no noise from the iRig Pre, in many ways it would be a no brainer. But unfortunately, on my unit anyway, it was there. And even if you're just doing podcasts or demo recordings, it will detract from the result. Furthermore, what's the point of buying an expensive mic for more clarity and detail only to have that sound tainted by hiss. That takes me to my original point: you can have the best mic in the world, but if the preamp is no good there's just no point. To sum up, I'd say the iRig Pre is worth getting if you happen to have a decent mic already, and your only form of recording is through an iOS device. At $39.99, you can't really go wrong. However, if you've got an iDevice, but you haven't got a mic already, you're probably better off looking at a mic and preamp in one, like the Blue Mikey, Tascam IM2 or even the iRig Mic Cast or iRig Mic. #next_pages_container { width: 5px; hight: 5px; position: absolute; top: -100px; left: -100px; z-index: 2147483647 !important; } Update: IK Multimedia got in touch with me regarding the noise/hiss I experienced using the iRig Pre. They had this to say: "The noise is generated by the iOS device headset input. This input is great for general purpose usage or headset mic, but can exhibit some noise in excess when used for audio applications where noise is critical.For this reason iRig PRE has a GAIN control that let's you perfectly set the amount of signal that is going to the iOS device. Setting this to a proper level can minimize the evidence of the iOS device input noise on the recorded signal." IK says the following is best practice when using the iRig Pre: "1. If present, set the input gain on the app you're using for recording at UNITY gain, typically shown as 0dB. 2. By looking at a recording level meter on the recording app, adjust the GAIN CONTROL on iRig PRE so that the recording level is as high as possible without distortion."
IK Multimedia iRig MIX review: a mobile mixer built for iDevices
Accessories, iOS has them. Not many devices can boast the same rich and dazzling array of add-ons that the iPhone or iPad enjoy -- from keyboards to docks, arcade cabinets to battery packs. Today's offering? A mobile mixer. The iRig MIX from IK Multimedia, to be precise. It's essentially a mini DJ tool, designed to work with such iGadgets, and brought to you by the same serial audio-accessorizers behind the iRig MIC Cast and AmpliTube. If you think you've seen this fella before, then you likely have, as this got its first glimpse of sunlight back at CES. Now it's here for real, auditioning for your affections as if it were on "American Idol." While it's easy to dismiss some of the more ambitious accessories as as trying to push the limits of iPad / iPhone functionality to the extreme, it's also worth remembering that accessory X isn't always about replacing object Y. No one ever bought a USB webcam thinking it'd turn them into Spielberg, now did they? But, they might have gotten one thinking it would give their PC some skills it never had before. So it's with this short, preemptive missive in mind that we turn on the iRig MIX, plug in and rock out. Hopefully.%Gallery-158921%
iRig MIC Cast brings podcast recording to your pocket
IK Multimedia has just released the new iRig MIC Cast (US$39.99), a tiny plug-in microphone for iOS devices that promises to make recording podcasts anywhere a reality. The iRig MIC Cast is a little bit larger than a US quarter, with a gold-plated plug, an output port for monitoring recordings, and a two-position gain switch. I was initially concerned that the plug wouldn't work with the Apple Bumper for the iPhone 4/4S, but it plugged in easily and was ready to go in a snap. IK Multimedia, the manufacturer of the iRig MIC Cast, offers free versions of two apps to anyone who buys the microphone -- iRig Recorder FREE and VocaLive FREE -- but the mic also works well with my favorite recording app, GarageBand. The iRig MIC Cast comes with a small folding stand for your iPhone or iPod touch, perfect for doing hands-off recordings. Once you've started the recording, that's where the magic of this device is really apparent. It's an extremely unidirectional mic, so background noises tend to be masked by the voice being recorded. IK Multimedia notes that the iRig MIC Cast provides "an incredibly flat frequency response with zero tonal coloration", a fancy way of saying that it does a really good job of capturing voice recordings. I found the iRig MIC Cast to be much better for making voice recordings than IK Multimedia's $59.99 iRig Mic, which I reviewed in March 2011. Here's a sample podcast recording done in one take with the iRig MIC Cast using Apple's GarageBand app for iOS: While I wasn't impressed with the iRig Mic, I have no such qualms about the iRig MIC Cast. I can easily see recording and editing podcasts from my iPhone or iPad using this microphone. IK Multimedia has created the perfect pocket mic for making podcasts or other voice recordings on your iOS devices. Pros Tiny and lightweight, easily pocketable Gain is adjustable for nearby and far away sources Earphone jack for monitoring your recording sessions Comes with free voice recording apps and a tabletop stand Affordably priced Very good sound quality Cons Small size might make it easy easy to lose
IK Multimedia releases iRig MIC Cast for recording, podcasting on the go
IK Multimedia today released the iRig MIC Cast (US$39.99), a tiny coin-sized microphone for iOS devices that is targeted at those who need to record interviews or podcasts. According to the company, the iRig MIC Cast was designed with "a tight unidirectional pickup pattern that minimizes background noise, making it ideal for single-source audio recording." As you can see in the image above, the iRig MIC Cast has a built-in stereo mini-jack headphone output so you can monitor while you record. There's a sensitivity switch (Lo-Hi) for recording close or distant sources, and the connector will work with most iPhone/iPod touch cases. IK Multimedia also sees the iRig MIC Cast as a great tool for phone calls and FaceTime chats, boosting your voice quality well over what the built-in microphone can do. Two free apps are included with the mic: iRig Recorder, which is used for voice recording and editing, and VocalLive, a "multi-effects processing app for singers." There's also a small tabletop stand included so you can record hands-free. TUAW will post a full review of the iRig MIC Cast in the near future.
IK Multimedia's iRig MIC Cast is now shipping for iOS devices, we go hands-on
Back at CES, IK Multimedia unveiled a trio of music / recording accessories for iDevices. One of which was the diminutive iRig MIC Cast to handle those on-the-go podcasting and voice recording duties. The outfit has announced that the ultra-compact microphone that plays nice with the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch is now shipping. Let's have a quick refresher, shall we? The kit plugs into your Apple device's 3.5mm audio jack and sports a headphone output of its own for monitoring purposes. Inside the kit, a unidirectional condenser capsule goes to work to isolate the audio you want recorded instead that pesky background chatter. If you're looking to snag one, it'll set you back $40 (€29.99) and includes a stand for your handheld inside the box. But before you take the leap, head on past the break for some of our hands-on impressions of the device. %Gallery-156531%
Hands on with the iKlip Studio stand for iPad
It's difficult to get excited about a stand for the iPad, unless it's something exceptional. But most of the time, a stand is to serve a very practical need. And with IK Multimedia producing a vast array of accessories and applications for musicians to use with their iPads and iPhones, it makes sense for them to make a stand for the iPad (like the iKlip for the iPhone and iPad -- attaching to a mic stand), but for the desktop. At US$29.99, the iKlip Studio for the iPad provides everything you need in a stand. It assembles in a matter of seconds and folds away virtually flat for transportation to your next studio session. It's made from shock-resistant thermoplastic, so it won't shatter if you drop it, or mark or scratch your iPad, either. Rubber foot pads are placed at the corners of the underside of the stand to make sure it doesn't go sliding and slipping about. Similarly, rubber foot pads are also found on the upper-side of the stand, which the iPad rests on, so your iPad won't fall out of the stand with a knock or jolt. The iKlip Studio has been well thought through. All your iPad's controls, buttons, connectors, and the camera are easily accessible. There's also ample space to accommodate a case for your iPad if you use one. When placed in portrait mode, there's a grill in the stand to allow sound from your iPad's speaker to come through as intended, without being muffled. If you have IK's iRig guitar adapter, there's a useful bracket that can be attached round the back to neatly house the adapter. Possibly the most useful feature is the flexible orientation of the iKlip Studio. You can tilt its position to a very low angle or have it just about vertically facing you, or anywhere in between. The iKlip Studio may not be the most aesthetically exciting stand around, but if you're looking for a stand which ticks all the practical boxes at a reasonable price, you won't go wrong with it.
iRig Mix out now, impresses with size and features
IK Multimedia's iRig Mix mixer has finally arrived in stores, and it's just as impressive now as it was back when we saw it in action at CES this year. The mixer is sturdy and impressively small, and it has hookups for two different sources, including two iOS devices or any other stereo input source, as well as an extra mic/instrument input. Those sounds can then be mixed together, balanced, or tweaked with EQ, and sent out to a headphone jack on the bottom, and a stereo RCA output on the top. In short, this is a great full-featured mixer for mixing together sounds from almost anywhere. The biggest bonus here, however, is that the mixer also works with IK's apps on the App Store, so downloading DJ Rig or any of the other apps will sound extra nice coming through this thing. And there's an X-Sync feature built in to the mixer that works with the DJ app to beatmix for you, making for super simple DJing: Just start up the apps on your iOS devices, turn X-Sync on, and the mixer will beatmatch automatically. The whole kit is very impressive, and even if you just need a mixer for occasional audio use (unrelated to your iOS devices), it would probably work great. Plus, it's out now for just $99, and good luck finding an equivalent professional mixer at that price.
IK Multimedia's DJ Rig arrives on the App Store
Back in January, IK Multimedia announced the iRig Mix and accompanying app, DJ Rig. We're still waiting to get our hands on the mixer (due at some point later this month), but the DJ Rig app has arrived on the App Store. And you don't need the iRig Mix to take advantage of it. DJ Rig is a double-deck DJ mixing app that hooks straight into your iPhone's music library. With two turntables, tempo syncing, multiple cue points, sample-based pads and some crazy but useful DJ effects, performing your very own DJ set has never been easier. I'm no DJ, but I took the app for a spin and found, for the most part, its automatic beat matching to be very effective, unless you're playing some rather complicated beats. Simply, while playing one song, I queued another, hit the Sync button and used the crossfader to bring the two songs together. Additional features include a three-band EQ for each deck, scanning a track in wave form, and looping functionality. There are some further features to the app (X-Sync), but they only work in conjunction with the yet-to-be-released iRig Mix (We'll be sure to provide some details on that just as soon as we can). DJ Rig is available for iPhone on the iOS App Store for US$1.99 with an additional in-app purchase of $4.99 for the Pro Bundle, which gets you all the extra features.
Daily Update for January 20, 2012
It's the TUAW Daily Update, your source for Apple news in a convenient audio format. You'll get all the top Apple stories of the day in three to five minutes for a quick review of what's happening in the Apple world. You can listen to today's Apple stories by clicking the inline player (requires Flash) or the non-Flash link below. To subscribe to the podcast for daily listening through iTunes, click here. No Flash? Click here to listen.
iRig Pre makes iOS device a pre-amp
IK Multimedia is always coming out with new ways for musicians to use their iOS devices to assist in performing or recording. Now the company has introduced the iRig PRE, a mic preamp designed to let you use standard XLR mics with your iPhone or iPad. The unit (US$39.99) won't be available until the early part of the second quarter of 2012, but when it's finally in the hands of music makers everywhere, they'll enjoy the features of the iRig PRE. It's powered by a standard 9V battery, and can amp up a dynamic mic for up to 40 hours or a condenser mic for up to 15 hours. The dongle, which plugs into the headset port on your device, also has a 3.5 mm jack for monitoring your music, auto gain control, and the aforementioned XLR jack. IK Multimedia plans to ship iRig Recorder and VocaLive with the PRE, so if you're not already an owner of these apps you'll get a nice bonus. The full scoop from IK Multimedia is hidden below -- push the button, Frank. Show full PR text IK Multimedia presents iRig PRE The universal microphone interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad January 2012 – IK Multimedia is proud to present iRig™ PRE, the ultimate solution for connecting any type of microphone – from regular stage microphones to expensive studio models – to any iPhone, iPhone touch or iPad providing access to the widest range of recording applications. iRig PRE is the first high-quality microphone preamp designed specifically for iOS devices that allows musicians to use their favorite high-quality stage or studio mics with their iOS device. The microphone plugs directly into the standard XLR connector of iRig PRE with no need for extra cables or adapters. Its adjustable thumbwheel gain control allows the user to easily make precise level settings. The onboard 9V battery provides the necessary voltage for phantom-powered studio condenser microphones for at least for 15 hours of continuous use. The 3.5mm (1/8") standard stereo headphone output allows monitoring while recording. The lightweight housing sports a convenient cable for iOS device connection and also includes a Velcro strip slot for easy mounting on a mic stand or other stage locations. Like all other IK Multimedia microphones, it includes 2 free apps: iRig Recorder (an easy-to-use recording/editing app) and VocaLive (an effects processing app for singers). And like the entire range of iRig accessories, it's highly portable thanks to its pocket-sized form factor for recording anywhere. iRig PRE features -40 cm (15.75") TRRS cable to connect to any iOS device headset jack -XLR input connector for microphones -Gain control -+48 V phantom power -Headphone output -On/Off switch -Power/Phantom Power provided by 9V battery -Battery life is approximately 40 hours with dynamic microphones and 15 hours with phantom powered condenser studio microphones. Pricing and availability iRig PRE costs only $39.99/€29.99 (excluding taxes) and will be available in early Q2 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world.
IK Multimedia reveals trio of iRig iOS accessories for mobile podcasting and music making
Its no secret that many musicians use their iPhones and iPads to help them craft their tunes, and go-anywhere podcasting holds great appeal for many others. To serve such folks, IK Multimedia has unveiled three new peripherals joining the likes of its AmpliTube adapter and iMic accessories: the iRig MIC Cast, iRig MIX, and iRig Stomp. The MIC Cast is a unidirectional mic aimed at mobile podcasters that hooks up to your iOS device through its headphone jack (and has a 3.5mm port for headphone monitoring). It has a compact form factor that matches the iPhones slimness, and comes with recording and voice processing apps to get things sounding just right. Look for it Q1 of this year for €29.99 ($38). Next up is the iRig Stomp, an electric guitar pedal crafted from aluminum that works with any iOS guitar, amp or instrument app. It connects to your iDevice's 3.5mm headphone jack and comes with a free AmpliTude app for adding effects and will cost €44.99 ($58) when it lands in Q2. Lastly, there's the dual-channel iRig MIX mobile music mixer, which can be connected to iDevices, CD players or other music sources using it's stereo inputs. It's got gain, bass, treble and volume controls along with a channel crossfader to tailor your tunes using the included apps: DJ Rig, AmpliTube, VocaLive, and GrooveMaker. Diplo wannabes can pick up the MIX in February for €74.99 ($96).
IK Multimedia's VocaLive comes to the iPad
Earlier this year, IK Multimedia introduced the iRig Mic and VocaLive app for the iPhone. Our very own Steve Sande did a review of the iRig Mic, which you can check out here. The app is good, but it's not universal which is a big drawback for folks who have an iPhone and an iPad. Of course, you could use the VocaLive app on your iPad, but it was simply the iPhone version of the app enlarged 2X. This month, IK Multimedia has brought VocaLive to the iPad.The new app is custom built to fit the tablet's larger screen, and has some extra features, too. Vocalive for iPad can be expanded to 8 recordable tracks and adds a fourth effect slot. Two of these four effect slots can be used for vocal effects compared to a single slot on the iPhone version. If you love singing, karaoke, doing voice overs or just hearing your voice warped through crazy effects, then check out VocaLive and the accompanying iRig Mic. VocaLive is free on the iOS App Store with extra effects available via in-app purchase. There's also a full version which includes all the effects available for $19.99.
IK Multimedia reveals iRig MIDI, SampleTank for iOS
IK Multimedia, makers of the iRig Mic, iRig for guitar, Amplitube for iOS, and many other exciting music products, has announced the iRig MIDI: a standard Core MIDI (music instrument digital interface) adapter for the iPhone, iPod touch and iPad. The yet-to-be-released adapter will connect your iOS device with any MIDI compatible device (keyboards or electric drums, for example) to control a whole host of Apple Core MIDI-compatible apps, like GarageBand. Likewise, you can use these apps to control external MIDI gear through the iRig MIDI. In addition to the standard IN and OUT ports found on current MIDI adapters, the iRig MIDI has a THRU input for more advanced MIDI applications. There's also a micro USB port to keep your device juiced up through those extra long performances. To compliment the iRig MIDI adapter, IK has created an iOS version of SampleTank, optimized for live performance. SampleTank for iOS has a 1 GB on-board sample library of 500 instruments, including samples from IK's Miroslav Philharmonik and SampleMoog. There's no word on a release date yet, but if you happen to be at the Summer NAMM Show, you can catch a glimpse of the new products there. The iRig MIDI is set to retails at US$69.99. SampleTank for iOS will be available free from the iOS App store with in-app purchasing for expansion. For all the details, click here.
IK Multimedia's iKlip goes MINI
For iPad-toting musicians, there's no better solution for attaching their favorite tablet to a standard microphone stand than the iKlip from IK Multimedia. Now the company has developed a Mini-Me companion to the iKlip, not surprisingly named the iKlip MINI. The US$39.99 iKlip MINI works with or without the accessory iRig or iRig Mic to bring a no-hands solution to musicians using iPhones. With an included detachable bracket, the iRig can be mounted either vertically or horizontally on the iKlip MINI for use with AmpliTube or other guitar effects apps. As with the original iKlip, the MINI is made of thermoplastic to hold your iPhone or iPod touch without scratching it. While connected to any microphone stand, pole or tripod with a diameter of 11 to 20 mm, the MINI provides accessibility to all controls and connectors on the iPhone and also has a clear view for snapping photos or taking video of your audience with the iPhone's camera. IK Multimedia is currently taking pre-orders for the iKlip MINI and expects the devices to ship in August of 2011.
iRig Mic review
There's no shortage of ways to get sound into your iOS device, but one thing has been missing from the field up to this point: a handheld accessory to help you hone your Sammy Hagar (or Anderson Cooper) impression while you're FaceTiming with Gramps. The iRig vocal mic fills that gap, and the included Vocalive app does its part to help you rap over your favorite beat, add sick and twisted FX to your vox, and share your jams with your file-sharing friends. But is the iRig a Napster-level entry into the iMic field? Is it more of an eDonkey, or just kind of a KaZaA? Read on for our impressions of the SM58-feeling cardioid. %Gallery-119713%
iRig Mic: A hands-on review of a hot iOS accessory
If there's one group that has taken to the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch in a big way, it's the worldwide community of musicians. From amateurs who just want to play with making music electronically to professionals who have recorded albums on iOS devices, musicians love the way they can take advantage of the light weight, power, and music-related apps that have been developed for the iOS platforms. IK Multimedia has come to the rescue of musicians who wish to use their iOS devices to perform and record music with a number of cool and useful software and hardware products. At Macworld Expo 2011, I had the opportunity to interview Starr Ackerman of IK Multimedia about these products including one that hadn't yet been released: the iRig Mic (US$59.99). The iRig Mic is a high-quality handheld condenser microphone that can be used with any iOS device for audio input. Whether you're using it to record a video interview with an iPhone 4 or iPod touch, or to record vocals for your latest GarageBand song, the iRig Mic is a great asset for musicians and podcasters who want to improve their audio. %Gallery-119762%
AmpliTube Fender for iPhone & iPad set for imminent release
We've just had word from our guy at IK Multimedia that AmpliTube Fender for iPhone and iPad is pending approval at Apple and soon to be available on the iOS App Store. The AmpliTube Fender app is just like the AmpliTube 2 app, but it's all about Fender tone, which has been critically tested and approved by the tone gurus over at Fender. The app is derived from the award-winning desktop version of AmpliTube Fender. The app comes packed with five Fender amp models (the '65 Deluxe Reverb, the Super-Sonic, the '65 Twin Reverb, the '59 Bassman LTD and the Pro Junior) and six Fender Stompbox models (Fender Tape Echo, Compressor, the Fender Blender, Fender Phaser, Overdrive and Noise Filter). The AmpliTube Fender app for iPhone and iPad costs $14.99 / €11.99 and, as previously stated, packs all the recording, practice and play features found in the iOS version of AmpliTube 2. Got AmpliTube 2 already? You can buy the Fender amplifier and stomp box models as bundled or individual in-app purchases for $4.99 / €3.99 per amp, $2.99 / €2.39 per stomp box. Of course, the software works in conjunction with the iRig adapter that enables you to plug your electric guitar into your iPhone / iPad. We're looking forward to taking a closer at AmpliTube Fender soon.
iRig Mic brings a vocal microphone to the iPhone and iPad
The iRig Mic was one of the last products we saw at CES last week. It's a full-featured vocal microphone made by IK Multimedia (the folks behind Amplitube and the iRig kit that our own Matt Tinsley reviewed a while back) that plugs directly into your iPhone or iPad. I went ahead and sent a few sweet vocal sounds through the mic, and they sounded great. It's not a super premium microphone, but it'll do the job, and a few different condenser settings allow for some nice remote recording possibilities as well. The mic comes with a dual-jack connector to plug into your iDevice, so you can also wear headphones as you record. The mic works best hooked up to an official app called Vocalive, which you can see on the iPad's screen in the pic above. In addition to recording and playing back audio tracks, the app can also throw in some vocal effects, from reverb to frequency modulation, and a metronome for getting your timing just right. The iRig Mic will be available for just US$59 in the first week of March. IK Multimedia told us that they'd be at Macworld later this month, so we'll be sure to get them on video there. In case you're wondering, that iPad is being held onto the mic stand by an IK product called the iKlip, which became available last December; for $40, it will clip your iPad onto a mic stand for use during a show. That way, iPad bands can keep both hands free for jamming.
iRig Mic: because your iPad, iPhone and iPod just aren't complete sans a microphone
IK Multimedia, the same dudes and dudettes responsible for the downright hilarious iKlip, seem to be on somewhat of a hot streak. This week, the company's hitting back with the iRig iMic, hailed as the first handheld condenser microphone for the iPhone. The image above truly explains it all -- it's designed to plug directly into your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, and so long as you've got a recording app of choice, you'll be capturing your vocals in no time flat. The obvious next step is to run everything through the T-Pain app, but for those who'd rather roll more naturally, IK's VocaLive effects processor is tossed in gratis. Pricing details are being kept under wraps for reasons unknown, but let's be honest -- you're buying one even if it means losing two arms and a leg.
