Today IK Multimedia launched its latest cross platform audio interface, the <US$150 iRig Pro I/O. An apparent successor to the original iRig Pro (which I reviewed in 2014), the new iRig Pro I/O adds a 3.5 mm TRS output for headphone monitoring, as well as optional simultaneous charging of an iOS device. However, the iRig Pro I/O is fortunately not limited to iOS. When I say “multi-platform”, I mean direct connection for Apple’s Lightning connector (used on all current iOS devices, including the iPhone/iPad/iPad Touch) and USB for Android, Chromebook, Mac and Windows devices. I just received a review unit, and I am preparing a detailed comparison to its closest competitor on the market, the <US$150 i-XLR from RØDE (which is Lightning-only), including test recordings to hear the preamp and A-to-D quality, specs and practical pros/cons. In the meantime, ahead are specs and photos.
Flexible power options
The new <US$150 iRig Pro I/O (Amazon link — B&H link) has multiple power options depending upon your recording situation. When used as a standalone interface for an iPhone, iPad or Android device, you can power iRig Pro I/O with 2 – AA batteries that also provide switchable 48V phantom power for condenser mics.
When use with iRig PSU 3A, the optional DC PSU, iRig Pro I/O will charge your iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch while plugged in for endless or extended recording and playing sessions.
When used with a Chromebook/Mac/Windows computer, iRig Pro I/O gets its power from the USB port and the connected laptop.
Published specifications
Microphone Input
- Microphone Input: balanced female 3-pin, XLR. Pin 2: hot / Pin 3: cold / Pin 1: ground
- Microphone Input Level: from 6 mVpp to 1.4 Vpp
- Microphone Input Impedance: 1.6 kOhms
- Gain Range: 40 dB
- Phantom Power: +48V ± 4V
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/-1.5dB
- Input Noise: -103 dB(A), -97 dB RMS
Instrument Input
- Instrument Input: unbalanced, Hi-Z, TS 1/4″ Jack, Tip: signal / Shield: ground
- Instrument Input Level: from 30 mVpp to 6.9 Vpp
- Instrument Input Impedance: 1 MOhms
- Gain Range: 27 dB
- Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz +/-1.5dB
- Input Noise: -103 dB(A), -97 dB RMS
Stereo Headphone Output
- Connector: 1/8″ TRS Jack. Tip: right / Ring: left / Shield: ground
- Headphone Level Control numbered thumbwheel
- Headphone Level Power 100mW into 50 Ohms
MIDI Input/Output
- Connector: 2×2.5mm TS Jack
Other Input/Output
- DC barrel: 1x DC barrel. For power and device charging.
- Device Connector: mini-DIN
Common
- Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
- Sampling Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
Power:
- USB bus powered when used with a computer
- Battery powered (2xAA included) when used with an iOS device
- DC power supply (not included, iRig PSU 3A sold separately)
Standby for the full review/comparison
Be sure to be on my mailing list to receive a notification when I publish the full review of the new <US$150 iRig Pro I/O (Amazon link — B&H link) compared with the
RØDE i-XLR (Amazon link — B&H link) which I first reviewed here. Remember that the RØDE i-XLR is Lightning-only, but has unique features not available in the iRig Pro I/O, as I’ll detail in the upcoming review of the new iRig Pro I/O.
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