IK Multimedia, one of the leading iOS (and more recently Android) audio production device makers, has announced a series of new products at NAMM 2015. On top of a new power adapter that keeps your iDevice charging while your recording or performing on-the-go and a new Android interface/audio effects processing unit, the company has revealed its new digital mobile/desktop condenser mic…
Following the line of popular digital USB mics from companies like Blue Microphones, the new iRig Mic Studio brings simple 24-bit digital audio recording across all major platforms including iOS, Android, Mac and PC systems. Inside we are getting a 1” back electret condenser capsule and “audiophile-grade” analog-to-digital conversion (44.1/48 kHz sample rate).
They are designed to be versatile mics for musicians (intsruments), podcasting, vocals, voice-overs and more:
…it can capture everything from the subtle and nuanced dynamics of the human voice to the full-on bombast of an amplified electric guitar, and everything in between.
On its face, you’ll find on-board gain controls, a simple LED gain level indicator and a dedicated headphone out for monitoring the incoming signal. Along with the included portable tripod stand, it also ships with an assortment of cables including “Micro-USB to Lightning for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch; micro-USB to micro-USB OTG for Android (requires either an Android 5 or Samsung Professional Audio device); and micro-USB to USB for Mac and PC.”
It is set to become available in the first quarter of 2015 at all retailers in black and silver for a suggested price of $179.99.
While IK’s new iRig Mic Studio may be limited on Google’s mobile OS to devices running Android 5 or Samsung Professional Audio, much like its original step into the Android audio production space, its latest offering brings much more to the table. The new iRig UA guitar interface and processing unit runs on “all devices with Android 4.0 or higher and that support USB host mode/USB OTG…(including models from Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG, HTC, Xiaomi and many more.).” While previously somewhat new territory for audio production gear makers, IK has managed to bring near zero-latency to the audio-challenged platform, along with its suite of effects processing units powered mainly by Amplitube.
Android musicians will have to wait a little longer for this guy though. IK has put a Q2 2015 date on the new UA, along with a comparably similar $99.99 price tag as the iOS versions.
Last but not least, the company is introducing its new iRig PowerBridge adapter for iOS. Those already recording and performing with iRig’s Lightning/30-pin connected gear will know, it is nearly impossible to keep the session or performance going for very long without giving your iPad a recharge. While there are likely some workarounds out there, IK is saving you the trouble with the PowerBridge. The adapter simply intercepts the connection between your iRig gear and Apple devices, and then adds a basic power receptacle to the chain (as seen above & below). It supports “30-pin or Lightning compatible digital IK gear — like iRig Mic HD, iRig HD, iRig Keys, iRig PRO or iRig MIDI 2,” but not in one unit:
There will be two models available, one for Lightning and one for 30-pin, both for $69.99 and will start shipping in Q1 2015.
FTC: 9to5Toys is reader supported, we may earn income on affiliate links
Subscribe to the 9to5Toys YouTube Channel for all of the latest videos, reviews, and more!
