Need Advice ~~ iRig Pro I/O or iRig Pre HD

JakeStone · #1 03-02-2018, 08:15 AM

Like some others here..
I have a simple need of recording some demos in my home.

Decent quality .. Audio/Video.

Acoustic Guitar and Vocals Live "one take".
Little or No post production if I can help it...
Other than download or upload to make a Youtube video.

I have an iPad Mini and iPhone 5SE.
Various Mics both condensers and Dynamic.
Acoustic Electric Guitars.

I also have a Play Acoustic pedal that I may want to use.
If it sounds better. Plug A/E guitar and Mic in and output a single XLR (with both Guitar and Vocals mixed).

I have been reading about the iRig gear by IK Multimedia and see them mentioned here..
Seems like what I need and EASY to use.

But I am not sure which one I need...
Can anyone let me know the main differences of the iRig PRE and iRig Pro?
Or which one is better for my basic a/v recording application.

Thanks!

Johnny K · #2 03-02-2018, 09:58 AM

I think the difference is 50 dollars, MIDI and and a you can plug in an instrument cable or XLR cable into the Pro I/O. They both have HiDef sampling rates. I have the HD and I love it, it does what I need it for. And I was able to buy it at my local Micro Center. I use my Fishman Loudbox Artist as a 2 channel mixer with the xlr Direct Out from the amp to the xlr input on the Pre HD to get 2 mics or 1 mic and 1 instrument. With either unit and no mixer in between, its one mic or one instrument so it kind of limiting that way. I am going to look for a cheap 4 channel mixer to interface with it so I can record my drums too.

Edit - If you can swing it, get the Pro I/O. The thing I dont like about the Pre HD is that It drains my phone battery and there is no way to charge it while using the Pre HD. Looks like the Pro I/O added that feature that lets you keep a charge going into the phone.

JakeStone · #3 03-02-2018, 11:06 AM

Great thanks.. I will take a closer look at the Pro.

I would be using my Play Acoustic effects pedal..
Which mixes the guitar and vocal mic into 1 XLR out. SO I think I'd be good with it.

So one more question.. This records audio and video to the iPhone right?

I see there is a USB adapter for a Laptop/PC.
Wonder if I can use that to record straight to my Laptop?

Looks like I Need to do a little more research!

Thx

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny K

I think the difference is 50 dollars, MIDI and and a you can plug in an instrument cable or XLR cable into the Pro I/O. They both have HiDef sampling rates. I have the HD and I love it, it does what I need it for. And I was able to buy it at my local Micro Center. I use my Fishman Loudbox Artist as a 2 channel mixer with the xlr Direct Out from the amp to the xlr input on the Pre HD to get 2 mics or 1 mic and 1 instrument. With either unit and no mixer in between, its one mic or one instrument so it kind of limiting that way. I am going to look for a cheap 4 channel mixer to interface with it so I can record my drums too.

Edit - If you can swing it, get the Pro I/O. The thing I dont like about the Pre HD is that It drains my phone battery and there is no way to charge it while using the Pre HD. Looks like the Pro I/O added that feature that lets you keep a charge going into the phone.

Johnny K · #4 03-02-2018, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

Great thanks.. I will take a closer look at the Pro.

I would be using my Play Acoustic effects pedal..
Which mixes the guitar and vocal mic into 1 XLR out. SO I think I'd be good with it.

So one more question.. This records audio and video to the iPhone right?

I see there is a USB adapter for a Laptop/PC.
Wonder if I can use that to record straight to my Laptop?

Looks like I Need to do a little more research!

Thx

It records audio and video directly into the iPhone using the I-Rig Recorder app. The app will let you edit and add effects. With the app you can export file out to any number of programs. I export my files to iCloud Drive and post them to FB or YouTube. Here is one that i made on the fly and posted to to my YouTube Channel. I made this before I got the Fishman Loudbox. So it was one mic into the i-Rig Pre HD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzq2j4YPNCM&t=28s

It uses either camera on the phone. The video i posted is not the best definition for the front camera. I figured out how to change the setting after i posted it. The max res for the front camera is 1080 on an iPhone 6s Plus. I am working on another Zep tune i plan to record and post later.

The I-Rig is a easier to use than the Scarlet Solo and the Ableton Live lite PC program I have. I am kind of sorry i spend the money on those things. The learning curve for the I-rig is a lot smaller.

As far as working on or recording directly to a the PC, for the life of me I have no idea what to do. I am working on it now to figure it out.

Hurricane Ramon · #5 03-03-2018, 01:27 AM

Irig Pro into your IPhone 5s - it's what I use .

Also I have a Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 with my IPhone 5s using the camera adapter .

BOTH WORK GREAT INTO THE 5S .

EZ:

HR

JakeStone · #6 03-03-2018, 08:40 AM

Thanks guys.

Looks like the Pro I/O is a little more versatile. With the Combo Jack (XLR or Line) input. Plus the optional power adapter.

The big selling point for me with one of these is the instant connection to my iPhone lightning input .. allowing recording both Audio and Video. Then easy output or transfer of the video to my PC. Upload to YT .. etc.

JakeStone · #7 03-03-2018, 01:44 PM

Scored the iRig Pro I/O at local GC today for $129 with $20 off coupon.

Will put it through the paces later and try to make a video.

Next, I need to download the IK Multimedia Apps for recording the Audio with iPhone Video.

Also ordered one of these for $7 bucks off Amazon..
So I can mount my iPhone to my tripod.

Johnny K · #8 03-04-2018, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

Scored the iRig Pro I/O at local GC today for $129 with $20 off coupon.

Will put it through the paces later and try to make a video.

Next, I need to download the IK Multimedia Apps for recording the Audio with iPhone Video.

Also ordered one of these for $7 bucks off Amazon..
So I can mount my iPhone to my tripod.

Can you post a link for that? I've been looking for a couple of those. I have one that clamps to my mic stands but really want one for my camera tripod.

JakeStone · #9 03-04-2018, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny K

Can you post a link for that? I've been looking for a couple of those. I have one that clamps to my mic stands but really want one for my camera tripod.

Sure!
Here's link to the Smart Phone tripod adapter mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

--------------------------------------

Also you can add one of these to use the adapter above with a mic stand

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Johnny K · #10 03-04-2018, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

Sure!
Here's link to the Smart Phone tripod adapter mount.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

--------------------------------------

Also you can add one of these to use the adapter above with a mic stand

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks.

I think i have one of those 2nd things, but i need to buy a couple more. I keep losing them. I bought 2 of each.

JakeStone · #11 03-04-2018, 01:48 PM

Nice.. So the Smart Phone holder arrived today...
(gotta love Amazon Prime.. Free delivery on a Sunday).

It works perfect!
---------------------

OK.... So back to the IRig Pro I/O.

So far with less than 24 hours in...I am very happy with it!
It works as advertised and is very easy to use!

This is a very nice addition.
I've been struggling to make some decent quality "hey..look at me play guitar and sing" videos.

I'm not trying to make the highest quality or studio sound stuff...
Just something to mess around with and share. Also, my main reason is to make some demos to send to prospective venues to get some gigs.. (my solo acoustic thing).

So far... it works really good.

I downloaded the IK iRig Recorder App to my iPhone.. Then plugged the iRig into my iPhone (with supplied lightning cable).
I'm still figuring out how to get best sound of me playing guitar and singing live ... I have condenser mic.

But for testing I'm using the output (XLR out) of my TCH Play Acoustic Pedal.

To finish the process..
Once done recording my stuff on my iPhone...
I save the video to my phone and then plug phone into my PC and sync.

Now....... Once the video is on my PC .. I will do some post production.
I have very basic program (Windows Movie Maker).

I'd be grateful, if anyone can recommend a cheap and easy to use video editing program.
I am not sure I even need much .. just some basic editing/clips.. The sound and video is pretty decent.

Will try and post a demo later on.

Johnny K · #12 03-06-2018, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

I'm still figuring out how to get best sound of me playing guitar and singing live ... I have condenser mic.

But for testing I'm using the output (XLR out) of my TCH Play Acoustic Pedal.

I'd hate to spend your money for you, but I highly recommend a Fishman Loudbox Artist or Performer. You get two instrument/XLR inputs and Direct Out on the back.

I used mine over the weekend to as a 2 channel mixer to do some 2 mic drum recording. The loudbox has phantom power for consdenser mics.

JakeStone · #13 03-06-2018, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny K

I'd hate to spend your money for you, but I highly recommend a Fishman Loudbox Artist or Performer. You get two instrument/XLR inputs and Direct Out on the back.

I used mine over the weekend to as a 2 channel mixer to do some 2 mic drum recording. The loudbox has phantom power for consdenser mics.

LOL.. I got plenty of mixers, gear and amps.

JakeStone · #14 03-07-2018, 07:21 PM

Here's a sample of the iRig Pro I/O...
Recording on my iPhone.

Guitar - Gibson J-35 with LR Baggs M80 Pickup
Mic - AKG D5 Dynamic Mic

Both into my TC Helicon Play Acoustic Pedal
Then XLR Output (Mono) into the iRig Pro I/O.
Then simply used Windows Movie Maker to produce the finished video.

Johnny K · #15 03-07-2018, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JakeStone

Here's a sample of the iRig Pro I/O...
Recording on my iPhone.

Guitar - Gibson J-35 with LR Baggs M80 Pickup
Mic - AKG D5 Dynamic Mic

Both into my TC Helicon Play Acoustic Pedal
Then XLR Output (Mono) into the iRig Pro I/O.
Then simply used Windows Movie Maker to produce the finished video.

Nice job Jake!