NAMM News: iRig™ PRE Announced!

[ObiK]

Universal microphone interface for iPhone/iPod touch/iPad

Presenting 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.

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 (excl. tax) and will be available in early Second Quarter of 2012 from electronic and music retailers around the world.

[mikeg09]

Preety kool. Technology is rising fast

[JSt0rm]

I feel like its 2001 in the palm of your hand lol.

Beige mid tower computer? No. A tablet.

[travisbrown]

I wish the iRig stuff used an external converter and iOS multiconnector instead instead of the TRRS connection and device conversion. Sure it would increase the price point, but in addition to the disproportionate dongle with poor ergonomics and multiple stress and wear points when you are handling these things attached to your device, it would also tip the product into a more serious and better sounding tool. Apogee, L6, Peavey are getting this right. The software is great for what it is, but it's a shame the hardware doesn't do it any favors. IK should maybe offer two interfaces: one at $40 (which should really be $20 - Really? $0.78 worth of components in a plastic tube?) and one at $100.

[recordinghopkins]

Give me a stereo version and I'll bite.

[doorknocker]

Originally Posted by recordinghopkins

Give me a stereo version and I'll bite.

Same here.

[travisbrown]

Originally Posted by recordinghopkins

Give me a stereo version and I'll bite.

That's another problem with the TRRS interface. iOS devices have only mono input through the miniplug connector. The extra ring is the mic lead.

Line6 has a dual channel line i/o (Mobile I/O). Wouldn't be surprised if Apogee comes out with something similar to its Jam product, but for line level and dual channel, sometime.

[ObiK]

A BIG plus about using the 4 pole connector is it makes it compatible with ANY device that uses the 4 pole connector. Including a large majority of Android devices. Latency isn't quite up to par for our apps yet, but our mics, iRig interfaces and even iRig MIX can still work great on just about any mobile device.

[travisbrown]

Originally Posted by ObiK

A BIG plus about using the 4 pole connector is it makes it compatible with ANY device that uses the 4 pole connector. Including a large majority of Android devices. Latency isn't quite up to par for our apps yet, but our mics, iRig interfaces and even iRig MIX can still work great on just about any mobile device.

Big plus for IK. Not so much a plus as a compromise for users of either platform.

Really, it makes for really awkward use on an iPhone. And that stellar AD conversion through the miniplug that was really meant for handsfree phone electret mics....