IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 review

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iRig Mic HD2 09

If you want to record audio on the iPhone, you always have the built-in microphone. But if you want to step up your recording game, connecting an external microphone can be a little daunting.  The IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 is a quality, affordable condenser microphone that will do the trick.

iRig Mic HD2 01

  • Microphone Type: condenser, electret
  • Capsule Size: 0.55″
  • Polar Pattern: cardioid
  • Interface Type: USB digital microphone with a built-in low-noise, high-definition preamp
  • Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
  • Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
  • Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3 dB
  • Maximum Sound Pressure: 125 dB
  • Sensitivity: -40 dB, 10 mV/Pa
  • Windscreen: built-in
  • Sensitivity: adjustable over a 40 dB range
  • Controls: Built-in low profile input gain and headphone volume contols/li>
  • Metering: Built-in multicolor LED for status and audio level indication
  • Connector Type: standard Micro-USB
  • Headphones Output: 1/8″ TRS jack
  • Power: powered by connected device

iRig Mic HD2 02 iRig Mic HD2 03

Package includes

  • iRig Mic HD 2 microphone
  • Lightning to micro-USB cable
  • USB to micro-USB cable
  • Protective storage bag
  • Mic clamp
  • 5/8″ to 3/8″ thread adapter
  • Table top stand

Dimensions

  • Size: 188mm/7.4″ x 49mm/1.93″
  • Weight: 325g/11.46oz
  • Cables length: 1.5m/59″

iRig Mic HD2 14For you road warriors, the scale showed 11.44 oz for the mic itself, pretty much in line with the published specs.

 iRig Mic HD2 04I was pleased to see that the iRig Mic HD 2 came with a zippered bag that actually fits all of the included pieces.
iRig Mic HD2 06On the front end is a condenser electret microphone with a cardioid pattern.
iRig Mic HD2 10On the back end is a headphone jack for monitoring, and a recessed mini USB port.  The recessed nature of the port really limits the cables you can use, so I stuck with the ones that came with the kit.

iRig Mic HD2 05

Speaking of cables, the kit comes with two.  One connects to your standard USB, the other is Lightning for iOS devices.
iRig Mic HD2 07You’ll find two knobs on the mic body:  One for microphone gain, and the other for headphone monitoring.  And LED blinks blue, red, green and orange to let you know what’s going on.

iRig Mic HD2 08

This page in the instructions shows what the colors mean. If it’s blue, increase gain.  If it’s red, you’re probably clipping and need to turn things down. Ideally, you’ll want to be in the green or orange range.

iRig Mic HD2 13

This little fold-up tripod is a great addition. I noticed the mic clip even comes with a threaded adapter to use with a standard “camera” style tripod attachment as well as a mic stand.

iRig Mic HD2 15So how does the microphone sound? I placed these two microphones side by side in my purpose-built sound room, to eliminate variables of environmental noise.  On the left is the Neumann TLM103, and on the right is the iRig Mic HD 2.

Before you readers with Golden Ears cry afoul, I KNOW these are like apples and oranges: The TLM103 is a large-diaphragm condenser, and the iRig is an electret condenser.  But apples and oranges are both fruit for different occasions, and I would hesitate dragging my Neumann outside the house.

These two clips were recorded at the same time. No EQ or compression added.

Sample 1:  The Neumann TLM103 with a Grace Audio M101 preamp and Yamha AG03 mixer to a fanless PC recording with Audacity.

Sample 2: iRig Mic HD 2 connected directly to an iPhone 7Plus


Comparing the two samples, the Neumann TLM103 (and other gear) sounded just a little warmer. The iRig Mic HD 2 sounded terrific.  Maybe just a hint brighter and some barely imperceptible noise deep in the grass. Unless you’re doing industrial tests in anechoic chambers, or you have a serious case of “I must spend 10x more money”, the iRig Mic HD 2 is an excellent value in a compact package.

iRig Mic HD2 12

Source: The sample for this review was provided by IK Multimedia. Please visit http://www.ikmultimedia.com/ for more info and Amazon to order one.

2 thoughts on “IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 review”




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  2. I have just bought this product from Bax Music only to find that the cable required to connect to an Android device is not included. Bax were no help, what cable do you think I need to operate this mic with Android smart phone?

    Regards
    Richard

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