IK Multimedia’s iRig series offers a range of interfaces dedicated to guitarists, aiming to provide an all-in-one solution for practise, jamming, recording and streaming. A new flagship model has now arrived in the form of the iRig HD X, which boasts improved technical performance along with a more advanced feature set.
The latest iRig interface offers hardware control over its key functions.The new model retains the compact form factor of the HD 2 model [reviewed here in SOS April 2017], but comes equipped with an intuitive single-knob interface that provides hands-on control over a number of key parameters including headphone level, direct monitoring and a newly added Loopback+ function. It is surrounded by a ring of LEDs, which not only provide a visual indication of the input level, but can also serve as display for a new onboard tuner.
The bottom of the interface houses pair of quarter-inch TS sockets. The first provides a low-noise input with a 115dB dynamic range that will accept signals from any guitar pickup, whilst the second offers an output designed to feed an amplifier, pedalboard or speaker. There is also a stereo output provided on a 3.5mm TRS socket, which can be used to connect headphones or monitors.
The iRig HD X communicates with a host device via a USB-C socket, and operates at 24-bit / 96kHz. As with its predecessor, it can be used with either a Mac or PC, but will also be recognised by iOS and iPadOS recording apps on Apple’s mobile devices. It is also the first of the company’s devices to employ a new Loopback+ feature, which which allows users to route their signal through processing apps — such as IK’s TONEX or AmpliTube — and then into a recording or streaming app.
A selection of software comes bundled with the interface, including AmpliTube 5 SE, AmpliTube CS for iPhone/iPad with the AmpliTube Essentials bundle, and TONEX SE for Mac/PC and iOS.
Pricing & Availability
The iRig HD X is available now, priced at $€129.99.
