The intuitive input level LED means that you can easily adjust the gain to get the perfect level. I mentioned this earlier, but getting the right input level plays a big role in perceived audio quality. Now, there certainly isn't a shortage of options out there for guitarists looking to record, and let's be honest, it can get very confusing when trying to work out which is the correct interface for you. Well, you don't need to worry, that's what we are here for. We've put together this list of our favourite guitar-based audio interfaces from industry leaders such as IK Multimedia, Focusrite, Universal Audio and many more. While testing the iRig HD 2, I could run AmpliTube on my Macbook, grab a set of headphones and play through any amp model I wanted, with all the functionality of a full guitar rig. All of this could happen in a matter of minutes, without risk of disturbing the evening peace. It’s an ideal solution that will allow me to practice more often, without having to deal with a cheap-sounding headphone amp.

The iRig HD 2 is essentially a plug and play device. Simply connect it using the appropriate cable (lightning and USB cables included) and you’re good to go. Do You have iRig 2 or iRig HD2? the first is analog, the second digital. Are you trying to use it with a Windows system (You mention ASIO4ALL)? Some audio interfaces also allow you to plug in a microphone via an XLR input, power condenser mics via phantom power, and some even offer MIDI capabilities. The volume wheel controls the master volume going to your headphones after the signal has been mixed, functioning simply as a monitor level adjustment. Gain controls signal strength at a preamp level, which means you’ll find that the more it’s turned up, the more prone your signal will be to distortion.

One interface – everywhere you play

As the iRig HD 2 also comes with the full version of AmpliTube 4, it’s worth talking a bit about how that sounds. I’ve been using AmpliTube (and Guitar Rig by Native Instruments) since the very first version. Each version has brought a massive improvement in quality. AmpliTube 3 was the first version that came close to feeling like recording a real guitar amp and effects. AmpliTube 4 adds so much to the realism that it sound significantly better than when I record my actual amp with a microphone. At this point, I doubt future versions will be able to add much moreto the quality because it’s so high now. Tone and volume knob changes were more subtle, and sounded best when they were both kept at 10. Convenience and Ease of Use Your starting point withthe iRig HD isAmpliTube 4. It’s an incredibly powerful and realistic guitar suite. Whether you use an iOS device or PC/Mac is up to you. Start with the presets and have fun jamming with them. Then start a new preset from scratch and jamwith the different amps. Get a feel for each one to learn which amps you like and what styles of music they suit.

in a manner that also added to my library of guitar amps and effects that I have available in Logic and Pro Tools – i.e Amplitube. Electric guitarists wanting to record music –if you only play electric guitar, the iRig HD 2 is perfect as you won’t be paying extra for inputs you’ll never use. It makes an excellent audio interface and is compatible with all DAWs. So if you’re looking for a simple way to record yourself at a studio quality level, the iRig HD 2 fits the bill. If you don’t count basic volume tweaking, the device is ready to roll straight out of the box. Conclusion Please follow these steps to setup your device on Windows. Please note that there are interfaces that may not work properly with the below steps: You can use your iOS device as a pedalboard along with your amp, or connect headphones to practice in silence.While the iRig HD 2 is class compliant with the Mac OS, I still had to set things up so it could "talk" with the sound i/o device and amp modeling software. It sounds complex, but the setup process is really simple. In a Mac, go to Settings - Sound and set the iRig HD 2 as both the default input and output device. As we leap to the other end of the price spectrum, consider how much you’re willing to spend to get a volume control as satisfying to look at as the Twin Duo X’s. But sleek aesthetics aren’t the only thing this Universal Audio interface offers – Thunderbolt operation means ultra-speedy performance, and the ability to Cascade up to 4 Apollo interfaces and 6 UAD-2 devices over Thunderbolt. The iRig HD 2 interface essentially routes your signal through one of either a phone, tablet or computer, allowing you to use any of those devices as a fully functional amp modeler. You can then use AmpliTube 4, or other DAWs like GarageBand and Audacity, to run amp models and effects or even to record and produce your own music. In fact, any software that can recognize and hear external audio should be compatible. The AmpliTube software can be used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. | Image via IK Multimedia.

What settings are needed? I have massive noticeable latency and that is NEVER mentioned in the vast majority of videos on setting these up. The vids make it look so dang easy when it clearly isn't. I used a set of over-ear Skull Candy headphones, which sounded fine. Most any over-hear headphone or earbud set will do. Note: Do NOT enable the 'Hardware Buffer' under Options in the ASIO4ALL panel, as this causes poor performance.

Complete your mobile rig

Note: On less powerful machines, the Kernal Buffer can be adjusted. Increasing this value will increase latency. The reason I feel this flexibility is important is that it allows you to use it in many different situations. As I previously mentioned, the best "feature" of the iRig HD 2 is the convenience and ease-of-use you get from being able to play guitar through your computer or mobile device. I could utilize lots of effects and amp models on my couch, while my wife watched TV and my kids slept soundly.