I am starting to think about getting an interface to play in to GarageBand and ran across these:
It’s not an analog/digital converter in that it just takes the input and converts it to a Mic In 1/8" output that you then plug in to the computer or phone 1/8" microphone/headphone jack.
The other thing about it that is cool is it has a 1/4" output as well, and takes input from both the headphone jack too, which you can send to your amp. So you can use effects on your mac or phone live to your amp.
The price is awesome and it apparently has little to no latency, which is not super surprising as it is not a digital converter. Which really just means you are at the mercy of the built in converter on your sound card or phone, but apparently it works well with macs, per reviews.
BUT maybe the iRig would make more sense with portability or ease of use, not sure! I’ve never really looked into those because I’ve had a home recording setup since before those came out.
I’m going to be using it with the computer so a real DAI would be preferable. I also realized just after I posted this that I can already do exactly what this thing does by just getting a 1/4" to 1/8" cable and using that with my Vox headphone amp (or my combo amp headphone out for that matter).
Edit: yep, just verified this works fine with one of the Vox amplugs connected to my PC sound card. And I didn’t even need a different cable because I had forgotten the Vox headphone out was already 1/8". A little noisy so a real DAI is a better bet I think, for real work, but this should be fun to play with.
They are super cool little things, aren’t they? I used it exclusively for a while with my bass.
Note for others that want to try this, if you want to record to a mac using its headphone/mic jack as line in, you’ll need a headphone splitter cable and plug into the mic in. I haven’t tried this yet, I just did it with my PC. You will want to be very careful with line levels and so on - try with just the guitar and no amp. It’s a Mic in, not a Line in, so an amp would probably severely overdrive it.
On the other hand, PC sound cards or anything with a dedicated Line In port should work with normal 1/8" cables. Mine did anyway.
Really though - Josh gave good advice, a DAI is the way to go. I am definitely going that route.
Well done mate! Most people don’t try and buy into the idea an interface from the get-go. It is a bit of a con. A buffered pedal or any line level signal will do with the right cable. I use a Mac and never use either of the interfaces I own unless I’m recording a vocal track. The Mic pre’s are excellent for microphones believe it or not. Trade joke.
I picked one of the iRig2’s up on Amazon a couple days ago and started messing around with it. Totally surprised with the sound quality, and with how I can easily record into GB using my iPad. This will come in quite handy when I’m traveling in the motorhome, or just want to do a little practice/recording outside on the property - only power needed is a charged up iPad. For the price (a tad over $40 USA), it’s quite worth it for me. Can use it on my guitars or open mic’s also…
I’ve recently ordered it’s predecessor as an experiment. Interesting to hear you’re having a good experience with the Mk 2 version @Lanny. I’m assuming now that there may have been teething issues with the first run hence production of a Mk 2 but I’ll no doubt find that out once mine arrives.
I have the HD2 version which has been great for simplicity of the setup and as you said, no power just my iPhone or iPad…works nicely on my MacBook. I need to spend some time with AmpliTube…but has been working well with GB for now.
I’ve been considering upgrading to the pro I/O 2 but for the couple years I’ve had this irig 2 I have not been disappointed. My only complaint is the staticky sound when I’m playing it feeds through my headphones (Bose) but doesn’t end up in my recordings so I haven’t been overly concerned about it.
Not to mention it fits in anything you might want to cram it into on the go. 1 more complaint is the weight of a patch and in certain instances a guitar or bass or me turning around or some shit lol I don’t know how my headphones still function. They’ve been slingshot off my head at least 3 dozen times. I guess you do get what you pay for…
This app is so cool imo. Some songs also support bass!
Amplitube is a big NO. Had a few connection issues with my iRig. So yeah, still not a big fan, but it was good enough to spend 25 euros and have some fun with it.
Still consider it a gadget, but a bit more interesting compared to an amplug. Altho an amplug wins on ease of use.
I have been using an irig with my iPhone for while and am super impressed with the sound quality. It’s definitely easy to travel with for some quick practicing and recording. It’s small and easy to pack. I’ve never tried it on a computer though
