Updated by Bobby
Updated on May 6th, 2022
Note that the iRig HD 2 now comes with AmpliTube 5 SE which then makes in-app purchases available for different amps and pedals. We've changed the article's copy to reflect this, but note that screenshots are still from AmpliTube 4, though functionality should be similar between the two versions of the software. Hat tip to Johnny in the comments section.
The iRig HD 2 is IK Multimedia's second iteration of the immensely popular iRig HD. Both are mobile guitar interfaces, designed to run your guitar's signal through any mobile device, Mac, or PC computer. It's a simple way to integrate phone and/or tablet compatibility into your home recording setup.
I had a chance to unbox and check out the iRig HD 2 firsthand and play around with some of the new features, which include the following:
- 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
- Integrated headphone output with level control
- Amp out jack (with switchable output)
- AmpliTube 5 SE comes free when registering your iRig HD 2
- USB-C connection
Please note:
My iRig HD 2 review is not paid.
Guitar Chalk does not accept payment for our reviews, nor do we spend time reviewing products that we believe to be a waste of your time. I'm reviewing the iRig HD 2 because I believe, up front, that it's useful, valuable and relevant to today's guitar player.
Let's get started.
iRig HD 2 Review Resources
IDEAL FOR: Quick practicing, practicing when you need to avoid disturbing others, small studios, pairing with the AmpliTube 5 SE software and quick recording.
EASE OF USE
90
CONNECTIVITY
94
BUILD QUALITY
81
COST/VALUE
78
THE PROS
THE CONS
The iRig HD 2 interface, hooked up to an iPhone.
The premise and usefulness of the iRig HD 2
If you're not familiar with the IK Multimedia company, they specialize in mobile music production devices, and have been heavily focused on guitar interfaces since their inception and the creation of the AmpliTube app.
Though a question in your mind might be this:
How, when and where is something like this useful?
The first advantage is that it allows you to use mobile amp modeling and effects processing applications, namely IK Multimedia's AmpliTube software, pictured below:
The AmpliTube software can be used on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Mac and PC. Image via IK Multimedia
It allows you to route your guitar's signal through one of these devices, meaning your phone, tablet or computer becomes a fully-functional effects processor.
You can then use programs like AmpliTube 5 (full or SE version) to run effects and amp models, or to record and produce your own music. Even other DAWs like GarageBand, Ableton Live or any software that can recognize and hear external audio devices, will be compatible.
Another major advantage of something like this is that it allows you to practice and play guitar nearly anywhere.
Here's a good example:
My wife and I have four kids, who go to sleep fairly early. After they're in bed we watch TV, read or just hang out in the living room. There are plenty of times I'd love to plug in and play guitar, but can't, because either my wife is watching a show or I'm afraid I'll wake the kids up.
Moreover, it's just a lot of work to haul my entire swath of guitar gear up into the living room for what amounts to 20 minutes of practice.
iRig HD 2 connected to an iPad.
Ease of Use
The beauty of the iRig HD 2 is that all you need is your guitar and phone.
When I was testing the iRig HD 2, I was able to pull up AmpliTube on my phone, put on a set of headphones and play through a Mesa Boogie Triple rectifier amp model (more on this later) without bothering anyone.
It was perfect for that situation and didn't feel like a cheap, tiny headphone amp.
Aas you read through my iRig HD 2 review, keep this context in mind.
It's probably not going to be your main rig, but the iRig HD 2 has some major situational advantages.
Unboxing the iRig HD 2
Unboxing the iRig HD 2 (apologies for the poor living room lighting).
The iRig HD 2 comes nicely boxed with all the necessary cables for whatever device you want to hook up to.
Since I was using my Macbook Pro, I used the USB cable connection.
Once connected, the iRig HD 2 is powered (indicated by a blue LED light) via the USB cable and is class compliant. This means it doesn't need drivers to work, which is usually the case when IK Multimedia gear is combined with Apple products.
For PC and Android users, I can't verify one way or the other.
The iRig HD 2 hooked up to my Macbook pro via USB.
Once this is hooked up, I added my PRS CE 24 via the guitar input (marked by a small guitar-shaped icon).
iRig HD 2 connected to my Guitar.
Once your guitar and device of choice are connected, you have a few different options for listening in. The easiest thing is to use the headphone jack in the HD 2, though there are a number of different options.
I used a set of over-ear Skull Candy headphones, which sounded fine. Most any over-hear headphone or earbud set will do.
However, you can also use the amplifier output jack to go to your guitar amp, a powered speaker or studio monitors. The same is true of the 1/8" headphone jack, if you'd prefer to use a set of monitors from that output.
For example, the iLoud Micro Monitors by IK Multimedia work great using the headphone output, since they have a 1/8" adapter cable.
There are a lot of different ways to set it up.
- 1/4" to amplifier
- 1/4" inch to studio monitors
- 1/4" to powered speaker
- 1/8" to headphones
- 1/8" inch to studio monitors
Setting up the iRig HD 2 to work with AmpliTube
The iRig HD 2 was class compliant with the Mac OS, but I still had to make sure it could "talk" with whatever software I was using. It sounds tricky, but is quite simple to setup. Since I was using a Mac, the first step was to go to Settings - Sound and set the iRig HD 2 as both my input and output devices.
Setting the iRig HD 2 as the default input device.
In the sound settings, double click iRig HD 2 to make sure it's the default device for sound input.
Then click the Output tab.
Setting the iRig HD 2 as the default output device.
Repeat the process for the output tab, double-clicking iRig HD 2 to set it as the default device.
Now, you need to do the same thing to the AmpliTube 5 SE software or whatever DAW you might be using. In AmpliTube 5 SE, the process is really easy and will be similar in other applications.
Open AmpliTube 5 SE and click on the Settings menu item. From there, select Audio MIDI Setup. This pulls up the following window:
Make sure the iRig HD 2 is set as both the input and output device.
If they aren't already set correctly, make sure the input and output devices are set to the iRig HD 2, then click OK. At this point, you should be able to hear your guitar through your headphones or external monitor.
Physical volume and gain controls on the iRig HD 2
Volume control for the headphone out on the iRig HD 2 (gain control is on the opposite side of the enclosure).
Note that the iRig HD 2 has two signal level controls on the enclosure:
- Volume (controls the headset jack signal strength)
- Gain (functions as a preamp for your guitar)
The volume wheel controls the master volume going to your headphones after the signal has been mixed. The gain wheel controls signal strength at the preamp level (which can increase distortion in some instances, just like a real guitar amp).
You might have to tinker with these two settings to get the mix to sound right and avoid clipping, though in the time I spent testing the unit, these controls were intuitive and easy to set.
Sound Quality and Tone
Once I had everything plugged in and was able to play (I tested headphones first, then the iLoud Micro Monitors) the tone I got out of the system was absolutely phenomenal.
Everything was clear, crisp and sounded like a real guitar amp.
Just for kicks, I went ahead and installed the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 5 SE and used that for most of the testing.
I used the Mesa Boogie Triple Rectifier amp model in AmpliTube 5 to test the HD 2.
Distortion, Clean Tones and Audio Results
Heavy distortion came through a little too noisy at times, though not more so than what you'd expect with a physical amplifier. All the high gain settings I tried at various volumes sounded full and studio-quality, like you would expect out of a full rig.
The clean tones were even more of a treat, especially when I added some of AmpliTube's effects.
With AmpliTube 5 SE's default amp, I used the clean channel and, at times, a little reverb or chorus layering.
Digital pedalboard in the AmpliTube 5 SE app.
Every effect I used sounded great through the iRig HD 2's interface, which also responded incredibly well to changes directly from my guitar. My 2005 PRS CE 24 has five pickup combinations, all of which sounded rich and distinct through both the headphones and the iLoud monitors.
Tone and volume knob changes were only subtle, and sounded best when they were both wide open.
Convenience and Ease of Use
As I mentioned in earlier paragraphs, the best "feature" that the iRig HD 2 provides is the convenience and ease-of-use that you get from being able to play guitar through your computer or mobile device. I was able to enjoy a full range of effects and amp models, on my couch, while my wife watched TV and my kids slept.
It was the most productive I've ever been on my guitar in that setting. The time from unboxing the iRig HD 2 to playing was short; probably less than five minutes if I hadn't been taking my time and wading through packaging.
Aside from some basic volume tweaking, it's ready to go straight out of the box.
Latency Issues
I've heard some people say that they've experienced latency issues with the iRig HD 2, though that wasn't a problem for me, during the time I spent testing the unit. I know that in some situations, a sound card or compliancy issue can cause this, especially if you're pairing the interface with a PC.
Make sure your operating system is updated and that you have updated drivers for your sound card (especially if you've installed a sound card that didn't ship with the computer).
If you've done that, and there isn't something wrong with the physical USB port or cable, latency shouldn't be an issue.
Using in a Windows 10 Environment
To be clear, I did not test the iRig HD 2 in a Windows 10 environment. However, I have used it in Windows 7, without any significant issues. If my memory is correct, I didn't even need to download drivers for it (Windows 7 usually pulls hardware drivers automatically).
Windows 10 should handle the HD 2 in a similar fashion, and I do know that the Amplitube 5 SE software works great on both Mac and PC platforms.
Here's where they address connectivity on their product page:
The iRig HD 2 connectivity. Image via IK Multimedia.
Conclusion
The iRig HD 2 is a great tool for any guitar player, though I like it particularly for the following scenarios:
- Home studios for basic recording (as an alternative to setting up a full rig)
- Those who need a better practice situation that allows them to setup quickly and play quietly
Easy-access living room practice is a fantastic way to use the iRig HD 2. If you like the AmpliTube 5 software and you want a quick way to access that, the HD 2 is going to be the most compatible and convenient interface to use.
IK Multimedia wrote the book on mobile guitar interfaces, and this iteration of the iRig does everything possible to build on a track record of success.
It's an easy editor's choice.
Related Articles
Written by Bobby on Interfaces and Reviews
Written by Bobby on Interfaces and Reviews
Thanks for the amazing article! Have you had a chance to load this setup with your phone, but also play a backing track using Spotify/Apple Music? For example – you can load up settings and jam to your favourite song. Let me know if you’ve had a chance to do this and what your experience was. Thanks!
Hey Harry – I have not tried that particular setup. Though I would think you could run a song on your phone and mix it into the iRig. It should automatically become the output and input device. Music saved on the phone would probably be your best bet. Sorry I can’t give a better answer. Hope this helps!
Hi there,
I just picked up the iRig 2 (not HD) and I have wicked latency issues with GarageBand….
What kind of device are you on?
iRig 2 HD comes only with 5 SE. Not the full version. Just think it’s a little misleading to say that it comes with “Amplitube 5”. And your picture is, as I imagine you know very well, NOT of Amplitube 5… Clearly the Amplitube 4 software.
Hey, Brandon – thanks for catching this. I fixed the mentions to reflect the SE version. I think when they gave me the demo they let me use Amp 4 to test. The article needs updating in general. We just have a lot to get to these days.
This looks like a great little rig! I’m definitely interested in checking it out!
It’s not too bad in a pinch. Definitely good for phones/tablets.
My Irig HD 2 came with cables to connect it to USB, USB-C, and Lightning. I can connect it to my desktop PC, iphone 13, and IPad Pro using the appropriate cable. IK Multimedia doesn’t mention the inclusion of the USB-C cable in their product listing. Did I just get lucky?
Is that your comment below? That’s exactly what I was going to ask. I don’t see anything about those adapter cables. I’ll try and get in touch with them directly when I get a chance. Maybe someone else can corroborate your experience.
Wasn’t me but looks like he already knew and I didn’t see that comment. I was able to use the USB-c cable to connect to GarageBand with the iRig HD 2 with no issues.
Wasn’t me but looks like he already knew and I didn’t see that comment. I was able to use the USB-c cable to connect to GarageBand on IPad Pro with the iRig HD 2 with no issues.
Good deal.
What are you talking about? It’s right on the product page and even in the “what’s in the box” page…
Seeing the date a top thought it was new, but now see its’s really old and not really updated. It’s supposed to come with Amplitube 5 now plus extra software, and was searching to see what limitations they have (as they’re all “SE” versions…). Aso it now comes with micro usb to usb-c cable too.
Hey Johnny – Thanks for the update on this. I made the changes to reflect the inclusion of AmpliTube 5, but I’m not seeing anything on the product page about an adapter cable for USB-C. https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighd2/
Do you have receipts on that? Thanks for commenting.
Not sure where you’re looking, but right on the product page, and specifically in the specs section, it explicitly tells you it comes with a USB-C cable: https://www.ikmultimedia.com/products/irighd2/index.php?p=specs
ps. and Amplitube All In One has all the killer noise suppressors and noise gates used by many famous player, like I wrote the Irig Hd 2 already makes for a super low noise interface, and if you need to kill any residual noise on ultra gain settings, any of the noise gates on offer will work very easily, I just plugged the Slash noise gate in Amplitube and worked immediately, very easily. Now there’s NO noise, I mean absolutely noiseless. Maybe you were using the Irig near a computer screen, for me it is super low noise, this is a pro quality interface. Highly recommend 👍
I’ve had better luck with it since writing this article (I’ve also been through several interfaces). But again, thank you for sharing.
wow, I take back what I said about the noise in Amplitube! This was because I was using a cheap piece of trash, a copy of the Irig v1…..now I have an Irig hd 2 and the noise is super, super low, even on very high gain amps! Not to mention, the sound quality is phenomenal, like you said it really feels like having an amp in front of you! The Irig hd 2 far exceeded all my expectations, plus this was a promotion so I got a ton of killer software, Amplitube All In One for the Ipad, Amplitube 5 Se and Amplitube 4 both for the desktop. Honestly, I think that’s an excellent deal 👍 I won’t burn my tube amps but this is all high quality stuff.
Hey Luigi – thanks for the update. In my experience, bad interfaces AND AmpliTube – not configured properly – can cause noise issues. Thanks for sharing your experience.
PS. with that I didn’t mean that Amplitube isn’t great or that is super noisy, just that it requires some knowledge to keep it at bay
Yes – I agree.
The noise is got nothing to do with the Irig, it has 32 bit converters, it’s probably one of the quietest interfaces in the world, it’s Amplitube that is noisy
Yeah – I think you’re right. I’ve found AmpliTube to be pretty noise in a lot of setups.
I thought the version of Amplitube 4 that you get when you purchse the iRig HD 2 was the full version but there are many pedals and amps that are additional purchases. Why is that?
I believe that’s true. You buy the amps/pedals you want one at a time.
Hi. Cool review. I’ve been looking at various products of this type and am still unsure if this is what I need. Here’s my situation: Living in an appartment, I can’t output my guitar sound through my amp. I can only play with headphones. What I do is plug my iphone into the AUX jack of my amp and I play over a song. What I want to do is to record that. I.e. either record the guitar, or the guitar with the song playing at the same time. Then if I can manage to film myself, I could make short videos. The problem is that my amp doesn’t have a line out… only a headphone jack. And I’ve not been able to output that into an Audio port on my MacBook.
So my question: Would a tool like iRig help me do that? I.e. let me record what I’m playing into my MacBook (either with the song that’s playing or not — I could always try to overlap them later)?
Thanks
Hey, Stephane – Yep, that’s exactly what the iRig was designed for. I use the iRig DUO and sometimes the PreSonus Audiobox. If you have a Mac, you could plug directly into the iRig (either HD or whatever) and then use Garageband for your amp modeling.
If you wanted to run your amp into the interface, that would involve some more fuss.
Does this make sense? Let me know if I can be of further help.
Thanks for the comment.
HI,
Great walkthrough and review — many thanks! I was wondering : Can the iRig2 HD be used as a “MIDI Device”? For example, this website’s ear training section, under “Select Device” allows a user to select an attached MIDI device for the website to detect: https://sightreading.training/ear-training or https://sightreading.training/play-along
Do you know if the iRig2 HD would be detected by such a website?
Thanks,
Tim
Hey Tim – I don’t believe the HD 2 is MIDI compatible. You would need something like the Pro DUO for that, or the PreSonus AudioBox. Hope this helps! Thanks for the comment.
não consigo ouvir a guitarra no computador mac ,já tentei todas as configurações,porque será
Does it recognize the iRig HD 2 as the “input” and “output” audio source?
Attempt at Portugese:
Ele reconhece o iRig HD 2 como a fonte de áudio de “entrada” e “saída”?
reconhece como fonte de entrada e saida
Ok – and is the output going to headphones or monitors?
Porteguese:
E a saída vai para fones de ouvido ou monitores?
para o monitor
Has it worked at all since you set it up? Also, have you restarted/updated the mac?
Portuguese:
Isso funcionou desde que você o configurou? Além disso, você reiniciou / atualizou o mac?
Hi! I’ve a weird problem with this product. When I plug de usb on my Macbook Pro 2015 or the lighting cable to my iPhone, the green light turn on but I can’t hear the sound of the guitar. I tried with several headphones and cables. Nothing works. Try the same guitar on another system and it works, so it’s not the guitar or cables.
Hey Lucas – what software are you trying to run it through?
Hey I was just wondering if it works with and electric drum kit, Roland Td 15k, I’m pretty sure it does but just wondering for sure. My kit uses the same as a guitar cable to go from my kit to my amp. Really need to get so I can have high quality recording capabilities instead of using iPad mic so I can start makeing samples and loops worth selling online. Gonna order one now anyway tho but this is something u could add to ur review
Hey Colin – I think it should because it’s basically just a USB interface. If not, you could grab something like the PreSonus AudioBox. That would probably be more effective for something like an electronic drum kit.
Cool thanks for the advice appreciate it and it’s the I rig2 HD worth the extra money from just the IRig2?
Yeah, I think it is, just because the HD has the USB connectivity, meaning you can use it to connect to a Mac or PC. The iRig 2 doesn’t have that.
O it doesn’t i see. So I was looking at that presonus ones do u think I should go with one of those. Aren’t those a little better? That my last question thanks thx
For what you want, I think they would be a lot better. Definitely for mic’ing an electric drum kit.
I purchased the iRig HD2 today – a huge disappointment.
I cannot register it – the Authorization Manager states that this product is not supported by the Authorization Manager!!! Huh!!!?¿?!!!
Plug the guitar into the unit, the unit into the computer via USB and into the guitar amp – the most horrendous noise emits from the amp speaker. I presume that it’s an earth loop.
The reason I bought it was as the adds and promotion seemed to state quite unequivocally that I could do that – therefore record the direct signal plus the signal from the amp. Not to be unfortunately.
So for me – a total and useless waste of time, effort – and money.
I highly recommend not purchasing this item!
First of all, don’t register the product. There’s no real functional benefit to doing that.
Second, it sounds like you might be setting it up correctly. Does your amp have a line out? Also, what software are you using on the computer? Are you trying to use the Amplitube software to record or amplify your signal?
Don’t rush to judgment. Take your time and get it set up right.
Without registering the product the accompanying software cannot be registered and is therefore only available in demo mode for a limited amount of days (9 if I remember correctly). In fact, it got to the stage where Logic Pro wouldn’t recognise the software.
Part of the reason that I purchased the iRig is so that I could have include Amplitube to my armoury of guitar sounds available in Logic.
Apart from that – the main reason I purchased the iRig is due to the fact that the promotional blurb for iRig states clearly that it allows connection to the Mac and guitar amp simultaneously – therefore I should be able to record a direct signal via the iRig, plus the affected signal from the guitar amp. Thus allowing me to have both available for clients who are wanting my guitar playing added to their tracks.
With the (earth loop) noise that the iRig introduces to the setup, my plan is shot down in flames. I need to stop being a cheapskate and purchase a better audio interface more inputs than my current one has.
To answer your questions more directly – sorry I didn’t in my earlier response.
My amp doesn’t have a line out.
I’m recording into Logic Pro (still on version 10.3.3).
I’m not trying to use Amplitube – though of course I do want to.
If your amp doesn’t have a line out, how are you going into the iRig interface?
Hmmmm…………
Interesting reply.
The standard fashion for going into the iRig – guitar into the jack socket with a guitar icon.
The other jack socket (with a little amp icon) has a lead which takes the signal into my guitar amplifier. It actually plugs into my pedalboard which plugs into the front of the amp.
What on earth has a line out to do with the equation?
The other end of the iRig includes a USB out which connects the USB cable that plugs directly into the computer. It’s all straightforward and logical – isn’t it?
I’m sorry, I misunderstood how you were trying to set it up. If you’re just using the interface to loop in your Amplitube software, can you confirm that both the software and your amp are on a clean, low-gain channel/setting?
What I had planned to do is use the iRig as a DI – i.e the guitar signal goes into the iRig – the iRig ‘splits the signal’, sending it direct (via USB cable) to the iMac; and via ‘guitar lead’ to the front of the totally clean guitar amp (via a pedalboard). Two microphones are sitting in front of the amp’s speaker – tightly together to alleviate possible phase issues. Therefore, the earth-loop(?) noise that the iRig introduces to the signal is totally audible – and of course, totally unacceptable.
My initial plan was that I would record the signal from the guitar amp at the same time as recording the direct signal from the iRig – thus allowing me to give clients both the dry/direct sound (so that they can apply their own effects, pedalboards, amps etc) – plus the sound/tone of my amp (with minimal wetness).
I was trying to achieve this:
1 – on the cheap, i.e not purchasing a bigger, better, and more expensive audio interface
2 – 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.
It seems quite logical that one should be able to record in this fashion – at least, that’s the impression that IK Multimedia gives on their packaging; and website; and other promotional sites (like this one), and various YouTube clips.
It turns out to be that the version of Amplitube provided with iRig is extremely limited – purely a demo. You obviously purchased the Mesa Boogie head that you auditioned – it’s not part of the Amplitube that came with my iRig. So my gain was quite limited for the outlay. A bigger and better audio interface is the obvious way for me to go – I have learned a lesson of some sort with this IK Multimedia fiasco.
Though, I thank you for your input and trying to help.
Can this be used with Acoustic Guitar?
Yes, you can, provided your acoustic guitar has a preamp with an instrument cable jack. In that situation it would work just like plugging in an electric guitar.
Is it useful for bass players as well?
Yeah you can use it for either one. Just depends on the software you’re running it into. For example, GarageBand has plenty of amp models for both bass and guitar. The iRig stuff just sends a signal.