Best IK Multimedia music / recording gear reviewed here. They give musicians a way to use their instruments on the go without lugging around any gear, truly revolutionary.
Best IK Multimedia Products
IK Multimedia, an Italian company makes gear that lets musicians be as creative and productive as possible. IK Multimedia has a wide range of recording gear, including those that are based on classic legendary products.
Here we take a look at popular IK Multimedia gear, including the new iRig Pads MIDI controller, the iLoud Bluetooth Speaker and the iRig Guitar Interface. Popular IK Multimedia products include the software Amplitube, the guitar interface iRig HD2. Their software, hardware and accessory products are designed to make music creation and playback on computers (and mobile devices) easier than ever before.
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 MIDI controller series for iPhone, iPad, Android and Mac/PC. iRig KEYS 2 is ultra-slim, portable, universal MIDI controller keyboard series that connects directly to your device’s Lightning or MicroUSB connector, or the USB port on your Mac/PC.
These are compact controllers and occupy minimal space on the desktop, it also easily fits in a backpack or a carry-on bag.
This popular midi keyboard controller series includes models such as:
- iRig Keys 2 (37 velocity-sensitive mini-keys)
- iRig Keys 2 Mini (25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys)
- iRig Keys 2 Pro (37 velocity-sensitive full sized keys): See price on Amazon
These controllers come with headphone output allowing you to work without disturbing others. You can also connect it to a range of Apple and Android devices. All these models come with a USB power supply, or you can use the portable USB battery pack.
IK Multimedia Studio Monitors
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors are perfect for music and audio-for-video production both at home or in smaller studios, these are compact enough to carry in a travel bag for use on the road. Perfect solution for high-definition monitoring in compact spaces or on the go.
Designed for smaller studios — smaller bedroom or project studio. Its roughly the size of typical desktop speakers. Small footprint, advanced DSP-based processing and EQ, high-quality components
Four high performance class D power amps with 50W RMS total power (for plenty of headroom and fast transient response)
Extremely linear frequency response (from 45 Hz – 20 kHz) and precise stereo imaging
High & low frequency controls and DESKTOP/SHELF switch to adapt to different room placements. Selectable EQ correction.
Custom composite woofer & bass reflex port for accurate bass response
1/8″ stereo, RCA and Bluetooth inputs for use with a range of systems
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor
IK Multimedia recently launched their ultra-compact reference studio monitors named the ‘Loud Micro Monitor’.
Useful for musicians, producers and engineers, these speakers provide accurate linear frequency response, and have a small footprint making them ideal for mixing anywhere.
Use it in your home studio, hotel room, as second set of monitors, or for streaming music and listening at home.
IK Multimedia iRig HD Interface for iOS Devices
This device allows you to easily connect a guitar or other music instrument to your iOS device (iPhone/iPad) and lets you work with various music software.
IK Multimedia iRig Midi for iPhone/iPad: Allows you to easily connect a guitar or other instrument to your iOS device.
The original iRig provided an easy and inexpensive way to plug your guitar into an iPhone/iPad. Over time, the company came out with newer versions that offered better sound quality.
The original iRig connected to the headphone jack on the iPhone (it was like plugging your guitar into your PC/Mac’s microphone input – that’s why it sounded horrible), but the HD version connects using either the Lightning or 30-pin connector (advantage being it provides a digital signal that can be fed to a proper preamp for superior quality).
In the HD version, three cables are given along with the iRig – due to the fact that older iOS devices use a 30-pin connector while newer devices use the Lightning connector. The USB connector allows you to connect the iRig to a Mac. So no matter what iOS device you have, the iRig HD will work with it.
So guitar players can now choose from iRig / iRig HD, depending on what sort of audio quality you are after; the HD being the better option but is a bit expensive.
Watch: iRig HD Demo
Watch: iRig HD for your Mobile Guitar Studio on iPad iPhone and Mac
Own an iOS device such as iPhone or iPod? This is a convenient and practical way to convert your iOS device into a portable mini studio. By connecting to the iRig, you can use your iPhone or iPod as a sequencer/recorder/drum machine.
- PROS: There is no delay in the signal.
- CONS: Aluminum casing would have looked better
iRig midi, along with the included SampleTank app, allows you to be a lot more creative with your iOS device. The interface is very lightweight (doesn’t look very robust actually) but works quite well.
Here are the main features of the IK Multimedia iRig HD:
- Compact design, comes with iOS lightning connection cable, and USB connection cable
- Instrument-level 1/4″ Hi-Z (high-impedance) input jack
- Also works with line level signals from synthesizers, keyboards, and mixers
- Detachable Lightning and USB cables
- Preamp gain control
- Low-noise, high-definition preamp
- 24-bit A/D conversion
- Powered by your iOS device or via USB
- Maximum input level: from 330 mVpp to 7 Vpp. Gain control range: 26 dB. Input noise: -97 dB RMS. Distortion (THD): 0.005%. Frequency response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 0.2 dB
- Comes with downloads of AmpliTube Free apps
- Requires iOS 5.1 (or later) or Mac OS X 10.5 (or later)
Its now easy to record any acoustic guitar with the iRig Acoustic, and the tone captured is of very high quality. This small mic clips onto your guitar’s soundhole and connects to any Android or iDevice.
Buy IK Multimedia iRig HD iOS Guitar Interface on zZounds…
IK Multimedia Syntronik
IK Multimedia Syntronik is a massive virtual synthesizer collection of several legendary synthesizers. It makes available to you 38 legendary synthesizers, you can use them independently or as a collection.
IK Multimedia describes Syntronik as the new cutting-edge virtual synthesizer for Mac/PC.
“Syntronik raises the bar in virtual instrument technology, sound quality and flexibility thanks to a brand new combination of the most advanced sampling techniques with a new hybrid sample and modelling synthesis engine, an arsenal of high-quality modelled effects and innovative instrument features that provide players and producers with the ultimate and best-sounding collection of vintage synthesizers to date,” IK Multimedia.
IK brings to you a stunning collection of vintage sonic sounds. Add effects, instrument layering, splits and arpeggiators, and you will have access to several sounds.
The full list of instruments is below, you get classic Roland Junos, lots of Moogs, Prophets, ARPs. Then there are some less expected sounds – Yamaha SY99, Alesis Andromeda (Casio CZ101 is missing sadly).
No virtual instrument library is complete without effects, and Syntronik goes well beyond the usual delay, drive and reverb. You get FM modulation, Ensemble, AutoPan, crusher, LFO, some tape delays, and more drive and distortion than you could ever need.
IK Multimedia MODO Bass for virtual Bass Instruments
IK Multimedia releases MODO BASS, a virtual bass instrument that gives musicians limitless bass sound possibilities.
MODO BASS is a customizable physically modeled virtual bass that recreates the electric bass and how it’s played (in complete detail). It gives producers access to limitless bass sounds, realistic & lifelike dynamic performance.
Key features of MODO BASS:
- You get access to virtually every electric bass sound
- You can customize the ever-changing sound
- Pluck, Slap or Pick – modeled playing styles
- String Customization – all the factors that affect it.
- Custom pickup configuration – customize the onboard electronics of the bass
- FX and Amplifier choices
- Totally controllable in real time
And the good thing is that, since it doesn’t use samples, MODO BASS has an extremely small memory footprint. IK Multimedia is a leader in analog effects modeling technology.
Watch: MODO BASS Video demo
More information on IKmultimedia.com
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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