Mobile music technology company IK Multimedia looks set to release some cool new products in 2014. Gizmag takes a quick look at the just-announced iRig Mic HD and iRing, and previews a few of the gadgets set to follow later in the year, including the iRig PADS MIDI controller.
When only high resolution will do
The first of IK Multimedia's new additions is the iRig Mic HD, which comes with three detachable cables, for Lightning, 30-pin and USB connections, and will work with all generations of iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac. The handheld microphone features an electret condenser capsule, onboard gain control, a multicolor LED signal level indicator and a built-in windscreen. It trumps the audio resolution of the earlier iRig Mic model by offering up to 24-bit/96 kHz high definition, has a frequency repose of 40 Hz to 18 kHz, a maximum SPL of 134 dB and 3 percent total harmonic distortion at 134 dB, 1 kHz.
The iRig Mic HD will be available from early Q2 for US$99.99, and will come bundled with free versions of the company's VocaLive vocal effects processing app, iRig Recorder field recorder and audio processing app, and AmpliTube amp modeling and guitar effects app.
Also new to the company's catalog is the iRig Voice handheld condenser microphone, which will work with iOS and Android smart devices. IK Multimedia says that the mic, which plugs into the audio jack of the host device, is also compatible with all of the main players in the vocal and recording app world.
Pricing details haven't been revealed just yet, but quite a few hints have been dropped that this vocal mic will sit at the cheaper end of the market. It will come with a new EZ Voice app that can add vocal enhancements and effects, is capable of removing vocal tracks from songs for instant karaoke, and can be used to record your thoughts without the need for specialist knowledge.
With a wave of the hand...
The iRing brings inexpensive motion-tracking technology to iOS devices. The simple double-sided plastic "ring" is gripped between two fingers (rather than sliding it on or off a finger). A smart device's front camera tracks the position of the three-dot linear or triangular pattern in the three-dimensional space out front, and then some highly-optimized recognition algorithms built into a companion app convert that information into commands that can be understood by any compatible music app.
The system can be used to control app functionality, or adjust music app parameters and effects, in real time using hand gestures. Marked for end of Q1 release, buyers will get two thermoplastic iRings and two free apps, the iRing Music Maker and the iRing FX/Controller, for $24.99.
IK Multimedia plans to include the technology into some of its more popular apps, including GrooveMaker, DJ Rig, AmpliTube and VocaLive, and developers can also get in on the iRing action via the company's free SDK.
So what else is new?
Sporting a similar shape to the company's iRig MIC Cast, the iRig MIC Field benefits from a 90-degree positioning pivot to allow for vertical or horizontal device use, and it plugs into the Lightning port instead of the audio jack. It's been designed for field recordings, hence the name, has a stereo microphone capsule to the top and boasts 24-bit analog-to-digital conversion.
IK Multimedia also has plans to release a portable MIDI pad controller for iOS and Android smart devices, and Mac and PC computers called the iRig PADS. It features 16 multi-color drum pads, programmable switches, knobs and rotary encoder to control or play digital drum, percussion or electric instruments (such as the company's SampleTank and GrooveMaker apps). The device will ship with Lightning, 30-pin and USB cables.
With a big clue given in the product name, the iRig MIDI 2 will be the sequel to the company's iRig MIDI interface. The device allows musicians to connect full-sized keyboards and controllers to iOS devices running music creation apps. It's been treated to the addition of standard MIDI in, out and thru jacks, and a Lightning cable joins the USB and 30-pin connection options.
Two new iKlip flavors are also set for release during 2014. The iKlip Xpand MINI is an adjustable mount to help secure an iPhone or iPod touch (or just about any other smart device or phablet for that matter) to a microphone stand. It can be rotated for portrait or horizontal device use thanks to its ball-joint design.
The new iKlip Xpand Stand features a G-clamp for attaching the table edges, or a solid base for desktop use. It can accommodate 7- to 12.1-inch tablets, and puts your virtual mixing, production or digital effects apps within reach. This model also features a ball-joint design for aspect versatility.
Source: IK Multimedia