IK iRig Pre HD

The iRig Pre HD is IK Multimedia’s pocket-sized XLR microphone interface for podcasters, journalists, videographers, musicians and content creators. It lets you plug a professional microphone into an iPhone, iPad, Android device, Mac or PC. A Class A preamp, 48V phantom power, 24-bit/96 kHz conversion and a headphone output all fit into a 75 g unit you can strap to a camera rig or slip into a pocket.

Use Your Real Microphone, Not Your Phone’s

Your phone’s built-in mic can’t compete with a proper XLR microphone. The iRig Pre HD bridges the gap with a balanced XLR input and a Class A preamp with a 40 dB gain range. It works with dynamic mics for vocals and guitar amps, and with condenser mics thanks to switchable +48V phantom power. Larry Jordan’s review found recordings far better than anything a mobile device captures with its own mic.

24-Bit, 96 kHz Digital Conversion

The iRig Pre HD has its own 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, recording at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz. Choose 48 kHz when recording audio for video, as that’s the standard video sample rate. A multicolour LED shows input level and phantom power status, so you can set gain at a glance.

Headphone Output and Direct Monitoring

A 1/8″ headphone output with a numbered thumbwheel lets you hear exactly what you’re recording. Switch on direct monitoring to hear the mic with no latency, which helps when singing or speaking into the mic. The headphone output can also feed a speaker or camera input.

One Interface for Every Device

The iRig Pre HD connects via micro USB and comes with three cables: Lightning to micro USB, USB-A to micro USB and USB-C to micro USB. That covers older iPhones and iPads, Macs and PCs, and newer USB-C devices. It’s Apple MFi certified. On Android it works with devices running Android 5 or later that support USB digital audio, using a micro USB OTG cable (sold separately). Windows users can install the free iRig ASIO driver for low-latency recording.

When Do You Need Batteries?

The iRig Pre HD is powered from the USB connection. The two included AA batteries are only needed for +48V phantom power. If you use a dynamic microphone, you don’t need batteries at all.

Software Included

The iRig Pre HD comes with recording and processing software, including VocaLive and Mic Room Essentials bundles and iRig Recorder for iOS, plus Cubasis LE and T-RackS 5 SE. You also get a bonus title from IK’s range, so you can start recording straight away.

iRig Pre HD vs Alternatives

• iRig Pre HD: works with iOS, Android, Mac and PC, has switchable 48V phantom power and zero-latency monitoring.
• IK iRig Pro I/O: adds MIDI connections, but reviewers noted it lacks the Pre HD’s latency-free direct monitoring.
• RØDE i-XLR: offers more gain and recording controls, but works only with Lightning iOS devices. No USB computer connection and no Android support.

If you record at a desk most of the time and need more inputs, look at our full range of audio interfaces.

Who Is the iRig Pre HD For?

• Podcasters and interviewers recording on the go
• Videographers and filmmakers capturing better audio on a phone or into a computer
• Journalists and field recordists who need a tiny, light interface
• Singers and musicians who want to record ideas with a real mic

It’s not designed for multi-mic recording or quiet, critical studio work. Larry Jordan found the preamp’s noise floor fine for location recording but limiting in a quiet studio. For that, a desktop interface is a better fit.

Setup Tips

• Start with the gain low and raise it until your loudest parts sit around -12 dB. Gain 0 does not mute the mic.
• Popular stage dynamics like the SM58 work well. Very gain-hungry dynamic mics, such as broadcast mics used for podcasting, may need an inline mic booster. Explore our dynamic microphones.
• Only switch on phantom power for condenser microphones that need it. It drains the batteries.
• Use the included Velcro strip to attach it to a tripod, mic stand or camera rig.

Key Features

• Balanced XLR mic input with Class A preamp
• 40 dB gain range
• Switchable +48V phantom power (battery powered)
• 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion, up to 96 kHz
• Frequency response 20 Hz to 20 kHz (±1.5 dB)
• Headphone output with level control and direct monitoring
• Multicolour LED level and phantom power indicator
• Works with iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC
• Lightning, USB-A and USB-C cables included
• Apple MFi certified
• 75 g, pocket-sized
• Software bundle included

iRig Pre HD FAQ

Does the iRig Pre HD work with Android?

Yes, with Android 5 or later on devices that support USB digital audio. You’ll need a micro USB OTG cable, which is sold separately.

Do I need batteries to use it?

Only for +48V phantom power. The unit itself runs from the USB connection, so dynamic mics need no batteries.

Does it work with a Shure SM7B?

The SM7B needs a lot of gain. Reviewers suggest pairing very gain-hungry dynamic mics like the SM7B or RE20 with an inline mic booster for the best results with the iRig Pre HD.

Can I use it with condenser microphones?

Yes. Switch on +48V phantom power, with the two AA batteries installed, to power condenser mics.

Can I hear myself while recording?

Yes. Plug headphones into the headphone output and switch on direct monitoring for zero-latency listening.

Which cables come with it?

Lightning to micro USB, USB-A to micro USB and USB-C to micro USB cables, plus two AA batteries and a Velcro strip.