Awesome for what it is

I'll start by saying that this review will focus on the interface itself, and not on the bundled mobile software - that's a different subject which I'll touch on, but it's not really the point. The point is, for what this is, it's pretty fantastic.

What this is to me is a way to plug my guitar into my phone and headphones, hear "guitar amp" coming through the headphones in a convincing way, AND not bug the hell out of the lovely lady sitting next to me on the couch (let alone the neighbors) with the kind of volume that is required for these tones in the real world. 24-bit/96kHz resolution provides excellent sound quality and undetectable latency, at least when used with an iPhone.

Does it sound EXACTLY like a 100W stack rattling the windows and thumping my ribcage every time I hit those low palm-muted chugs? Of course not - the physical feeling of the amp moving air is part of that experience, and this device is specifically trying to avoid that. But when you dial in the software correctly, it SOUNDS like an amp. And if you're using the right software, it sounds like a big room full of amps that I can't afford, which is cool. You have to set the "Gain" knob on the interface right, but that's the case with anything - too hot and it distorts, not hot enough and the tone sounds wimpy. Easy to fix - roll that knob back and forth until it lights up green, back it off if the light turns red. The other "Volume" knob is even easier - if it's too loud coming through the headphones, turn it down; if not, turn it up. Easy.

Now to touch on the software a bit - I haven't downloaded the version of Amplitube for PC that's included yet, since I already have the CS amps that I want loaded up in Amplitube 4 and 5 on the computer - and also because IK Multimedia expects us to pay for each version separately when switching from mobile to desktop, and I'm not willing to do that. I don't see any reason why those purchases can't carry over across different platforms, and I'm not going to buy them again.

So rather than giving IK more money for software I've already bought (in addition to this hardware), I took advantage of Positive Grid's sale on the first (paid) tier of Bias FX Mobile for $10, and NOW this thing is cooking. It's been a while since I played with Bias on the PC (mostly because my computer is old and cranky and doesn't load it very well), but maybe the phone just has better hardware or whatever - I do NOT care. Playing with settings on different amps and pedals, as well as different guitars with different pickups, everything comes through. From the crazy high-gain metal to ultra-clean single-coil tones to in-between bluesy stuff, it all sounds like it should. I'm especially impressed with how well the interface translates the pick attack and volume/tone knob settings coming in from the guitars, this is something that modeling doesn't always do well and it's really cool that this little bit of hardware allows it to work right. Sound quality is excellent throughout; it does not sound like a cheap plastic box whatsoever.

So, ignoring the bundled software, this is WELL worth the money, at least for playing on the couch while my girl is watching her shows (and especially when we're in bed and I can't sleep!). I haven't plugged in the "Amp Out" to an actual amp yet, but I expect that the performance will be as good as with headphones if not better. Same with the PC integration, I can't imagine that it will have any serious issues as an interface for a full-sized computer running good amp-sim software. No headphone amp will ever provide the "Full Stack on 10" experience, but as long as you're not expecting that, you'll be happy with it.

The only reasons this doesn't get the full 5 stars are:

Build quality: I would prefer that it be in a metal, rather than plastic, enclosure. I don't plan on gigging with it, but as an "on-the-go" device, I would like to see it as close to bulletproof as possible - guitarists are notoriously hard on our gear ;) It seems sturdy enough, but it would feel better if it was encased in metal.

Software: IK Multimedia's lack of better software bundled with a hardware device is frustrating. I don't necessarily expect them to provide a LOT of extras, BUT when I've already paid for software on one platform (Amplitube), there's no technical reason why that same software add-on (DLC, basically) shouldn't work with every version of the software, and more importantly, when you're already buying hardware then there should be enough software included to get something really special without paying more for add-ons.

This product is easy to use and is great for small studios or personal use.

This compact and portable device is a game-changer for guitarists who want to record or play live with their mobile devices or computers. The iRig HD 2 offers high-quality audio recording and playback, allowing you to capture your guitar's true tone with exceptional clarity. The iRig HD 2 also features a 1/4" instrument input, allowing you to connect your guitar or bass directly to the interface.

Amazing

For the price and the size of it, It's awesome. You pay 10% of what you'd pay for a modest pedal setup but you don't get 10% of the sound, more like 80%. It's just unbeatable on the go. Love it for what it is. If you compare it with real pedals, then you don't understand it's spot in the market. Think about vacations, rehearsals, etc. Simply convenient.

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