IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High-Def Condenser Microphone User Manual

June 3, 2024
IK Multimedia

Multimedia First.
iRig Mic HD 2
Digital microphone for iOS, USB
USER MANUAL

iRig Mic HD 2

Thank you for purchasing iRig Mic HD 2, the high-quality, universal digital hand-held microphone for iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC.
Your package contains
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
1

  • iRig Mic HD 2
  • Protective zippered storage bag
  • Mic clamp
  • 5/8” to 3/8” thread adapter
  • Micro USB to Lightning cable
  • Micro USB to USB cable
  • Table tripod
  • Quick Start Guide
  • Registration Card

iRig Mic HD 2 is the sequel to iRig Mic HD, the first Handheld, universal digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac/PC. Featuring 24-bit output, and connectivity with iOS and Mac/PC, iRig Mic HD 2 offers unmatched quality and versatility. Equipped with a high-quality cardioid electret condenser capsule, a 24-bit audiophile-grade A/D converter, a 44.1 – 48 kHz – 96kHz sampling rate, and a low noise/high definition preamp, iRig MIC HD 2 captures high-quality audio in a way that suits the most demanding professional needs. iRig Mic HD 2 is the ideal mic solution for a wide range of applications including recording speech, vocals, acoustic instruments, guitar amps, and more. Its comfortable handheld design is perfect for singers and musicians, but also interviewers,broadcaster and presenters. iRig Mic HD 2 also offers an headphone output with volume control to be ready to use with new iPhone 7.
The new iRig Mic HD 2 sports an higher quality Gold-sputtered capsule and a full set of accessories such as: a carrying pouch, a clamp and table tripod.

Register your iRig Mic HD 2

By registering, you can access technical support, activate your warranty and receive free JamPoints™ which will be added to your account. JamPoints™ allow you to obtain discounts on future IK purchases! Registering also keeps you informed of all the latest software updates and IK products.
Register at: www.ikmultimedia.com/registration

Installation and setup

iOS Devices

  1. Connect the included Lightning cable to the Micro USB port on iRig Mic HD 2.
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
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  2. Connect the Lightning cable to the connector on your iOS device.
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
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  3. Download your preferred audio processing or recording app like VocaLive, AmpliTube or iRig Recorder, and launch it.
    Pro Bundle for iRig Recorder, Mic Pack for VocaLive (iOS), Mic Room (Mac/PC/iOS), T-RackS Classic and Ableton® Live 9 Lite (Mac/PC)
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
4 FREE DOWNLOAD
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - qr
code
    ikdownloads.com/irigmichd2

  4. Start talking or singing into iRig Mic HD 2, then adjust the input level as required using the gain knob.
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
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  5. Connect your headphones to the headphones port on the iRig Mic HD 2 and adjust its level with the dedicated knob.
    IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure
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Mac

  1. Connect the included Micro USB to USB cable to iRig Mic HD 2.
  2. Connect the USB cable to a free USB port on your Mac.
  3. Launch any Core Audio-compatible application and select iRig Mic HD 2 as the input device from the audio preferences.
  4. Start talking or singing into iRig Mic HD 2 , and then adjust the input level as required using the gain knob.
  5. Connect your headphones to the headphones port on the iRig Mic HD 2 and adjust its level with the dedicated knob.

iRig Mic HD 2 status LED

The multicolor LED on iRig Mic HD 2 gives you important information about the iRig Mic HD 2’s operating status. Each status is indicated by a different color:

  • LED is off: iRig Mic HD 2 is not connected to any power source.
  • LED is bright blue: iRig Mic HD 2 is connected and active.
  • LED is green: iRig Mic HD 2 is active and the input signal is low.
  • LED is orange: iRig Mic HD 2 is active and the input signal is OK.
  • LED is red: iRig Mic HD 2 is active and the input signal is too high.

Setting optimal gain on iRig Mic HD 2

When talking or singing on iRig Mic HD 2 check status LED.IK Multimedia iRig
Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone - Figure 7

  • If the LED is alternating between BLUE and GREEN or is always BLUE or GREEN, you should increase the iRig Mic HD 2 input gain by rotating the level control clockwise.
  • If the LED is sometimes flashing RED you should decrease the iRig Mic HD 2 input level by rotating the gain control counterclockwise.
  • When your level setting is optimal, the LED should alternate between GREEN and ORANGE while you talk or sing.

Please note the iRig Mic HD 2 gain control is intentionally slightly recessed to minimize the risk of accidental level changes during usage.

Usage Note

Signal Flow
iRig Mic HD 2 employs only quality electronic components. It’s diaphragm (the mic capsule) converts sound into electrical energy which is then amplified as accurately as possible and with minimal coloration. This analog signal is then passed off to the microphone’s digital conversion circuitry which converts the analog signal into digital data that can be understood by computers or iPads/iPhones. All these features make iRig Mic HD 2 the ideal microphone for recording vocals, podcasts and acosutic instruments on-the-go or in the studio.
Cardioid unidirectional pickup pattern
iRig Mic HD 2 has a cardioid (unidirectional) pickup pattern. This design means that it primarily picks up sounds arriving in front of the microphone as opposed to from the sides or behind, this minimizes the risk of feedback.
This makes it ideal for capturing singing, vocals, speech, instruments and interviews.
TIP: The built-in microphone of your mobile device is great for general recordings thanks to its “omnidirectional” pickup pattern. This means that sounds coming from all directions are captured almost equally. For this reason the iRig Mic HD 2 is a great choice when increased clarity and isolation from unwanted sound is required.
Proximity effect
iRig Mic HD 2 is unidirectional, therefore it changes its response to low frequencies depending on the distance from the sound source.
If you want more warmth and bass (fuller, bigger voices, for example), speak or sing very close to the microphone, just a few inches or even less.
If you are searching for a lighter and brighter sound, speak or sing at a further distance from the microphone, greater than 10 inches/25 centimeters.
This rule not only applies to vocals, the microphone will also respond this way with all instruments and sound sources.

Recording Applications

Vocals and speech
iRig Mic HD 2 is a great microphone for recording voice and speech — like interviews. As said, the proximity effect allows you to model the sound of your recording. The closer you get to the mic, the more warmth and bass you’ll get. For a “big” vocal sound with maximum presence, get the vocalist within one to three inches of the capsule (microphone head). The internal buil-in windscreen helps avoid plosives at this close range. For a lighter sound, place iRig Mic HD 2 further from the vocalist.
The acoustic environment play a key role in the success of a good recording. A room with carpet and curtains will cause much less reverberation in your vocals, making the recording sound more dry this allows your recording to be more easily manipulated during the mixing process. By contrast, a room with glass surfaces, marble, wood floors or tile will yield natural reverb, which may be pleasing to the ear but difficult to remove at a later time, and make your recording more difficult to mix.
Use iRig Mic HD 2 to record speech and interviews on-the-go with incredible sound quality.
Acoustic instruments
Thanks to its features and its high-quality components, iRig Mic HD 2 can also be used for recording acoustic instruments with studio-quality sound. For example, place iRig Mic HD 2 so that it’s facing the neck of an acoustic guitar— right where the neck joins the body (usually around the 12th or 14th frets) — for a balanced sound with plenty of sparkling high-end. Place the microphone in front of the soundhole to capture a blend of low-end. Or, for more high-end detail, place the microphone farther from the guitar either at the same neck position or above the instrument near the guitarist’s head. Experiment with different positions and reach the sound you want.
An all around microphone
What do you want to record with your iRig Mic HD 2? Thanks to its wide gain range it is possible to record an extremely broad range of instruments: guitar amplifiers, drums, wind instruments — you name it, iRig Mic HD 2 is a true all-around microphone.

Troubleshooting

Sound is distorted.
Check that the input level on iRig Mic HD 2 has been set properly. If the red LED is lighting when you talk or sing
decrease the input level as described in this guide.
The iRig Mic HD 2 status LED is always dark blue and I don’t get any sound.
In order for iRig Mic HD 2 to turn on, a Core Audio-compatible audio app must first be launched on your iOS device or Mac.
iOS: Be sure you are using an app that works with digital audio input from the Lightning dock connector.
Mac: Be sure you have set “iRig Mic HD 2” as the audio input device on the audio app you are using.

Specifications

Microphone Type: condenser, electret
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Interface Type: USB digital microphone with a built-in low-noise, high- definition preamp.
Conversion: 24-bit A/D, 24-bit D/A
Sampling Rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz and 96 kHz
Frequency Response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3dB
Maximum Sound Pressure: 125 dB
Sensitivity: -40 dB,10mV/Pa
Windscreen: built-in
Sensitivity: adjustable over a 40 dB range
Built-in low profile gain control
Built-in multicolor LED for status and audio level indication
Connector Type: standard Micro-USB
Headphones output: 1/8” TRS jack
Power and Connection: works with iOS and Mac/PC computer
Warranty
Please visit: www.ikmultimedia.com/warranty for the complete warranty policy.
Support and more info
www.ikmultimedia.com/support
www.irigmichd2.com
Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

FCC statement
This device complies with Part 15.107 and 15.109 Class B of the FCC Rules CFR47:
October 2010.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

  1. This device may not cause harmful interference.
  2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.IK
Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 High Def Condenser Microphone -
icon“Made for iPod,” “Made for iPhone,” and “Made for iPad” mean that an electronic accessory has been designed to connect specifically to iPod, iPhone, or iPad, respectively, and has been certified by the developer to meet Apple performance standards. Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and  regulatory standards. Please note that the use of this accessory with iPod, iPhone, or iPad may affect wireless performance.
iRig® Mic HD 2, AmpliTube®, EZ Voice™, iRig® Recorder, VocaLive® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. iPad, iPhone, iPod touch, Retina, Mac and GarageBand are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. iPad Air, iPad mini, and Lightning are trademarks of Apple Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

References

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