IK Multimedia iRig UA Review – A Guitarist’s Dream Come True

As much as any other guitar enthusiast, I was overjoyed when the IK Multimedia released the iRig 2. Despite the product’s compatibility with Android, it was a disappointment since the AmpliTube was limited only to Samsung devices. Thus, IK brought in the iRig UA – which appears to be a better replacement in every way. It is available on all Android devices such as Sony, Motorola, LG, etc. If you are contemplating a purchase and unfamiliar with the product, here is everything that you need to know about the iRig UA.

Product Overview

The iRig UA is a universal guitar processor and interface. But actually, it is a blessing for Android 4.0 users who are looking for a mobile practice and performance solution for guitars. It offers high quality sound and near-zero latency processing. This is made possible through the UA’s built-in digital processing chip. By working together with AmpliTube, the device enables musicians to play and use the existing, capacious and expandable library of amps, stompboxes and effects.

Features

• Zero Latency
  iRig UA’s best feature is it’s novel digital signal processor which provides zero-latency that allows independent operation regardless of the model of the connected smartphone/tablet. This increases the speed and efficiency of the device, which I believe is imperative for any music processor.
• Android Host Mode
  The device works with any Android 4.0 or later with USB host mode. The device is powered via the Android device you interface it with. Though I charge my iRig UA through my phone, I have noticed that it doesn’t draw a significant amount of charge from the mobile.
• Superior Sound
  In order to enable the users to create audiophile-grade sound, iRig UA includes many highly advanced features including an A/D converter (24 bit) that has a sampling rate of 44.1/48 kHz. I tested the device with my electric guitar and with passive and active electronics, but I did not experience any issues with latency just as the product suggests.

Apart from these features, a must mention is the companion app to the device – AmpliTube UA. With this app, you will be able to convert your smartphone into a portable guitar and multi-effects processor. The AmpliTube UA offers a generous and expandable collection of some of the most coveted gear in music history. 21 pieces of gear offered for free to all iRig UA users along with nine stomp-box effects that include chorus, noise filter, octave and more. There are also two high-quality microphones; condenser and dynamic, and five well-performing amplifiers; metal, lead, crunch, bass and clean. Musicians can use these features to create virtual guitar rigs which they can save as presets for easy recall.

Pros

• Reliability & Durability – The plastic housing is light, but tough. Thus, it will survive any kind of normal wear and tear that you could expect a mobile device to go through.
• Ease of Use – A variety of tools are available within the device to increase user convenience. These include the mini-USB output, an input for an instrument cable, an auxiliary input, volume control, and a headphone input.
• Comprehensively Connectible – In order to provide easy connection, the device enables easy accessibility to guitar and bass instruments. You can also connect USB cables as well as headphones. This makes the device perfect for on-the-go practice and performance.

Cons

• Android Limitations – If you are on Android 4.2-4.4, in order to transmit the music from your phone to the iRig UA, you will have to use auxiliary cables.

Affordability

The standard market price for the iRig UA is $99.99. I think this seems reasonable when considering the amount of improvements that have been included in this device compared to the previous model.

Verdict

If you often practice by yourself unplugged and enjoy the freedom of using maximum volume while being able to eliminate any disturbing noise, then the iRig UA is your salvation. For something that is entirely digital, the device facilitates the processing of effects perfectly while delivering impressive sound quality. Although I feel that the price may be (understandably) considered overpriced to some, I personally think it is well worth it after use. Though the cheaper iRig 2 does the job at $39.99, like with anything, if you pay a little more, you get a much higher quality product, and that’s certainly the case with the iRig UA.