iRig Stream Pro Review
The iRig, ubiquitous among musicians and creators, started as an accessory for connecting guitars to iPhones and later expanded to iOS devices and Macs. It has since evolved into the $199 iRig Stream Pro from IK Multimedia, designed for streamers to input multiple audio sources while still fitting neatly in your pocket.
Design
The iRig Stream Pro from IK Multimedia exudes a professional aesthetic that caters to both amateur podcasters and seasoned audio engineers. Its rugged rubberised outer casing is ready to be thrown into kit bags and the like. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, fitting seamlessly into any setup without demanding excessive desk space. We found that the layout of knobs, buttons, and inputs ensures quick access and uncomplicated ease, accommodating cables of varying thickness and making it a breeze to manage audio sources on the fly. Equipped with dual stereo line inputs, a combo input for XLR and 1/4" sources, and a headphone output with a built-in mic preamp, this device offers exceptional flexibility.
On the top, there is a three-LED signal meter, a large volume level knob, and a multi-function button for muting and changing several different parameters, as well as a multi-colour LED inside the button to indicate various modes. All controls, including switches and sliders, are quick to engage and provide good feedback to show levels. As seen from our photo, there is a comprehensive amount of on-device adjustability, which is very useful. It can run off two AA batteries, which come supplied, or via DC input, and will also charge devices when using a connector like USB-C or Apple Lightning.
What Does This Do?
The iRig Stream Pro is basically an audio interface designed to streamline your audio streaming needs. It connects seamlessly with iOS, Android, Mac, and PC devices, allowing you to capture and broadcast high-quality audio from multiple sources. Its onboard Loopback+ functionality enables users to mix and stream audio from their devices effortlessly, making it perfect for live performances, podcasts, and remote collaborations. We can see the Stream Pro really appealing to TikTok streamers.
Before using the iRig, check whether it’s in two-channel or multichannel mode. The mode depends on the number of inputs you need and whether you want them mixed or on separate channels. By default, the iRig is in two-channel mode, sending left and right RCA inputs to channels 1 and 2, and mixing the mic/inst and headset inputs to both channels. With loopback enabled, host computer audio also returns to channels 1 and 2. Volume for each input is controlled via small knobs on the iRig. In multichannel mode, each input is routed to its own channel: RCA inputs to channels 1 and 2, mic/inst input to channel 3, and headset input to channel 4, with host audio sharing channels 1 and 2 if loopback is enabled. Note that the iRig Recorder app supports only two-channel mode, mixing all four inputs together, whereas apps like AmpliTube, VocaLive, GarageBand, or similar DAWs can utilise multichannel mode.
Performance
Audio quality is crisp and clear, capturing every nuance of the input sources with minimal latency, which is critical when streaming. The preamps deliver clean gain with low noise, ensuring that your recordings and live streams sound professional. It is noticeably agile with other static and equipment nearby, leading us to believe it has internal casing to prevent such interference, though there is no mention of this online.
Interfacing with iOS devices such as an iPhone was seamless, automatically redirecting onboard microphone/speaker audio sources to the iRig Stream Pro. It just works, and we can directly monitor everything via headphones. The integrated direct monitoring feature provides real-time audio feedback, allowing for precise adjustments during recordings or broadcasts, with each input having its own independent volume control.
The Loopback+ feature is a standout, simplifying the process of feeding in audio such as background music, sound effects, instrumentals, and vocals without additional software. You can also route audio between apps using it. Speaking of apps, there’s a wide variety available on both iOS and Mac, with flagship apps like Logic Studio and GarageBand being fully compatible with the iRig Stream Pro. The device also supports 24-bit, 96kHz audio resolution, making it suitable for high-fidelity audio applications.
Verdict
The iRig Stream Pro is a good blend of functionality, performance, and user-friendly design that stands out as a fully mobile and pocketable audio interface solution. Truly adaptable to various setups, which is very much to its credit. Our usage boldly demonstrates it's a great piece of kit that performs well beyond just spoken voice; acoustics and electric guitars stand out for us due to its built-in pre-amp with a tremendous pickup pattern. Aimed at streamers, DJs, and podcasters, it will definitely find favour among these communities for its plug-and-play attitude, allowing for a versatile array of combined input/output options, high-quality stereo inputs paired with other audio sources, and total feedback to headphones.
