IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD User manual

Digital microphone
USER MANUAL

Contents
2
Table of Contents
Contents 2
English 3
iRig Mic HD 3
Register your iRig Mic HD 3
iRig Mic HD Overview 4
Installation and setup 5
iOS Devices 5
Mac 7
Cable Lock 8
iRig Mic HD status LED 9
Setting optimal gain on iRig Mic HD 9
Usage Note 10
Signal Flow 10
Cardioid unidirectional pickup pattern 10
Proximity effect 10
Recording Applications 11
Vocals and speech 11
Acoustic instruments 12
An all around microphone 12
Troubleshooting 12
Specifications 13
Warranty 13
Support and more info 13

English
3
iRig Mic HD
Thank you for purchasing iRig Mic HD, the high-quality, universal digital hand-held microphone for iPhone, iPod
touch, iPad, Mac and PC.
Your package contains
• iRig Mic HD
• Cable Lock
• Protective zippered storage bag
• Mic clamp
• 5/8” to 3/8” thread adapter
• Micro USB to Lightning cable
• Micro USB to USB cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Registration Card
The sequel to the widely popular iRig Mic, iRig Mic HD is a versatile digital microphone for iPhone, iPod touch,
iPad, Mac and PC. iRig Mic HD is the ideal mic solution for a wide range of applications including live and
recorded vocal performances, speech, acoustic instruments, guitar amps and more. It allows for high quality
results in all uses and conditions thanks to its high-quality electrect condenser capsule, high-definition preamp
and audiophile-grade 24 bit A/D conversion. iRig Mic HD is powered by your mobile device or computer, no
batteries are required. Its preamp gain control and multicolor LED level indicator lets you dial in the perfect
volume.
iRig Mic HD is designed for handheld usage, and it can also perfectly fit on a mic stand using the included
universal clip.
Register your iRig Mic HD
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
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English
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iRig Mic HD Overview
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3
2
5
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1. High-quality electret cardioid capsule.
2. Status LED: gives you important information about iRig Mic HD’s operating status.
3. Microphone Gain: to increase the gain of iRig Mic HD turn the knob clockwise. To reduce the gain, turn the
knob counterclockwise. The Status LED gives you information about the input signal level.
4. Micro-USB port.
5. Cable Lock

English
5
Installation and setup
iOS Devices
1. Connect the included Lightning cable to the Micro USB port on iRig Mic HD.
2. Connect the Lightning cable to the connector on your iOS device. The status LED on iRig Mic HD will turn
dark blue.

English
6
3. Download your preferred audio processing or recording app like VocaLive, AmpliTube or iRig Recorder, and
launch it.
VocaLive
EZ Voice
ikdownloads.com/irigmichd
4. The status LED on iRig Mic HD will turn bright blue.
5. Start talking or singing into iRig Mic HD, then adjust the input level as required using the gain knob.

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6. Connect your headphones, mixer or powered speakers to the iOS device headphone jack to monitor your
recording.
Mac
1. Connect the included Micro USB to USB cable to iRig Mic HD.
2. Connect the USB cable to a free USB port on your Mac, the status LED on iRig Mic HD will turn dark blue.
3. Launch any Core Audio-compatible application and select iRig Mic HD as the input device from the audio
preferences. The status LED on iRig Mic HD will turn bright blue.
4. Start talking or singing into iRig Mic HD , and then adjust the input level as required using the gain knob.
5. Connect your headphones, mixer or powered speakers to the headphone jack on your Mac to monitoring
your recording.
WARNING: Permanent hearing loss may occur if earbuds or headphones are used at high
volume. You can adapt over time to a higher volume of sound, which may sound normal but can
be damaging to your hearing. Set your device volume to a safe level before that happens. If you
experience ringing in your ears, reduce the volume or discontinue use of earbuds or headphones
with your device.

English
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Cable Lock
You can use the included cable lock to make sure the Micro USB connector will never accidentally disconnect
from iRig Mic HD.
To install the cable lock make sure the Micro USB connector is firmly attached to iRig Mic HD. Insert the cable
lock and allow the cable to pass through the vertical slot, then tighten the cable lock by turning it clockwise
towards the microphone body.
Once in place the cable lock will prevent accidental cable disconnections — now iRig Mic HD is ready for the
stage!

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iRig Mic HD status LED
The multicolor LED on iRig Mic HD gives you important information about the iRig Mic HD’s operating status.
Each status is indicated by a different color:
•LEDisoff: iRig Mic HD is not connected to any power source.
•LEDisdark blue: iRig Mic HD is connected and in standby mode.
•LEDisbright blue: iRig Mic HD is connected and active.
•LEDisgreen: iRig Mic HD is active and the input signal is low.
•LEDisorange: iRig Mic HD is active and the input signal is OK.
•LEDisred: iRig Mic HD is active and the input signal is too high.
Setting optimal gain on iRig Mic HD
When talking or singing on iRig Mic HD check status LED.
•IftheLEDisalternatingbetweenBLUEandGREENorisalwaysBLUEorGREEN,youshouldincreasetheiRig
Mic HD input gain by rotating the level control clockwise.
•IftheLEDissometimesflashingREDyoushoulddecreasetheiRigMicHDinputlevelbyrotatingthegain
control counterclockwise.
•Whenyourlevelsettingisoptimal,theLEDshouldalternatebetweenGREENandORANGEwhileyoutalkor
sing.
BLUE
GREEN / ORANGE
RED
Please note the iRig Mic HD gain control is intentionally slightly recessed to minimize the risk of accidental level
changes during usage.

English
10
Usage Note
The frequency response of iRig Mic HD features a bump in the top end at about 8-12kHz. This bump adds
definition and clarity, creating a strong presence in your recordings, much like listening to the recorded signal
right next to your ear. The mid and lo-mid range of iRig Mic HD features a smooth and linear response that‘s
very well suited for recording voices as well as acoustic instruments, giving an accurate recording of the sound
source.
Signal Flow
iRig Mic HD 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 the
ideal microphone for recording vocals, podcasts and acosutic instruments on-the-go or in the studio.
Cardioid unidirectional pickup pattern
iRig Mic HD 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.
Sounds arriving from
the sides or rear of the
iRig Mic HD: sounds are
rejected.
Sounds arriving at the
front of the iRig Mic HD:
sound capture is optimal.
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 is a great choice when increased clarity and isolation from unwanted sound is required.
Proximity effect
iRig Mic HD 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.

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11
Recording Applications
Vocals and speech
iRig Mic HD 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 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 to record speech and interviews on-the-go with incredible sound quality.

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Acoustic instruments
Thanks to its features and its high-quality components, iRig Mic HD can also be used for recording acoustic
instruments with studio-quality sound. For example, place iRig Mic HD 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? 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 is
a true all-around microphone.
Troubleshooting
I have connected iRig Mic HD to my iOS device, but it is not recognized and none of my audio apps work
with it.
Remember to always connect the 30-pin or Lightning cable to the iRig Mic HD before connecting it to the iOS
device.
Sound is distorted.
Check that the input level on iRig Mic HD 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 status LED is always dark blue and I don’t get any sound.
In order for iRig Mic HD 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 30-pin or Lightning dock
connector.
Mac: Be sure you have set “iRig Mic HD” as the audio input device on the audio app you are using.

English
13
Specifications
Microphone Type: condenser, electret
Polar Pattern: cardioid
Interface Type: USB digital microphone with a built-in low-noise, high-definition preamp.
Frequency Response: 40 Hz - 18 kHz, -3dB
Maximum Sound Pressure: 134 dB
Distortion: 3% THD at 134 dB, 1 kHz
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
Power and Connection: works with iOS and Mac/PC computer
Size: 185mm/7.28” x 48mm/1.89”
Cables lenght: 1.5m/59
Warranty
Please visit:
www.ikmultimedia.com/warranty
for the complete warranty policy.
Support and more info
www.ikmultimedia.com/support
www.irigmichd.com
Apple is not responsible for the operation of this device or its compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

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2014/06/20
“MadeforiPod,”“MadeforiPhone,”and“MadeforiPad”meanthatanelectronicaccessoryhasbeendesignedtoconnectspecicallytoiPod,iPhone,oriPad,respectively,andhasbeencertied
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, 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.
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