IK Multimedia iRig Pro Quattro I/O: what is it?
IK Multimedia’s iRig range includes a selection of compact interfaces for studio and mobile use. The devices generally support iOS and Android, are simple to use and excellent value for money.
With its small size, 4-in/2-out capabilities, MIDI I/O, and multiple power options (4xAA batteries, host USB, micro USB, or 9V mains), their latest addition, iRig Pro Quattro I/ O, check the box as a mobile interface.
Plus, with additional mono and stereo modes, you also have a mobile podcast/broadcast front end. Add a built-in mic and optional two-mic capsules and Quattro I/O becomes a field recording interface.
Finally, without a USB host connected, you can simply use Quattro I/O as a 4-in/2-out audio mixer to power other devices such as cameras.
Underpinning it all are four ultra-low-noise mic preamps with 48V phantom power, up to 24-bit 96kHz operation, and asynchronous USB for ultra-low conversion jitter, delivering excellent audio quality.
Quattro I/O is available in regular and deluxe packages, and the extra $100 gets you the iRig stereo mics complete with windscreen, carrying pouch, mini-DIN to USB-C cable, and power adapter. external power supply.
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Quattro I/O: performance and verdict
Out of the box, the hand-sized unit is small but reasonably heavy, with a rather tactile rubberized feel. The controls are on the front panel with the connections on the sides. The battery compartment is on the back and over it you can clip a small panel with UNC camera thread for mounting.
Connections are conveniently grouped, with inputs top right, outputs left, and power and USB connections bottom. Some mini connectors (mini-DIN for host and mini-jack for MIDI) are used to save space, but it’s nice to see XLRs for inputs and outputs.
Front panel input gain and output level controls (headphones and line out) are linked by switches, including built-in mic on/off (this uses input 1) and operating mode (multi, stereo, mono).
At the top you have a multi-part LED meter for the four inputs, stereo outputs and battery level, while the host connection and MIDI LED meters are in the middle.
The plethora of commands is a bit dated. However, with function-based control, we could use the Quattro I/O right out of the box, with little or no reference to the manual. Indeed, we connected the Quattro to iOS and OS X devices and were immediately up and running.
We found the Quattro offered plenty of gain even in drum mode, and the instrument inputs handled our low-output passive guitar pickups admirably.
Exactly the type of device we need in our increasingly multimedia worlds.
There are a few other features worth mentioning. First, there’s a Loopback button to redirect the host USB output to the inputs. Then, when connected to a host, the Direct switch adds the input signals to the headphone power supply for minimal latency monitoring. Finally, inputs 1 and 2 have a switchable limiter, although this increased the noise floor a lot.
Shamelessly multifunctional and highly versatile, the Quattro I/O from IK Multimedia is exactly the kind of device we need in the increasingly multimedia worlds in which many of us operate.
MusicRadar Verdict: Super-compact and feature-rich, iRig Pro Quattro I/O offers a slew of options that will appeal to all sorts of users.
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Quattro I/O: hands-on demos
Fresh and Felicia
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Quattro I/O: Specifications
- MIC INPUTS: 2 Hi-Z mic/instrument level combos, 2 mic/line level combos.
- LINE INPUTS: Stereo RCA and 3.5 mm mini-jack.
- THE EXITS: XLR, 3.5mm line out, 3.5mm headphone out; Built-in microphone.
- DIMENSIONS: 90x40x160mm.
- LESTER: 427g (with batteries).
- PRICING: quattro €350, Quattro Deluxe Package €450.
- CONTACT: IK Multimedia (opens in a new tab)
