IK Multimedia's iRig 2 is a cool sequel to the original iRig, whicih allowed guitar and bass players to plug into their iPhone and use their mobile device to play, practice and record with apps like IK's AmpliTube, Apple's GarageBand and thousands more.

A significant upgrade, it improves on its predecessor by providing better sound quality and more universal compatibility than before. Like its predecessor, the iRig 2 plugs directly into the mini jack input of a mobile device. It lets musicians send an instrument signal to apps, such as IK's AmpliTube, while also providing on-board output for real-time monitoring.

iRig 2 now comes with gain control, which lets users adjust the input gain of their instrument to match their mobile device. This means that it can be customized to always provide the best sound, no matter what type of guitar, bass or line-level instrument or device is used.

iRig 2 now not only works with iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Macs, but also supports the complete line of new Samsung Professional Audio devices and Android 5 devices. When it comes to playing live on stage or with a band, iRig 2 provides multiple new features that offer more flexibility and integration than before.

Its new 1/4-inch amplifier output, in addition to its traditional 1/8-inch headphone output, allows iRig 2 to be plugged directly into a guitar amplifier or powered speakers without an adaptor. This helps to keep all cable connections organized.

A new FX/THRU switch allows iRig 2 to send either a wet or dry signal through the device. This means that guitarists can play live with an amplifier and use their mobile device with a tuner app, such as IK's UltraTuner, or a recording app, such as IK's iRig Recorder, to record a dry signal for further processing.

iRig 2 also comes with a clip and a velcro strip so it can be firmly installed on a microphone stand, avoiding accidental disconnection. It comes with a powerful cross-platform suite of apps and software that includes free versions of AmpliTube for iOS, Mac OS X, and Android Samsung Pro Audio.

While iRig 2 is made to pair with AmpliTube, it's also compatible with many other mobile music creation apps and utilities, such as Apple's GarageBand, Samsung's Soundcamp and others. It's available at select music and consumer electronics retailers worldwide, and from the IK Online Store (www.irig2.com) for US$39.99.