If you want to maximize microphone quality for recording on your smartphone or mirrorless camera, size does matter. The small 3.5 mm microphone jacks on most of the devices do not have phantom power, making it difficult to use condenser microphones preferred for voice recording. IK Multimedia has a potential answer with the iRig Pre 2, a pocket-sized microphone preamp that allows podcasters, musicians and videographers to use phantom-powered XLR microphones to record, stream or perform.
A successor to the popular iRig Pre, the iRig Pre 2 uses two AA batteries to deliver + 48 V phantom power for approximately 7 hours of continuous use. If you have a dynamic microphone or a ribbon microphone, you can turn off the phantom power and get about 20 hours of battery life. Even better, the automatic circuitry allows the iRig Pre 2 to automatically adjust to the audio input levels on most digital cameras. (Hopefully this includes some with bad levels – look at you, Panasonic GH5.)
The iRig Pre 2 comes with a Velcro strap so you can attach it to your camera or microphone stand, and the FREE app for audio and video recording, as well as the VocaLive FREE for live performances and multi-tracking recording. It arrives in March 2021 and is now available to pre-order at IK Multimedia’s online store or authorized retailers such as B&H Photo Video.