If you’re using a desktop mic for any kind of professional (or semi-professional) work, chances are you’re also using an audio interface to ensure you’re able to record in the best quality possible. The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro takes both of those devices and combines them into one, giving you a desktop mic that also serves as its own audio interface.
That’s right, IK Multimedia combines a multi-pattern mic and a stereo/four-channel audio interface in a single desktop mic form factor, making it easier to streamline your audio setup. Whether you’re a streamer, a podcaster, or a musician, this thing lets you have a decent studio setup that’s compact enough to throw in a bag to take anywhere you go.
The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro is equipped with dual half-inch condenser capsules that can be set for cardioid, figure eight, omnidirectional, or stereo pickup patterns. It has adjustable gain and a selectable high-pass filter, giving you a few easy plays to dial in the sound, with an integrated headphone output that you can use for directly monitoring whatever sounds it’s picking up. Suffice to say, it’s, pretty much, on par with the features you can find in the best desktop mics available today.
What makes it really special, of course, is it’s not just a mic. It also serves as an audio interface built around 24-bit, 96 kHz converters that are compatible with iOS, Android, macOS and Windows, allowing you to connect the mic directly to whatever device you’re using for recording or livestreaming. Because it’s an audio interface, you’re not restricted to just using the mic, you can also plug in turntables, soundboards, and other audio devices via the 3.5mm stereo input, making it very easy to add sound effects and music to your microphone recordings. It supports both stereo and multichannel, too, with the latter allowing you to send four separate audio channels to your DAW or recording app of choice.
The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro has a monitoring mix control that allows you to blend the input sounds (both from the mic and from the external devices) via the headphone output. It uses the outfit’s Loopback+ technology, which lets you add music from a phone or tablet to the recording while routing the microphone signal to a separate app to add effects and make adjustments before blending the separate audio inputs. It’s a pretty clever setup that can really make your one-man production sound very professional.
All the functions are controlled via a single control knob on the lower part of the mic, which is surrounded by LED indicators for easily monitoring what’s going on. That way, you can make adjustments quickly while barely looking away from the camera (in case you’re livestreaming). Do note, it doesn’t have a battery, so it will automatically draw power from any desktop, laptop, phone, or tablet you connect it to. It comes with a table stand, various cables and adapters, and a variety of recording and mixing apps.
The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Mic Pro is available now, priced at $169.99.