A new review from MusicRadar describes IK's iRig Mic Studio as an enticing prospect for leveling up a basic rig and gives it a score of 4 out of 5 stars.

You can do a lot with iRig Mic Studio, and the review presents two use scenarios where the compact condenser mic really shines. Here are the highlights:

Some context

"Compared to some of its peers, the Mic Studio is essentially a veteran having been around since 2015. The premise was, and still is, simple; a decent quality mic that can be connected via USB to a range of different devices.

"It's still fundamentally a simple device. From input gain control to headphone monitoring, it has everything you'd expect, and that plug-and-play philosophy hasn't changed. The iRig Mic Studio is one of the more attractive desktop USB mics in our opinion with its black brushed metal casing and dashing blue accent."

This is an ideal first 'proper' mic and will deliver an instant upgrade on built-in computer or camera mics.

The right price

"When you're looking at sub-£/$150 USB microphones, it's important to make sure your expectations are in line with what's possible. But, if you're looking for an inexpensive, well-made, decent quality, reliable mic you can plug into your computer and, to be blunt, never have to worry about...IK has nailed it on that front."

Why iRig?

"The entire iRig range, which covers audio interfaces, MIDI hubs and more, is built on that simple cross-platform idea of having a device you can use in your studio, then throw in a bag and use it at a bus stop, or on top of a mountain, or in a rainforest with no loss of performance."

Recording instruments

"All of which leads us to think there are two use-cases in which the IK Multimedia iRig Mic Studio will excel. Firstly, it's as a general-purpose mic for the budding home studio operator. Someone who needs a mic that can capably capture acoustic guitars, pianos, vocals and more."

The iRig Mic Studio has a broad enough frequency range that it will deliver sonically pleasing results, and its relatively high SPL means it could even, at a push, be used for guitar cabinets.

Voiceover work

"The second use-case is for speech applications; here the iRig Mic Studio is a superb option. For podcasters, streamers, video callers and even ASMR applications, this is an ideal first 'proper' mic and will deliver an instant upgrade on built-in computer or camera mics."

MusicRadar verdict

"Add in IK's broad range of highly capable smartphone and tablet applications, which allow you to do everything from simple recordings through to full band compositions, and you're onto a winner."

iRig Mic Studio Pros

• Solid as a rock
• Works really well with tablets and smartphones
• Audio quality is perfectly usable

Specifications

• Type: Condenser
• Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
• Gain range: 40 dB
• Resolution and sample rate: 24 bit up to 48 kHz
• Connections: Micro USB, 3.5mm headphone input
• Controls: Input gain, headphone volume
• Weight: 218g

Learn more on iRig Mic Studio
Read the full MusicRadar review here