IK Multimedia announces the availability of the new iRig MIDI 2, their 2nd generation MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Mac/PC.

This new version works with all generations of iOS devices along with Mac and Windows computers. It has the same features as the original only more compact and with more connectivity and control.

The most important feature of iRig MIDI 2 would be its compatibility with Apple's Lightning USB interface. It even comes bundled with a lightning cable so you can easily use it out of the box. The company claims that this is the first portable MIDI interface that works with the latest iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch models out of the box.

Thankfully, IK Multimedia did not drop support for older devices. They equipped iRig MIDI 2 with a detachable Mini-DIN connector, allowing you to attach a lightning cable, older 30-pin iOS cable and standard USB cable. This means that you can still use your older tablets and iOS smartphones, while being sure that the interface will work should you choose to upgrade.

Like its predecessor, the new version comes with 3 MIDI ports: IN, OUT and THRU, but this time you don't need special cables or adapters because the ports are now standard-sized. IK Multimedia says, "These ports give you all the control and connectivity that MIDI allows: Use the IN port to use external keyboards and controllers to play your favorite software sound modules and synthesizers. Use the OUT port to control external hardware or synthesizers from your mobile device or computer. In addition, you can use the THRU port to send MIDI data to multiple instruments at once. Monitoring MIDI data with iRig MIDI 2 is easy, it comes with two LEDs that give you an at-a-glance readout of the note data as it passes through the IN and OUT ports."

This new hardware is bundled with the company's latest software. You can utilize the free SampleTank 3 SE software on your Mac or PC, while there are two apps that you can install to your iOS devices - SampleTank Free and iGrand Piano. SampleTank Free is a sound and groove workstation with hundreds of instruments and patterns while iGrand Piano Free is a concert-quality piano app. As expected, iRig MIDI 2 works with all MIDI-compatible software and iOS apps. This includes Core MIDI apps like GarageBand, Cubasis, Beat Maker 2, Auria and many more.

• Universal MIDI interface for Lightning iOS devices as well as all prior generations of iPhone, iPad and iPod touch plus Mac and PC
• Ultra-portable, pocket-sized form factor that you can take with you anywhere
• Detachable bumper-friendly cables for seamless, universal connectivity
• Lighting connector and USB cable included, 30-pin cable available separately
• Standard-sized MIDI IN, OUT and THRU ports
• MIDI IN/OUT LED indicators for at-a-glance monitoring of MIDI data transmission
• Draws power from host device instead of a bulky power adaptor
• Comes with a powerful suite of music creation apps SampleTank Free, iGrand Piano FREE and SampleTank 3 SE
• Elegant and durable rubberized enclosure
• Designed and made in Modena, Italy

Finally, the new iRig MIDI 2 comes in a smaller form factor, especially when all cables are detached for storage. The cables are also "bumper friendly", they follow the shape of the default cables from Apple, this means you can connect them to your iPad or iPhone without remove your protective case.

The new iRig MIDI 2 is now available with a retail price of $99.99. Visit IK Multimedia for more information.

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