iRig UA: First near-zero latency Android guitar effects processor

Apple iOS has been the mobile OS of choice for many artists and musicians for many reasons with one factor being the inconsistency of Android devices/OSs with respect to audio latency – the time delay as audio passes through the system. So when IK Multimedia decided to create an Android version of iRig, their digital guitar interface and effects processor, instead of trying compensate for the myriad of Android flavours, they used a novel approach. The result: iRig UA, the first of its kind guitar and effects processor for Android devices with near-zero latency.

They accomplished this marvel by shifting the processing away from the Android smartphone or tablet to an external device that literally takes care of their inconsistent latency, without worry about what version of Android or hardware is being used. This is done by incorporating a 32-bit DSP (Digital Signal Processor) right into the hardware, in addition to the 24-bit DA converter also found in the iOS version. It’s also what makes iRig UA unique.

By doing so, it no longer matters whether HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Sony or any others make the Android device, to enjoy real-time professional grade effects processing.

There are however some specific requirements. You will need an Android device – either tablet or smartphone that supports host mode/USB OTG (On-the-go) and is running Android OS 4.2 or later.

Under the hood, the 32-bit digital signal processor is partnered with a 24-bit DA (Digital to Analog) converter with up to a 48kHz sample rate. There’s also a built-in high-definition low noise preamp, an analog AUX input, headphone output, volume control, micro-USB port and a multicolor LED, all nicely compacted into a very light silver shell.

As an added bonus for those running Samsung Professional Audio compatible Android smartphones or tablets running Android 5.0, when connected, iRig UA can also act as a digital recording interface.

AmpliTube UA App

To make the most of iRig UA, you’ll need to use the free companion app AmpliTube UA that offers a complete guitar and bass multi-effects processor. It’s available for download from Google Play Store.

The free version is fairly comprehensive. It comes with 21 pieces of gear. You get nine effects: Noise Filter, Delay, Overdrive, Wah, Chorus, Flanger, Phazer, Octave and Distortion. (The last one you get free upon registration). You can also use the stomps with five amplifiers – Lead, Clean, Bass, Crunch and Metal with matching cabinets. What’s also pretty cool is that you get both a dynamic and condenser “microphones” that you can position virtually to create the exact sound that you really want.

If my math adds up, that’s 21 in total. If that’s not enough, you can more than double that by adding in-app bundles and a-la-cart gear from recognized brands like Fender, Orange, Ampeg, Soldano and more. You can also have access to exclusive content available from the IK AmpliTube Slash and AmpliTube Jimi Hendrix collections.

Clever Innovation

While iOS certainly continues to reign in many areas, there are a lot of Android devices being used, so a clever little innovation like iRig UA opens the doors to those musicians or wannabees who prefer to do their music on the same platform as their smartphone or tablet.

iRig UA retails for $99.99 US and is available today directly from the IK Multimedia online shop and Amazon and should be available soon at place like Best Buy or your favorite music retailer.