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SmartRig+ Review

Saramonic SmartRig+ Review

SmartRig+ Review
2.5
OK
Get Yours Here

We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to super portable audio interfaces nowadays. Companies like IK Multimedia, Focusrite and Apogee have all released many different pieces of kit ranging from single instrument inputs to fully fledged mini multi-input interfaces.

With so many to choose from, you’d be forgiven for thinking that there’s no room in the market for another companies’ product to gain a foothold.

Enter Saramonic – a company that has been building mostly camera focused audio solutions for a few years now. Their latest offering – the SmartRig+ – aims to give smartphone/tablet musicians an all in one solution to their portable audio recording needs.

I got to grips with the SmartRig + recently and put it through it’s paces – find out more about it’s onboard features and check out some samples of it in action below.

 

 

Technical stuff

Here’s a rundown of the SmartRig+’s tech specs:

 

Gain

+20 dB to Infinity

Power Requirements

One 9V Alkaline or Lithium

Dimensions

L 4.7″ x W 1.6″ x H 1.6″ (12 x 4 x 4 cm)

Weight

4.6 oz. (130g)

 

Plastic Fantastic?

The unit is made entirely of plastic and while that’s not an issue in itself (many other interfaces in its price range have plastic casings) the SmartRig+ feels pretty flimsy.

Switches and dials on the unit also feel a little fragile and I managed to accidentally bend the 3.5mm output jack on the first day of testing (I dropped my phone with the SmartRig+ attached on the floor).

My fault, but still worrying and you’d hope not indicative of the quality of the rest of the unit.

 

The Verdict

SmartRig+ Review
Conclusion
The SmartRig+ gets a few things right, providing a ton of connection options and including 48v Phantom power. However, it's tough to recommend it over more iOS and music focussed offerings currently on the market. The sound quality is lacking compared to interfaces that use a lightning connection and I found the build quality extremely lacking - particularly at this price point.
Positives
6 input options
48V Phantom power included
Negatives
Poor build quality
Sound quality lacking compared to other interfaces
Pricey
2.5
OK
Get Yours Here