Saramonic Smartrig II: Review

Introduction:

   I bought my Saramonic Smartrig II About two weeks ago. I have been using it as a DI for guitar, and Mic. I got the TRRS version, with one 6.3mm/XLR input. This is the cheapest of the models at about $20-$30. I paid $25. There is also a dual input model, a Type-C, and a an apple lightning plug model. We will be discussing the TRRS.

FIRST IMPRESSION:

    

   After unboxing I was very excited. It was very light as it is of plastic construction. In the box is the Smartrig II, a Velcro loop, and the manual. The devise is very simple and straight forward. I hooked up my microphone first. Then plugged into my smartphone using the TRRS. I opened bandlab, and it worked right away. Again very simple and intuitive. It has one control which is it's gain nob. Turns smoothly, doesn't feel too cheap overall. Despite it's very low price. The other models are between $79-$140. Big difference for pretty much same function. Although it is generally said that uab connection delivers better sound quality.

SOUND/FUNCTIONALITY:

   The Smartrig II delivers good sound. It is perfectly capable of being used to record songs, using guitar, mic, or any other line in instrument. I wasn't able to use guitar at first, though. This was due to it being a very snug fit for the guitar cord. I didn't want to force it into the device. The tip of the guitar cord was where the resistance began. This worried me at first, but a little push got it in the jack. From there it was as simple as using the microphone. Sound quality was good, for guitar as well. I was able to use my pedal into it too. The sound was very close to pure, as far as the tone I got. I am pretty impressed with the Smartrig II after using it to record.

NEGATIVES/CONS:

   Now for the bad. I will first say again  I am impressed, and overall satisfied. The guitar plugging in was frustrating at first, but as mentioned works very well. My only real complaint is to do with a volume, or gain issue. I am still not sure what, or why exactly I have the issue I do. Which is that when I am using the Smartrig II to record or otherwise. I have a drop in volume. It happens after about 3-5 seconds of solid voice, or guitar. I am not sure if it's Bandlab, as that's the daw I'm using. I did try it with one other daw. The same thing happened. I haven't tested it through an amp, or speaker. But I feel its most likely the device itself. Maybe a function of clipping when sound going in is too high. Not sure. If anyone can shed light on why, or how to fix this. Please leave a comment, or e-mail me. You're input is always greatly appreciated. The only other minor issue us the short cord length.

Which is about 3ft.

CONCLUSION:

   Overall the Smartrig II with TRRS plug is a great devise. I get a lot of good use out of it, despite the volume issue. Which I can mostly fix in my daw. Of course this does slow me down, by the extra work created. But it's not a deal breaker for me. As well as, that I feel there is an answer to this that will lead to a fixing of this issue. The cord length issue is somewhat remedied by the Velcro loop. You can put it on your guitar strap, belt loop, or even wrist. So all in all, for $25. I am going to say it's worth the buy. Especially as a cheap solution, for portable smartphone recording altogether. Oh, and a quick mention this is also a great way to add a microphone to camera, as well.

    Thank you for reading check back for more reviews, and rock music articles. Till then, rock my friends!!!

   

BOSS KATANA MKII 50W

    The Boss Katana MKII 50W. A great amp. Though it's slightly less capable than the 100W, and other models. The 50W is an amazing amp. I immediately noticed the great sound. Just it's amp models, and their variations are great by themselves. But then you have all the effects. Connect to the Tone Studio, and it's endless. I highly recommend this if you still don't have one, you need one.

   I got mine about 6 weeks ago. I still am tone tinkering all the time. But the cool thing is they are all very usable tones that make you want to play rather than adjust constantly. You get 4 presets instead of 8 like the upper models. I am still very satisfied. As for volume, it gets loud! I believe you could gig a small to medium venue. And with the great tones so easy to access. You may even mic it up for bigger venues.

    The Boss Tone Studio is what really gets you your value. It turns the 50W into the 100W as far as capabilities. That is minus effects loop and line out, but you can still use it as an interface to record. Use phones/Rec Out to record as well. Right into a smartphone even. You get access to the panel controls that aren't on the 50W, as well. The 50W is around $250 vs. 100W at $379. If your just recording at home practicing, or even doing small gigs. Go for the 50W. I am very much amazed at everything it does, and not so disappointed with the little it doesn't.

    So if you are looking for a great amp as a beginner or advanced. Everyone should have one of these. If your not sure which one, and your not looking to gig larger venues. Especially, if you want to record. Buy the 50W built in interface is awesome. I have been enjoying mine so much. And I only like it more as I use it. Hope this helps someone out there.

   I will be doing more updates on this amp. I will dive into the effects next with a post, and video to go along with it. So check back to hear more tones from this awesome amp!

Look for unboxing video....