I make music on my iPhone and iPad so its a nice little device for me which helps me keep the compact travel arrangement without worry for space for my kit.
I found the led useful for monitoring the state of the device wether it was watched on or the phantom power engaged.
Its battery consumption is very minimal even when I connect a large diaphragm condenser mic. The battery can be left in it while switched off but I will not recommend that.
Another advantage is that while it is connected to your device, you can listen to your iPad, iPhone etc with the iRid interface switched off saving you battery power at least (at least your 9 Volts battery is guaranteed to last longer if you keep it connected ) you however might have to contend with some annoying extension to your favourite device with that, You may have to consider if that doesn't bother you . It doesn't bother me for the job it does. At least it helps me avoid the iRig PRO which costs well over 100gbp
pm me if you like to hear a song I recorded using the iRig Pre to capture the vocals on (strictly ) an iPad
Another down side is that you might not be able to monitor the sound you are recording realtime. If there is something i have missed out here.
I welcome a comment or contribution.
Hope this helps someone make a decision
This product is without doubt the best interface for using these mics. Sure, they may be a bit more expensive but well worth it for quality, ease of interface and all round performance. Very, very happy with it.