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AI-1 User Guide v2

The AI-1 is an audio interface that allows users to connect microphones and instruments to their computer for recording and playback purposes. It has an XLR/instrument input, headphone output, and balanced speaker outputs. It operates at up to 24-bit/96kHz sampling and has a Class-A preamp and headphone amplifier. The AI-1 is bus powered via USB and compatible with Mac and Windows computers.

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Shaun Keegan
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114 views6 pages

AI-1 User Guide v2

The AI-1 is an audio interface that allows users to connect microphones and instruments to their computer for recording and playback purposes. It has an XLR/instrument input, headphone output, and balanced speaker outputs. It operates at up to 24-bit/96kHz sampling and has a Class-A preamp and headphone amplifier. The AI-1 is bus powered via USB and compatible with Mac and Windows computers.

Uploaded by

Shaun Keegan
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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USER GUIDE

OVERVIEW

The AI-1 USB Audio Interface adds studio-quality Input


and Output capabilities to your PC or Mac, turning your
recording software into a full recording setup.
With its high quality Neutrik XLR-1/4” Combo Jack
combined input and discrete Class-A preamp, the AI-1
allows you to connect a microphone or instrument or
line level audio signal to your Mac/Windows computer
for recording. The AI-1 provides the necessary A/D
conversion at up to 24 bit/96kHz.
The AI-1 also allows playback and monitoring of audio
either direct from the microphone or via playback from
the recording software. This is done via a high-quality
discrete headphone amplifier and outputs via either the
¼’’ headphone output on the front of the unit or the
balanced ¼’’ outputs on the rear of the unit.
Features:
• Ultra low-noise Class-A discrete preamplifier
• Sampling rate of up to 96kHz/24-Bit
• Premium discrete headphone amplifier
• XLR-1/4” Combo Jack Instrument / line level input
• 2 x Balanced 1/4” speaker outputs
• Rugged body with Satin Black Finish
• USB-C/3 connectivity

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Apple
MacOS 10.10 or later with USB 2.0 or 3.0 USB port
Windows
Windows 7 OS or later with USB 2.0 or 3.0 USB port
The AI-1 is USB bus powered so there is no need for an
external power supply.
Some laptops may limit the USB output power when running
on battery. This could mean the AI-1 does not receive enough
power to run optimally. If this is the case, connect your laptop
to the power supply when using the AI-1.

AI-1User Guide V02 RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017


CONNECTING YOUR AI-1

If your computer doesn’t automatically switch


its default input/output to the RODE AI-1 when
connected, you can set this up with the following
steps:
Mac OS
Go to System Preferences > Sound
Confirm that ‘RODE AI-1’ is selected as the input and
output device.
Windows
Go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound
> Manage Audio Devices
(alternatively right click the speaker icon in the bottom right
of the taskbar and select Playback)
Confirm that ‘RODE AI-1’ is selected as the default device in
both the Playback and Recording tabs.
The AI-1 is a class compliant device and therefore does not
need any drivers installed.
For future firmware updates, please visit rode.com/ai1

TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS

Phantom power needs to be activated for most condenser


microphones, but is not necessary for dynamic microphones
or instruments. It is recommended that you deselect phantom
power before connecting devices that do not need it.
When setting levels, adjust the input gain so the signal
level LED flashes yellow during the loudest parts of the
performance. This will give the best performance without
distortion or noise.
The high-power headphone amplifier in the AI-1 is capable of
producing extremely high volume levels in some headphones.
Start with the volume turned right down, and turn up until the
level is comfortable.
Please turn headphone level down before unplugging
headphones to mix via speakers.

AI-1User Guide V02 RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017


HARDWARE FEATURES

Front

1. XLR-1/4” Combo Input Balanced input via 3-pin XLR-


1/4” Neutrik combo socket. Microphones, instruments
(guitars) and line level instruments (synthesizers) can be
connected via this input.
2. Signal LED Indicates signal input level. No LED indicates
below -60dB. Green LED indicates an input level of at
least -40dB, Yellow indicates an input level above -12dB
and Red indicates an input level of above -3dB. FRONT
3. Phantom Power LED Indicates when phantom power
48V is applied to XLR-1/4” Combo Jack input. Gain level
knob must be pushed to turn on/off.
4. Gain Level Knob Gain knob for adjusting input gain.
Press knob to turn on/off phantom power.
5. Playback/Monitor Level Knob Gain knob for adjusting
headphone / speaker volume. Press knob to turn Direct
Monitoring on/off.
6. Direct Monitor LED Indicates when Direct Monitoring
is on/off. When Direct Monitoring is ON, audio from the
microphone will be routed directly to the headphones.
When Direct Monitoring is OFF, you will hear only audio
from the computer.
7. USB LED Indicates when the AI-1 is connected via the
USB cable.
8. Headphone Jack Output Connector for headphones,
¼’’ TRS jack required.

Back BACK

1. USB-C Port USB-C type connector. Connect to your


laptop or computer with the USB cable supplied.
2. Speaker outputs 2 x ¼” impedance balanced outputs.

Note
Speaker output is muted when headphones are connected.
Unplug headphones to enable monitoring via the speaker
output. To avoid feedback loops when monitoring on
speakers, please disable any connected microphone. When
ready to record with a mic, either turn down speakers or
switch to headphone monitoring.

AI-1User Guide V02 RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017


SPECIFICATIONS

Computer Connectivity USB

Form Factor Desktop

Simultaneous I/O 1x2

Number of Preamps 1

Phantom Power Yes

Bit Depth 24-bit

Sample Rates 44.1 kHz


48 kHz
88.2 kHz
96 kHz
Analog Inputs 1 x Neutrik XLR-1/4” combo

Analog Outputs 2 x 1/4” (impedance balanced)


1 x 1/4” (headphones)
Direct Monitor Yes

USB 1 x USB Type C

Bus Powered Yes

OS Requirements Mac OS 10.10 or later


Windows 7 or later
Power USB bus-powered

Depth 100mm total (with knobs)


chassis: 88mm
Width 124mm

Height 38mm

Weight 1lb 3.7oz


560g

AI-1User Guide V02 RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017


ADVANCED SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT OUTPUTS

XLR/MIC INPUT MONITOR OUTPUTS


Maximum Output Level -6dBu
Dynamic Range 104dBA
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz better than
Equivalent Input Noise @ –128dBA ±1dB
Maximum Gain
(Source Impedance Dynamic Range 112dBA
150 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz,
A-weighted)
HEADPHONE
Max Input +6dBu
Max output power at 32Ohms – >210mW
THD <0.008% (-30dBu input, 1% THD 300Ohms – >390mW
30dB gain)
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz better
(Measured after ADC) than ±1dB
Gain Range 0dB – >45dB

Input Impedance 1.3K Ohms

INSTRUMENT INPUT

Dynamic Range 99dBA

Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz better


(Measured after ADC) than ±1dB
Gain Range 0dB – >45dB

Max Input +12dBu

THD <0.04% (-10 dBu input,


0dB gain)
Input Impedance 900K Ohms

AI-1User Guide V02 RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017

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