RØDE AI-Micro Ultra-compact Dual-channel Audio Interface For Computers, Smartphones and Tablets
AI-Micro
Compact Audio Interface
Incredible Audio, Anywhere
The AI-Micro offers complete flexibility when connecting microphones to a smartphone, tablet or computer. Dual 3.5mm inputs allow you to connect any microphone with a 3.5mm output to your device and will automatically detect if it is a TRS or TRRS (mobile type) microphone. You can also configure input 1 as a single stereo input for connecting stereo microphones. A powerful headphone output allows you both to directly monitor your microphones, as well as listen to audio from your device.
Universal Compatibility
Connect to all your devices with ease! The AI-Micro includes the cables you need to connect to your computer (via USB-A or USB-C), as well as your mobile devices – both Lightning (Apple) devices, as well as USB-C phones and tablets, including Android.
Pocket Sized Portability
Supremely portable, the AI-Micro is a professional-quality audio solution you can slip into your pocket for instant use anywhere. Perfect for work meetings, podcasts, location recording, interviews and more. Wherever you are, it turns your phone or computer into a high-quality audio recorder.
Supercharge Your Microphone
The power of the AI-Micro can be further enhanced with the suite of FREE RØDE apps. RØDE Reporter is a simple-to-use audio recorder for your mobile device that is perfect for recording on the go. Need to configure the settings on the AI-Micro? RØDE Central (available for Mac, PC, iOS and Android) allows you to set it up exactly as you need, including configuring the inputs, setting up high-pass filters and more. And RØDE Connect is a powerful audio production tool for your computer (Windows and Mac) that unlocks the powerful DSP inside the AI-Micro, enabling you to access studio-quality processing for your podcast recording or livestream.
| Weight: | 13 g |
| Dimensions: | 8.1 x 3.8 x 13.9 cm; 13 Grams |
| Model: | AIMICRO |
So happy to finally find a product that works with two mics on TikTok and Instagram lives. I tried using a standard splitter with my iPhone, but it saw one side as headphones and not two microphones. I bought this product after looking forever for “iPhone mic splitter 2 microphones etc” I found nothing. Then someone mentioned this product on TikTok. It was still hard to find. Rode really needs to up the SEO for this product on Google. It is a very light weight product which is good not the weigh down the cable coming out of the phone. You will need to download the Rode Central app for it to work, which is an auto-process when you plug it into the phone. Then make your audio output choices on the app, separate channels or one mixed, headphones on or off. Super easy to navigate. No problems with audio quality when urging the headphones or in the recording. Very happy. Will update this review if any issues comes up.
So happy to finally find a product that works with two mics on TikTok and Instagram lives. I tried using a standard splitter with my iPhone, but it saw one side as headphones and not two microphones. I bought this product after looking forever for “iPhone mic splitter 2 microphones etc” I found nothing. Then someone mentioned this product on TikTok. It was still hard to find. Rode really needs to up the SEO for this product on Google. It is a very light weight product which is good not the weigh down the cable coming out of the phone. You will need to download the Rode Central app for it to work, which is an auto-process when you plug it into the phone. Then make your audio output choices on the app, separate channels or one mixed, headphones on or off. Super easy to navigate. No problems with audio quality when urging the headphones or in the recording. Very happy. Will update this review if any issues comes up.
Great option for single mic inpu
After trying out a Focusrite Scarlet 2i2 and Presonus Audiobox 96, this is probably going to end up as my go-to for a single mic input.
It has way more gain than either of those when on the latest firmware. I’m using a Rode Podmic and don’t need to use a Fethead anymore to get a reasonable signal while 6″ away from the mic.
Since there’s only one input, I don’t get the “my voice is only on the left stereo track and nothing on the right” issue (with certain applications implemented by monkies) that required extra steps on my part to fix.
It’s also plug-and-play without any issues so far. It works fine with Discord, Zoom, game VOIP, etc.
The interface is sleek and each knob has a dual function as they can be pressed to toggle phantom power or direct monitoring.
Strangely, there is no manual in the box and the pdf manual was removed from the Rode site. You can still find it on sketchy pdf/manual sites. I was trying to find the cutoff that triggers the red LED (it’s not just on clipping) and couldn’t find this on Rode’s own site.
I think it’s a bit pricy, but overall, I’m happy with this product.
Not good, not bad
I bought this to use for mostly voice chat, so I can’t comment on the other features like monitoring or line out. Overkill for sure, but if it lasts me a long time then I don’t mind spending extra.
The preamp on this interface is weak and should not be used with dynamic microphones. I think for $100 this unit is underwhelming compared to a US-1x2HR or Scarlett Solo. Looking more towards the long term, I would rather spend an extra $20 and get the Tascam instead for a much better microphone preamp, especially if using a dynamic microphone (I don’t and probably won’t).
My biggest concern with this unit are the listed specifications on Rode’s website. When looking at competing Focusrite or Tascam interfaces in this price range, they list much more information than Rode does, like THD+N, impedance, etc. This shows the product is targeted more towards consumers than anyone serious about audio. They are definitely trying to hide something.
Having said that, I bought a returned unit for $70 which is what I think this unit is worth. The body is metal but the bottom is plastic, which is disappointing because it won’t shield the PCB from noise coming from the bottom. The body gets a bit warm which makes me concerned about its longevity. The XLR port has a bit of play, but this is more of a nitpick than an actual issue. I do like how the interface remembers your P48 setting, and its relatively small size.
Overall, I think it’s an ok interface for $70 which is what I paid for, but for $100 I would rather spend $20 more and get the Scarlett Solo or Tascam US-1x2HR which are superior in almost every way.
Mo' powah baby
The mic preamp has really good gain, getting good levels on the notoriously hard to amp Shure SM7B (more than enough to clip) at around 90% on the input pot.
The headphone amp is also really powerful, the 12 o’clock (50%) point drives my 50 ohm planar magnetics (Fostex T60RP) to unsafe levels.
Probably the most versatile audio interface in terms of what input/output hardware you can use with it, I sold my Steinberg UR-22C + Fethead combo and am now just using SM7B and headphones connected directly.
Was looking for a second interface and couldn't have made a better selection. Already getting great sound out of this unit, no weird sound interference, a great value.
Was looking for a second interface and couldn’t have made a better selection. Already getting great sound out of this unit, no weird sound interference, a great value.
Works great, can get SUPER LOUD! And makes it so my whispers can be heard over my microphone with ease
Works great, can get SUPER LOUD! And makes it so my whispers can be heard over my microphone with ease
Can be fussy
Once this thing is working it’s fantastic, super clean preamp, build quality is great and just a stupid powerful headphone amp.
One thing I have to warn people about however is its super fussy about about the bus its using. I have an ITX motherboard with only USB 3.0 interfaces, and this will drop out after about 10 minutes of use and I have zero Idea why. So I got a little usb 2.0 breakout board and that let me use this no problem.
Can be fussy
Once this thing is working it’s fantastic, super clean preamp, build quality is great and just a stupid powerful headphone amp.
One thing I have to warn people about however is its super fussy about about the bus its using. I have an ITX motherboard with only USB 3.0 interfaces, and this will drop out after about 10 minutes of use and I have zero Idea why. So I got a little usb 2.0 breakout board and that let me use this no problem.
Excellent quality.
Very easy to use. It is simple and small and shows great quality, very professional.
High quality, reliable and tiny.
I think this is a great product. I love the way it works with Rode Connect software. Each mic can be separated to left or right and they come up as individual mics in the Connect software.
The thing is tiny and so simple to use and avoids the problems when 3.5mm jacks aren’t recognised correctly on your computer, as it’s just a USB device and works every time. I also like the auto detection of TRS and TRRS, meaning I can use one less adaptor from my microphones.
High quality, reliable and tiny.
I think this is a great product. I love the way it works with Rode Connect software. Each mic can be separated to left or right and they come up as individual mics in the Connect software.
The thing is tiny and so simple to use and avoids the problems when 3.5mm jacks aren’t recognised correctly on your computer, as it’s just a USB device and works every time. I also like the auto detection of TRS and TRRS, meaning I can use one less adaptor from my microphones.
Das Interface ist Super. Hab es mit geholt weil ich mit meinem Alten USB Interface immer wieder ein Knacken/Kratzen im Ton hatte. Kratzen weg, ich zufrieden alles passt. Daher eig. 5* hab nur einen abgezogen da ich das Problem habe das es manchmal beim Booten nicht erkannt wird. Aber einmal schnell aus und wieder einstecken und alles passt wieder.
One channel audio interface for iOS and Android devices
If you need an audio interface to connect XLR microphone, this is one of the best options available.
The problem with most other audio interfaces is that they are not one-channel mono devices.
If you record both video and audio at the same time using usb audio interface and external microphone and audio interface has more than one channel, your video will have sound only in left channel or some apps won’t even work at all. So if you try to listen for recording in headphones, your right headphone will be silent which is quite annoying. You will need to duplicate left audio channel into the right audio channel in post processing too.
With one channel audio interface like Rode AI-1, your video recorder will have a proper sound even with standard iOS or Android camera (coming out of both left and right headphones). All third-party cameras are going to work fine with it too.
I verified Rode AI-1 to be working with IPad Pro, Google Pixel 3 and iPod 7th generation (phantom power on, connected to dynamic microphone with FetHead preamp). One note though, for lightning iOS devices like iPod you will need a powered camera USB adapter (available from Apple), it did not work without additional power supplied.
One channel audio interface for iOS and Android devices
If you need an audio interface to connect XLR microphone, this is one of the best options available.
The problem with most other audio interfaces is that they are not one-channel mono devices.
If you record both video and audio at the same time using usb audio interface and external microphone and audio interface has more than one channel, your video will have sound only in left channel or some apps won’t even work at all. So if you try to listen for recording in headphones, your right headphone will be silent which is quite annoying. You will need to duplicate left audio channel into the right audio channel in post processing too.
With one channel audio interface like Rode AI-1, your video recorder will have a proper sound even with standard iOS or Android camera (coming out of both left and right headphones). All third-party cameras are going to work fine with it too.
I verified Rode AI-1 to be working with IPad Pro, Google Pixel 3 and iPod 7th generation (phantom power on, connected to dynamic microphone with FetHead preamp). One note though, for lightning iOS devices like iPod you will need a powered camera USB adapter (available from Apple), it did not work without additional power supplied.
I bought it mainly as an audio interface for the iPad Pro. And suffice to say, it works. Also, with proper cable, can directly feed the audio to a camera too. Sound is clean enough, especially compared to my Zoom H5. Only caveat is I use with a sound booster Klark Teknik CM1, which doesn't require so much gain. Without that, one has to increase the gain all the way up. But even at that level, the sound is clean with minimal background hiss.
I bought it mainly as an audio interface for the iPad Pro. And suffice to say, it works. Also, with proper cable, can directly feed the audio to a camera too. Sound is clean enough, especially compared to my Zoom H5. Only caveat is I use with a sound booster Klark Teknik CM1, which doesn’t require so much gain. Without that, one has to increase the gain all the way up. But even at that level, the sound is clean with minimal background hiss.
Gain knob works fine but as the gain range is just 48 db , so i have to push it up more on around 70 % to get the decent recording levels for my akg p220 condenser mic.
Gain knob works fine but as the gain range is just 48 db , so i have to push it up more on around 70 % to get the decent recording levels for my akg p220 condenser mic.
Ich habe das Interface hauptschlich als DAC und Kopfhrerverstrker gekauft.
Die Leistung des Kopfhrerverstrkers ist — insbesondere fr ein Gert, welches ber USB mit Strom versorgt wird — beachtlich und reicht auch fr Kopfhrer mit hherer Impedanz. Ein konkretes Beispiel: Der Lautstrkeregler reicht von etwa “7 Uhr” (leiseste Position bzw. “aus”) bis “5 Uhr” (volle Lautstrke). Wenn ich mit meinen Sennheiser HD 600 Kopfhrern (300 Ohm) hre, dann stelle ich den Regler meist irgendwo zwischen “8 Uhr” und “9 Uhr” ein, also etwa 10-20%. Da sind also gengend Reserven vorhanden. Die Haptik ist ebenfalls gut. Das Gert macht einen soliden, robusten Eindruck und die Regler sind nicht zu leichtgngig, d.h. man kann auch problemlos feinere Lautstrkeunterschiede einstellen.
Klanglich gibt es nichts auszusetzen. Der Kopfhrerausgang hat ein sehr gutes (d.h. niedriges) Rauschverhalten. Mit den Sennheiser Kopfhrern kann ich keinerlei Rauschen hren, selbst wenn ich den Lautstrkeregler voll aufdrehe. Mit empfindlicheren 30 Ohm Kopfhrern kann ich ein leichtes Rauschen wahrnehmen, wenn ich den Regler fast vollstndig aufdrehe — aber wenn ich in dieser Stellung tatschlich Musik hren wrde, wren danach entweder die Kopfhrer oder mein Gehr kaputt. Verzerrungen oder sonstige Unausgewogenheiten vermag ich nicht auszumachen.
Und was mir noch wichtig war und das Interface auch erfllt — es luft auch unter Linux ohne weitere Einrichtung einwandfrei. Den Audio-Eingang des Interfaces habe ich nicht getestet, da ich aktuell dafr (noch) keine Verwendung habe. Aber der Eingang wird korrekt erkannt und ich habe keine Zweifel, dass er auch funktioniert, wenn ich ihn dann mal nutzen will.
Das Einzige, was ich mir an dem Interface noch wnschen wrde, wre ein Ein- und Ausschalter. So ist es halt immer an, wenn der PC an ist und man hat eine kleine leuchtende LED auf dem Tisch. Aber das wusste ich auch vor dem Kauf und ist nicht wirklich strend.
Ich habe das Interface hauptschlich als DAC und Kopfhrerverstrker gekauft.
Die Leistung des Kopfhrerverstrkers ist — insbesondere fr ein Gert, welches ber USB mit Strom versorgt wird — beachtlich und reicht auch fr Kopfhrer mit hherer Impedanz. Ein konkretes Beispiel: Der Lautstrkeregler reicht von etwa “7 Uhr” (leiseste Position bzw. “aus”) bis “5 Uhr” (volle Lautstrke). Wenn ich mit meinen Sennheiser HD 600 Kopfhrern (300 Ohm) hre, dann stelle ich den Regler meist irgendwo zwischen “8 Uhr” und “9 Uhr” ein, also etwa 10-20%. Da sind also gengend Reserven vorhanden. Die Haptik ist ebenfalls gut. Das Gert macht einen soliden, robusten Eindruck und die Regler sind nicht zu leichtgngig, d.h. man kann auch problemlos feinere Lautstrkeunterschiede einstellen.
Klanglich gibt es nichts auszusetzen. Der Kopfhrerausgang hat ein sehr gutes (d.h. niedriges) Rauschverhalten. Mit den Sennheiser Kopfhrern kann ich keinerlei Rauschen hren, selbst wenn ich den Lautstrkeregler voll aufdrehe. Mit empfindlicheren 30 Ohm Kopfhrern kann ich ein leichtes Rauschen wahrnehmen, wenn ich den Regler fast vollstndig aufdrehe — aber wenn ich in dieser Stellung tatschlich Musik hren wrde, wren danach entweder die Kopfhrer oder mein Gehr kaputt. Verzerrungen oder sonstige Unausgewogenheiten vermag ich nicht auszumachen.
Und was mir noch wichtig war und das Interface auch erfllt — es luft auch unter Linux ohne weitere Einrichtung einwandfrei. Den Audio-Eingang des Interfaces habe ich nicht getestet, da ich aktuell dafr (noch) keine Verwendung habe. Aber der Eingang wird korrekt erkannt und ich habe keine Zweifel, dass er auch funktioniert, wenn ich ihn dann mal nutzen will.
Das Einzige, was ich mir an dem Interface noch wnschen wrde, wre ein Ein- und Ausschalter. So ist es halt immer an, wenn der PC an ist und man hat eine kleine leuchtende LED auf dem Tisch. Aber das wusste ich auch vor dem Kauf und ist nicht wirklich strend.
Plug'n'play et solidité
Reu dans une boite dfigure par les prparateurs de commande, j’ai eut extrmement peur mais le produit est extrmement solide, l’emballage l’intrieur aussi. Vous branchez votre micro et le tour est jou. Aucune complication, un petit voyant s’allume lors de la captation d’un son, le matos est formidable
Plug'n'play et solidité
Reu dans une boite dfigure par les prparateurs de commande, j’ai eut extrmement peur mais le produit est extrmement solide, l’emballage l’intrieur aussi. Vous branchez votre micro et le tour est jou. Aucune complication, un petit voyant s’allume lors de la captation d’un son, le matos est formidable
Pienamente soddisfatto.
Molto buona, la uso con un Rode NT1 ed un braccio Tonor che vi consiglio (Trovate la mia recensione nella pagina del prodotto).
Si devono ovviamente installare i driver da internet, non preoccupatevi se all’inizio non funziona.
Works perfectly with any Rode dynamic/condenser microphones. I use it interchangeably with either Rode PodMic (dynamic) and NT1-A (condenser). It requires a bit of tuning for the best sound level for each but works perfectly with either of them. I use it with Windows 10 and it is detected flawlessly and no complaint so far.
Works perfectly with any Rode dynamic/condenser microphones. I use it interchangeably with either Rode PodMic (dynamic) and NT1-A (condenser). It requires a bit of tuning for the best sound level for each but works perfectly with either of them. I use it with Windows 10 and it is detected flawlessly and no complaint so far.
Works perfectly with any Rode dynamic/condenser microphones. I use it interchangeably with either Rode PodMic (dynamic) and NT1-A (condenser). It requires a bit of tuning for the best sound level for each but works perfectly with either of them. I use it with Windows 10 and it is detected flawlessly and no complaint so far.
Works perfectly with any Rode dynamic/condenser microphones. I use it interchangeably with either Rode PodMic (dynamic) and NT1-A (condenser). It requires a bit of tuning for the best sound level for each but works perfectly with either of them. I use it with Windows 10 and it is detected flawlessly and no complaint so far.
Great little interface
Great quality, compact but solid metal construction. USB compliant, so just plug in and go. Great sound through Rode NT-1 and Rode Procaste
I connected this interface from my mic to computer and it was very easy to set up and worked the first time. Nice.
I connected this interface from my mic to computer and it was very easy to set up and worked the first time. Nice.
Bought one as a smaller alternative to a two-input interface. Design is great, build quality is great. Very easy to use. Very portable as it is tiny.
One minor niggle and it applies to most interfaces. This unit has barely sufficient gain for the Rode Podmic (and I suspect the Procaster- although I haven’t tried it)
I used to record some v/o pieces and with max gain and about an inch from the podmic it struggled to give a usable level. Raising my voice substantially produced -12db or thereabouts. With a mic booster (fethead) it gave more usable levels. I suspect the podmic is especially gain-hungry and the unit would do better with other dynamic mics or condenser mics.
Bought one as a smaller alternative to a two-input interface. Design is great, build quality is great. Very easy to use. Very portable as it is tiny.
One minor niggle and it applies to most interfaces. This unit has barely sufficient gain for the Rode Podmic (and I suspect the Procaster- although I haven’t tried it)
I used to record some v/o pieces and with max gain and about an inch from the podmic it struggled to give a usable level. Raising my voice substantially produced -12db or thereabouts. With a mic booster (fethead) it gave more usable levels. I suspect the podmic is especially gain-hungry and the unit would do better with other dynamic mics or condenser mics.
Amazon warehouse described as cosmetic damage, it arrived in perfect condition
The interface itself is amazing and so easy to use, seamless integration with windows 10 and very very good audio
Amazon warehouse described as cosmetic damage, it arrived in perfect condition
The interface itself is amazing and so easy to use, seamless integration with windows 10 and very very good audio
I got this amp for my DT990 and AT2020. Together these have a 350ohm impedance but this 300ohm amp runs it just fine. I hardly need to get to get the volume knob above 1/4 before it's loud enough. 1/3-1/2 is full volume on my old headphones (G933). Anything above half I've found to be far too loud (which I guess is a good thing lol). This thing drives everything great and setup was plug and play. Make sure that the sample rate for both the mic and headphones are set to the same if you are having issues with your mic working.
I got this amp for my DT990 and AT2020. Together these have a 350ohm impedance but this 300ohm amp runs it just fine. I hardly need to get to get the volume knob above 1/4 before it’s loud enough. 1/3-1/2 is full volume on my old headphones (G933). Anything above half I’ve found to be far too loud (which I guess is a good thing lol). This thing drives everything great and setup was plug and play. Make sure that the sample rate for both the mic and headphones are set to the same if you are having issues with your mic working.
BEST little preamp I’ve ever purchased. CloudLifters are great and portable but having the USB capability is so nice on this. There is literally NO NOISE on a 14′ mogami xlr cable to my Shure SM7B…I’m overwhelmed at how nice this preamp is. I debated on this and focusrite and couldn’t be happier. I’ve been using this for voiceovers for film work and podcasting. Absolutely and utterly worth the money…I wouldn’t be surprised if this jumps in price soon due to the insanely popular podcast format again. Make no mistake, this is a piece of professional equipment despite its small size.
BEST little preamp I’ve ever purchased. CloudLifters are great and portable but having the USB capability is so nice on this. There is literally NO NOISE on a 14′ mogami xlr cable to my Shure SM7B…I’m overwhelmed at how nice this preamp is. I debated on this and focusrite and couldn’t be happier. I’ve been using this for voiceovers for film work and podcasting. Absolutely and utterly worth the money…I wouldn’t be surprised if this jumps in price soon due to the insanely popular podcast format again. Make no mistake, this is a piece of professional equipment despite its small size.
Another hit from Rode
Super clean preamps for the price, best in class honestly. Zero issues and entirely effortless, so much better than my Focusrite gen 2 Solo which was plagued with problems.
Needed product for my room recording found the product nice, good built and compact. Value for money. Since I am using Rode NT1A it should fit perfect with the same.
Rode AI1 is made of whole metal very sturdy and build like a tank. Very compact you can carry with your any where. It has one combo input which use can use for microphone, line level and guitar as well. It will automatically detect the input and give the desired output.
It gives only one output at a time either the headphone out or the monitor out. So you have to decide which one you want to use when you are working on your recording. Rode is very known brand in Microphone so I think the audio interface should be also good. Looking forward to work around with it.
Rode AI1 is made of whole metal very sturdy and build like a tank. Very compact you can carry with your any where. It has one combo input which use can use for microphone, line level and guitar as well. It will automatically detect the input and give the desired output.
It gives only one output at a time either the headphone out or the monitor out. So you have to decide which one you want to use when you are working on your recording. Rode is very known brand in Microphone so I think the audio interface should be also good. Looking forward to work around with it.
It does not have a bunch of inputs and pads, but what it does do it does as well or better than competing units. Very sturdy build, excellent components, and very low noise.
It does not have a bunch of inputs and pads, but what it does do it does as well or better than competing units. Very sturdy build, excellent components, and very low noise.
It does not have a bunch of inputs and pads, but what it does do it does as well or better than competing units. Very sturdy build, excellent components, and very low noise.
It does not have a bunch of inputs and pads, but what it does do it does as well or better than competing units. Very sturdy build, excellent components, and very low noise.
Das Interface ist sehr gut verarbeitet, wurde von Windows 10 ohne weitere Treiber Installationen erkannt und funktioniert einwandfrei. Ich betreibe daran ein Rode Procaster, fr welches das Interface deutlich zu wenig Leistung hat, was aber fr so ziemlich alle USB Interfaces gilt, besonders in der Preisklasse. Da der bestellte Fethead noch nicht eingetroffen ist, luft das Interface daher momentan auf 100% Gain mit einer zustzlichen softwareseitigen Verstrkung von 12dB. Selbst bei diesen sehr ungnstigen Einstellungen gibt es kein hrbares Rauschen oder Clipping.
Ich habe das Gert bestellt fr 2 Yamaha HS7. Die Qualitt ist toll, die Verarbeitung ausgezeichnet und die USB C Anschluss eine nette Erneuerung.
Plug und Play unter Mac os perfekt.
Works perfectly for me. I have connected several condenser mics that require phantom power to my PC, Very quiet and clean! I later bought the Rode NT-1 mic, which mates perfectly with this interface as well!
Works perfectly for me. I have connected several condenser mics that require phantom power to my PC, Very quiet and clean! I later bought the Rode NT-1 mic, which mates perfectly with this interface as well!
So I use a thunderbolt 3 cable and thunderbolt 3 for this. Don’t have to. But I don’t know if that helps out with the speed. I already had a cable and was planning to use this with an unused port on my imac. I can say its very clear. I can’t really use speakers at home So I do use the outs to connect to a higher ohm headphone amp. I can say it works really well and is very clear. I do notice that I have to unplug it every week or so as it will not play sound from time to time. I think as someone who creates content and works fixing computer issues. This is very acceptable and normal. I enjoy it especially with my higher end headphones 500 ohms plus. I use to stream pandora most of the time while drawing or just on logic x pro for making music here and there. Then again I have a really souped up imac that I bought for almost 4k usd so that probably helps as well. It does not lag using thunderbolt 3 (this is only usb 3 i believe) its all I need just to plug in a mic the keyboard plugs into the mac. I haven’t noticed any lag yet but you do have peace of mind with their feature where you can record without latency. Almost bought the universal’s arrow. I think this is a smarter buy if you just need something to sing on or hook up a guitar to. USb 3 is fairly quick I don’t see why You’d need more than that. If you get effects heavy then yeah but get you a thousand dollar option with on board processors right?
So I use a thunderbolt 3 cable and thunderbolt 3 for this. Don’t have to. But I don’t know if that helps out with the speed. I already had a cable and was planning to use this with an unused port on my imac. I can say its very clear. I can’t really use speakers at home So I do use the outs to connect to a higher ohm headphone amp. I can say it works really well and is very clear. I do notice that I have to unplug it every week or so as it will not play sound from time to time. I think as someone who creates content and works fixing computer issues. This is very acceptable and normal. I enjoy it especially with my higher end headphones 500 ohms plus. I use to stream pandora most of the time while drawing or just on logic x pro for making music here and there. Then again I have a really souped up imac that I bought for almost 4k usd so that probably helps as well. It does not lag using thunderbolt 3 (this is only usb 3 i believe) its all I need just to plug in a mic the keyboard plugs into the mac. I haven’t noticed any lag yet but you do have peace of mind with their feature where you can record without latency. Almost bought the universal’s arrow. I think this is a smarter buy if you just need something to sing on or hook up a guitar to. USb 3 is fairly quick I don’t see why You’d need more than that. If you get effects heavy then yeah but get you a thousand dollar option with on board processors right?
This saved me thousands on my podcast setup. After lots of experimenting, I came to the conclusion that the general consensus that condenser mics are where it’s at for high quality voice overs is erroneous. Many people have told me I have a pleasant voice, that said, if the purpose of you making noise into a mic is primarily to convey some kind of content – like, say, for a podcast or ebook – then choosing a mic that strongly emphasizes all the nuances and subtleties of the way you talk really only detracts from that purpose, and ultimately serves to distract the listener from what you are saying. So in short, condenser mics are great for singing, but for spoken word stuff, I believe dynamic mics are much, much better suited (not to mention how their decreased sensitivity to outside noises will help you sound professional and save you lots of money with respect to your sound recording setup!).
However, there is one HUGE problem in that case: dynamic mics such as the classic Sure SM-57 I chose (which I highly recommend btw), require preamps to be set very high, and that inevitably creates an audible static noise in the background of your recordings. You have two choices to solve this problem: A) purchase a very expensive preamp with a low noise floor B) use this simple, inexpensive interface which also has an insanely low-noise preamp. Literally there is a German guy on youtube who scientifically proves how crazy low the preamp noise floor is on this vs. much more expensive gear, it’s kind of ridiculous actually (sorry amazon won’t let me post links, sending you away elsewhere than the ‘order now’ page would hurt their bottom line I guess!).
Anyhow. Wish I would have know all of the above at the beginning – so much trial and error, money, and headache could have been spared! I hope this may spare a few people all the pains I took to find what was best. Good luck in your recording endeavors!
This saved me thousands on my podcast setup. After lots of experimenting, I came to the conclusion that the general consensus that condenser mics are where it’s at for high quality voice overs is erroneous. Many people have told me I have a pleasant voice, that said, if the purpose of you making noise into a mic is primarily to convey some kind of content – like, say, for a podcast or ebook – then choosing a mic that strongly emphasizes all the nuances and subtleties of the way you talk really only detracts from that purpose, and ultimately serves to distract the listener from what you are saying. So in short, condenser mics are great for singing, but for spoken word stuff, I believe dynamic mics are much, much better suited (not to mention how their decreased sensitivity to outside noises will help you sound professional and save you lots of money with respect to your sound recording setup!).
However, there is one HUGE problem in that case: dynamic mics such as the classic Sure SM-57 I chose (which I highly recommend btw), require preamps to be set very high, and that inevitably creates an audible static noise in the background of your recordings. You have two choices to solve this problem: A) purchase a very expensive preamp with a low noise floor B) use this simple, inexpensive interface which also has an insanely low-noise preamp. Literally there is a German guy on youtube who scientifically proves how crazy low the preamp noise floor is on this vs. much more expensive gear, it’s kind of ridiculous actually (sorry amazon won’t let me post links, sending you away elsewhere than the ‘order now’ page would hurt their bottom line I guess!).
Anyhow. Wish I would have know all of the above at the beginning – so much trial and error, money, and headache could have been spared! I hope this may spare a few people all the pains I took to find what was best. Good luck in your recording endeavors!
The Rode AI-1 is very small and compact, with a great PreAmp with no discernible noise. The thing feels like it’s built like a tank with it’s all metal construction and feels like it will last. Plus it utilizes a USB C connection so that is very nice! If you need a small, well built interface with great a PreAmp then pick this up!
EDIT 11/28/18: Been using this for a while now, often times when I restart the computer the interface will fail to connect. It displays a red light on the 48V light. pressing the button to enable 48V does nothing. After a series of unplugging and replugging it often comes back after 10 tries. Not my USB ports. I will increase the rating if this issue happens to get fixed but for now, I do not recommend this until this issue is fixed. Still sounds very good though.
EDIT: 1/1/19 I have been in contact with Rode and they have provided me with a beta firmware and it has seemed to fix this issue, should you experience this issue, contact them and ask for the firmware if it is not already on there website by the time you read this. (Firmware at the time of reading for the beta firmware is 1.2.3)
EDIT: 1/24/20 Interface is still going strong, FW is still 1.2.3 (and is now the current version) and it still sounds great had has been performing wonderfully!
The Rode AI-1 is very small and compact, with a great PreAmp with no discernible noise. The thing feels like it’s built like a tank with it’s all metal construction and feels like it will last. Plus it utilizes a USB C connection so that is very nice! If you need a small, well built interface with great a PreAmp then pick this up!
EDIT 11/28/18: Been using this for a while now, often times when I restart the computer the interface will fail to connect. It displays a red light on the 48V light. pressing the button to enable 48V does nothing. After a series of unplugging and replugging it often comes back after 10 tries. Not my USB ports. I will increase the rating if this issue happens to get fixed but for now, I do not recommend this until this issue is fixed. Still sounds very good though.
EDIT: 1/1/19 I have been in contact with Rode and they have provided me with a beta firmware and it has seemed to fix this issue, should you experience this issue, contact them and ask for the firmware if it is not already on there website by the time you read this. (Firmware at the time of reading for the beta firmware is 1.2.3)
EDIT: 1/24/20 Interface is still going strong, FW is still 1.2.3 (and is now the current version) and it still sounds great had has been performing wonderfully!
I am using this with a MacBook Pro and dynamic Shure mic and it seems to work fine. Output is a bit low – with the mic volume cranked all the way up, it frequently shows its red light that the levels are too high when just speaking, but there doesn’t appear to be any clipping and the output is only at about 20% of recording volume.
I am using this with a MacBook Pro and dynamic Shure mic and it seems to work fine. Output is a bit low – with the mic volume cranked all the way up, it frequently shows its red light that the levels are too high when just speaking, but there doesn’t appear to be any clipping and the output is only at about 20% of recording volume.
2 great things about this interface:
1. CLEAN preamps. There’s a noticable difference between this preamp and the MIDAS preamps on the Behringer UMC204HD. Keep in mind the preamp has less overall gain (+45dB) so make sure your input is loud enough or use a pre-preamp 😀 like the Cloudlifter or Fethead.
2. It’s a USB class 1 device. That means it doesn’t need any special drivers! Plug and play! I’ve had no driver issues so far compared to the frequent crashes I had with the UMC204HD.
10/10 would recommend.
This audio interface is all you need if you have one xlr mic and headphones. The quality is amazing for the money you're paying, especially if you get the AI-1/NT-1 combo deal.
This audio interface is all you need if you have one xlr mic and headphones. The quality is amazing for the money you’re paying, especially if you get the AI-1/NT-1 combo deal.
This audio interface is all you need if you have one xlr mic and headphones. The quality is amazing for the money you're paying, especially if you get the AI-1/NT-1 combo deal.
This audio interface is all you need if you have one xlr mic and headphones. The quality is amazing for the money you’re paying, especially if you get the AI-1/NT-1 combo deal.
I recently gave this product a bad review (one star), believing it stopped working properly after the second day of use. But as it turns out, it wasn’t the interface, but rather the USB port of my computer that was at fault. So after using the product for more than 6 hours, I am retracting the bad review for an ok one.
It does what the manufacturers claim it is supposed to do. It is well made and sturdy.
I believe it is best suited to work with a condenser mic though, as when used with my dynamic mic the volume is too low to be able to be of any use. So if you are going to use this with a dynamic mic – which you can’t use the phantom power – you will need to also purchase either a cloudlifter or fethead. I wish I knew this when I purchased it, as I don’t presently have the spare $150-$200 needed for a decent one.
So in closing, while it does work with both a condenser and dynamic mic, one of it’s biggest selling features (phantom power) can’t be used with the dynamic. Hopefully when I have the money for a fethead I’ll be able to come back and give this a five star rating. Until then, I’ll leave it at 4 stars – which is much better than the one star I originally gave it.
I recently gave this product a bad review (one star), believing it stopped working properly after the second day of use. But as it turns out, it wasn’t the interface, but rather the USB port of my computer that was at fault. So after using the product for more than 6 hours, I am retracting the bad review for an ok one.
It does what the manufacturers claim it is supposed to do. It is well made and sturdy.
I believe it is best suited to work with a condenser mic though, as when used with my dynamic mic the volume is too low to be able to be of any use. So if you are going to use this with a dynamic mic – which you can’t use the phantom power – you will need to also purchase either a cloudlifter or fethead. I wish I knew this when I purchased it, as I don’t presently have the spare $150-$200 needed for a decent one.
So in closing, while it does work with both a condenser and dynamic mic, one of it’s biggest selling features (phantom power) can’t be used with the dynamic. Hopefully when I have the money for a fethead I’ll be able to come back and give this a five star rating. Until then, I’ll leave it at 4 stars – which is much better than the one star I originally gave it.