Interface

Stand‑Out Features

• The 4 inputs are Neutrik combo XLR / ¼″ jack, so they handle mics and instruments/line‑level sources.
• 9 channels total: 6 physical faders + 3 virtual faders, all assignable.
• Any channel can be assigned to analog input, USB, Bluetooth, or even triggered via the SMART pads.
• 8 fully programmable pads with bank switching → total of up to 64 actions.
• Dual USB‑C interfaces: can connect two computers or mobile devices simultaneously.
• Bluetooth (input/output), WiFi, Ethernet.
• 4 headphone outputs so multiple hosts/guests can monitor separately.
• Multitrack recording (each input/selected channel separately) or stereo, to micro‑SD, USB storage, or to computer.
• 24‑bit / 48 kHz resolution.
• Large 5.5‑inch color touchscreen with haptic feedback and rotary encoder.
• Customizable mixer with RGB color coding (makes it easier to see which fader/pad is what at a glance).

Highlights & Key Features

• Supports up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz A/D & D/A conversion, which is more than enough for most studio, vocal, instrument, and video work.
• Comes with two MIDAS‑designed preamps that are reasonably clean and capable, plus +48 V phantom power so you can use condenser microphones.
• You get 2 combo XLR/TRS inputs (mic/line/instrument), and 4 outputs (balanced TRS for monitors + stereo RCA outputs), plus headphone out. This allows more flexible monitoring setups (e.g. multiple speakers, cueing, etc.).
• Each channel has insert jacks for integrating external effects (compressor, EQ, etc.). Useful if you have outboard gear.
• Has a mix (blend) knob for input vs playback so you can monitor with little or no delay. That’s very helpful when recording vocals or instruments to avoid distraction from hearing echoes/latency.
• There is a Monitor A/B selection (switch), allowing headphone output to monitor either outputs 1‑2 (main) or 3‑4 (aux). Handy for DJ‑style cueing or having different monitor mixes.
• Powered via USB. Makes setup simpler and better for mobile/compact setups.
• Has 5‑pin DIN MIDI In and Out, which is helpful if you use external keyboards, controllers, or other MIDI gear.

Key Features

• Analog I/O2 stereo RCA line inputs; 2 stereo RCA line outputs.
• Headphone Out3.5 mm (1/8″) headphone jack with level/volume control.
• Digital I/OOne optical S/PDIF output (TOSLINK) to send digital audio out.
• USB Interface / PowerUSB 1.1, class‑compliant (i.e. no driver required on many systems). Powered from USB (bus‑powered)
• Frequency ResponseRoughly 10 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz; ≈10 Hz to 22 kHz at 48 kHz.
• Input impedance ~27 kΩ for RCA line inputs; output impedance ~400 Ω. THD ~0.05% at ‑10 dBV, 1 kHz. Signal‑to‑noise ratio around 89 dB (A‑weighted) for input.

Key Strengths

• The Clarett+ preamps offer lots of headroom, low distortion, and low noise. The “Air” mode (analogue circuit, with impedance switching) emulates classic ISA‑110 preamp character — adds presence, clarity, especially in vocals and guitar.
• Supports up to 24‑bit / 192 kHz sample rates. Very good dynamic range (≈ 124 dB) and very low distortion. This helps capture and reproduce audio very cleanly.
• 2 analog inputs (mic/line/instrument) in front.
• Four balanced analog outputs for monitoring/mixing.
• ADAT optical input for digitally adding 8 more mic pre channels via a compatible expander.
• MIDI In/Out too.
• The unit has JFET instrument inputs to preserve the character of guitars, basses etc., similar to plugging into a guitar amp. Useful for direct input (DI) recording.
• Strong, flat-response headphone output, with good power. Low latency performance so you can monitor while using effects/plugins without major delay issues.
• USB‑C connectivity; can be bus‑powered (with a 15 W USB‑C port) for portability. Metal construction.

About the RØDE AI‑1

• Studio‑quality sound: Supports up to 24‑bit / 96 kHz recording and playback. That’s high enough for vocals, instruments, voice‑overs.

• Neutrik combo input (XLR + ¼‑inch): You can plug in a microphone or instrument through the same jack. Phantom power (48V) is included, so condenser mics work.

• Balanced monitor outputs + headphone output: Two balanced ¼‑inch monitor outputs, plus a separate headphone out with its own level control. Good for clean monitoring.

• USB‑C, bus‑powered, class‑compliant: No extra power supply needed; works plug‑and‑play with Mac/Windows without installing drivers.

• Rugged build, clean design: Sturdy aluminium body, satin black finish, rubber feet so it doesn’t slide.

• Software bundle included: Ships with USB cable plus a license for Ableton Live Lite to get started right away.