USER GUIDEOVERVIEW
The AI-1 USB Audio Interface adds studio-quality Inputand Output capabilities to your PC or Mac, turning yourrecording 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 orline level audio signal to your Mac/Windows computerfor recording. The AI-1 provides the necessary A/Dconversion at up to 24 bit/96kHz.
The AI-1 also allows playback and monitoring of audio
either direct from the microphone or via playback fromthe recording software. This is done via a high-quality
discrete headphone amplifier and outputs via either the¼’’ headphone output on the front of the unit or thebalanced 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 REQUIREMENTSAppleMacOS 10.10 or later with USB 2.0 or 3.0 USB port
WindowsWindows 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 runningon battery. This could mean the AI-1 does not receive enoughpower to run optimally. If this is the case, connect your laptop
to the power supply when using the AI-1.

AI-1User Guide V02RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017

CONNECTING YOUR AI-1
If your computer doesn’t automatically switchits default input/output to the RODE AI-1 whenconnected, 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 andoutput device.
Windows
Go to Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound> Manage Audio Devices(alternatively right click the speaker icon in the bottom rightof the taskbar and select Playback)Confirm that ‘RODE AI-1’ is selected as the default device inboth the Playback and Recording tabs.
The AI-1 is a class compliant device and therefore does notneed 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 theperformance. This will give the best performance without
distortion or noise.
The high-power headphone amplifier in the AI-1 is capable ofproducing extremely high volume levels in some headphones.
Start with the volume turned right down, and turn up until thelevel is comfortable.
Please turn headphone level down before unplugging
headphones to mix via speakers.

AI-1User Guide V02RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017

HARDWARE FEATURES
Front
1.

XLR-1/4” Combo Input Balanced input via 3-pin XLR1/4” Neutrik combo socket. Microphones, instruments(guitars) and line level instruments (synthesizers) can beconnected via this input.

2.

Signal LED Indicates signal input level. No LED indicatesbelow -60dB. Green LED indicates an input level of atleast -40dB, Yellow indicates an input level above -12dB
and Red indicates an input level of above -3dB.

3.

Phantom Power LED Indicates when phantom power
48V is applied to XLR-1/4” Combo Jack input. Gain levelknob 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 Monitoringis on/off. When Direct Monitoring is ON, audio from themicrophone 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 theUSB cable.

8.

Headphone Jack Output Connector for headphones,¼’’ TRS jack required.

Back
1.

USB-C Port USB-C type connector. Connect to yourlaptop or computer with the USB cable supplied.

2.

Speaker outputs 2 x ¼” impedance balanced outputs.

FRONT

BACKNoteSpeaker output is muted when headphones are connected.
Unplug headphones to enable monitoring via the speaker
output. To avoid feedback loops when monitoring onspeakers, please disable any connected microphone. When
ready to record with a mic, either turn down speakers orswitch to headphone monitoring.
AI-1User Guide V02RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017

SPECIFICATIONS
Computer Connectivity

USB

Form Factor

Desktop

Simultaneous I/O

1x2

Number of Preamps

1

Phantom PowerYes

Bit Depth

24-bitSample Rates

44.1 kHz48 kHz88.2 kHz96 kHzAnalog Inputs

1 x Neutrik XLR-1/4” combo

Analog Outputs

2 x 1/4” (impedance balanced)
1 x 1/4” (headphones)

Direct MonitorYesUSB

1 x USB Type C

Bus PoweredYes

OS Requirements

Mac OS 10.10 or later
Windows 7 or later

PowerUSB bus-powered

Depth100mm total (with knobs)
chassis: 88mm

Width

124mm

Height38mm

Weight1lb 3.7oz
560g

AI-1User Guide V02RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017

ADVANCED SPECIFICATIONSINPUTOUTPUTSXLR/MIC INPUTMONITOR OUTPUTS

Dynamic Range

104dBA

Equivalent Input Noise @Maximum Gain
(Source Impedance
150 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz,A-weighted)–128dBAMax Input

+6dBu

THD

<0.008% (-30dBu input,
30dB gain)

Frequency Response(Measured after ADC)

20Hz – 20kHz better
than ±1dB

Gain Range

0dB – >45dB

Input Impedance

1.3K Ohms

Maximum Output Level-6dBu

Frequency Response

20Hz – 20kHz better than
±1dB

Dynamic Range

112dBA

HEADPHONE
Max output power at
1% THD

32Ohms – >210mW
300Ohms – >390mW

INSTRUMENT INPUT
Dynamic Range

99dBA

Frequency Response(Measured after ADC)

20Hz – 20kHz better
than ±1dB

Gain Range0dB – >45dB

Max Input+12dBuTHD<0.04% (-10 dBu input,0dB gain)

Input Impedance

900K Ohms

AI-1User Guide V02RØDE MICROPHONES – DECEMBER 2017