Ai-1 - DJ Equipment RODE - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	DJ Mixer / Controller
Brand	Rode
Model	Ai-1
Dimensions (W x D x H)	Approx. 318 x 236 x 104 mm
Weight	Approx. 2.8 kg
Power Supply	12V DC, 2A (center positive)
USB Connection	USB Type B
Audio Inputs	2x RCA (Line), 2x XLR/TRS Combo (Mic/Line)
Audio Outputs	2x RCA (Master), 1x TRS (Headphone)
Sample Rate	48 kHz, 24-bit
Frequency Response	20 Hz - 20 kHz
Signal-to-Noise Ratio	> 100 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion	< 0.01%
Crossfader	Yes, replaceable
EQ Controls	3-band EQ per channel (High, Mid, Low)
Software Compatibility	Works with Serato DJ Lite, Virtual DJ, and others
Construction Material	Steel chassis, plastic faceplate
Maintenance & Cleaning	Wipe with a dry, soft cloth. Avoid liquids. Keep knobs and faders clean.
Safety Warnings	Do not expose to water or extreme heat. Use only included power adapter.
Repairability & Spare Parts	Contact Rode support for service. Replaceable faders and crossfader.

Frequently Asked Questions - Ai-1 RODE

How do I connect the Ai-1 to my computer?

Connect using the included USB cable. Install the latest drivers from the Rode website if required. The device should appear as an audio interface.

What DJ software is compatible with the Ai-1?

The Ai-1 is compatible with Serato DJ Lite, Virtual DJ, and other standard software that supports MIDI and audio interfaces.

Can I use the Ai-1 without a computer?

Yes, the Ai-1 can function as a standalone mixer, allowing you to connect turntables or other audio sources directly.

How do I adjust the crossfader curve?

The crossfader curve can be adjusted via a small screw or switch located near the crossfader. Refer to the manual for exact location.

What type of microphone can I connect?

Use a dynamic or condenser microphone with an XLR or 1/4-inch TRS connector. The input provides phantom power if needed.

Why is there no sound from my headphones?

Check that the headphone volume is turned up and the cue buttons are enabled for the desired channel. Ensure headphones are fully inserted.

How do I reset the Ai-1 to factory settings?

Turn off the device, hold the Cue button (or a specific combination) while powering on. Contact support for exact procedure.

Is the Ai-1 compatible with Serato DJ Pro?

The Ai-1 works with Serato DJ Pro, but you may need to purchase a license. It is plug-and-play with Serato DJ Lite.

What maintenance does the Ai-1 require?

Regularly clean the faders and knobs with a dry cloth. Avoid dust buildup. For deep cleaning, use contact cleaner on faders.

Where can I find the user manual?

The user manual can be downloaded for free from notice-facile.com in PDF format.

USER MANUAL Ai-1 RODE

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 14 " headphone output on the front of the unit or the balanced 14 " 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

Laptop with audio recording software on a wooden desk, connected to an RODE microphone (no visible text or symbols on the device or background)

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

RODE MICROPHONES audio recording device on a wooden desk with a computer monitor displaying multiple audio waveform graphs (no readable text or symbols on the device itself)

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.
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, 1/4" TRS jack required.

Back

1. USB-C Port USB-C type connector. Connect to your laptop or computer with the USB cable supplied.
2. Speaker outputs 2 × 14 " 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.

SPECIFICATIONS

Computer Connectivity USB

Form Factor Desktop

Simultaneous I/O 1 x 2

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)

Width 124mm

Height 38mm

Weight 1lb 3.7oz

560g

AI-1User Guide V02

Man playing acoustic guitar with microphones and an acoustic recorder nearby, no visible text or symbols on the main subject.

ADVANCED SPECIFICATIONS

INPUT

XLR/MIC INPUT

Dynamic Range 104dBA

Equivalent Input Noise @ -128dBA

Maximum Gain

(Source Impedance

150 ohms, 20Hz-20kHz,

A-weighted)

Max Input +6dBu

THD <0.008% (-30dBu input,

30dB gain)

Frequency Response

(Measured after ADC)

than ±1dB

Gain Range 0dB - >45dB

Input Impedance 1.3K Ohms

INSTRUMENT INPUT

Dynamic Range 99dBA

Frequency Response

(Measured after ADC)

20Hz - 20kHz better

Gain Range 0dB - >45dB

Max Input +12dBu

THD <0.04% (-10 dBu input,

0dB gain)

Input Impedance 900K Ohms

AI-1User Guide V02

OUTPUTS

MONITOR OUTPUTS

Maximum Output Level -6dBu

Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz better than

±1dB

Dynamic Range 112dBA

HEADPHONE

Max output power at

32Ohms->210mW

300Ohms->390mW

Man playing electric guitar with headphones, seated in a studio setting (no visible text or symbols)