ESi Amber i1 Professional Audio Interface User Guide
- June 13, 2024
- ESi
Table of Contents
Professional 2 Input / 2 Output USB-C
Audio Interface with 24-bit / 192 kHz
Quick Start Guide
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of Amber i1 , a professional USB-C audio interface to connect a microphone, synthesizer or guitar and to moniotor signals with headphones or studio monitors in high level 24-bit / 192 kHz audio quality. Amber i1 works with Mac, PC and as a fully class compliant device even with many portable devices such as iPad and iPhone (via optional adapters).
Getting Started
To start using Amber i1 , connect it to your computer using the included USB cable. The POWER LED will light up to show that the audio interface is ready to use. It is a good time now to either connect headphones to the headphone connector on the front or to use the TRS outputs on the back to connect the interface to active studio monitors. You will not be able to listen to any audio signals otherwise.
On the Mac, Amber i1 does not require any drivers to be used (plug-and- play), however you can download a control panel application on our website. On iPhone or iPad, most audio apps will automatically use the interface after it has been connected. For Windows users, we provide a driver optimized for professional audio applications (incl. ASIO support) that is available for download – http://en.esi.ms/121. Also the driver provides
DirectWIRE, virtual audio channels and loopback functionality. This makes it possible to mix and record internal audio signals from various audio applications. More details about DirectWIRE and loopback can be found on our website in the extensive Knowledge Base under kb.esi-audio.com.
Microphone Connection
To connect a microphone to Amber i1 , you need to know if it is a dynamic or a condenser microphone. Only in the later case, use the +48V switch to enable phantom power (the +48V LED will light up). Make sure to use a XLR cable to connect it to the MICROPHONE input and with the INPUT switch, select MIC.
Guitar Connection
To use Amber i1 with an electric guitar or bass, you need to connect it with a TS guitar cable to the HI-Z input. Use the INPUT switch to select HI-Z (indicated by LED).
Input Monitoring
If you want to listen to the incoming audio signals, you can turn the in MIX out knob all the way to the left (in) or leave it in the middle position to hear the playback signal at the same time. If you want to hear only the playback signal, turn the knob all the way to the right (out).
Recording and Playback
To check if Amber i1 is working with your computer, it is best to play music as a test signal while you slowly turn up the HEADPHONES knob (when using headphones) or the MASTER knob when using speakers. Make sure you are not making the playback signal too loud for your ears.
You can record audio in your favorite audio application (i.e. a DAW like Bitwig Studio 8-Track or an audio recorder like WaveLab LE) after selecting Amber i1 as recording and playback device in its settings dialog (refer to the manual of your software for details, also you can find more info in our Knowledge Base under kb.esi-audio.com).
Once you start the recording process of microphone or guitar signals, slowly turn up the corresponding gain knob clockwise until the input level meters in the software show a proper signal level. Additionally, the INPUT LEVEL LEDs also indicate the signal level. When the LEDs are off, it is likely that the volume is too low or there is no signal. When they turn green, the signal level is usable. Orange usually indicates an optimal level and red means that the level is too high (i.e. the signal clips) and the gain has to be reduced.
When recording line level signals from the rear RCA inputs (LINE as INPUT selected), no gain adjustment is required.
Connectors and Functions
- Security Lock. You can use this for theft protection.
- USB-C Connector. Connects the audio interface to a PC, Mac, tablet or mobile phone.
- Line Output 1/2. The stereo master outputs (balanced 1/4″ TRS) to connect to studio monitors.
- Line Input 1/2. RCA connectors for line level signals.
- Microphone XLR / TS Combo Input 1. Connects to a microphone using a XLR or 1/4″ cable.
- Microphone Gain. Changes the gain of the microphone preamp.
- +48V Switch. Allows you to enable 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Hi-Z Gain. Changes the gain of the guitar input.
- Hi-Z TS Input 2. Connects to an electric guitar / Hi-Z signal using a 1/4″ TS cable.
- Input Level. Indicates the input signal via LEDs (green / orange / red).
- Power LED. Shows if the unit has power.
- Selected Input. Shows which input is currenctly selected (Line, Microphone, Hi-Z or Microphone and Hi-Z both).
- +48V LED. Shows if phantom power is enbabled.
- Input Selection Switch. Allows you to select the active input signal (shown by LED).
- Input Monitoring Knob. Allows you to listen to the input signal (left), the playback signal (right) or a mix of both (middle).
- Master Knob. Changes the master output level.
- Headphones Gain. Changes the output level for the headphones connector.
- Headphone Output. Connects to headphones with 1/4″ connector.
General Information
If something is not working as expected, please don’t return the product and use our technical support options via www.esi-audio.com or contact your local distributor.
Trademarks: ESI, Amber and Amber i1 are trademarks of ESI Audiotechnik GmbH. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Other product and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Disclaimer: All features and specifications subject to change without notice. Parts of this document are continually being updated. Please check our web site www.esi-audio.com occasionally for the most recent update information.
Manufacturer Info: ESI Audiotechnik GmbH, Mollenbachstr. 14, D-71229 Leonberg, Germany