After several months of use, I can confidently say this device has become a permanent fixture on my desk—and not just because I’m too busy to unplug it. The voice dictation works impressively well, saving both time and keyboard wear, while the video quality is sharp enough to make even Monday morning Zoom calls look respectable.
Whether you’re conferencing or simply attempting to look professional from your home office, the performance is consistently reliable. As someone with over 25–30 years in the IT industry, I don’t hand out praise lightly—but in this case, it’s well deserved.
In short, this is an excellent choice for everyday office use. Logitech continues its long-standing tradition of delivering quality products—thankfully, without requiring an IT support ticket to get started.
If only every piece of tech behaved this well, IT departments everywhere could finally take a proper coffee break.
Rode AI-1 Single Channel Audio Interface
The AI-1 is a professional-grade single-channel audio interface that delivers exceptional audio quality for everything from bedroom music recording to live streaming and podcasting. Featuring a studio-grade preamp, a high-quality Neutrik combo jack for connecting microphones or instruments, and a high-power headphone amplifier for crystal-clear audio monitoring and playback, it’s the perfect interface for recording studio-quality audio at home.
Key Features:
- Professional-grade single-channel audio interface
- Neutrik combo jack for connecting microphones, guitars, synthesizers, and other instruments
- Studio-grade preamp with level indicator
- High-power headphone amplifier
Studio-quality Sound With Ease
With a single input and streamlined controls, the AI-1 is incredibly simple to use – just connect it to your computer, plug in your microphone or instrument, and hit record. Under the hood, the AI-1 packs plenty of punch, including an ultra-low-noise, high-gain studio-grade preamp for recording pristine audio, balanced ¼-inch outputs for connecting your favorite speakers, and a high-power headphone amplifier capable of driving professional high-impedance models for flawless monitoring.
Get Connected and Create
The AI-1 features a high-quality Neutrik combo jack for connecting both XLR and ¼-inch cables, so you can plug in your microphone, guitar, bass, or synthesizer with ease. Switchable phantom power ensures any microphone is accommodated, while the simple indicator LED allows you to monitor your input level for crystal-clear audio every time. Every AI-1 also comes with a free version of Ableton Lite, so you can get a recording right away. Whether you’re live streaming or making multi-layered music, the AI-1 will capture your sonic vision in every detail.
RØDE Central
RØDE Central is an easy-to-use companion app for the AI-1 (and other RØDE devices) that allows you to access device information and update to the latest firmware. The latest firmware version adds an extended gain range for enhanced performance with low-output dynamic microphones. To update, download RØDE Central below and follow the prompts.
Specifications
| Form Factor | Desktop |
| Display | None |
| Channels of I/O | 1 Input / 2 Output |
| Built-In DSP | None |
| Maximum Sampling Rate | 96 kHz / 24-Bit |
| Number of Microphone Preamps | 1 Preamp |
| Built-In Microphone | None |
| Input Level Adjustment | 2 x Knob |
| Expansion Slots | None |
Signal Processing
| Gain/Trim Range |
Inputs: 0 to 45 dB |
| High-Pass Filter | None |
| Solo/Mute | None |
Connectivity
| Analog Audio I/O |
1 x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Mic/Line Input 2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced Line Output 1 x 1/4" TRS Headphone Output |
| Phantom Power | 48 V |
| Digital Audio I/O | None |
| Host Connection / USB | USB-C |
| Host Connection Protocol | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| USB (Non-Host) | None |
| Sync I/O | None |
| Network I/O | None |
| MIDI I/O | None |
Performance
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz ±1 dB |
| Maximum Output Level |
Monitor Outputs: -6 dBu |
| Headphone Output Power | 24 mW into 32 Ohms 245 mW into 300 Ohms |
| Impedance |
Hi-Z Inputs: 0.9 Megohm Mic Inputs: 1.3 Kilohms |
| Dynamic Range | 104 dBu |
| EIN | -128 dBA |
Digital Audio
| Sample Rates | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz |
| Sample Rate Conversion | None |
| Bit Depths | 24-Bit |
| Latency | Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring |
| Clocking | Internal: |
Compatibility
| OS Compatibility | macOS 10.10 or Later Windows 7 or Later *As of November 2021: Check with the manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
| Included Software | None |
| Included Plug-Ins | None |
| Supported Drivers/API & Plug-Ins | macOS Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed) Windows Class-Compliant (No Driver Needed) |
Power
| Power Requirements | USB Bus Power |
Physical
| Dimensions | 4.9 x 3.9 x 1.5" / 124 x 100 x 38 mm |
| Weight | 19.8 oz / 561.3 g |
Packaging Info
| Package Weight | 1.155 lb |
| Box Dimensions (LxWxH) | 7 x 5.1 x 2.55" |
