The AKAI EIE Audio Interface brings control of your mixes and recordings back to your fingertips in a beautifully designed desktop unit. The AKAI Electromusic Interface Expander is more than an audio interface, it is a music production hub, offering all the connectivity you need to create music on a computer. With no software drivers required, a simple USB 1.1 connection and Mac and Windows compatibility, the EIE I/O is compatible with virtually and laptop or PC.
In a refreshing break from current design trends, the AKAI EIE is flamboyantly finished with chrome toggle-switches, classy classic VU meters, long protruding and easy to grip volume knobs, 4 combo-ports with phantom power, switchable mic/line or guitar input and a large red brushed metal front panel. The EIE is built to sit on your desktop and take centre stage. It is without doubt the most elegant audio interface on the market.
The EIE I/O can record and playback 2 channels simultaneously at CD quality (16bit word-length and a sampling rate of 44.1KHz). However, it's real strength is the audio routing options it provides, which far exceed any other device in this price bracket. Each input channel has an insert point, something that is rarely seen these days, which allows you to route the audio directly out to another device, such as a compressor or FX Unit, and back again using a single “Y” cable (insert lead). The four outputs on the AKAI EIE allows the connection of two pairs of speakers, and a simple switch on the front panel allows you to select output 1&2, 3&4, or All, allowing you to quickly cross-reference your mixes between different speakers.
Additional connectivity comes in the form of three USB ports, a MIDI in and MIDI out port. These ports allow for peripherals such as controller keyboards, control surfaces, dongles and USB drives and come in particularly useful when your computer is lacking on-board ports.
The Electromusic Interface Expander is a wonderful synergy of classic and modern technology, designed brilliantly to give people the connectivity they need with maximum compatibility and minimal prerequisites. The USB 1.1 connection and simple 2in and 2out recording ability would normally be quite restrictive. But, the AKAI EIE provides the routing options you need from inside the box, just like a mixer, so connecting two sets of speakers or a variety of effects units is still very much possible.
If you like the look and sound of the EIE but need a to record 4 inputs simultaneously or want higher audio recording resolution, then click here to see the AKAI EIE PRO which offers exactly this.
If the AKAI EIE simply doesn't fit the bill, then click here to look at our full range of audio interfaces.
AKAI EIE Audio Interface features and dimensions:
- 44.1kHz sampling rate and 16bit resolution
- USB1.1 device, compatible with all Windows and MAC systems
- 2in / 2out - simultaneous playback and record
- 4 discrete combo-ports accepting XLR male or 1/4” jack input
- Mic/Line or Guitar input selector and 48v phantom power on each channnel
- Independent gain control on all inputs
- 4 Insert points for inserting outboard FX units or for direct output
- 4 nickel plated 1/4” jack outputs for separate monitor systems
- Headphone output and output select switch
- Two classic VU meters with input/output selector
- 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O
- 3 USB ports for connecting additional devices
- No driver installation required, optional ASIO drivers are available
- AKAI EIE Dimensions (HxWxD): 132mm x 322mm x 215mm
- Weight: 2.5Kg
Akai EIE I/O USB Audio Interface (code 82701)
The EIE (Electromusic Interface Expander) is a tabletop 4-input USB audio interface with VU metering and additional USB ports.
£139.99 (inc vat)