ESI has launched the affordable Amber series of audio interfaces, the first of which is the i1. It is suitable for podcasting, recording, and streaming.
The new product boasts a dynamic range of 114 dB, a combined XLR/TRS microphone/line input, and a high-impedance (Hi-Z) instrumental input with a 6.3 mm TRS jack. It also has a 6.3-mm headphone output and a paired stereo input with unbalanced RCA connectors, as well as a balanced output with TRS (6.3 mm) connectors. Additionally, stereo loopback, an input selection switch, and independent controls are provided.
The phantom-powered interface reportedly connects via a USB-C port (USB 3.1 and 2.0) and comes with EWDM drivers for minimal latency and support for ASIO 2.0, MME, WDM, DirectSound, and virtual channels. It runs on Windows 10 and above and macOS 10.9 and above. The product is bundled with the following software: Cubasis LE (for iPhone/iPad), WaveLab LE, and Bitwig Studio 8-Track. Users will also have access to a three-month subscription to JackTrip Virtual Studio.
We were personally surprised by the presence of a paired stereo input with unbalanced RCA connectors, which provides a line input for keyboards, synthesizers, CD players, and so on. This solution is unusual and rarely found in modern audio interfaces. However, for some people, these inputs may be a fundamental advantage.
Our editorial team also liked the look and design of the audio interface. A big, eye-catching orange volume knob on the front panel is a hallmark feature of the entire Amber line of audio interfaces. It looks stylish! In the near future, we will most likely write detailed reviews of the ESI Amber i2 and i4, which have an LCD screen that displays peak meters.
The ESI Amber i1 is available for purchase at a price of $120. For more information on the audio interface, visit the official ESI website.
