1. Introduction
The Ahuja AI-22 is a compact and versatile 2x2 USB audio interface designed for recording, playback, and various audio applications. It provides high-quality audio conversion, allowing you to connect microphones, instruments, and other audio sources to your computer for professional-grade sound capture and monitoring. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your AI-22 audio interface.
Figure 1.1: Ahuja AI-22 Audio Interface, highlighting its diverse applications including conferencing, e-teaching, podcasting, and music production.
2. Package Contents
Please verify that all items listed below are included in your package. If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer.
Figure 2.1: The AI-22 package includes the audio interface, a Micro USB to USB Type A cable, and four anti-skid base feet.
- Ahuja AI-22 Audio Interface
- Micro USB Cable (USB 2.0 to USB Type A)
- Anti-Skid Base Feet (4 pieces)
3. Product Overview
Familiarize yourself with the front panel controls and indicators of your AI-22 audio interface.
Figure 3.1: Detailed view of the Ahuja AI-22 front panel, illustrating all inputs, control knobs, and status indicators.
Front Panel Features:
- MIC/LINE Inputs (L/R): Combo XLR/TRS jacks for connecting microphones or line-level sources.
- INST Inputs: 1/4-inch TS jacks for connecting high-impedance instruments like guitars or basses.
- CLIP Indicators: Red LEDs that illuminate when the input signal is too high, indicating potential clipping. Adjust gain to prevent clipping.
- SIG Indicators: Green LEDs that illuminate when an input signal is present.
- DIRECT MONITOR Button: Engages direct monitoring, allowing you to hear your input signal directly from the interface with zero latency.
- OUTPUT Knob: Controls the overall output level to your monitor speakers or headphones.
- +48V Indicator: Red LED indicating that +48V phantom power is active for condenser microphones.
- POWER Indicator: Green LED indicating the device is powered on.
- Headphone Output: 1/4-inch TRS jack for connecting headphones.
4. Setup
4.1 System Requirements
- Operating System: Windows (compatible with most modern Windows versions).
- Available USB port.
- Personal Computer.
4.2 Connecting the AI-22
- Connect to Computer: Use the provided Micro USB cable to connect the AI-22 to an available USB port on your computer. The POWER indicator on the front panel will illuminate.
- Install Drivers (if necessary): The AI-22 is typically a class-compliant USB audio device, meaning it should work with standard drivers built into your operating system. If your computer does not automatically recognize the device or if you experience issues, please visit the official Ahuja website for specific driver downloads or troubleshooting guides.
- Connect Microphones/Instruments:
- For microphones, connect via the XLR input of the MIC/LINE jacks. If using a condenser microphone, activate +48V phantom power (refer to Section 5.2).
- For line-level sources (e.g., mixer output), connect via the TRS input of the MIC/LINE jacks.
- For instruments (e.g., guitar, bass), connect via the INST jacks.
- Connect Output Devices:
- For monitor speakers, connect from the rear panel outputs (not explicitly shown in images, but implied by 'OUTPUT' knob).
- For headphones, connect to the 1/4-inch TRS Headphone Output on the front panel.
5. Operating Instructions
5.1 Input Gain Adjustment
- Adjust the gain knob for each input (MIC/LINE, INST) until the SIG indicator lights up consistently during signal presence.
- Ensure the CLIP indicator does not light up, as this indicates signal distortion. If it does, reduce the gain.
5.2 Phantom Power (+48V)
- If using a condenser microphone, press the +48V button to supply phantom power. The +48V indicator will illuminate.
- Do not activate +48V for dynamic microphones or ribbon microphones unless specifically required and supported by the microphone, as it can cause damage.
5.3 Direct Monitoring
- Press the DIRECT MONITOR button to enable zero-latency monitoring of your input signals. This allows you to hear your performance without delay, which is crucial during recording.
- When direct monitoring is active, the input signal is routed directly to the outputs (headphones and main outputs) before being processed by the computer.
5.4 Output Level Control
- Use the OUTPUT knob to adjust the overall listening volume for your monitor speakers and headphones.
5.5 Common Usage Scenarios
Figure 5.1: AI-22 configured for classroom teaching, enabling recording and playback of lectures via USB connection to a computer and output to an amplifier.
Figure 5.2: AI-22 in a studio setup, connecting instruments and microphones to a computer for recording, with output to monitor speakers and headphones.
Figure 5.3: AI-22 integrated into a video conferencing system, facilitating audio input from multiple microphones and output through an amplifier.
6. Maintenance
- Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the unit. Avoid using abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes.
- Storage: Store the AI-22 in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures when not in use.
- Cable Care: Handle USB and audio cables carefully. Avoid sharp bends or excessive pulling to prevent damage.
- Ventilation: Ensure the unit has adequate ventilation and is not covered during operation to prevent overheating.
7. Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your AI-22, refer to the following common problems and solutions:
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No power (POWER LED off) | USB cable not connected or faulty; computer USB port issue. | Ensure USB cable is securely connected to both the AI-22 and the computer. Try a different USB port or cable. |
| No input signal (SIG LED off) | Microphone/instrument not connected; gain too low; incorrect input selected in software. | Check cable connections. Increase input gain. Verify input selection in your recording software. |
| Distorted input signal (CLIP LED on) | Input gain too high. | Reduce the input gain until the CLIP LED no longer illuminates. |
| No output sound | Output volume too low; incorrect output device selected in computer settings; faulty cables/speakers/headphones. | Increase the OUTPUT knob. Check your computer's sound settings to ensure the AI-22 is selected as the output device. Test with different cables or output devices. |
| Latency during monitoring | Direct monitoring not enabled; software latency. | Press the DIRECT MONITOR button. Adjust buffer size settings in your recording software to reduce latency. |
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model | AI-22 |
| Product Dimensions (LxWxH) | 16 x 22 x 10 Centimeters |
| Item Weight | 500 g |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Connectivity Technology | USB (for computer connection), XLR/TRS (for inputs) |
| Compatible Devices | Personal Computer |
| Operating System | Windows |
| Manufacturer | AHUJA |
| Country of Origin | India |
9. Warranty and Support
The warranty for the Ahuja AI-22 audio interface is provided as per manufacturer terms and conditions. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please visit the official Ahuja website or contact their customer service department.
For the most up-to-date information and resources, please refer to the manufacturer's official website: www.ahujaradios.com
