ESI Audiotechnik GmbH
User Guide for ESI models including: Amber i2 2 In 2 out USB C Audio Interface, Amber i2, 2 In 2 out USB C Audio Interface, out USB C Audio Interface, Audio Interface, Interface
Display and Functions The standard view of the LCD screen shows the active signal levels for input channels 1 and 2 on the left half of the display area and the playback levels (DAW signal) for
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DocumentDocument2-in / 2-out Professional 24-bit / 192kHz USB-C Audio Interface Quick Start Guide Introduction Congratulations on your purchase of Amber i2, a professional 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface with 24-bit / 192kHz for Mac and PC to connect microphones, synthesizers, guitars and more and to monitor signals via headphones or studio monitors. Amber i2 has a number of innovative features that many comparable products do not have, because of this we strongly recommend to check this Quick Start Guide in detail and if needed, to have a look at the full User's Guide that is available on our website (http://en.esi.ms/129). Getting Started To start using Amber i2, connect it to your computer using one of the included USB cables. We include cables for so-called "type A" and "type C" ports on the computer. If you want to connect it to a mobile device such as an iPhone or iPad, you might need an adapter - depending on the device. Once connected, turn it on with the power switch that is located on the backside. The LCD will greet you with an i2 logo while powering up. 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 i2 does not require any drivers to be used (plug-and-play), however you can download a control panel application on our website (http://en.esi.ms/129) that is strongly recommended. 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/129). Also the driver installs the control panel application that you need to use to control many of the advanced features. Recording and Playback To check if Amber i2 is working with your computer, it is best to play music as a test signal via headphones or your studio monitors. Make sure you set the output volume not 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 i2 as recording and playback device in its settings dialog (refer to the manual of your software). Once you start the recording process of microphone or guitar signals, slowly turn up the corresponding gain knob clockwise until the input level meters on the LCD screen and in your software show a proper signal level. 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, no gain adjustment is required. Connectors and Functions Microphone, Guitar or Synthesizer / Sound Module Color LCD with level meters, signal levels, input / output status, Advanced Direct Monitoring and input / DAW mix control functions Headphones Mac, PC or iOS MIDI Controller / Master Keyboard or Synthesizer / Sound Module Studio Monitors The GAIN knobs for input 1 and 2 allow you to change the input gain for the microphone / Hi-Z preamps. The SELECT encoder is used to select a control function on the LCD screen, i.e. to change settings for the Advanced Direct Monitoring. With the MIX encoder you can mix the input signal (IN) with the playback signal (DAW). The MASTER encoder changes the main master volume. It also works as a push button to quickly MUTE (or unmute) the output signal and while changing functions on the LCD screen, it becomes the ENTER button. The HEADPHONES output has its own individual volume control knob. With the INPUT selection buttons you can change the signal source (MIC, MIC with 48V phantom power, LINE, HI-Z) for input 1 and 2 by stepping through. Only whats connected can be selected. The MONITORING button allows you to control the Advanced Direct Monitoring functions via the LCD screen. The power switch turns the unit on or off. With this 5V DC USB-C connector, the unit can be supplied with additional power, i.e. when using standalone, with a mobile device or if your computer does not provide enough power. The Security Lock connector allows you to attach the unit to a theft protection device. Display and Functions The MIX encoder allows you to control the mix and balance between the input signal (IN) and the output / playback signal (DAW). The mix and balance itself will be displayed in a separate view screen. Advanced Direct Monitoring Monitoring Mix The standard view of the LCD screen shows the active signal levels for input channels 1 and 2 on the left half of the display area and the playback levels (DAW signal) for channels 1 and 2 on the right half of the display area as level meters. The level meters are separated into different colors. The red color on the top means that the signal is probably too loud and possibly clipping while an optimal signal level is typically orange. The green area indicates that a signal is present. You can see the output / MASTER volume as a horizontal line shown over output channel 1 and 2. When you change the volume, this line will move up and down. In the bottom row you can see the active input signal for channel 1 and 2 (Mic - without or with 48V phantom power when underlined with a red box, Hi-Z or Line). On the bottom right you can see the MIDI activity for MIDI ports 1 and 2 with flashing numbers. A green number shows input activity, a red number output activity. This is important, as both MIDI ports of Amber i2 automatically detect input and output signals. You can connect either of the ports to a MIDI output or to a MIDI input of an external device like a MIDI controller, a master keyboard, a synthesizer or any other MIDI device. The SELECT encoder and MONITORING button allow you together with the MUTE/ENTER push button to control the Advanced Direct Monitoring features. When used, a separate view screen will be displayed on the LCD where you can control the individual input monitoring levels for the left and right input channel 1 and 2. The MONITORING view screen is intended to be a visual representation of each of the volume levels for each of the direct monitoring signals. This Advanced Direct Monitoring functionality is quite unique as you can create a special direct monitoring mix, perfect for even the most special recording and monitoring situations. No matter if you record microphones or guitars or synthesizers, anything you need to monitor via your studio monitors or headphones can be setup directly on the hardware. The input signals can be adusted with their individual levels and ratio to each other. With the SELECT encoder, you can step through each channel and then adjust its value with the MASTER encoder. Settings can be confirmed by pushing the MUTE/ENTER button. The Stereo function allows you to sync the left / right input channels. The Reset function allows you to reset the direct monitoring settings. The MIX view that is displayed when you use the MIX encoder, shows a visual representation of the output/playback (DAW) and input (IN) signals. If you want to listen only to the DAW signal from your applications, turn the knob all the way to the right. The DAW level will be full and the IN level will be zero. If you want to listen only to the input direct monitoring signal, turn the knob all the way to the left. The IN level will be full and the DAW level will be zero. And if you want to listen to both signals at the same time, then both DAW an IN should be displayed as full column. 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 incl. our extensive Knowledge Base / FAQ area - or contact us or your local distributor. Trademarks: ESI, Amber and Amber i2 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