Topic: Rode AI-Micro Ultra-compact Dual-channel Interface

[justme]

Rode is realising an interesting universal USB interface based on the iOS only SC-6L.
The AI-micro is I’ll be usable for pretty much anything with USB.

https://rode.com/interfaces-and-mixers/ai-micro

Specs: https://edge.rode.com/pdf/page/1871/modules/4638/AI-Micro_datasheet.pdf
https://rode.com/blog/all/introducing-the-ai-micro-ultra-compact-dual-channel-interface

Key Features of the AI-Micro
 

• Ultra-compact dual-channel interface for recording high-quality audio on computers and mobile devices 
  
• Compatible with virtually any microphone with a 3.5mm output, including RØDE VideoMics, lavaliers, wireless systems, and stereo microphones
• Auto-sensing inputs for connecting TRS or TRRS microphones
• High-power headphone output for crystal-clear, zero-latency audio monitoring and playback
• Connects seamlessly to computers, smartphones and tablets via its universal USB output (USB-A, USB-C and Lightning cables supplied)
• Compatible with the entire RØDE app suite for expanded features and functionality, on-the-go configuration, and broadcast-quality recording on any device
• Designed and made in RØDE’s state-of-the-art facilities in Sydney, Australia

[DavidPuddy]

$70 bucks for this. I'll grab one once they're available. Game changer if it works as described.

"The device features two 3.5mm inputs for independently recording via a pair of microphones, and one of these inputs can automatically detect when a single stereo microphone is used instead." From techradar

https://www.techradar.com/news/rodes-new-ai-micro-turns-your-phone-into-a-portable-audio-recording-studio

[aaronji]

I wonder what the plug-in power voltage is? I couldn't find that anywhere.

[DavidPuddy]

Probably 3v or so. I would assume that you'll need a battery box.

[goodcooker]

Tiny, inexpensive, made by a reputable company...


We have come a long way in the less than 20 years I've been recording.

[DavidPuddy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_jt8PRrzOs&ab_channel=R%C3%98DEMicrophones

[dactylus]

Very interesting.  What phone app would you use to adjust and monitor record levels?

[goodcooker]

Very interesting.  What phone app would you use to adjust and monitor record levels?

This would certainly work https://www.rode.com/software/reporter_app but I'm curious as well about compatibility with other apps especially Android.

[SMsound]

100dB of dynamic range, versus e.g. 142dB on a MixPre. My guess is that this was intended for dialogue/interviews/Zoom, where I expect a tiny interface would be a nice upgrade over stock laptop/phone hardware, but classical music at least would benefit from more dynamic range.

Also, it maxes out at 48kHz---again, great for dialogue/Zoom/interviews (and obviously great if you have the very best top shelf equipment) but most of us want more on a cheap interface for music.

[Ozpeter]

I've just ordered this to go with my shiny new highly expensive DJI Action 2 video camera.  Unlike most such small cameras, this one doesn't use a proprietary interface for getting audio into its USB C port, but anything that works with Android  or PC will do.  I've used it with a audio technica ATR2x-USB interface, and it also works with the Zoom F1 and H1N and no doubt the rest.  The camera itself has remarkable built in mics - 4 of them - which provide almost a binaural immersive sound.  It's like a Zoom H2N in a way, except it does excellent video as well.  I think the Rode interface will be somewhat larger than the camera...

I'll report on how this goes in due course.  Mics will be Roland binaural or Sennheiser stereo shotgun.

Thanks to the OP for the heads-up!

[DavidPuddy]

I just pre-ordered one from Sweetwater. Let us know how it goes for you, Ozpeter. B&H says availability is the end of December.

If this works out, I'll have an ultra low profile setup. MKE2 (from the gopro deal, permanently mounted in hat) > homemade "ugly" battery box > Rode AI-Micro > phone

[Ozpeter]

I ordered from a company about 25 minutes away, express delivery.  They sent it from a warehouse in another state, parcel post, delivery might take until the end of next week!  Grrr.  Meanwhile I checked a local high-end video equipment sales company ten minutes away and they have it in stock... so I'm due to collect one from there this afternoon, and I hope to get a video online very soon.  It will mainly be concerned with interfacing with the DJI Action 2 but of course I'll also do a quick test with Android and iPhone devices too.

[Ozpeter]

Bad news... Rode have stuffed this up.  It's a fantastic device except - when you connect a stereo mic and configure it appropriately in the app, it only works on the left channel, unless it is a self powered mic.  In other words, the plug in power is only supplied to one capsule.  Doh.  So it won't work with my Roland binaural mics, for instance, which was probably my prime reason for purchase.  I have yet to check it with a voltmeter, but I'm 99% sure that's what they have done.  I had a long talk on the phone with a Rode tech person and he was puzzled, so they may not realise what they have done because... Rode don't sell stereo mics needing PiP as far as I know.  But let's face it, every portable recorder on the planet supports such stereo mics, so really they can't say people don't need it.

At least it does work with my DJI Action 2 camera...

[Edit - plug in power does appear on both sides, so now I'm puzzled as to why it won't work with stereo mics.  I think it was 2.8 volts.  Same voltage shows when using mono mics on the mono configured inputs.]

[DavidPuddy]

Apologies if I misread your post - Have you tested it with stereo microphones using external power (like a battery box)?

[Ozpeter]

I've tested it with a Sennheiser stereo shotgun which has its own battery, and it's fine with that.

https://youtu.be/gZPbYP3TYK4