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ESI Amber i2

Description

Essential Information About the ESI Amber i2 USB-C Audio Interface

  • 2 inputs / 2 outputs in USB-C format, designed for recording, home studio, and content creation.
  • Two Class A microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power, suitable for dynamic and condenser microphones.
  • Latency-free monitoring via ADM (Advanced Direct Monitoring) to balance direct input and DAW playback in real time.
  • Integrated MIDI + loopback: bidirectional MIDI ports, virtual channels, and loopback for streaming, tutorials, and internal routing.

A Compact ESI Interface Focused on Studio and Content

The Amber i2 follows an "all-in-one" approach: a compact audio interface that brings together the essentials for recording vocals, instruments, and line sources, while maintaining studio connectivity (balanced TRS) and modern features useful for daily use (virtual channels, loopback, advanced direct monitoring). Its USB-C format facilitates integration into a current setup, whether on a desktop or a mobile rig.

Who Is the Amber i2 For, and When Does It Make a Difference?

This 2x2 USB-C audio interface targets musicians and producers who want to cleanly record a voice and an instrument, or two simultaneous sources (interviews, duos, synthesizers, drum machines). The Hi-Z inputs allow direct connection of a guitar or bass without a DI box, while the balanced 6.35 mm TRS line I/O is intended for studio monitors and line sources (keyboards, external preamps, processors).

For content creators, loopback and virtual channels simplify typical uses: capturing system audio, mixing microphone voice and DAW playback, or sending a signal to a streaming application without complicated routing workarounds.

Key Features for Precise Recording and Monitoring

Class A Preamps and Phantom Power per Input

The two Class A microphone preamps are designed to provide detailed capture and ample gain reserve for vocals, acoustic instruments, or ambient microphones. The +48 V phantom power is dedicated to each input, convenient for adapting your setup (for example, a condenser mic on one channel and a dynamic mic on the other) while maintaining clear control.

ADM: Advanced Direct Monitoring, Latency-Free

The ADM (Advanced Direct Monitoring) system allows adjustment of the level between the input signal and DAW playback to monitor comfortably without perceptible latency. This is essential for recording vocals with headphones, doubling a guitar, or playing a virtual instrument while retaining a natural feel. Control is done directly on the hardware for speed and focus during tracking.

115 dB(A) Conversion and Balanced Connectivity

With a 115 dB(A) ADC and a 115 dB(A) DAC, the Amber i2 aims for clean and usable conversion in mixing, avoiding muddiness and preserving the dynamics of recordings. The balanced 6.35 mm TRS line inputs and outputs help reduce interference in studio environments (longer cables, power strips, lighting, monitor power supplies).

Workflow: LCD Screen, Headphone Output, Switch, and Flexible Power

The LCD screen provides clear information display, while the headphone output with level control facilitates tracking sessions. The power on/off switch is practical for managing a setup without unplugging the USB cable. The interface is bus-powered via USB, with the option to use an external 5 V power supply (optional) depending on the configuration.

Technical Specifications

Interface and Format

  • USB-C audio interface with 2 inputs / 2 outputs
  • Power on/off switch
  • Bus-powered via USB
  • External 5 V power connector (optional)

Preamplification and Inputs

  • 2 Class A microphone preamps
  • Dedicated phantom power for each input (+48 V)
  • 2 Hi-Z instrument inputs
  • 2 balanced line inputs on 6.35 mm TRS jack

Outputs and Monitoring

  • 2 balanced line outputs on 6.35 mm TRS jack
  • Headphone output with level control
  • ADM (Advanced Direct Monitoring) to independently control the level of all input signals directly on the hardware and mix input with DAW signals

Converters

  • ADC with 115 dB(A) dynamic range
  • DAC with 115 dB(A) dynamic range

MIDI and Routing

  • 2 bidirectional MIDI ports
  • Virtual channels and loopback

Display

  • LCD screen

Compatibility and Drivers

  • 100% natively supported
  • Ultra-low latency EWDM driver
  • Supports Windows 10/11 with ASIO 2.0, MME, WDM, DirectSound, and virtual channels
  • Supports OS X / macOS (10.9 and later) via Apple's native CoreAudio USB audio driver

Included Software

  • Bitwig Studio 8-Track DAW
  • Steinberg WaveLab LE

Dimensions and Weight

  • Dimensions: 209 x 140 x 45 mm
  • Weight: 624 g
Brand reference number: AMBERI2
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