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Average Price: $100

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$150

$501+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Akai EIE I/O is a great recording solution for project and portable recording setups. With its four XLR/TRS combo inputs, the EIE I/O gives you CD-standard 16-bit/44.1kHz audio resolution with a convenient USB hub enabling you the ability to hook up additional controllers, hard drives, or other peripherals to your Mac or PC computer. This compact audio hub features high-quality components including nickel-plated input jacks, analog-style VU meters and a rugged aluminum casing for a powerful, professional, portable audio solution.

Each channel of the EIE I/O has an XLR-1/4" combo jack, dedicated sturdy, gain-pots and Mic/Line/Guitar switches. The EIE I/O features four discrete-design preamplifiers with 48V phantom power for use with virtually any microphone. Individual 1/4" Nickel-plated jacks found on the back of EIE I/O provide you with channel inserts for processing audio signals externally. You can monitor sessions on multiple sets of studio monitors using the four 1/4" balanced outputs, which are also Nickel-plated. Both pairs of outputs can be monitored visually with the high-quality, analog VU meters providing classic features with modern style. For remote tracking and alternative playback, the EIE I/O has a 1/4" TRS headphone output. High quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters ensure that every detail of your session or performance gets captured and played back faithfully.

The EIE I/O sends and receives four audio channels on a single USB cable for simple, universal interface to a computer. The three additional USB ports allow EIE I/O to function as a hub as well, bridging other MIDI controllers and hard-drives to the computer. The USB interface is class compliant for plug-and-play operation with Mac OS X and Windows XP, Vista and 7. The EIE I/O features traditional MIDI In and Out jacks for playing and controlling software with keyboard and pad controllers, workstations, and other MIDI-compatible instruments.

Product specs

Brand Akai
Model EIE USB Audio Interface
Finish Black
Year 2010s
Categories Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth 16-bit
Bus-Powered No
Compatibility Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity USB
Electronics Analog, Digital, Solid State
Format Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs 4
Number of Analog Outputs 4
Number of Channels 8
Number of Digital Inputs 0
Number of Digital Outputs 0
Number of Headphone Outputs 1
Number of MIDI Inputs 1
Number of MIDI Outputs 1
Number of Mic Preamps 4
Sample Rate 44.1 khz
Simultaneous I/O 4 x 4

FAQs

Is the Akai Professional EIE I/O interface compatible with both Windows and macOS?

Yes, the Akai Professional EIE I/O is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, making it versatile for different computer setups.

How many inputs and outputs does the Akai Professional EIE I/O have?

The Akai Professional EIE I/O features 4 analog inputs and 4 analog outputs, allowing for simultaneous 4 x 4 input/output operations.

Does the Akai Professional EIE I/O require an external power source?

Yes, the Akai Professional EIE I/O is not bus-powered and requires an external power source to operate.

What is the bit depth and sample rate of the Akai Professional EIE I/O?

The Akai Professional EIE I/O supports a bit depth of 16-bit and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz, suitable for standard recording and playback needs.

Can I use the Akai Professional EIE I/O with a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Akai Professional EIE I/O includes 1 MIDI input and 1 MIDI output, allowing integration with MIDI controllers and other MIDI devices.

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

WNAMM 2011 Akai EIE Audio/MIDI Interface

Video thumbnail for WNAMM 2011 Akai EIE Audio/MIDI Interface by HarmonyCentral

WNAMM 2011 Akai EIE Audio/MIDI Interface

HarmonyCentral

HarmonyCentral

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2011: Synthgeek.tv - Akai EIE Electromusic Interface Expander by Red Dog Music

NAMM 2011: Synthgeek.tv - Akai EIE Electromusic Interface Expander

Red Dog Music

Red Dog Music

Video thumbnail for AKAI EIE video demo [Musikmesse 2011] by Audiofanzine in English

AKAI EIE video demo [Musikmesse 2011]

Audiofanzine in English

Audiofanzine in English

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub.

User experience

  • Users report frequent noise issues and popping sounds after 3 hours of continuous use.

    Source
  • Several owners report that distortion and fuzz begin within 20-30 minutes of use, leading to frustration and returns.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Proprietary drivers are poorly supported, prompting many to use ASIO4ALL for better performance.

    Source
  • Some users have experienced crashing when using ASIO4ALL with the EIE, suggesting significant compatibility issues.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The switch for zero latency to 7.3 seconds on the computer is highly appreciated by users.

    Source
  • The analog VU meters and USB hub were initially attractive to users, but driver issues have overshadowed these benefits.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners wonder if an upgrade to an Apollo Twin could enhance sound quality despite satisfaction with the EIE Pro's performance.

    Source
  • Users frequently recommend the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as a more reliable alternative, noting its effectiveness with Ableton and ease of setup.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users are drawn to its features and aesthetic, but concerns about outdated drivers led to reconsideration of purchase.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • One user successfully uses the iConnectAudio4+ to connect both PC and iOS devices, leveraging a flexible setup with various inputs and outputs.

    Source

Other

  • A user expressed interest in a Bluetooth feature to improve multi-computer connectivity, hinting at the EIE's limitations in modern setups.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 15 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
chirurgicalswaveforms

Good SoundCard , Good Song and Very good Connectivity

My First Soundcard , always with me , on my studio. Indestructible and fiability maximun. Very good

wagner

Good but my one is White colour.

Firstly, a nice looking. Second, a nice sound. Thirdly, compact one.

dexmargera

playback

4x out from ipad + auria full very usefull

Artist usage

Add artist
See how KAYTRANADA uses Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub

KAYTRANADA

Music Producer

KAYTRAMINÉ

...
Verified via NOISEY

We can see this gear on Kaytranada's desk.

See how Memorex Memories uses Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub

Memorex Memories

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen in almost every single one of Memorex’s studio sessions

See how Speaker of the house uses Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub

Speaker of the house

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo we can see speaker of the house using akai eie as his main audio interface.

See how Matt Attard uses Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub

Matt Attard

Singer, Guitarist

Junior

...
Verified via Photo

In this post Matt's akai interface can be seen

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Akai Professional EIE I/O Audio/MIDI Interface With USB Hub, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Stanton STR-150
1

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