AI-Micro : Pro-am podcasting on a budget

The Røde AI-Micro is a pocketable audio interface that enables up to two microphones to be connected for recording or live podcasting via most computers or smartphones, through the supplied cables. I have not attempted to record instruments or other line inputs through the device.

Cleverly, the AI-Micro automatically works with both TRRS (iPhone-type three black ring) and TRS (two black ring) 3.5mm input plugs, making adaptors unnecessary. The device also permits low impedance (less than 100 Ohm) headphones to be used for live monitoring, unlike the Røde SC-6 smartphone adaptor. While the AI-Micro will work straightaway with most audio apps, Røde.com offers a suite of free software which enables the device to be customised for channel mode, monitoring and output quality, and it is worth downloading this to obtain the best results.

I bought the AI-Micro to allow me to explore podcasting, using my existing analogue microphones. It has worked surprisingly well, providing richness and clarity from moderately priced Røde VideoMicro shotgun and Boya BY-M1 Lavalier mics. The DAC in the device is very competent and, although the background noise floor is not to professional standards, it is good enough for my purposes. Any latency while monitoring is not discernible, although the native output volume could be higher through 64 Ohm Behringer HPX2000 headphones. Overall, I recommend this handy and relatively inexpensive accessory.