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Akai EIE Digital Recording Interface
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$184.99
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This is a very solidly built and versatile audio interface, ideal for home studio and professional audio capture. It is capable of recording up to 4 tracks at once, as long as you have your recording software set up correctly. Some people say you can't record 4 simultaneous tracks with the standard red EIE, but you can. I've done it. The included CuBase Lite 5 software isn't so hot, and the installation is the worst of any software I've encountered, (You have to sign up for a Steinberg account, download an e-key software package that registers the software with Steinberg, and it doesn't work very well.. Trust me, it's horrible.) so I'd recommend skipping it. I use Cockos Reaper for my multitrack recording needs, and it works beautifully with this interface, and the non-expiring trial version is free. (But you will want to buy it, because it is superb, and it's only $60.) Audacity also works for standard stereo recording, but doesn't support ASIO, so you won't get the low latency you need for home studio recording. This interface works with the standard ASIO4All driver, which is freely downloadable for almost any OS and easy to install, so if you get a used one with no driver CD, no worries. I have the red 16/44 version of the Akai EIE, which offers CD quality recording. The silver-finished EIE Pro offers hi-res 24/96 recording, but is otherwise identical in features and capability. One advantage of the standard red EIE is that a 16/44 signal takes a lot less computer horsepower to record than a 24/96 signal. If you're mutitrack recording, the extra necessary bandwidth can add up pretty quick and unless you have a very fast computer, it can cause hiccups. This, and the fact that I'm satisfied with CD quality recording is why I picked the EIE over the EIE Pro. The VU meters are a nice touch, but I think I would prefer to meter with the recording software unless you have level matched your interface to your computer. The rear panel of this unit offers a plethora of connection options, including channel inserts for adding outboard effects with all 4 channels, 4 audio outputs, MIDI for a controller, and 3 USB ports, which is very handy. There's nothing else anywhere close to this price that I've found that offers the versatility and quality of the EIE and EIE Pro. The folks who designed this thing really did their homework. I'd recommend it to virtually anyone looking for a quality interface for home studio or professional work.Read full review
This is my second one. I've sent both to musician friends, to let them record on original music tracks. They fit the bill exactly, no driver install, with the exception of installing Asio4all, available for free download. Great little mixer!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I was in the market for a USB recording interface for some time and did plenty of research before I decided on the Akai EIE. In my home studio I need to record everything from guitars to vocals, drums to keyboards, and anything else in between and the Akai works great for all of that. With four inputs and 48volt phantom power, nice VU meters and an easy to navigate layout makes this unit a winner. I really like the look and feel of the unit and it is well made and seems quite durable as well. I would recommend this unit for anyone who needs a good recording interface.
Works well so far with Windows 7 professional. Easy setup, plug and play. Haven't tested the recording quality but I don't see a reason for it not to be as great as everything else about this device. It is very enjoyable and I warmly recommend it to anyone who wants to enhance their computer's audio capabilities.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
This is a great machine! It's easy to use and one of its best features is having the meters visible while setting up a transfer. Highly recommend!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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