Whether it’s music production, vocal recording, podcasting or live streaming: the ESI Amber series offers the right audio interface for a wide range of recording setups. With the Amber i1, Amber i2 and Amber i4, there are three USB-C models that combine high-quality audio recording with practical monitoring and routing features.
All three interfaces support audio resolutions of up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
Amber i1: COMPACT RECORDING AND STREAMING
The Amber i1 is designed for compact recording setups. Whether vocals, guitar, voice recording or live streaming – the interface provides all the essential connections and features.
KEY FEATURES
- One microphone preamp with 48 V phantom power
- One Hi-Z instrument input
- Separate line inputs
- Two output channels
- Balanced line outputs and headphone output
- Direct monitoring for recording
- Hardware loopback for streaming and content production
- USB-C connection and up to 24-bit / 192 kHz
This makes the Amber i1 a compact foundation for recording and streaming applications with just a few signal sources.
AMBER i2: FLEXIBLE MONITORING FOR MUSIC PRODUCTION
The Amber i2 offers additional options for recording with microphones and instruments. Two Class-A microphone preamps and two Hi-Z inputs allow for a variety of recording configurations.
KEY FEATURES
- 2x Class-A microphone preamps
- 2x Hi-Z instrument inputs
- 2x balanced line inputs and 2x balanced line outputs
- Advanced Direct Monitoring (ADM)
- Loopback function
- 2x bidirectional MIDI ports
- Integrated LCD display
- 4 separately addressable output channels with firmware 2.1
Advanced Direct Monitoring lets you listen to input signals directly and mix them with the playback signal from your recording software. This is particularly helpful when recording vocals and instruments.
AMBER i4: MORE CONNECTIONS AND ROUTING OPTIONS
The Amber i4 expands the connectivity of the series. With four balanced line inputs and four balanced line outputs, additional signal sources and external audio devices can be integrated into your production.
KEY FEATURES
- 2x Class-A microphone preamps
- 2x Hi-Z instrument inputs
- 4x balanced line inputs & 4x balanced line outputs
- Advanced Direct Monitoring (ADM)
- Loopback function
- 2x bidirectional MIDI ports
- Integrated LCD display
- 2 independently adjustable headphone outputs
- 8 separately addressable output channels with firmware 2.1
The additional connections and routing options are especially interesting for setups with multiple sound sources or different monitoring paths.
RECORDING, MONITORING AND STREAMING
Different applications place different demands on an audio interface. The Amber series offers a range of features for this:
- Music production: microphone and instrument inputs for vocals, guitar and other sound sources
- Monitoring: direct listening to input signals while recording
- Streaming and podcasts: loopback for integrating audio signals from the computer
- MIDI setups: MIDI ports on the Amber i2 and Amber i4 for integrating MIDI devices
- Extended signal routing: additional line connections and independent output channels on the Amber i2 and Amber i4
This makes it easy to choose the right model based on the connections and features you need.
FREE FIRMWARE UPDATE 2.1 FOR AMBER i2 & AMBER i4
With firmware 2.1, ESI has expanded the routing options of both models. The headphone outputs can now be addressed independently of the regular line outputs.
What’s new at a glance:
- Amber i2: four instead of the previous two separately addressable output channels
- Amber i4: eight instead of the previous four separately addressable output channels
- Individual signal routing for line and headphone outputs
- Additional options for separate monitoring mixes
- Improvements in stability and performance, plus bug fixes
- Free update with no additional hardware required
The update applies exclusively to the Amber i2 and Amber i4. The Amber i1 is not affected by this feature extension. The update is available free of charge via the ESI website.
THE ESI AMBER SERIES PUT TO THE TEST
Want to find out more about the ESI Amber series? The following reviews and videos take a closer look at the audio interfaces – from their features and connections to their use in everyday studio work.
Note: The videos were created before the release of firmware update 2.1. The extended routing options and the doubling of output channels on the Amber i2 and Amber i4 are therefore not yet covered.
Availability and RRP.
All three interfaces are available from retailers.
Amber i1: RRP €139.90 (incl. VAT, Germany), more information here.
Amber i2: RRP €189.90 (incl. VAT, Germany), more information here.
Amber i4: RRP €259.90 (incl. VAT, Germany), more information here.
