Akai EIE Pro Hi Resolution Audio Interface

The handsome big brother of the EIE - this adds 96kHz 24-bit audio to the USB audio interface. It also has a built in USB hub and MIDI too

[paulk]

I bought it 4 years on first sight. I didn't read any reviews or knew anything about it. I had to replace it with the presonus interface that didn't work at all. I only bought it for its look. I never had any problems with it. It works perfectly. Once you have updated the fireware and use the propper drivers, it works. after 5 years, there is still nothing alike in the market. Most people don't read the manual. It's a little confusing on where to plug your trs jacks, balanced or unbalanced. The 4 fronts are balanced. The 4 on the left of the backside are unbalanced and the 4 on the right of the backside are balanced (inserts). You use only those if you want to plug exxternal hardware (equalizer, compressor) as the signal returns back in

[sonicstate]

I just went back and checked this and with the mic amp at FULL gain and all the monitoring at full, that noise is not present. I think it may be due to my monitoring setup as I have to bring the EIE outs into another desk. But without that gear in the chain that sound is NOT there. Thanks for spotting it.

[MegicShiba]

Just picked one up used at Guitar Center for $99. It sounds good with Reaper and BiasFX, the preamps sounds amazing for what the unit is, not to mention the unit looks amazing on the desk especially with the lights out! The physical switches for line/inst as well as the 48v is great for the fact they are physical switches swich, if fail, can be replaced. This unit is built like old studio gear In the way most parts are screwed in using fully replaceable parts. If you can find one for a good price go for it!

[zeinzin]

Thank you very much about the signal, I was afraid it was something defectuous about the AKAI; Quality might be not up for it, but the entries compensate... :) 

[lexlux]

Looking for interfaces in 2023, this is the one. Shiiiieetz.

[polygonthelabel]

I bought it like 5 or 6 years ago, it has good sound quality over all, but 0 client support, the drivers last update was in 2013, nothing after that, and for those of you who want to live stream or record a video presentation or show for your YouTube, twitch channel, just forget it. And there is no one from AKAI to give answers/solutions for these problems. Sorry bout that cause it is very solid, beautiful, retro all time classic construction, with descent sound as it is an expander as well with dsp (Digital Signal Processor) for lower PC Processor use....
I was expecting more than that from AKAI...

[Jonnyguitar]

Glad I read the comments, this thing seems good but when the bad reviews are the only reviews for it no thanks, back to the drawing board. Lol damn the midi looked good.

[sonicstate]

Actually I dont know - I dont see why not, but Akai dont have a driver for it, so I imagine it would be a little more complex to get going. But a good question - I think we'd better get an audio Linux setup here.

Nick

[CherniloMedia]

What do you mean when you say you can hook up a compressor to it? Not too familiar with external soundcards (running an internal now unfortunately... but contemplating getting this guy). do you just route it in series from say

[fimpson]

Been looking for a good, affordable interface with multiple applications to be my first interface for a while now. This seems pretty good. might start saving :D

[Lasher]

Great review btw, now I am finished slagging off Behringer.

[VincentsVideoVisions]

What would you say the quality of recordings would be compared to a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24/40? This seems inexpensive and quite nice but I'd go with the Focusrite if it sounds better.

[raspas]

I have a question about the preamps. How do they compare to Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or PreSonus AudioBox 22VSL? I don't care about anything in an interface except the preamps. How do they compare to a higher priced (double the price, around 450 euros) interface such as MOTU Audio Express, which I'm also looking into? Does the MOTU have better preamps for the money? I'm using AKG C214 stereo matched pair for stereo recordings, so preamp quality is essential to me.

Thank you.

[WBWelcomeBack]

EIEI PRO :) Awesome video, neat piece of hardare! Thanks for this!

[AeleksDesigns]

Ok big thanks for getting this clear. So i think ill buy this thing^^
If you like, can you pls answer me these two questions...iam kind of new in this usb-audiostuff... 1st.: Is it possilbe to record every single channel separatly via usb? i think/hope yes, but i had a cheap 4-channel interface years ago and this thing only send a stereomixdown via usb :/ 2nd.: is any Software bundeled with the EIE Pro? I hope... Greetings

[LordQiuu]

What alternative interface would you recomend? Focurite? :)

[marc-antoinesavaria]

I cant find a way to use it on fl studio.. and i cant find a video that fixes my problem. My MIDI goes through it and works on fl but if i want to pair the audio nothing seems to be working (headphones) cant find a driver. Idk what to do anymore

[MsDeliaStreams]

Can you compare this to the EIE (non-Pro)? Would the EIE work with an iPad since the sampling rate is lower than the Pro?

[extacticman-mtip]

cai i to use akai pro eie to Fl Studio?

[Turbo_TechnoLogic]

Still relevant with Win11?
Or, does it work standalone without PC, as a mini mixer/preamp/midi hub/USB power box?