Let’s take a deep dive into the Rode AI-1 Audio Interface, specifically its headphone amp, so we can figure out if it has enough power to work with a set of 250 ohm headphones.
Quick Answer: The Rode AI-1 can power a set of 250 ohm headphones for music listening and audio/video editing. If you turn the volume up to 75% when you’re doing live vocal monitoring, you may hear a little bit of hiss in the background. We recommend the Rode AI-1 with 250 ohm headphones.
Why 250 Ohm Headphones?
250 ohm headphones tend to offer a more balanced and accurate sound.
High impedance headphones often have better control over the driver’s movement, resulting in tighter bass and clearer highs.
The downside, of course, is that these headphones require extra power.
So, can the Rode AI-1 power these headphones?
Rode AI-1 Audio Interface
The Rode AI-1 has a high-quality built in preamp designed to provide clear and accurate sound for your recordings.
The AI-1 also includes a 48V phantom power supply for condenser microphones, balanced TRS outputs for connecting to studio monitors, and a rugged metal construction that makes it durable enough to withstand the rigors of the road.
But how does its headphone amp perform? Let’s take a look.
Rode AI-1 & 250 Ohm Headphones Music Listening
When listening to music using the Rode AI-1 and 250 Ohm Headphones, we got a good result with the volume knob set to 40%.
For a fully immersive sound, we set the volume at 50%.
At both levels, there was no hiss or preamp noise and the monitoring was clean and clear.
Rode AI-1 & 250 Ohm Headphones Audio & Video Editing
When editing audio and video with the Rode AI-1, we set the volume to 50% for most of our editing and got a great level. If we needed to hear some fine details of our project, we increased the volume to 60% or so.
Of course, as the project was compressed and mastered, we could lower the volume closer to 40%.
At all of these levels, there was no background noise or hiss.
Rode AI-1 & 250 Ohm Headphones Live Vocal Monitoring
When using the Rode AI-1 for live vocal monitoring while we were filming a YouTube video, we had to increase the volume to 70% or so.
Once the volume hits this level, we notice a slight amount of hiss, but it’s not a deal breaker.
Rode AI-1 & 250 Ohm Headphones Summary
Overall, the Rode AI-1 performed well when tested with our Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro 250 Ohm Headphones.
We recommend this combination for the majority of people.
Rode AI-1 & 250 Ohm Headphone Pricing
- Rode AI-1: https://currentprice.io/rode_ai1
- Shure SM7B: https://currentprice.io/shure_sm7b
- Beyerdynamic DT990 Pro Headphones: https://currentprice.io/beyer_dt_990
- XLR Cable: https://currentprice.io/xlr_cable
- Mic Stand: https://currentprice.io/desk_stand
- Rode PSA1+ Boom Arm: http://currentprice.io/psa1_plus
- Quality Acoustic Treatment Panels: http://currentprice.io/soundpanels
