CAi-2 Comms Audio Interface
The CAi-2 is designed to interface communication systems with audio consoles, microphones, and monitoring setups.
It allows comms audio to be routed into and out of a mixing environment, enabling proper level control, processing, and monitoring. Built for real-world use, it provides a straightforward way to integrate comms systems into professional audio workflows without workarounds.
2-wire to 4-wire interfaces are commonly used to connect comms systems to audio equipment, but they are often system-specific and can be expensive.
The CAi-2 takes a different approach. By connecting via the headset port, it can be used with a wide range of comms systems without requiring a dedicated brand-specific interface.
This provides a more flexible way to route comms audio into a standard audio workflow, without the cost or system-specific limitations that often come with traditional 2-wire / 4-wire solutions.
This approach also allows more flexible monitoring options.
The CAi-2 includes a built-in headphone amplifier, allowing comms audio to be monitored directly without relying on the comms pack.
This makes it possible to monitor comms independently, or alongside a console mix, depending on the setup.
For example, a presenter IFB earpiece can be used to monitor comms while still maintaining awareness of the main programme audio.
This provides a practical way to integrate comms monitoring into a working audio environment without compromising the overall mix.
Key features
Comms system interface
Connect a comms pack or panel via the headset port, allowing use with a wide range of comms systems
Headphone monitoring
Built-in amplifier for monitoring comms directly or after console processing
Mic routing and pass-through
Route a microphone directly to comms or through external equipment
Line-level send and return
Integrate comms audio into a mixing console for processing and control
Selectable signal routing
Front panel switches for quick configuration changes
High-quality signal path
Uses professional audio-grade components, including Neutrik audio transformers
Compact metal enclosure
Durable design suitable for live and production environments
External low-voltage power
Powered from a standard 18V DC supply
Assembled by hand in the UK
The CAi-2 was developed to solve a common problem in live audio.
Engineers often need to follow comms while mixing, but using a headset makes it difficult to hear the PA or monitoring system properly. Removing it allows you to hear the mix, but you lose comms.
In practice, the available equipment is rarely consistent. Comms systems, consoles, and infrastructure vary from job to job, and dedicated interfaces are not always provided.
The CAi-2 uses the headset connection as a consistent point of access, allowing comms and audio systems to be integrated reliably regardless of the equipment available.
It allows comms audio to be routed into a console, combined with programme audio, and monitored in a controlled way.
For monitoring, the CAi-2 includes a dedicated headphone amplifier. This ensures comms can be heard clearly alongside programme audio, including when using low-level devices such as IFB earpieces.
It can also function as a simple interface for getting audio in and out of a comms system when no 2-wire to 4-wire unit is available, making it useful both in planned setups and as a general-purpose tool when a quick solution is needed.
Recommended monitoring setup
The CAi-2 works particularly well when paired with a lightweight headset microphone such as the Shure WH20 and an acoustically transparent earpiece such as those from Bumblebee’s IFB range.
This combination allows comms to be monitored clearly while still maintaining awareness of the PA and surrounding environment, making it well suited to live sound and production workflows.
Compatibility
The CAi-2 is designed to work with a wide range of comms systems via the headset connection.
While common wiring standards are supported, headset port configurations can vary between manufacturers and systems.
Every CAi-2 is shipped with a 4-pin female-to-female XLR headset adaptor cable.
Additional adaptor variants available separately.
In some cases, adaptor cables or wiring adjustments may be required for full compatibility.
If you’re unsure about your setup, please get in touch and we’ll be happy to advise.
FAQs
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Yes. By accessing the headset microphone and headphone signals, comms audio can be routed into standard audio equipment including mixing consoles, recording devices, and monitoring systems.
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Yes. Using acoustically transparent earpieces and the integrated headphone amplifier, comms can be monitored while still maintaining awareness of the room and PA system.
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Yes. The CAi-2 allows comms audio to be routed into monitoring systems and IEM mixes alongside programme audio.
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Yes. Once presented as a standard audio signal, comms can be routed to recording equipment or DAWs in the same way as other audio sources.
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Every CAi-2 ships with a standard 4-pin female-to-female XLR adaptor cable compatible with many common comms systems. Additional adaptor variants are also available for systems using different headset connector formats.
The CAi-2 headset interface is wired:
Pin 1: Mic -
Pin 2: Mic +
Pin 3: Speaker -
Pin 4: Speaker +
Compatible systems may include Clear-Com, RTS, Green-GO, Riedel, Tecpro, and other headset-based intercom systems using similar wiring conventions.
If you’re unsure whether your comms system is compatible, please get in touch before ordering.
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The CAi-2 includes a built-in headphone amplifier and headset microphone interface, making it possible to monitor comms alongside programme audio using acoustically transparent earpieces while still speaking normally on the comms system. This allows cues and communication to remain audible without isolating you from the room or PA system.