FAQ - AR1 Key Chain Recorder

Quick Index

  • Q1. Why is only the instrument recorded, but not the backing track?

  • Q2. What should I do if I hear crackling or distorted noise while monitoring?

  • Q3. Why can’t I hear the instrument mic or backing track while monitoring?

  • Q4. How can I check the battery level of AR1?

  • Q5. What should I do if the backing track or instrument is too loud during recording?

  • Q6. How can I reduce noticeable background noise while monitoring?

  • Q7. Complete troubleshooting steps if only noise is recorded

  • Q8. Why do I need to update the AR1 USB firmware? What changes after the update?

Q1. Why is only the instrument recorded, but not the backing track?

This usually indicates that AR1 is not correctly recognized as the recording device by your phone or tablet.

In this situation:

  • The device continues to use its built-in microphone

  • Only the instrument sound is recorded

  • Audio from AR1 (including the backing track) is not sent into the recording system

This explains why you can hear both the instrument and backing track through headphones, but the recorded file only contains the instrument sound.

How to confirm whether AR1 is recording properly

When AR1 is successfully connected and recognized as an audio interface, the indicator light turns purple during recording.

If the light is not purple, the device has not selected AR1 as the audio input.

Common causes

1. Cable issue

  • The cable may provide power only and not transmit audio data

  • Test the same cable with a computer or another device to confirm recording functionality

2. Device compatibility

  • Some USB-C iPads require support for USB Audio Class 2.0

  • AR1 units purchased in 2024 or earlier may have compatibility limitations with certain USB-C iPad models

  • Lightning-port devices are not affected by this issue

Q2. What should I do if I hear crackling or distorted noise while monitoring?

Please try the following steps in order:

  1. Restart your phone

  2. Lock the phone screen before plugging or unplugging the USB cable

  3. Ensure the operating system is updated to the latest version

  4. Enable Airplane Mode during recording
    (to prevent notifications or background apps from consuming system resources)

If the issue persists, please contact customer support for further assistance.

Q3. Why can’t I hear the instrument mic or backing track while monitoring?

Please follow these checks:

  1. Speak into the microphone and connect headphones to confirm whether sound is present

  2. If sound is present but very quiet:

    • Turn up the volume knob next to the headphone jack

  3. If the microphone works but the backing track is not audible:

    • Replace the 3.5 mm backing track cable and test again

If the problem cannot be resolved, please contact customer support.

Q4. How can I check the battery level of AR1?

AR1 indicates battery status via LED color:

  • Blue: Battery above 80%

  • Green: Battery between 80% and 30%

  • Red: Battery below 30%

Q5. What should I do if the backing track or instrument is too loud during recording?

The recommended operating flow is:
Confirm connection → Start recording → Adjust monitoring and volume balance

1. Connection and recording mode

  • Exit any recording or camera apps

  • Connect AR1 using the correct cable

  • Confirm the purple LED is flashing (recording mode and device recognized)

If the purple light does not appear:

  • Unplug all cables and reconnect

  • Avoid hot plugging

  • Ensure Android devices support OTG

2. Monitoring and volume adjustment

  • Connect headphones and test by speaking or playing the instrument

  • If volume is too low:

    • Adjust headphone volume first

    • Check the backing track device output

  • If volume is too loud or distorted:

    • Lower the backing track device volume

    • Increase distance between instrument and microphone to prevent overload

3. Backing track balance tips

  • First establish a stable volume with instrument or vocal only

  • Add the backing track gradually

  • Adjust backing track level so the instrument remains clear and not masked

4. Stability tips

  • Lock the screen when plugging or unplugging USB cables

  • Enable Airplane Mode during recording

  • Use original cables and proper adapters to avoid noise or unstable connections

Q6. How can I reduce noticeable background noise while monitoring?

When headphone volume is set to maximum, you may hear a noticeable hiss.
This occurs because both the signal and noise floor are amplified and does not affect actual recording quality.

Recommended adjustment:
Lower the headphone volume by 1–2 steps, which usually reduces the noise significantly.

Q7. Complete troubleshooting steps if only noise is recorded

If only noise or backing track is recorded, please perform the following checks and report the results to customer support.

1. Identify the noise source

Noise from headphones

  • Lower headphone volume

  • Test with another pair of headphones

Noise from speakers

  • Check speaker power supply

  • Replace the power cable or 6.3 mm audio cable

Noise from both headphones and speakers

  • The noise may originate from the recording device or power source

2. Power separation recommendation

  • Most noise issues are related to ground loop interference

  • Avoid sharing power with laptops, speakers, or other devices

  • Use a separate power bank for AR1

  • Ensure speakers and mixers are properly grounded

Q8. Why do I need to update the AR1 USB firmware? What changes after the update?

This USB firmware update is designed to improve AR1’s compatibility with mobile devices.

What the update does

  • Changes AR1’s connection recognition mode to USB 2.0

  • Allows direct connection to USB 2.0–compatible mobile devices via a USB-C adapter

  • Improves stability with certain smartphones and tablets

Important notes

  • The update can only be installed on a Windows computer using a .exe file

  • You may need to temporarily adjust system security settings during installation

  • The update only improves compatibility for devices that already support USB audio

  • It does not guarantee compatibility with devices that previously did not support USB audio

If issues persist after the update, please provide your device model and connection method so we can assist further.

File download

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