The Creation Audio Labs Ai1 Redeemer is a buffer built into a gold plated output jack. Instead of a box on your pedalboard, the whole circuit lives inside the jack itself, which the maker says makes "installation as easy as replacing the jack in most guitars"1. Creation Audio Labs describes it as a "Transparent DIY Buffer Kit designed to work with every pickup and fit almost every instrument"1.
The circuit is the same technology as the Redeemer Install, the maker's hard-wired buffer, packed into a single jack1. The Redeemer line also appeared in Belt Pack and Inline versions2.
What it does and how it is built
A buffer keeps the signal strong down long cable runs by converting the guitar's high impedance output to a low impedance one the cable can carry without losing treble. The Ai1 takes that job inside the guitar: the buffer sits at the output jack, before the cable, so the signal leaves the instrument already buffered1.
The kit is offered in two output options, unity or +6 dBu, and with a choice of metal or nylon threaded jack1. Unity gain leaves the signal at its original level; the +6 dBu option raises the output level, which can help drive longer runs or hit an amp harder.
Installation and which guitars it fits
Because the circuit is the jack, installing it on most guitars is close to a straight jack swap1. The maker notes that many guitars, like the Les Paul and Telecaster, have their jacks mounted inside a tunnel behind a mounting bezel, and the Ai1's design simplifies installation on instruments like these3.
Guitars that use thick panel jacks, or that have more complicated wiring, such as stereo outputs or split magnetic and piezo setups, need the Redeemer Install version instead of the Ai11.
Price
The Ai1 is listed at $62, with a direct price of $44, as of October 20263. The product page shows it from $44.00 sale price1.
Questions
What is the Creation Audio Labs Ai1 Redeemer?
It is a transparent DIY buffer kit from Creation Audio Labs, built into a single gold plated jack. The maker describes it as designed to work with every pickup and fit almost every instrument, and it uses the same technology as the Redeemer Install. Installing it is about as easy as replacing the output jack on most guitars.
Does the Ai1 Redeemer replace the output jack on a guitar?
Yes. The whole circuit sits in one gold plated jack, so on most guitars installation is as simple as swapping the existing output jack for the Ai1. Guitars with thick panel jacks or more complicated wiring, such as stereo outputs or split magnetic and piezo setups, need the Redeemer Install version instead.
Will the Ai1 Redeemer fit guitars with thick panel jacks?
Not in those cases. Creation Audio Labs says guitars that use thick panel jacks, or that have more complicated wiring such as stereo outputs or split magnetic and piezo setups, would need the Redeemer Install version. The Ai1 targets standard jack installations.
What is the difference between unity and +6 dBu on the Ai1 Redeemer?
The Ai1 is offered with optional unity or +6 dBu output. Unity gain passes the signal at its original level, while the +6 dBu option raises the output level, which can help drive long cable runs or push an amp harder. You choose the option when you buy.
Does the Ai1 Redeemer work with piezo pickups?
The maker says the Ai1 is designed to work with every pickup, but guitars with split magnetic and piezo setups have more complicated wiring, and Creation Audio Labs directs those instruments to the Redeemer Install version rather than the Ai1.
Sources (3)
- Ai1 Buffer, Creation Audio Labs
- Creation Audio Labs, Creation Audio Labs
- REDEEMER BUFFER, Creation Audio Labs
