Komplete Audio 6 Software
KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 IMPORTANT: When you run Native Access for the first time, you’ll be asked to ‘select a target folder’. Native Access will install all product content, such as sample libraries, into this target folder. Sample content in particular takes up a lot of space, so you may want to install everything to a dedicated hard drive. Today we’re reviewing the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6, a 6 channel USB audio interface from the German-founded Native Instruments. Originally known for their software instruments the company began introducing audio hardware into their product range as of 2004.
Do-it-all Production Solution, Compact Footprint!
Whether you work with analog audio, MIDI instruments, or completely 'inside-the-box' productions - or any combination, you'll absolutely love Komplete Audio 6 from Native Instruments. This amazing 6-channel USB interface gives you the connectivity, functionality, and production tools you need to get stunning results, and it's packed into a quality unit that won't hog space on your desktop or in your mobile rig. The bus-powered Komplete Audio 6 gives you four analog inputs and outputs plus digital I/O and MIDI capability. You'll also love the software that comes bundled with Komplete Audio 6 (including virtual instruments and effects and sequencing, recording, and DJ tools). What an outstanding value!
Going analog? Seagate barracuda 7200.10 250 gb. Use the Komplete Audio 6's two XLR combo inputs to run mics or instruments. Premium preamps and phantom power give you the perfect 'front end' for recording. Two 1/4' balanced line inputs are also included, as are four balanced line outputs. Plug in digitally with a stereo digital S/PDIF input, or use the MIDI I/O to get your controller involved. Komplete Audio 6 gives you direct monitoring options, so you can track without latency. The headphone output includes an independent level control and source switch, so monitoring is very flexible. USB bus power means you won't have to deal with external power sources.
Native Instruments took an already great value and added an amazing software package to this outstanding interface. The result? You get a total studio solution, right out of the box. Komplete Elements software gives you over 3GB of amazing NI instruments and effects, while Cubase LE adds excellent sequencing and recording tools. And, DJs will love the included Traktor LE software! To top off a stellar package, NI also included a $30 e-voucher for more instruments and effects from the Native Instruments Online Shop. Astounding deal!
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 USB Interface Features:
- 6-channel audio/MIDI interface plus sequencing, production, and instrument software
- 4 analog inputs, 4 balanced analog outputs
- Digital stereo input and output (S/PDIF / RCA) for lossless signal transmission
- MIDI in/out for master keyboard, Maschine, or any third-party MIDI controller
- Headphone output with independent level control and source switch
- Completely USB powered, with an extra sturdy custom USB socket
- Low-latency performance for using virtual instruments and effects
- High-quality preamps with individual gain controls
- Direct monitoring for live, latency-free recording
- Mono input switch for recording vocals, guitar or other mono sources
- 48V phantom power for using condenser mics and active DI boxes
- 15 status LEDs provide visual feedback for all signals and indicate clipping
- Includes Komplete Elements - over 3 GB of inspiring instruments and effects
- Includes Cubase LE sequencer and recording software
- Includes Traktor LE 2 DJ software
- Includes $30 e-voucher for Komplete instruments or effects at the NI Online Shop
NI has been updating and revamping its range of audio interfaces (you can read our review of the Audio 1 and 2 models here) and the latest release is the Komplete Audio 6, a larger model aimed at those whose recording and monitoring needs are a little more diverse. Where the smaller boxes cater to singer songwriters or those working mostly in the box, the Audio 6 has more I/O and is designed for setups where you may need to keep various hardware connected and incorporate MIDI gear - something the smaller boxes do not support.
Family Resemblance
The look and feel is the same as the smaller models in terms of the design and finish - NI settled some time ago on this sleek, minimal hardwearing plastic for most of its hardware products. The previous iteration of the 6 had a very different look, but here it’s all very much kept in the family. Power is over USB, which is not always the case in slightly larger interfaces, but I know from conversations with NI that they did a lot of work on enabling audio interface hardware to power this way for the Maschine Mk3, technology which has likely helped here too.
The upper surface contains a large output volume dial - helpful for easily changing the monitor volume without having to use a front panel knob, and level meters for the four inputs and outputs 1 and 2. USB, phantom power and MIDI indicator lights are also present. The 5-LED meters might be a little simplistic for some users, but the lack of more complex dancing lights might be something to do with power efficiency.
Ins And Outs
You get six inputs - two combo XLR/¼” TRS line inputs with 48V phantom power and gain control for flexible stereo recording on the front and also with mic/line switches, 2x ¼” TRS line inputs on the rear panel and one S/PDIF digital stereo in for connecting compatible devices. There’s 1x1 MIDI in / out DIN ports on the back for bringing your hardware into play, and a total of 6 outputs of which 1 is the S/PDIF and 4 are jack outputs on the back.
Dual Playback
Helpfully you get two headphone outputs with separate gain controls, which is great if for example you want to record someone playing and they need monitoring, but you also want to be able to hear what’s going on. A single headphone out can be quite restrictive in some circumstances. You can record at up to 192kHz / 24-bit resolution with very low latency - negligible in my tests - and the result is great, crystal clear sound.
In terms of bundled software there’s NI’s usual generous allocation including Komplete Start, Monark, Mod Pack, Replika, Solid Bus Comp, Maschine Essentials, Live 10 Lite and Traktor LE3, covering all the recording and performance bases you need to get started whether you’re making beats, producing tracks or DJ’ing - or all three.
Conclusion
Komplete Audio 6 is a great workhorse audio and MIDI interface with a good software bundle that caters to all kinds of users who need a decent amount of I/O but without breaking the bank. Results are excellent, build quality and footprint will work well in any studio or on the move. A very solid addition to the Komplete Audio family.
Price: £189 / $249
Pros: Excellent recording results. USB powered. Good selection of I/O. MIDI included. Two headphone outs. Solid software bundle. Affordable.
Cons: Quite a lot of competition out there.
Web: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/audio-interfaces/komplete-audio-6/
Learn all about Native Instruments software and hardware: https://ask.audio/academy?nleloc=category/audio/topic/nativeinstruments