Native Instruments have a fine history of Audio interfaces, from their Audio Kontrol 1, to their irresistibly small Traktor Audio 1, and now they have two new dazzling additions to the line, with the Komplete Audio 1, and Komplete Audio 2.
The Komplete Audio 1 is a 2 input USB interface, with one mic, and 1 jack input, which can be used for guitars and line level sources. It’s got +48v phantom power, stereo RCA outputs for the master, and a headphone output. The microphone preamp itself is nice and quiet, with a lovely audio quality of 192 kHz and 24 bit.
This would be great for singer/songwriters, podcasters, or anyone just starting out in the world of audio production.
The Komplete Audio 2 is similar in looks, but has some additional features including first and foremost, another mic input. These come in the XLR jack combi input format, useful for space saving, and you can switch from line to instrument on the front panel easily. You also have balanced jack connections for the master output, and again, a chunky volume knob for controlling the level.
One of these would be perfect for the small band or multi-instrument artist, as you can connect a number of combinations of mics and instruments, with or without phantom power.
But perhaps most importantly, the software bundled with both of these is absolutely superb. Monark, the analog synthesizer from your dreams, 3 amazing studio FX, Maschine Essentials, the new slimmed-down versions of NI’s groovebox software, and Komplete Start, the new software bundle with some great Komplete instruments and FX included. Also included is Ableton Live 10 Lite, and 2 months free access to Sounds.com, an amazing resource of samples and loops from artists and creatives on the top of their game.
It’s always a treat seeing new gear from the Berlin-based masters of electronic music, and these two definitely deserve a look.
Buy them here: