Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 Review

Are you looking for an audio interface that packs a punch without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1, a sleek powerhouse that’s as reliable as it is affordable.

With impressive sound quality, preamps, and I/O and controls, this unit is the perfect companion for any aspiring musician.

Let’s take a closer look at what it has to offer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is an affordable audio interface.
  • It has solid recording quality with a depth of 24-bit and a sample rate of 192 kHz.
  • The device features XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs with dedicated gain control, a button for 48 V phantom power, and a direct monitoring knob.
  • User reviews highlight its affordability, good aesthetics, and direct monitoring knob.

Background

With over 10 years of experience producing and engineering audio, the author was well-equipped to review the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1.

The device boasts a variety of benefits, such as an affordable price, solid recording quality, nice aesthetics, and XLR/TRS inputs with dedicated gain control. Its specifications include 24-bit/192 kHz audio, 109 dB dynamic range, 129.5 dB equivalent input noise, and 44 dBFS max gain at 0 dBu.

It also features a 48 V phantom power button, direct monitoring knob, headphone jack with volume control, and dual RCA stereo outputs. Additionally, external preamps can improve the device’s performance.

All in all, the Komplete Audio 1 is best suited for beginners and hobbyists.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 offers a great value for money, making it an ideal choice for beginners and hobbyists. It has solid recording quality, XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs with designated gain control, and a 24-bit depth and sample rate of 192 kHz.

The preamps are respectable considering the price point, with a max gain of 44 dBFS at 0 dBu, low noise floor, and high dynamic range. User reviews have highlighted pros like its affordability, good aesthetics, and direct monitoring knob.

Cons include its plastic build and RCA outputs. But if you’re looking for an entry-level audio interface, the Komplete Audio 1 is a great choice.

I/O and Controls

You’ll find XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs with designated gain control, a button for 48 V phantom power and direct monitoring knob, a 1/4-inch headphone jack with volume control, master control knob and LED meters for each input, USB port, Kensington locking connection, and dual RCA stereo outputs on the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1.

The direct monitoring feature allows you to monitor your inputs without any latency. The headphone output also has separate volume control, allowing you to adjust the level of your headphones independently from your main output. It’s a great feature for critical listening and ensuring your audio is being recorded properly.

All in all, the Komplete Audio 1 provides a great value for its price point.

Recording Quality

The Komplete Audio 1 delivers 24-bit depth and a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, allowing you to record with impressive dynamic range and low noise floor. It offers 109 dB (A-weighted) of dynamic range for microphone input, and 129.5 dB (A) of equivalent input noise for low-sensitivity dynamic mics.

The preamps are respectable, considering the price point, with a max gain of 44 dBFS at 0 dBu. While it may not be enough for some users, entry-level buyers may not feel the difference. Compared to other audio interfaces in its price range, the Komplete Audio 1 offers good value for its recording quality.

However, if you need higher gain or better preamps, it’s worth investing in an external preamp.

Preamps

The preamps on the Komplete Audio 1 offer good value for its price point. They provide a respectable maximum gain of 44 dBFS at 0 dBu and have a low noise floor and high dynamic range.

Though entry-level buyers mightn’t be affected by the lack of high gain, there are external preamp options available for those wanting to enhance the performance.

It’s also worth comparing the preamps of the Komplete Audio 1 to other audio interfaces in its price range to get an idea of how it performs.

Sound Quality

Moving on to sound quality, the Komplete Audio 1 offers a 24-bit depth and a maximum sample rate of 192 kHz. It has a dynamic range of 109 dB (A-weighted) for microphone input and an equivalent input noise of 129.5 dB (A) for low-sensitivity dynamic mics. This makes it suitable for any type of recording, providing excellent sound performance and audio fidelity.

The Komplete Audio 1 also has a low noise floor and high dynamic range, allowing for optimum recording quality. Although the preamp isn’t the best, it’s respectable considering the price point. It has a max gain of 44 dBFS at 0 dBu.

External preamps can enhance the performance, though entry-level buyers won’t be affected by the lack of high gain.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is a great value for money, offering solid recording quality and nice aesthetics at an affordable price. It’s best suited for beginners and hobbyists, and is compatible with most DAWs.

The preamps are respectable for the price point, and its I/O and controls are intuitive and easy to use. It boasts a 24-bit depth and maximum sample rate of 192 kHz, with a dynamic range of 109 dB (A-weighted) for microphone input and an equivalent input noise of 129.5 dB (A) for low-sensitivity dynamic mics.

All in all, the Komplete Audio 1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable audio interface.

Conclusion

The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable audio interface. With its impressive 24-bit depth and sample rate of 192 kHz, plus its XLR and 1/4-inch TRS inputs, direct monitoring knob, and 1/4-inch headphone jack, it’s definitely worth the price.

The preamps are respectable and the sound quality is top-notch. So, if you’re looking for an audio interface that won’t break the bank, the Komplete Audio 1 is the perfect choice.

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