Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 USB Audio Interface Overview
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 USB Audio Interface
Overview by GAK
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 and Audio 2 are entry-level audio interfaces that are great for musicians who are new to recording and music production.
The Komplete Audio 2 is a 2-in/4-out audio interface made from black plastic, making it lightweight (360g). It feels reassuringly solid and looks sleek. The top half of the interface houses LED’s for two input meters, a USB connection and 48v phantom power, while the lower half has two big output volume knobs. Recording is in 24-bit resolution at up to 192 kHz and you can directly monitor while recording.
Latencies are in line with USB 2.0 expectations, and direct monitoring is supported so you can hear yourself sing and play directly through the hardware with no latency before the signal reaches the computer.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 USB Audio Interface is great for musicians who are just starting out, wanting to record just vocals and guitar and want an affordable way to discover the world of recording and production. The Audio 2 gives you a bit more flexibility compared to the Audio 1. You can plug in a pair of mics together using the two combi-XLR/jack inputs, both phantom powered and independently switchable between instrument and line levels. With the dual jack outputs, you can connect to studio monitors or plug in on stage.
In all, Komplete Audio 2 is great for beginners who want to get into recording, singer-songwriters, podcasters, vloggers, and musicians who need a compact little unit to throw in their bag so they can record anywhere.
It comes with software so you can start recording and producing right away - Ableton Live 11 Lite, Komplete Start, Maschine Essentials, 3x Studio Grade Effects, and 2 months of free access to Sounds.com
Now comes with a free copy of Ableton Live 11 Lite. Experience fresh, inspiring features such as Tempo Following, MIDI Polyphonic Expression, Instrument Racks, MIDI Effect Racks and more.
- 2 x inputs: 2x combi-XLR/jack inputs with 48V phantom power for flexible stereo recording
- Outputs: Stereo jack out for use at home, the studio, or on stage • VU Meter for accurately adjusting levels
- Direct Monitoring: zero-latency, high-power output
- Big volume knob for easily adjusting output level
- Input/host mix allows the option to hear playback while recording
- USB 2.0 powered for maximum portability
- Audio Quality: Premium quality at 192 kHz and 24 bit
- Compatible with Mac and PC (ASIO®/Core Audio/DirectSound®/ WASAPI)
- MASCHINE Essentials: Full MASCHINE software (same as MIKRO, MASCHINE MK3, JAM) with 1.6 GB MASCHINE Factory Selection of samples, one shots, loops, and instruments. Option to upgrade to full MASCHINE Factory Library and KOMPLETE 12 Select
- REPLIKA: professional creative delay plugin
- SOLID BUS COMP: powerful compressor for mixing and mastering
- PHASIS: timeless phasing effects for adding movement to any sound
- MONARK: warm vintage tones from the undisputed king of mono- phonic analog synths
- KOMPLETE START: NI’s free production suite is automatically included
- Ableton Live Lite 11: music creation software
- 2 Months free subscription at Sounds.com
- macOS 10.12, 10.13 or 10.14 (latest update), Intel Core i5, 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended)
- Windows 10 (latest Service Pack), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended)
- USB 2.0 or higher (cable included)
- Graphics Card which Supports Open GL 2.1 or higher
- 3 GB free disk space for MASCHINE Essentials, plus 1 GB free disk space for all other software
