NI KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 INTERFACE: The Complete Package

NI Komplete Audio 6 is a sturdy interface that has consistently provided great sound in the studio and on tour.

What is it?

The NI Komplete Audio 6 is a portable USB 2.0 bus-powered audio interface designed by Native Instruments. Packed in a really sturdy and compact unit, this interface offers a total of 6 high-quality inputs and outputs that offer a great deal of versatility and functionality.

Who’s it for?

If you’re an electronic music producer and live performer looking to set up a modest yet high-quality workstation with a pair of monitors, a microphone and MIDI controllers, this interface is ideal for you.

Style

It’s very rare to find a budget interface that offers amazing features and looks awesome at the same time. In my humble opinion, the matt silver outer shell coupled with the glossy black top panel scores a perfect 10 on the slick meter.

The front panel houses 2 switchable XLR/TRS combo input jacks for routing microphones or live analog instruments, low-latency direct monitoring (mono/stereo) controls and a headphone output jack.

The back panel consists of 2 TRS input jacks, 4 TRS output jacks including the mains, a 48V phantom power switch for condenser microphones, S/PDIF input and output for 2 channel digital routing, and a pair of 5-pin MIDI input and output jacks to route/sync MIDI instruments and devices.

The top panel consists of a large master volume knob with 15 status LEDs that act as colour-coded level meters and clip indicators.

Usability

This interface offers a great deal of versatility. Whether it’s a high-quality 4-channel multitrack live recording, or MIDI-syncing your live drum machines and synthesizers with your DAW, Komplete Audio 6 can do it all. Owing to its compact and sturdy build, this interface can be a part of live rig as well.

Upside

Packs in a wide bunch of features at an affordable price. NI also adds a free software package that includes Komplete Elements, Cubase LE 5 and Traktor LE 2 to make the deal a little sweeter. And last but not least, you get a USD 30 e-voucher that can be redeemed at NI’s online shop.

NI Komplete Audio 6 Downside

We tried really hard to find a downside, but it was difficult finding any faults – particularly at this price point. Maybe NI could have a power on/off button to make it easier to disconnect from the computer, but that’s more wishful thinking than anything.

Final Call on the Komplete Audio 6

This NI Komplete Audio 6 interface delivers what it promises. It will make a good addition to your gear inventory and will last you a while.

Want more information and reviews on Audio Interface / Studio Sound cards:

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• Native Instrument NI Komplete Audio 6 Audio Interface
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