Native Instruments KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Increases Audio Quality in a USB-Powered Audio Interface

May 13 2019, 00:35
Berlin-based Native Instruments launched a new six-channel audio USB audio interface that directly addresses the needs of musicians. The second generation KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 follows the release of KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 and 2 earlier in 2019, completing a new generation of audio interfaces that fulfill the needs of small bands, duos, or solo producers with a flexible set of connections for studio or stage.


The new KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 audio interface shows how manufacturers can improve a design, refine the sound qualities of a basic USB audio recording interfaces, and add features that will be truly valued by the targeted users. In fact, while updating the converters and digital audio features, the new design still uses a USB 2.0 (Type B conector) with bus-power support, allowing musicians to use it with a simple Mac or PC laptop (ASIO / Core Audio / DirectSound / WASAPI drivers) and no additional power supply needed.

Since Native Instruments started to launch hardware products, they focused on the fundamentals, creating solutions that would truly appeal to musicians, while keeping prices affordable. The new KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 audio interface follows the sleek, all-black design of its smaller siblings, this time featuring a glass and aluminum housing – refreshing its look and feel while adding extra durability. An improved layout places essential controls, connections, and visual feedback – including new LED VU-meters – exactly where they’re needed, for intuitive use.

Featuring a marked upgrade in sound quality over its predecessor, AUDIO 6 comes with support for 24-bit at up to 192 kHz high-resolution audio using Cirrus Logic converters, ultra-low latency, and with all-new preamps with improved gain range and higher dynamic range for lower noise floors when recording (+11dBu analog output stages). Connectivity includes four balanced analog inputs and outputs, complemented by a digital S/PDIF stereo I/O and an integrated MIDI interface. The analog inputs feature DC coupled 1/4” TRS outputs for controlling modular analog synths, and the MIDI in/out connectors allow users to control external instruments via MIDI or CV, create send and return loops with effects, and more, all with the convenience of USB bus-power.

The new KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 also comes with two high-power headphone outputs, making it easy for musicians, singers, and producers to create together. With latency-free direct monitoring, playback can be blended with monitored audio to the desired level using a dedicated knob, to hear exactly what’s being recorded, in real-time. Headphone output power has also been doubled from the previous generation – recognizing the increased use of high-impedance headphones, including on stage.

Like all Native's KOMPLETE AUDIO interfaces, the new six-channel models comes with all the software needed to record and build tracks, plus synths, effects, and more. AUDIO 6 additionally comes with Native’s acclaimed MOD PACK – a set of three innovative modulation effects, as well as TRAKTOR LE 3 – a lightweight edition of the popular DJ software, TRAKTOR PRO 3.

KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is available for $249/229 EUR, in stores from June 12, 2019.
www.native-instruments.com/ka6
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