I'm a digital music-production wannabee. I have been for more years than I want to recount. Just say I remember the days when we set a radio next to a mainframe and used program behavior to make music from its radio-frequency interference. And then there was programming output to a printer so the hammer noises were melodic. When microcomputers became available, I purchased my first sound card, and of course then there was 8-bit speaker music.
My first serious setup was with an E-MU 1840M with PCI board, daughter board, and an external dock. I mastered it a bit, and I learned to make simple use of digital audio workstation software with it. But my computers outgrew it. Newer computers were more powerful, but didn't provide for the 1840M boards and Creative/E-MU did not keep their drivers and software current with later versions of Microsoft Windows either.
When I went searching for a replacement, I had to lower my expectations. I was concerned about using USB as a connection to an audio-interface dock, although I understand the benefit of an external dock for its isolation from the interior of the computer and the ubiquity of USB. My minimum requirements were at least one MIDI pair (for use with an existing control surface) a microphone channel, and a turntable input, as well as great outputs.
The Komplete Audio 6 was both best in pocketbook terms and in terms of the capabilities. I took a chance on the USB aspect, also realizing that keyboard-style MIDI controllers are now mainly USB-connected too, so that would be available as well. I have since added a little phono preamplifier, and that provided line-in for my work rescuing 78 rpm records and later vinyls.
The microphone/instrument inputs are used with my acoustic-electric guitar. I can use the second input for a microphone when I am brave enough to sing.
The software that comes with the Audio 6 is an introduction to the software side of Native Instruments. A gratifying aspect of NI being in the device and the software business is that there is constant upgrading and the Audio 6 is not left behind. It is also terrific that the software components that are provided and others made freely available will integrate into commercial workstation software, such as Ableton Live and Cakewalk Sonar. And the Audio 6 remains their entry-level digital interface. It is superb and I expect it to serve me through my continuing part-time adventures into digital music production.
The unit, the software, and some inexpensive or free DAW software (such as Ableton Live Lite) have served me through the Coursera Introduction to Guitar and Music Production courses created by the Berklee College of Music. I supplemented my guitar and the Audio 6 with an M-Audio Oxygen keyboard controller and everything worked together seamlessly. I could use a better keyboard, but only as a reward for completing the Coursera specialization in Modern Musicianship in the future.
I expect the Audio 6 to be a keeper.
I intend to use if more. I have already expanded my use of Native Instrument software, especially as bargain offerings are made from time to time.
The interface has served me perfectly as a determined novice.
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This Item  Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 USB Audio Interface with Recording, DJ, Synth, and Production Software |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $198.00 | $99.00 | $139.00 | -22% $139.99 List: $179.99 | -21% $196.99 List: $249.99 | -11% $178.00 List: $199.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, Sep 26 | — | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Sep 25 | Get it as soon as Monday, Sep 30 | Get it as soon as Monday, Sep 30 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Thanks shop Japan( Shipping to Worldwide.） | GearNuts | Amazon.com | Sole Source AV Supply | North To South (Serial Number Recorded) | SKYUNITED |
| number of channels | 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| hardware interface | usb2.0 | usb | usb2.0 | — | — | headphone |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| model year | — | 2021 | 2021 | — | — | 2021 |
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Reviews with images
I wanted to love you, I accepted your flaws, and we are now togther in sweet harmony!
I was really happy to get this unit. I was trying to work through a few issues with this it. First, I really like NI products. I have the Audio Kontrol 1 for years. No problems. It was time to upgrade. I was toying with Focusrite Scarlett but went with KK6.Purchased this unit. I choose it for its build quality. Its solid, great flexibility with inputs, outputs. I wanted the Cubase software. That was a deciding factor. Cubase AI 6 did not install properly on Windows 7. Was able to install on Mac. But the software was very "buggy!"Okay I got over that. The additional NI software is pretty good. Within a day a screw came out of one of the rubber feet. Screwed it back, no problem 2 others were loose, tighten that. Moving along....Had problems registering the hardware. Contacted NI, been a week no, no response. Okay I accepted that as well.I want to upgrade my Apple OS to Yosemite. I want to purchase Final Cut Pro. Problem is NI hardware (as stated on the web and in forums) at this time will not work with Yosemite. This has been an issue with NI for some time. Other brands/interfaces have updated working drivers in Yosemite.I had to then decide about returning the unit. There is no date, 5/27/15, as to when NI will have driver updates.Would like to get in FCP and I require an interface where the drivers are upgraded timely.I really wanted to keep this unit. I am going with the Focusrite unit (don't like red gear) and it just looks plain. However its a good unit, and the drivers are up to date and will work with Yosemite. Then I can work my video editing on FCP.Sorry NI.....Update-O!I really want this unit to work. I love NI. Decided before I send it back I will upgrade my MacBook Pro to Yosemite and see what happens.I upgraded my OS. Not only did the Komplete Audio 6 work (YEAH!), so did my old Audio Kontrol 1!What is the lesson to the story? Have faith in your relationships and "feel the fear" and upgrade anyway!There is always a solution!I'll keep you posted.One more thing. You can't always go by what you read!Yeah!!!!!Just some more notes. This unit is very cool I really love it. I registered the unit as NI did get back to me to complete. I di get the Focusrite Scarlett to try. I was not impressed with it for my purposes.Thanks NI and thanks to Amazon for a great return policy.
Top reviews from other countries
Germán Rodriguez Echazarra
cumple con su función
Reviewed in Spain on July 30, 2021Curtis McClelland
More reliable than I anticipated
Reviewed in Canada on January 22, 2018Ivan
Excelente interfaz, práctica y sin complicaciones de instalación
Reviewed in Mexico on September 18, 2017
