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Description

For musicians and producers seeking a seamless blend of performance and precision, the Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 is an exceptional audio interface that amplifies your creative potential. Whether you're sculpting soundscapes in the studio or performing live sets, this compact powerhouse delivers top-notch audio quality that belies its price tag. With 24-bit/192kHz resolution and high-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters, every detail of your sound comes through with pristine clarity.

The Audio Kontrol 1 is designed with versatility in mind, offering two balanced inputs—one line/mic with phantom power and one line/hi-Z—making it equally adept at handling vocals, guitars, or synths. Its four balanced outputs ensure you can route your audio just the way you need it, while the headphone output with A/B source switching gives you the control you crave.

What sets the Audio Kontrol 1 apart is its intuitive control panel, featuring three assignable buttons and a versatile controller knob. These elements allow you to manage up to ten different parameters, enhancing your workflow without the need for extensive menus or screens. With low-latency ASIO/Core Audio drivers and USB 2.0 bus power, this interface is not just a tool—it's a creative partner.

Key Features:

  • High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 24-bit/192kHz resolution
  • Two balanced inputs and four balanced outputs with individual gain controls
  • Headphone output with A/B source switching and level control
  • Three assignable buttons and one control knob for intuitive parameter management
  • Low-latency ASIO/Core Audio driver, USB 2.0 bus powered
  • Includes TRAKTOR LE, GUITAR RIG 4 ESSENTIAL, Cubase LE 5, and NEW YORK CONCERT GRAND software
  • $30 voucher toward KOMPLETE instruments and effects
Chris From Ukulele Trading

Chris From Ukulele Trading

NI Audio Kontrol 1 USB/Midi Recording Interface Demo 1

Video thumbnail for NI Audio Kontrol 1 USB/Midi Recording Interface Demo 1 by Chris From Ukulele Trading

NI Audio Kontrol 1 USB/Midi Recording Interface Demo 1

Chris From Ukulele Trading

Chris From Ukulele Trading

Video thumbnail for NI Audio Kontrol 1 by Orforio

NI Audio Kontrol 1

Orforio

Orforio

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 by SamAshdotcom

Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

SamAshdotcom

SamAshdotcom

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Audio Kontrol 1 - Introduction, Inputs and Outputs by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Audio Kontrol 1 - Introduction, Inputs and Outputs

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Audio Kontrol 1 Demo Part 1 by Chris From Ukulele Trading

Audio Kontrol 1 Demo Part 1

Chris From Ukulele Trading

Chris From Ukulele Trading

Video thumbnail for Native Instruments - Audio Kontrol 1 - Controller Features by JRR Shop

Native Instruments - Audio Kontrol 1 - Controller Features

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1.

Software and compatibility

  • Mac users report issues with driver recognition; Windows users experience plug-and-play ease.

    Source
  • Lack of serial number complicates second-hand purchases, impacting software downloads and device setup.

    Source
  • Using Asio4All drivers with FL Studio 12 on Windows 10 helps reduce latency and allows simultaneous DAW use and web browsing without audio issues.

    Source
  • The workaround involves creating a shortcut to a batch file in Google Drive, requiring administrative access to execute effectively.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Connecting via PL to XLR cables is a common setup for linking Audio Kontrol 1 to Yamaha HS5 monitors.

    Source
  • A batch file workaround is necessary to manage audio glitches by restarting Windows audio services, though this isn't reliable for live performances due to potential sound interruptions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners often transition from Audio Kontrol 1 to more reliable interfaces like the Scarlett 2i2, indicating long-term dissatisfaction with the AK1's performance.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

soundonsound.com

Native Instruments' Audio Kontrol 1 shines with excellent audio quality and innovative features, making it a strong contender in the audio interface market. Its standout attributes include robust construction, intuitive controller system, and superb sound with sample rates up to 192kHz. Ideal for DJs and live performers, its versatility extends through programmable MIDI controls and bundled software. However, it has limitations: only one mic input and some software incompatibility with Intel Macs. Despite being a bit pricey, the AK1 offers a luxurious audio experience, particularly for those who appreciate its unique control capabilities.

positive

Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

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4 star
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1 star
compucat

Stable, but not the best sounding

A few generations old, but still solid and dependable. A little bit of clicking every once in a while, but I've never had any major dropouts on stage or in studio. The preamps (instrument and mic) are both weak, though, and tend to be quite noisy.

lukac1337

Great!

Great for studio! I will keep it in studio, when I try it at performance I will send feedback!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Hudson Mohawke uses Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

Hudson Mohawke

Music Producer

TNGHT

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, one can see Mohawke with a Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1.

See how DJ Ravine uses Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

DJ Ravine

DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

at 6:45, Ravine shows the NI Audio Kontrol 1

See how Pogo uses Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

Pogo

Music Producer

Fiskales Ad-Hok

...
Verified via YouTube

"This is the thing I'm pipping my microphone through at the moment." 2:27.

See how Carlos Nilmmns uses Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1

Carlos Nilmmns

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Carlos Nilmmns instagram video you can see a Native Instruments Audio Kontrol soundcard sitting on top of a Focusrite Scarlet soundcard. It's difficult to see which soundcard is being used in this recording.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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