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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
Videos
Chris From Ukulele Trading
NI Audio Kontrol 1 USB/Midi Recording Interface Demo 1
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
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Mac users report issues with driver recognition; Windows users experience plug-and-play ease.
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Lack of serial number complicates second-hand purchases, impacting software downloads and device setup.
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Using Asio4All drivers with FL Studio 12 on Windows 10 helps reduce latency and allows simultaneous DAW use and web browsing without audio issues.
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The workaround involves creating a shortcut to a batch file in Google Drive, requiring administrative access to execute effectively.
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Setup and maintenance
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Connecting via PL to XLR cables is a common setup for linking Audio Kontrol 1 to Yamaha HS5 monitors.
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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.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings
233
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.
Artist usage
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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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