Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

It is difficult for me to speak poorly of a Native Instruments product, for I own several of their software packages and their Guitar Rig Mobile IO piece of hardware, all of which have served me well. The DOA thing was probably just a fluke, but it was DOA. Three PCs same results, no nothing.

I also had a bit of an issue returning the product to Musicians Friend. The first CSR I spoke with, could not find my order number or even me as a customer in the system, there was a bunch of talk in the background and I think the guy just did not want to miss out in that conversation and so he put me off. So I hung up, called back in and got another CSR. This CSR could find me and the order, but said I could not return the item because it contained software and that I would have to communicate with the manufacture concerning the issue. I explained to her that the included software was a USB driver and freebies, she said that didn't matter. I told her I was not satisfied with her response and asked to speak with her manager. I was quickly routed up the ladder where this gentleman apologized for the confusion and quickly provided me the information and email to return the defective part. I was a bit confused even then, for they would not replace the part, they would only provide a refund. He said it had something to do with me using PayPal.

Needless to say, I didn't order another Komplete Audio 6, I ended up with a Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 from another source.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

Baby-stepping into full Ableton use from years of out-board, analog recording, this thing is pretty hard to beat. Certainly enough for singer-songwriter recordings and functional for demos for larger ideas, or more if you are using several virtual instruments. The latter seems to be the sweet spot -- adding guitar or vox to Ableton constructs with a minimum of fuss and muss.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

I purchased the KA6 on many recommendations. So far it has been an absolute nightmare. Aside from being unable to register the hardware and unable to log into the NI site (instantly redirected / logged out), I get this gem when I try to use the thing:

The KA6 constantly and consistently locks up the machine. I mean the entire computer. No response to any input, not even Numlock light will turn on, nothing. I can leave it for 20 minutes and come back and it's still hosed.

I have tried high latency settings, low latency settings, it doesn't seem to matter one bit. I can have the KA6 set to 4ms, 44100, 2048 sample buffer (this is like 60ms total latency), and it still hangs my laptop even when it's not even doing anything.

For example, if I fire up Maschine and try to select the KA6 as my output, it hangs the system.
If I get past that and select ASIO options, it hangs the system.
If Maschine starts up and the KA6 is the only sound card active (onboard disabled), it hangs the system.
If I don't run anything at all, and just plug and unplug the KA6, it's hung the whole system.

I've installed drivers, updated drivers, reinstalled drivers, updated firmware... everything you can think of. Nothing helps.

I have an XP SP3 machine. It has no other issues. USB ports are well powered and have never been an issue. I have owned and extensively used the SL1, TTM57, and 62 mixers, for example. Everything from my phone to an external DVD burner to my Maschine works perfectly and gets all the power it needs.

While it's not the fastest thing out there, this laptop is not a slouch. It runs Scratch Live and Ableton at the same time without issues. I can run Scratch Live with the latency set quite low, never getting dropouts. I can run Scratch Live plus record my set through the same USB cable (e.g., on the Rane 62), never had a single issue.

XP SP3, all the latest updates. All software is legit.
I don't run registry cleaners or anything stupid. I have ESET NOD32. I have some stuff like Apple Mobile Device Service disabled in msconfig.

Core2Duo, 4GB DDR3, dual 640GB HDDs. I run Borderlands 2 at medium settings and get very playable performance, just as an example. I've used other outboard sound devices like the Serato/Rane products, FiiO DAC, others, with zero issues. Maschine runs without issue (unless I try to use the KA6).

I have followed the NI XP tuning guide, even steps that don't make much sense in this situation. My system was already quite well-tuned and stable. Absolutely nothing in the guide has helped.

I have wifi turned off, AV turned off, no other programs running, etc. I have tried every tweak and setting over the past three days to no avail.

I've wasted the KA6's retail price worth of time easily on this demon box. Returning it. It's not worth it.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

Was very surprise at the low latency and excellent sound quality. I purchased this to replace my current USB interface and was pleasantly surprised how clean the overall quality I have been missing in the audio. I have recordings using both the Komplete 6 audio interface and my previous interface, and was blown away at how good the Komplete 6 recording sounded compared to my previous recordings.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

Great Product. Instantly increases sound quality once set up. Recording are flawless and the unit itself is easy to use. In addition, i love the top volume knob.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

I bought this unit to serve as an external interface for the rMBP. All of the connections are solid and the unit is built solid. I didn't list the weight as a con because I like knowing that the equipment is built well. The connections are strong enough that you cannot plug/unplug anything by accident, especially the USB connector. The only issue with the unit I have had is trying to register it with NI. It seems as though there is always a similar issue with any NI product. It was really nice to get the free GR5 pro software with the unit, so it kind of evens out. The included software is excellent for getting your feet wet. I would recommend this product to my friends.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

After a couple of years struggling with Line6 POD X3 for some simple home demoing I decided to get myself some cheap USB interface with a couple of inputs. POD X3 was fine in theory, but it kept freezing on me after 10-15 minutes of use, I thought it was a problem with USB ports of my laptop, but now I know it wasn't. I first bought M-Audio C400 and played with it for a little bit, but it happened to be defective with 2 main inputs completely fried, so I returned it and finally got Komplete Audio 6.

Unit body is made of metal and is nice and heavy, but very compact at the same time. Used it for a couple of weeks, did not have any problems with constant freezing of USB ports and having to reboot my computer all the time (like with POD X3).

Inputs are sturdy unlike cheap plastic ones they use in C400, knobs turn nice and slowly with no noise which was a big problem for C400. I haven't used all the features yet, only recorded guitar and bass and also connected e-drums. First thing I noticed is a very low latency. All previous audio cards I owned did not really work well with Guitar Rig and basic recording software. When using Komplete 6 I did't notice any latency at all, when recording guitars or even using EZ Drummer. Monitor shows some lag, but it is not noticeable by ear. Big plus of this unit is the included software package. I like Cubase LE much better than the limited version of Pro Tools included with c400. In addition you get NI Komplete Elements which includes Guitar Rig 5, Traktor DJ and some other useful tools. Very nice for the price, if you check how much all of the software would cost if bought separately.

The only problem I noticed so far is that the sound would go off after disconnecting the unit (the correct way by using Eject USB Device option). I'm not sure if this can be resolved yet, I would like the sound to switch to internal soundcard automatically after ejecting the unit.

Anyway, I'm totally satisfied with the purchase and would recommend this unit to anyone who is searching for simple and affordable home studio USB recording piece.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

I replaced an old rack unit audio interface with this interface. I love it. It sounds great and is easy to use. It is now the recording hub for my laptop. My old rack unit was a pain to use because you had to plug microphones and guitars into the back of it. A hassle. The Komplete Audio 6 has its two main inputs up front where they belong. I mainly record guitar and I can just plug the guitar cable right into the front of the unit and record. I use AmpliTube or Guitar Rig most of the time for direct recording in Digital Performer. I can also plug a microphone in the front for recording acoustic guitar. I really like the big, solid, volume knob on the top. It is way better than those little plastic knobs on most units. Great deal for home recording.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

I sent it back, so that should tell you something.
The unit is solidly built. It is compact, and it easily fit tucked up under my monitor. The sound of the device was pretty good. I would describe the sound that came out of this unit as dry, tight, and transparent. I liked the unit, except for the fact that every time I turned my computer on or off the Audio 6 let out an enormous fart and threatened to damage my speakers. So I sent it back. If you want a device like this you can't go wrong with the PreSonus.

The features on the unit were pretty much the same as all of the other devices of its kind. They're pretty similar in what they set out to do.
The quality of the unit was excellent- except for the enormous popping problem, which ruins the whole experience.
I would have been fine with the price if I had chosen to keep the unit.

Comments about Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6:

This interface is great so far. I took a risk on getting it before it was reviewed. I've had it for about a week now and I've tried out the preamps. They sounded very clear with no noise and powered my Shure Sm7b pretty decently. Very solid device and I love the master 1/2 monitor dial along with the headphone output. Makes it very useful for recording and playback. The Neutrik inputs are rock solid as well.
If the I/O's are enough to fit your needs then get this interface. I love Native Instruments products and I use tons of their software and they were very helpful.
I've seen in the forums people say one downside to this interface is minimal routing capabilities.
I don't DJ or do much stuff like that so I dont care. I simply plug in instruments and record.
Very high quality interface. If you're looking for crisp clean sound, realistic sound, or even that signature Strugis digital quality, this is the interface for you.
Great availability of I/O's and preamps
Heavy, Solid
For the price this is awesome quality with good preamps and I/O capabilities