Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Review

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The Komplete Audio 6 is a popular 4-channel USB audio interface made by industry legends Native Instruments.

This affordable audio interface is a fantastic entry point into audio recording and offers excellent build quality, 4 audio inputs, and a range of nice extras like MIDI connections and a tasty software bundle.

With so many audio interfaces available in this price range, it can be a bit confusing to know which one is the best for you. But it's important to choose well, as audio interfaces are the core component of recording studios.

This guide will help you to work out whether the Komplete Audio 6 is a good fit, or if you should look somewhere else.

In this review, we'll give you a detailed breakdown of all the features offered, analyze the design and quality - and finally give a verdict on how well it competes with other interfaces in this price range.

Komplete Audio 6 Overview and Specs

The Komplete Audio 6 is an audio interface sitting at the top end of 'beginner' budget audio interfaces. This interface offers nice quality in a small package and has a surprising amount of extra features.

If you're a budding music producer or musician, this interface gives you everything you need to start a small recording setup in your home studio. It doesn't have the capacity or quality for more professional, or larger recording situations, but it's a great choice if you're on the hunt for a compact interface that packs a punch.

Specification	Detail
Recording Audio Quality	192 kHz / 24-bit
Analog Inputs	4 (2x hybrid XLR/1/4", 2x 1/4" TRS)
Digital In/Out	2
Headphone Outputs	2
Power Supply	USB powered via a B-type USB port
MIDI	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Phantom Power	48v
Included Software	Native Instruments Software Bundle
Main Outputs - Maximum Level	+11.3 dBu (balanced)
Main Outputs - Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Main Outputs - THD+N	0.006 %
Main Outputs - Dynamic Range	105 dB
Instrument Input - Maximum Level	+13.2 dBu
Instrument Input - Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Microphone - Maximum Input Level	+6.4 dBu
Microphone - Frequency Response	20 Hz – 20 kHz +/- 0.1 dB
Microphone - THD+N	<0.005 %
Microphone - Dynamic Range	94 dB

Komplete Audio 6 In-Depth Review

Now, let's get into the juicy details. We've split this into a few topics based on the most important areas of review.

Connections and Controls

Starting off, let's look at the connections offered by this interface.

The Komplete Audio 6 is USB-powered, meaning you only need to plug it into your computer with a USB-B cable and don't need an extra power supply–this is handy for keeping a cleaner setup.

As for audio connections, the Komplete Audio 6 bundles a decent amount of connections. Here's a quick summary of the connections and controls. Read below for more details.

Feature	Detail
Audio Inputs	Total of 4: 2x hybrid XLR/1/4" on the front (for microphones or instruments), 2x 1/4" TRS on the back (for extra instruments or hardware)
Recording Capability	Can record up to 4 audio sources at once - a combination of 2 mic inputs and 2 instruments, or 4 instruments
Input Controls	Small, smooth knobs for gain control; +48v phantom power switch; line/instrument switches for gain staging
Headphone Outputs	2x for dual monitoring capabilities
Audio Outputs	4x 1/4" audio outputs for connecting to monitors, effects units, a second pair of speakers, or a guitar pedal board
MIDI Interface	5-pin MIDI input and output ports for connecting synthesizers, drum machines, or other MIDI-controlled hardware
Digital Connections	SP/DIF in and out for connecting additional stereo devices as a digital input or output

Audio Inputs

You get a total of 4 audio inputs, being split between a pair of hybrid XLR 1/4" inputs on the front (for microphones or instruments) and a pair of 1/4" TRS inputs on the back for extra instruments or hardware. This means you can record up to 4 audio sources at once - a combination of 2 mic inputs and 2 instruments, or 4 instruments at once.

Controls

The controls for these audio inputs are pretty nice, the small, but smooth knobs have a decent level of sensitivity that lets you dial in the perfect amount of gain. They aren't anything particularly fancy, but they do the job and seem like a fair deal for the price. You also get switches for +48v and line/instrument switches to adjust the gain staging.

Output Array

The output array on this interface is decent for the size too. You get a pair of headphone outputs, meaning that two people can easily get plugged in and record together. It comes with 4 1/4" audio outputs. This is handy as it means you can have it plugged into a pair of monitors, and run two extra outputs out - for example, running audio into an effects unit, or using a second pair of speakers, or a guitar pedal board.

MIDI Interface

This mobile interface packs in a few extra ins and outs too, which gear tinkerers will be pleased to hear. It also acts as a MIDI interface, coming with a 5-pin MIDI input and output port. This is handy if you use synthesizers, drum machines, or any other MIDI-controlled hardware - as you can simply connect it to your DAW through the interface. The input is handy too if you want to plug a keyboard into the interface to control virtual instruments.

Digital Connections

The final notable connection is the SP/DIF in and out. This lets you connect an additional stereo device to act as a digital input or output - like a CDJ or any other gear with a digital output.

As far as connections go, you really can't fault what the Komplete Audio offers in this price bracket. It has a comprehensive range of connections that expands beyond the traditional audio in & out and lets you link up a few different pieces of gear at the same time.

If you want to run larger recording sessions, you might consider looking at a different audio interface in the same price band that offers something like 6 or 8 inputs, but you would probably have to sacrifice the extra connections like MIDI and CV.

Audio Quality

Now, let's have a look (or listen) at the sound quality offered by this interface. Here's a quick summary, read below for a more in-depth look at each feature:

Aspect	Detail
Sample Rate	Up to 192kHz
Bit Depth	24-bit
Frequency Range	20Hz to 20kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)	0.006%
Dynamic Range	94dB
Preamps	Not as rich as UAD Volt and SSL2 models but competitive in features and price
Latency Mode	Ultra-low latency mode available, as low as 32 samples latency (milliseconds), but may cause glitching

Sample Rate

For starters, the digital capacity of this interface is pretty high–offering a sample rate of up to 192kHz, and a bit depth of 24. This means you can capture audio in extremely high resolution, allowing plenty of accuracy on the high and low end.

Frequency Range

The inputs can capture frequencies between 20Hz and 20kHz, which is standard for interfaces in this price range. It's enough to capture the entire audible spectrum, but don't expect to get much additional quality performance if you're using microphones that can capture beyond this range. It's definitely wide enough for typical recording purposes though.

Total Harmonic Distortion (THD+N)

The mic and line inputs record with 0.006% total harmonic distortion, which is very decent for this price range. This means that the signals are pretty accurate, and there is a completely unnoticeable amount of harmonic distortion present in the signal.

Dynamic Range

You get around 94dB of dynamic range - which is pretty standard for interfaces with this price tag. It's dynamic enough for most recording situations, and it still performs pretty well when recording audio under this range.

Preamps

I will say that the preamps aren't quite as rich as some in a similar price range–for example, the UAD Volt and SSL2 models are a little bit sweeter, although slightly more pricey, and don't offer the same amount of features.

Low Latency Mode

It has the option of running in an ultra-low latency mode, which can go as low as 32 samples latency, which is around milliseconds. However, you will experience glitching at this low latency - in such a way that it makes it unusable.

User Experience & Capabilities

The user experience offered by a product is incredibly important–you want something that works well, feels nice, and does all the things you expect it to. This holds particularly true in audio recording, where there can be a lot at stake.

The Komplete Audio 6 certainly makes the grade as far as we're concerned. It's easy to set up, the build quality is nice, and it is free from any bugs or nuisance design oversights. It's small and lightweight enough for a bit of mobile recording (especially given the USB power).

It has a huge range of versatility thanks to all the inputs and outputs you get, so it has enough flexibility to be used in a bunch of different situations. It's nice having the option of using either mic or line inputs on the front, as this gives you more options when it comes to your recording sessions.

This type of interface lets you work with a range of setups and scenarios - here are some examples:

Because it only has 2 mic inputs and 2 DIs, you won't be able to record a drum set with a full array of mics. You could capture some overheads or 2 closer signals - but it doesn't have the input capacity for more advanced drum recording techniques.

The large monitor volume control lets you dial in the perfect amount of output volume for your monitors and responds well to the touch.

Bundled Software

A very attractive feature of this interface is the huge bundle of software that Native Instruments throws in. This gives you a bunch of software effects and instruments to bolster your digital arsenal.

• Monark: an analog-style synth in the realm of a Minimoog or MS-20. This thing has a crystal clear sound that cuts through compared to many stock 'analog' synths that come with DAWs.
• Mod Pack: a guitar pedal-style bundle of 3 effects - Choral, Phasis, and Flair. These are all modulation effects, covering chorus/ensemble, phasing, flagging, and pitch modulation. These all sound sweet and let you get a bit more color in your recordings.
• Replika: an included delay effect, which has 3 different delay simulation modes, a slick interface, and all the other controls you need to dial in a perfect amount of delay. It even has a built-in modulation loop, letting you add a bit of complexity to your delay signal.
• Solid Bus Compressor: if you want a bit of dynamic control you'll be happy with the which is a nice analog-sounding compressor unit. This clearly takes inspiration from classic compressors like the 1176 and helps you to get a tasty bit of crunch and pump into your mix.
• Guitar Rig 7 LE: a really powerful guitar tone-shaping plugin that lets you mix amp simulations and guitar pedals to create guitar tones. The LE version is a stripped-back version of Guitar Rig 7 Pro, but it still has a bunch of effects and can help you get a broad range of tones.
• iZotope Elements Suite: For the mastering stage of music production, this includes limited versions of their extensive library. This nets you Nectar, RX, Ozone, and Neutron. Do your own research on these plugins, but they're all super nice.
• Other Bonuses: a copy of Maschine Essentials, Ableton Live 11 Lite, and Traktor LE3 - all of these are handy for music production, making beats, and DJing. It would be nice to see AudioCube included, but we can dream...

Overall, that is a huge bundle of software that may have a combined value higher than the cost of the interface itself.

Things I Consider When Buying an Audio Interface

Audio interfaces are the heart of the studio, so you need to make sure that you buy one that suits your requirements and setup.

It's definitely worth investing in something that is a bit future-proofed as if you take recording seriously, you're guaranteed to need some extra inputs, outputs, and features later down the line.

Here are some of the most important things to consider when choosing an audio interface:

Input Count

This is arguably the most important consideration. You need to choose an interface that has enough inputs to capture all your sources and instruments simultaneously.

This ultimately depends on the type of recording sessions you are running. If you are a solo musician, you can usually get away with two or four inputs. Drummers will want at least four, and if you are recording a larger band, six or eight inputs is the lowest you should get.

Input Type

Additionally, the type of inputs used on the interface is also important. You usually either get mic inputs, 1/4" inputs, or hybrids, which can do either of the previous types. Hybrid inputs are the best to look out for, but a lot of mid-range interfaces just tend to have a pair of mics, and a few optional 1/4".

Again, this depends on what type of sources you'll be recording. It's mostly a consideration if you're going to be working with a lot of microphones.

Outputs

The number of outputs on an interface is generally a lesser concern than the above points but is still something you should consider depending on what kind of setup you're running. If you plan on connecting the interface to a mixing desk or re-amping material out of the interface and back in, make sure that it has enough additional outputs to connect with your gear.

This can be a bit of an issue in the more affordable products, as these tend to only have two main monitor outputs and the occasional extra pair - so do some research before buying.

Additional Connections

Finally, think about whether you want any other types of connections through your interface. The most common one here is MIDI - where a MIDI in and out can be used to either control other audio gear or feed keyboard/pad signals back into your PC for recording.

These are only really useful if you have other MIDI gear - but if you do, they are completely worth it as they'll save you from needing to buy an additional MIDI interface.

Alternatives to the Komplete Audio 6

If you're considering the Komplete Audio 6, it's definitely a good choice of interface in this price range. There are many similar options with price tags in the same realm, although they all tend to offer slightly different features and quality.

Here are some other popular audio interfaces in this price range, that you might also consider.

Komplete Audio 6 vs Universal Audio Volt 2 USB

The Universal Audio Volt 2 USB is slightly cheaper than the Komplete Audio 6, although it has half the inputs and less additional outputs. The main attraction is the slightly higher audio quality, and the extra 'vintage' buttons, which add a bit of warmth and crunch to the recorded signal.

Or check out the Universal Audio Volt 276 for another great option from UA.

Komplete Audio 6 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is another very popular model that is commonly recommended to people looking to get into recording and music production. This also only has 2 hybrid inputs, but the build quality is slightly higher than the Komplete.

Check out our full review of the 4th Gen Scarlett interfaces to learn more.

Komplete Audio 6 vs Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is a large but budget-friendly interface has the same amount of inputs, although it offers 4 hybrids rather than 2, meaning you could plug in a total of 4 microphones. It also has extra insert connections, and MIDI in and out.

That said, the audio quality of the Behringer is definitely not as high as the Komplete, and the general build quality is flimsy and leaves a lot to be desired. See our review of the Behringer U-Phoria to decide for yourself.

FAQs About Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

Is Komplete Audio 6 worth it?

The Komplete Audio 6 is a very nice affordable audio interface. This is a fantastic offer and is very competitive compared to other products in the same price range. It comes with 4 inputs, MIDI compatibility, an SP/DIF in out, and more. The 2 headphone outputs make it perfect for jamming with a mate.

It also comes with a huge software bundle, which gives you an incredible amount of value at a low cost. Not many other interface bundles in this price range offer the same amount of software!

What does the Komplete Audio 6 do?

The Komplete Audio 6 is a multi-channel audio interface with additional connectivity. The purpose of this device is to enable digital audio recording with your computer and audio software. This audio interface comes with 4 inputs, meaning you can record 4 audio sources independently at the same time. This is perfect for a small home recording setup, and it has enough room to record a small band.

It also has MIDI in and out for connecting to extra hardware, and sp/dif for digital interfaces.

What is the gain range of Komplete Audio 6?

The Komplete Audio 6 offers a dynamic 94dB. This is a decent amount and means that you will be able to record both loud and quiet instruments through the same inputs, like heavy drums and softer vocals.

Does Komplete Audio 6 need drivers?

The Komplete Audio 6 works natively on Mac devices, although you will need to install some ASIO drivers if you're using this on a Windows machine (as with most interfaces). This only takes a few minutes to set up–and you probably already have it installed if you've ever used an interface in your machine before.

Final Verdict

Overall, the Komplete Audio 6 is a very competitive audio interface in the beginner to intermediate price range. It has enough connections and features to run a small-sized recording session, with up to four inputs.

It doesn't have enough inputs for larger sessions and bands, but it's not really designed (or priced) for that kind of scenario. This is more suitable for home studio setups, where a producer might record a couple of instruments at once.

Thanks to the extra connections it offers, this is a very attractive interface to any solo producers working with additional hardware like synths, drum machines, and effects units - as the MIDI and additional inputs and outputs give you a bit more flexibility in your setup.

I would say that, for the price, you'll struggle to find many other interfaces that offer the same features, quality, and value for money. Particularly when you take into account the incredibly generous included software bundle, which has a total combined value over the price of the interface itself! It's a deal!