NI unveils Audio Kontrol 1 interface
updated 11:10 am EDT, Mon August 21, 2006
NI unveils Audio Kontrol 1
Native Instruments today unveiled the Audio Kontrol 1, a compact high-performance USB 2.0 audio interface designed to address the typical needs of many musicians, producers, and DJs. Audio Kontrol features 24-bit/192 kHz Cirrus Logic converters, while Native Instruments' third-generation USB 2.0 audio driver technology ensures low-latency operation down to 4ms on both Mac and Windows systems. The audio interface includes a 2-in/4-out configuration with a microphone preamp, as well as a "Hi-Z" instrument input and headphone amp. Audio Kontrol 1 is slated for shipment in October of 2006 for $300, and requires Mac OS X 10.4 or later.
The Audio Kontrol 1 features a small footprint in a solid aluminum enclosure, and is entirely bus-powered. The unit also ships with a software bundle which includes Xpress Keyboards, three software synthesizers based on the acclaimed PRO-53, B4 and FM7; as well as Guitar Combos, three professional amp emulations taken from Native Instruments' Guitar Rig.
Four freely assignable control elements on the top side of the unit allow users to adjust any software parameter directly from the interface, enabling the Audio Kontrol 1 to function as a basic controller device.
Audio Kontrol 1 also ships with Traktor 3 LE, new DJ software based on Native Instruments' Traktor DJ Studio. Traktor 3 LE offers two decks with time-stretching, an integrated mixer, performance effects, loop as well as cueing functions, a track database, and seamless Beatport shop integration.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
latency
4 milliseconds may sound miniscule, but it is perceptible -- and annoying -- to experienced musicians. There's really no excuse for ANY latency at this point.