NEW PRODUCT: NATIVE INSTRUMENTS AUDIO KONTROL 1
Nov 7, 2006 7:26 PM Asher Fulero (Writer)
The new Audio Kontrol 1 ($299) from Native Instruments is a USB interface with a twist. Although it contains all the usual elements (two pairs of stereo 1/4-inch balanced outputs each with a dedicated knob, one balanced XLR/1/4-inch mic-level input, one balanced 1/4-inch line-level input, MIDI I/O, headphone output with a source switch, 48V phantom power, low-latency direct monitoring and a USB 2.0 bus power), the really interesting new feature is what lives on its top panel. Three buttons and one large knob turn an ordinary USB box into a hybrid controller for your entire system. NI created custom software that allows you to create individual assignments for each piece of software you use. Pressing different buttons in conjunction with the knob, Audio Kontrol 1's top panel actually allows for full control of 10 parameters per application, be they MIDI or MackieControl commands for your DAW, tools in your graphic software's palette or launchers for your OS.
The Audio Kontrol 1 also comes with a sizable bundle of software, including a ton of software preset files, Xpress Keyboard (pared down versions of NI's B4, PRO-53 and FM7 synths), Guitar Combos (with presets from NI's Guitar Rig) and Traktor 3 LE, a slimmed down version of NI's popular and powerful DJ software.
Native Instruments; www.native-instruments.com
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