Native Instruments has announced Audio Kontrol 1, a compact high-performance USB 2.0 audio interface that addresses the typical needs of musicians, producers and DJs in a portable package.

According to Native, the new unit combines professional sound quality with versatility, and is equipped with a software package designed to meet a specific ‘sweet spot’ in terms of performance, functionality and price.

With its 2-in/4-out configuration, and equipped with microphone preamp, Hi-Z instrument input and headphone amp, Audio Kontrol 1 is suitable for a wide range of studio, live and DJ applications. Audio Kontrol 1 is equipped with studio-grade 24-bit/192 kHz Cirrus Logic converters for pristine audio quality, while Native Instruments´ third-generation USB 2.0 audio driver technology ensures low-latency operation down to 4 milliseconds both on Windows and Macintosh systems.

Four freely assignable control elements on the top side of the unit also make it possible to adjust any software parameter directly from the interface, enabling Audio Kontrol 1 to double as a basic controller device.

Included software

Included are 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´ award-winning Guitar Rig.

You also get Traktor 3 LE, a new DJ software based on Native Instruments´ groundbreaking Traktor DJ Studio. NI believe that iTraktor3 LE is a serious creative tool, and an ideal way to enter the world of digital DJin with its features of two decks with high-quality time-stretching, an integrated mixer, performance effects, loop and cueing functions, a powerful track database and seamless Beatport shop integration.

Price and Availability

Audio Kontrol 1 will be available in October 2006 for a suggested retail price of $ 299 USD, 279 Euro.

More information is available at the Native Instruments site.