MANUAL
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Table of Contents Table of Contents 1 2 3 Welcome to KOMPLETE AUDIO 6! ............................................................................... 7 1.1 This is Included in the Box .......................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 8 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 ...........................................
Table of Contents 6 Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) ........................................................ 33 6.1 6.1.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers .......................................................................... 33 6.1.2 Using KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Setup with Passive Speakers ..................................... 34 6.2 Connecting Headphones ............................................................................................................. 35 6.
Table of Contents 8 Appendix .................................................................................................................. 55 8.1 Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................. 55 8.2 About Latency and Buffers ......................................................................................................... 55 8.3 Different Types of ASIO (Windows) .......................................
Welcome to KOMPLETE AUDIO 6! This is Included in the Box 1 Welcome to KOMPLETE AUDIO 6! Thank you for your purchase of KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. It is the ultimate hardware complement for a variety of home studio and DJ applications.
Welcome to KOMPLETE AUDIO 6! Document Conventions 1.2 Document Conventions This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can be expected: The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task more efficiently. The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X 2 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 This chapter describes how to install the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 audio interface on your computer. ▪ If you want to use the audio interface with a Mac, see section ↑2.1, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X. ▪ If you want to use the audio interface with a computer runnig Windows, see section ↑2.2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows. 2.
Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows 2.2 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows In order for the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to work with your Windows computer, the following two components will be installed on your system during the software installation process: ▪ The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 driver handles the communication between the audio interface and your computer.
Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows 2.2.2 Installing the Driver Software To install the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 driver software on Windows: 1. 2. Locate and double-click the Komplete Audio 6 Driver Setup PC.exe file to start the installation procedure. In the installation prorgam’s Welcome screen, click Next. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows 3. On the last screen of the software installation, click Finish. → All software components are now installed, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 can be connected to your computer as described in the following section. 2.2.
Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows ► Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the USB cable provided in the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 box.
Basic Configuration Selecting the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as Your System's Default Audio Output Device 3 Basic Configuration In order for the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to operate as your computer's default soundcard, you will need to select it within the system's audio preferences. Find the relevant instructions in chapter ↑3.1, Selecting the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as Your System's Default Audio Output Device. To use the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your music software's default audio output, see the information given in chapter ↑3.
Basic Configuration Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as an Audio Output Device with Music Software 4. 5. Select the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 from the list of available soundcards. Close the panel. → KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is now selected as the default audio output device. 3.2 Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as an Audio Output Device with Music Software Before using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 with music production or DJ software, you will need to set it up as the software's audio output device.
The Hardware in Detail 4 The Hardware in Detail The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 processes both incoming audio and the audio sent to your computer (and external equipment) in analog and digital form. It is a stand-alone device which draws power from the USB connection of your computer. Thus, an external power supply is unnecessary.
The Hardware in Detail Front Panel 4.1 Front Panel The front panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. (1) INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 (Line and Microphone): These inputs have a combination socket for use with XLR or 1/4" jack connectors. When connecting an XLR connector, an XLR lock latches. You can easily release the connector by pressing the release tab. The input GAIN knob lowers/raises the amount of signal going into the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
The Hardware in Detail Rear Panel The VOLUME control lowers/increases the output level of the monitor signal. (3) Headphones section: The PHONES socket is for plugging in headphones with a 1/4" TRS jack. The VOLUME control lowers/increases the output signal of the headphones. The toggle switch 1/2 and 3/4 allows you to determine which output is monitored by the headphones. 4.2 Rear Panel The rear panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
The Hardware in Detail Rear Panel (2) USB port: The USB port socket connects the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 device to your computer laptop or workstation via USB 2.0. (3) MIDI: The MIDI input (IN) and output (OUT) sockets connect to MIDI devices such as MIDI controllers and hardware synths or workstations. These connections also send and receive MIDI data to and from your computer, and can be utilized by the music software of your choice. (4) MAIN outputs 1/2: The MAIN 1/2 outs are balanced outputs.
The Hardware in Detail Top Panel 4.3 Top Panel The top panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. ▪ Volume control knob (MAIN VOLUME 1/2): The knob at the center of the top panel provides a master volume control for the main outputs (MAIN 1/2).
The Hardware in Detail Top Panel ▪ Status LEDs: The status LEDs surrounding the Volume Control Knob allow you to quickly identify the status of all the connections going in and out of the device, especially in low lighting environments, where setup and troubleshooting can be cumbersome. See the following list for the LED's tasks in more detail: ◦ INPUT 1, 2, 3, and 4: Light green when incoming signal on the relevant channel is detected. The LEDs light red when there is too much signal present, i.e.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) 5 Advanced Configuration Once you have installed the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6) and set it up as your system's default audio output device (↑3, Basic Configuration), there are more options available, such as latency optimization (see also ↑8.1, Technical Specifications) and audio quality settings.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) If you cannot find the Control Panel, the software is most likely not installed. In this case, please (re-)install the software as described in chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. On the left-hand side of the Control Panel, you find two tabs: Audio Settings and Diagnostics: ► Click on the tabs to open the corresponding page of the Control Panel. Proceed to chapters ↑5.1.1, Audio Settings Page and ↑5.1.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) Audio Processing Section The Audio Processing section in the Audio Settings page of the Control Panel. The Audio Processing section sets the parameters for the analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog conversion done by your audio interface. It has two menus: ▪ Sample Rate: Choose a sample rate that is compatible with your music application and best suited to your computing power.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) When converting audio information to digital and vice versa, the audio driver needs to store the data in buffer packages (audio buffers) which are then sent to and processed by the CPU. The higher the buffer size, the longer it takes for a signal to finally arrive at the output as audio. You might experience this as a delay between the time you hit a key on your computer or controller and when you actually hear the sound.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) Digital Sync Source Section The Digital Sync Source section in the Audio Settings page of the Control Panel. In the Digital Sync Source section, you can select whether the device uses its internal clock or gets synchronized to the clock of an external device: ▪ Internal (standard setting): Leave this radio button selected if you don't want the device to be synchronized to the clock of an external device.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) ▪ Monitor Status: Activating the direct monitoring routes the signal of the inputs 1 and 2 directly to the selected outputs (see Channel setting below) without sending them through the computer, so you can monitor the input at zero latency. ▪ Channel: When direct monitoring is active, select to which output channels signals from inputs 1 and 2 will be routed. 5.1.2 Diagnostics Page The Control Panel's Diagnostics page.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) Drop-Out Detection Section The Drop-Out Detection section in the Diagnostics page of the Control Panel. The Drop Out Detection section provides feedback on USB input/output and buffering errors. It has two displays and a button: ▪ USB I/O Error: provides feedback on USB connection errors. A high USB I/O Error count points to your system being overloaded.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Windows (Control Panel) ▪ USB Data Errors: counts USB connection errors. Poor quality, or long USB cables as well as irradiation can be the source of connection errors on the USB bus. ▪ Reset: A click on this button resets the error count. System Performance Test Section The System Performance Test section in the Diagnostics page of the Control Panel.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X (Audio MIDI Setup) Information Section The Information section in the Diagnostics page of the Control Panel. The Information section displays information about driver and firmware, and provides access to the Audio Troubleshooting Guide. This section has two displays and a button: ▪ Driver Version: See the currently installed driver version here. ▪ Firmware Version: See the currently installed firmware version here.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X (Audio MIDI Setup) 5.2.1 Input Pane The Input pane of the Audio MIDI Setup utility in Mac OS X 10.6. The Audio MIDI Setup's Input pane allows for selection of clock source settings, sample rate, and direct monitoring. The relevant areas/elements here are the Clock source drop-down menu, the Format: drop-down menu, and the Thru checkboxes, respectively.
Advanced Configuration Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X (Audio MIDI Setup) ◦ Internal Clock (standard setting): Leave this radio button selected if you don't want the device to be synchronized to the clock of an external device. ◦ External Clock (S/PDIF): Select this radio button if you want the device to be synchronized to the clock of an external device via S/PDIF.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Connecting Speakers 6 Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) In this chapter, you will learn how to connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in various setup scenarios. Although we cannot cover all imaginable setups here, the examples are general enough to apply the information to most situations.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Connecting Speakers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Turn the Volume Control knob (MAIN VOLUME 1/2) on the top panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the left-end stop to set the volume to minimum. Connect the main outputs (MAIN 1/2) on the rear panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your active speakers with stereo 1/4" cables. First, connect the L output channel with the left speaker, then the R output channel to the right speaker.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Connecting Headphones 3. 4. 5. 6. 6.2 Turn your stereo amplifier / mixer on. Turn the Volume Control knob (MAIN VOLUME 1/2) on the top panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the right-end stop to set the output to its maximum level. Start the playback of an audio file on your computer. Gradually raise your stereo console's / mixer's volume control level until you reach a good listening level. Connecting Headphones KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 setup with headphones.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup 1. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphones into the PHONES socket on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's front panel. Turn the Headphone Volume Control knob (VOLUME) of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the left-end stop to set the volume to minimum. 2. 3. Start the playback of an audio file on your computer. Gradually turn the Headphone Volume Control knob (VOLUME) of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the right until you reach a good listening level.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup 6.3.1 Connecting a Condenser Microphone KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 setup with microphone and headphones. Make sure to have connected the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6) of this manual.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup 3. Switch the phantom power (48V button on the device's rear panel) on. The 48V LED on the device's top panel will light orange. 4. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphones into the PHONES socket on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's front panel. Turn the Volume Control knob (VOLUME) in the headphone section of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the left-end stop to set the volume to minimum. 5.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup For information on how to adjust the audio input for recording in your audio recording software, please refer to your software's documentation. 6.3.2 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 setup with microphone and headphones. Make sure to have connected the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6) of this manual.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup 2. Plug the XLR cable connection of your dynamic microphone into either INPUT 1 or INPUT 2 on the front panel of your KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. 3. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphones into the PHONES socket on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's front panel. Turn the Volume Control knob (VOLUME) in the headphone section of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the left-end stop to set the volume to minimum. 4.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup For information on how to record in your audio recording software, please refer to your software's documentation. 6.3.3 Connecting a Guitar / Bass Guitar (with headphones) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 setup with guitar / bass guitar and headphones. Make sure to have connected the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6) of this manual.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup 3. Make sure the LINE/INST button adjacent to the jack is set to INST (for instruments with active electronics, set this to LINE). 4. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphone cable into the PHONES socket on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's front panel. Turn the Volume Control knob (VOLUME) in the headphone section of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the left-end stop to set the volume to minimum. 5.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup For information on how to adjust the audio input for recording in your audio recording software, please refer to your software's documentation. Instead of using headphones, you could also listen to the instrument sound using your monitor speakers. See the relevant chapters for information on how to connect speakers to the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Recording Setup Make sure the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is connected to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6), and configured as your computer's main audio output device (see chapter ↑3, Basic Configuration). See chapter ↑6.1, Connecting Speakers for instructions on how to connect speakers (active and passive) to your KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 with MIDI Devices You can also use INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 on the front panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to connect a line level device with a stereo output. The LINE/INST buttons adjacent to the sockets have to be set to LINE in that case and you'd use the relevant GAIN control buttons next to the sockets to adjust the left and right channels input gain. 6.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 with MIDI Devices 2. Attach a MIDI cable. One end goes to your MIDI controller's MIDI Out port, the other end to the MIDI IN port of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. 3. If you are controlling an external synth: attach a MIDI cable, one end to your Synth’s MIDI IN port, the other to the MIDI OUT port of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. 4.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Using the Digital Input and Output 6.5 Using the Digital Input and Output About Digital I/O and S/PDIF The SPDIF RCA (phono) sockets 5/6 on the rear panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 are digital connectors employing the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format) transfer protocol. S/PDIF allows for carrying digital audio signals between devices without loss of quality.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Using the Digital Input and Output 1. Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's SPDIF RCA (phono) input jack IN 5/6 to the digital output of your DAT tapedeck, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's SPDIF RCA (phono) output jack OUT 5/6 to the digital input of your DAT tapedeck. 2. For Windows users: Open the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's Control Panel software. In the Control Panel, go to the Audio Settings page and set the Digital Sync Source to the External S/ PDIF 5|6 setting.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) Direct Monitoring 2. 3. 6.6 For Windows users: Open the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6's Control Panel software. In the Control Panel, go to the Audio Settings page and set the Digital Sync Source to the External S/ PDIF 5|6 setting. The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 checks for availability of external syncing sources. If the synchronization request fails, the interface switches back to internal clock mode.
Troubleshooting Solving Hardware-related Problems 7 Troubleshooting The information provided in this chapter should help you to solve most of the problems you may encounter while you are using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. 7.1 Solving Hardware-related Problems All Native Instruments products are extensively tested in real life situations during the development phase.
Troubleshooting How to Check Whether the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Drivers are Installed Correctly 7.2 How to Check Whether the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Drivers are Installed Correctly Windows Open Start > All Programs > Native Instruments > KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Driver. There you will find the helper application Control Panel. Make sure that the device is connected to the computer and open the Control Panel. If all the drop-down menus are grayed out (i.e.
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting (Windows) ▪ If the driver is not installed, you can install it as described in chapter ↑2, Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. ▪ If the device is not recognized, check your USB 2.0 connection as described in chapter ↑7.3, Troubleshooting (Windows). 7.3 Troubleshooting (Windows) If you use a computer running Windows and experience problems, please see this Knowledge Base article: http://www.native-instruments.
Troubleshooting Getting Help Knowledge Base Access the Knowledge Base at http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledgebase. To search the Knowledge Base log into your user account first. For information on registering a user account, see chapter ↑2.2.1, Important Installation Information. Technical Support You can reach the Technical Support team online via http://www.native-instruments.com > Support > Product Support.
Troubleshooting Resolving Ground Loop Issues 7.7 Resolving Ground Loop Issues Ground loops are a common problem within any environment where multiple electrical devices are connected to the same power circuit. In complex setups, the cause(s) of the noise can be difficult to find. Ground loops are perceived usually as a hum or buzz in your audio signal, but this can also transmit and amplify other sounds from the devices connected to the circuit.
Appendix Technical Specifications 8 Appendix 8.1 Technical Specifications Output (D/A) Channels 6 Sampling Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz Bit Resolution 24 Converter Cirrus Logic Spec Line Headphone Cross Talk -87dBu -87dBu Impedance 100 Ohms unbalanced 200 Ohms balanced 8... 600Ohms (Load) Maximum Output Level 9.6dBu 9.3dBu 4.26V rms, 100mW @ 100 Ohms THD + N 0.007% 0.012% SNR 101dB (A-weighted) 95dB (A-weighted) Frequency Response 10-40kHz±0.5 dB 10-40kHz±0.5dB 8.
Appendix Different Types of ASIO (Windows) and hearing the sound at the output. Fortunately, with today’s computers and low-latency sound card drivers, this delay is usually very low (e.g., three milliseconds is about the same delay caused by fingers snapping one meter away from your ears). Latency must be kept at a minimum in order to make software instruments and DJ applications playable. How Low Can You Go? 1.
Index Index Numerics D 48V [18] Digital in/out [19] [47] Direct Monitoring [17] [49] A Mac [32] Audio configuration mono [17] advanced [22] selecting the source [17] basic [14] stereo [17] DAW [15] Windows [26] B DPC latency (Windows only) [29] Basic audio configuration [14] G C Ground loops avoiding [54] Connecting a condenser microphone [37] Connecting a dynamic microphone [39] Connecting a synthesizer via digital I/O [48] Connecting an instrument [41] H Hardware overview [16] Conne
Index L T Latency Troubleshooting [50] about [55] Latency optimization Windows [24] Line mode [17] Windows [52] V Volume control [20] P Phantom power [18] S Sample rate setting Mac [32] Windows [24] SPDIF SYNC [21] Sync Source Mac [31] Windows [26] Syncing to external gear Mac [31] Windows [26] KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 - Manual - 58
