Manual
ENGLISH KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Manual
Table Of Contents 1 Welcome to KOMPLETE AUDIO 6!.................................................................................................................. 4 1.1 What is Included in the Box?............................................................................ 4 1.2 Manual Conventions........................................................................................ 4 2 Safety Considerations.................................................................................................
8 Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................... 50 8.1 Solving Hardware-related Problems..................................................................50 8.2 How to Check Whether the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Drivers are Installed Correctly.......................................................................................................50 8.3 USB Troubleshooting.......................................
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.
• Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to locations on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics. • Text appearing elsewhere on the screen (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is printed in light blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing somewhere on the screen. • Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
2 Safety Considerations Please read the following sections thoroughly, as they contain important information regarding the use of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. 2.1 Warning The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6, in combination with an amplifier, headphones or speakers, can produce sounds in decibel ranges that may cause hearing damage. For protection, set all volume levels to a minimum before using KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. Gradually raise the volume controls while music is playing to set the desired listening level.
• Disclaimer: Native Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for damage or data loss caused by improper use of, or modification to, the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 hardware or software. It is your responsibility to back up data you do not want to lose. • Specifications subject to change: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of publication.
3 Software Installation In order for the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to work properly with your computer, the following two programs are automatically installed on your system during the software installation process: • The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 driver. This handles the communication between the audio interface and your computer. • The Control Panel software.
ENGLISH 4. In the installation welcome screen, click Next. 5. To continue, you need to first accept the license agreement. After you have read the license agreement, click on the corresponding checkbox. Then click Next.
6. The InstallAware Wizard will prompt you to begin the configuration. Click Next to proceed. 7. Once the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish. →→ All software components are now installed, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 should be ready to use. Proceed with registration chapter 3.3.
!! Do not connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer before the software installation process is finished. ENGLISH 3.2.2 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows XP/Vista To install the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Windows XP/Vista: 1. Place the installation disc in your computer’s CD/DVD-ROM drive. 2. Use the Windows Explorer to browse the contents of the disc. 3. Double-click the installer file: “KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 Setup PC.exe.” 4. In the installation welcome screen, click Next.
5. To continue, you first need to accept the license agreement. After you have read the license agreement, click on the corresponding checkbox. Then click Next. 6. The InstallAware Wizard will prompt you to begin the configuration. Click Next to proceed. 7. During driver installation, a Windows security warning will appear. This does not indicate a problem. To proceed with the installation, click Continue Anyway (on Windows XP) or Install (on Windows Vista).
Once the installation has been performed successfully, click Finish. 9. After the installer has finished running, connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to a USB 2.0 port on your computer using the USB cable included in the package. ENGLISH 8. 10. Windows will identify the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 and begin the final driver installation process. 11. Choose No if Windows asks you to search the Internet for a driver. 12. Choose Automatic when Windows asks you how to install the software. 13.
14. After you have completed the driver installation procedure, the driver installer will start again. This is intended behavior. Repeat steps 11 to 14 in order to install all required driver components. →→ All software components are now installed, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 should be ready to use. Proceed with registration chapter 3.3. 3.2.3 Installing KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X To install the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 on Mac OS X: 1. Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to a USB 2.
ENGLISH 5. Click Continue to proceed. 6. Read the Software License Agreement and click Continue to proceed.
7. If you agree to the Software License Agreement, click Agree to continue. 8. Select the drive you want to install the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 driver to and click Continue.
ENGLISH 9. Click Install to install the driver. 10. Mac OS X will prompt you to authenticate the installation. Enter the name and corresponding password of a user with administrator privileges and click OK. Another screen will inform you that restarting the computer will be necessary after the installer has finished. Confirm again.
11. The next screen informs you about the progress of the installation procedure. 12. Once the installation has been performed successfully, you will be prompted to restart your Mac. Click Restart to restart your computer. →→ All software components are now installed, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is ready to use. Proceed with registration chapter 3.3.
Registering the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is not mandatory. Nevertheless, registration is recommended for support inquiries or in case of theft. As a registered user, you will also benefit from exclusive incentives and insider specials. ENGLISH 3.
4 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 4.1. To use the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your music software’s default audio output, see the information given in chapter 4.2. 4.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Open the System Preferences under the gray Apple Icon menu in the top left corner of your screen. Below Hardware (second row from top), select Sound. In the Sound control panel, select the Output tab. Select the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 from the list of available soundcards. Close the panel. ENGLISH 4.1.3 Mac OS X →→ KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is now selected as the default audio output device. 4.
5 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 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. ENGLISH (3) Headphones section: The headphone socket is for plugging in headphones with a 1/4” TRS jack. 5.2 Rear Panel 5.2 The rear panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. (1) Phantom power button (48V): The phantom power button supplies 48V to condenser microphones, which need this DC voltage to power their active electrical circuitry.
(6) Inputs 3/4: The Input 3/4 sockets are balanced 1/4” jack sockets. They are used with synths, tapedecks, CD players, or any other devices or instruments that don’t require phantom powering. (7) Input and Output 5/6: The RCA (phono) sockets 5/6 are used for digital input/output, and syncing to external digital clocks. Typically, DAT tapedecks or synthesizers with digital ins/ outs utilize these sockets. 5.3 Top Panel 5.3 The top panel of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
•• •• •• •• •• •• •• MIDI: Lights green when a MIDI connection is detected and active; flashes on incoming or outgoing MIDI data. 48V: Lights orange when phantom power is activated. USB: Lights green when the USB port is connected to a computer. Flashing indicates a USB connection problem. Headphones 1/2: Lights orange when there is outgoing signal on the headphone outputs 1 and 2 (see 5.1 for headphone source settings).
6 Advanced Configuration Once you have installed the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (3) and set it up as your system’s default audio output device (4), there are more options available, such as latency optimization (see also 10.2) and audio quality settings. On Windows All advanced configuration settings on Windows can be accessed from the Control Panel software, which was installed on your computer during the software installation procedure in chapter 3. Proceed with subchapter 6.1.
ENGLISH 6.1.1 Audio Settings Page 6.1 The Control Panel’s Audio Settings page. In the Audio Settings page, you can configure the audio latency and sample rate; monitor the device’s status; enable clock syncing to external devices; and activate direct monitoring. The Audio Settings page consists of four sections: Audio Processing, Device Monitor, Digital Sync Source, and Direct Monitoring. See the following subchapters for further information. Audio Processing Section 6.
!! If you want to use multiple software clients simultaneously with the device, keep in mind they’ll also have to share the same sample rate. • Process Buffer: Lower the buffer size value for a quicker response time from your computer to audio software and MIDI controller actions. 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.
ENGLISH Digital Sync Source Section 6.4 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.
6.1.2 Diagnostics Page 6.6 The Control Panel’s Diagnostics page. The Diagnostics page allows you to monitor performance and detect errors. The information provided in this page is more of interest to advanced users; however, in case of problems with the device, you should have a look at this page. The Diagnostics page consists of the four sections: Drop-Out Detection; Connection Monitor; System Performance Test; and Information. See the following subchapters for further information on these sections.
ENGLISH Connection Monitor Section 6.8 The Connection Monitor section in the Diagnostics page of the Control Panel. The Connection Monitor section provides feedback on connected clients and USB data errors. It has two displays and a button: • Number of Clients: displays the number of clients connected to the interface. Multiple ASIO applications are counted separately. WDM and WASAPI increase the number by one, no matter how many WDM / WASAPI applications play audio.
Information Section 6.10 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. • Troubleshooting Guide: Click Show to open the Audio Troubleshooting Guide.
On Mac OS X, all advanced configuration settings can be accessed from the Audio MIDI Setup utility. To open the Audio MIDI Setup utility: ENGLISH 6.2 Advanced Configuration on Mac OS X (Audio MIDI Setup) ►► Go to Applications > Utilities > Audio and MIDI Setup. →→ The Audio MIDI Setup utility will pop up in a window, entitled Audio Devices. 6.2.1 Input Pane 6.11 The Input pane of the Audio MIDI Setup utility in Mac OS X 10.6.
• Format: Choose a sample rate that is compatible with your music application and suited to your computing power. A higher sample rate improves the audio quality, but also causes higher CPU load. By default, the sample rate is set to 44100 Hz (CD quality). The sample rate defines how many samples are played/recorded per one second of sound. A higher sample rate results in higher audio quality; however, 44100 Hz (as used for recording audio CDs) is a common setting and absolutely sufficient for most tasks.
Using the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 (Setup Scenarios) ENGLISH 7 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. !! Please make sure to have installed the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 driver as described in chapter 3 prior to connecting the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer. The device will not work properly otherwise. 7.1 Connecting Speakers 7.1.
4. Start the playback of an audio file on your computer. 5. Gradually turn the Volume Control knob (MAIN VOLUME 1/2) on top of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the right until you reach a good listening level. 7.1.2 Using KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a Setup with Passive Speakers Make sure the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is connected to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter 3), and configured as your computer’s main audio output device (see chapter 4).
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. Start the playback of an audio file on your computer. 3. Gradually turn the Headphone Volume Control knob (VOLUME) of the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to the right until you reach a good listening level. ENGLISH 1. 7.
!! Make sure the volume on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s main outs (Volume Control knob “MAIN VOLUME 1/2”) is turned down before connecting a microphone to the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6. Microphones nearby speakers can cause a loud squealing tone from the speakers due to a phenomenon called the Larsen effect or audio feedback loop and can seriously damage your hearing and your equipment. The greater the distance between a microphone and speakers means this effect is less likely to occur.
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. Open the audio preferences of your audio recording software, and select KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your input and output device (you may have to restart your host software for the changes to become active).
7.3.2 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone 7.4 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 3) of this manual. !! Make sure the volume on the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s main outs (Volume Control knob “MAIN VOLUME 1/2”) is turned down before connecting a microphone to the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
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. Open the audio preferences of your audio recording software, and select KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your input and output device (you may have to restart your host software for the changes to become active).
7.3.3 Connecting a Guitar / Bass Guitar (with headphones) 7.5 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 3) of this manual. To use the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 in a recording setup with a guitar / bass guitar: 1. 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. 2.
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. Open the audio preferences of your audio recording software, and select KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your input and output device (you may have to restart your host software for the changes to become active).
7.3.4 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer/Computer/Tapedeck/ Mixer Line Out) 7.6 KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 setup with a synthesizer and active speakers. Make sure the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is connected to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter 3), and configured as your computer’s main audio output device (see chapter 4). See chapter 7.1 for instructions on how to connect speakers (active and passive) to your KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
Open the audio preferences of your audio recording software, and select the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 as your input and output device (you may have to restart your host software for the changes to become active). Refer to the documentation of your audio recording software for information on how to configure the audio device setup. 4. Adjust the output signal of your connected device by using the relevant volume/gain control.
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. Open the audio and MIDI settings dialog of your digital audio workstation software and activate the MIDI input and the MIDI output channel of your KOMPLETE AUDIO 6.
ENGLISH 7.5 Using the Digital Input and Output About Digital I/O and S/PDIF The 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. Typical users of the RCA (phono) sockets 5/6 would be DAT tapedecks, synthesizers and CD players with digital output.
1. Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s RCA (phono) input jack 5/6 to the digital output of your DAT tapedeck, and the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s RCA (phono) output jack 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. The KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 checks for availability of external syncing sources.
Make sure to connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to your computer as described during the installation chapter (chapter 3) of this manual. ENGLISH 7.5.2 Connecting a Synthesizer via Digital I/O To use the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 with a synthesizer with digital output: 1. Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s RCA (phono) input jack 5/6 to the digital output of your synthesizer. 2. For Windows users: Open the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6’s Control Panel software.
8 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. 8.1 Solving Hardware-related Problems All Native Instruments products are extensively tested in real life situations during the development phase. However, if you encounter any problems with your hardware, please check the following points: • Verify that you have installed the latest driver and the latest software update.
As any other USB device, the driver installs exactly for one USB port. If you connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to another port, a standard Windows dialog opens in which you can install the driver to that port. If you have previously installed the driver on your computer once, Windows will find the right drivers itself once that you start the driver installation procedure.
8.3.3 Using a powered USB 2.0 hub Connect the KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to a USB 2.0 port directly on your computer. In certain situations, a powered USB hub may also work (e.g., if you are having problems connecting your KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 to an onboard USB port); in this case, try to avoid connecting other devices to the hub if possible, as each bus-powered device takes its share from the total amount of power available per bus. 8.3.
As a first step, always connect your devices to the same power outlet (e.g., with a multioutlet power strip). Assuming that you have connected your audio interface, the next troubleshooting step is to disconnect all devices that you are not currently using, but not the amplifier and/or speakers. This also applies to other peripheral devices you may have connected to your computer (external data storage, CD recorders and especially radio or television cables).
9 Getting Help Native Instruments provides various sources of support and information to registered users. 9.1 Readme / Knowledge Base / Technical Support Readme Always read the “Readme” file found on the installation CD. It contains important information and all last minute changes that could not be included in this manual. Knowledge Base Access the Knowledge Base at http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledgebase. To search the Knowledge Base, log into your user account first.
ENGLISH 10 Appendix 10.1 Technical Specifications Output (D/A) Channels 6 Sampling Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz Bit Resolution 24 Converter Cirrus Logic Spec Line Headphone Cross Talk -87 dBu -87 dBu Impedance 100 Ohms unbalanced 200 Ohms balanced 8... 600 Ohms (Load) Maximum Output Level 9.6 dBu 9.3 dBu 4.26 V rms, 100 mW @ 100 Ohms THD + N 0.007 % 0.012 % SNR 101 dB (A-weighted) 95 dB (A-weighted) Frequency Response 10 - 40 kHz±0.5 dB 10 - 40 kHz±0.5 dB 10.
How Low Can You Go? 1.5 ms of latency approaches the theoretical minimum because it will always take some time to process information in a computer. Note that ultra-low buffer size settings (as well as higher sample rates) make your computer work harder, which can affect the performance. See 6.1.1 (Windows) and 6.2.1 (Mac OS X) for instructions on how to adjust buffer sizes and sample rates for shorter latency.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
