The Komplete Audio 1 is a compact 2-in/2-out USB audio interface aimed at solo musicians, podcasters, and content creators who need a simple, portable way to record one microphone or instrument at a time. It focuses on ease of use, solid build, and tight DAW integration—especially with Native Instruments' ecosystem.
After installing, open the Komplete Audio Control Panel. You should see:
If the control panel opens and your DAW sees the ASIO driver, the installation was successful.
Note: As of 2025, NI has not released a dedicated Windows 11 driver separate from the Windows 10 driver—the Windows 10 driver works natively on Windows 11.
Would you like a step-by-step troubleshooting flowchart for driver dropouts on the Komplete Audio 1?
To set up your Komplete Audio 1 Go to product viewer dialog for this item. , follow these steps based on your operating system. 1. Download and Install Drivers (Windows Only)
Windows users must install the dedicated ASIO driver to ensure low-latency performance and full compatibility with DAWs. Native Instruments Disconnect the Komplete Audio 1 from your computer Visit the official Native Instruments Drivers & Other Files page Locate the Komplete Audio 1 & 2 Driver for Windows 10/11 and click download. Open your downloads folder, extract the downloaded file, and run the
Follow the on-screen prompts. Once finished, reconnect your device via USB. Native Instruments 2. Plug-and-Play Setup (macOS) Komplete Audio 1 class-compliant
on Mac computers, meaning no separate driver installation is required. Native Instruments Simply connect the interface to your Mac's USB port.
The system will automatically recognize the device as an audio input/output source. Native Instruments 3. Register Hardware and Install Software
To access your bundled software (like Ableton Live Lite or Maschine Essentials), use Native Access. Native Instruments Download Native Access: Get the tool from the Native Instruments Downloads page Register Serial Number: Log in, select Add serial
, and enter the code found on the underside of your device or the flyer in the box. Native Instruments Install Software: Navigate to the Not Installed tab to download your included instruments and effects. Native Instruments 4. Configure Your DAW komplete audio 1 drivers
After installation, you must tell your recording software to use the interface. Drivers & Other Files | Downloads - Native Instruments
Guitar Rig Session IO Driver 2.6.0 - Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8, 10.9. Driver. Info. 10/22/2013. 7.0MB. Guitar Rig Session IO Driver 3.1. Native Instruments Set Up Komplete Audio 1, 2 & 6 - Native Instruments
Getting Your Komplete Audio 1 Ready: A Quick Driver Guide So, you’ve just unboxed your Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1. It looks sleek on your desk, but before you can start recording that next hit, you need to make sure your computer and interface are actually talking to each other.
Depending on whether you're a Windows power user or a Mac minimalist, your setup process will look a little different. Here is everything you need to know about getting the right drivers and firmware installed. Windows Users: You Need the ASIO Driver
Unlike some plug-and-play gear, Windows requires a specific ASIO driver to give you the low-latency performance needed for music production.
Download Before You Plug In: Experts recommend downloading and installing the driver before connecting the interface to avoid potential connectivity bugs.
Where to Find It: Head to the official Native Instruments Drivers & Other Files page and locate the Komplete Audio 1 & 2 Driver.
Installation: Run the .exe installer and follow the prompts. Once finished, plug in your USB cable. You should now see "Komplete Audio ASIO Driver" as an option in your DAW (like Ableton or FL Studio). Mac Users: You’re Good to Go
If you’re on macOS, life is a bit simpler. The Komplete Audio 1 is class-compliant, meaning it uses Apple's built-in Core Audio drivers.
No Driver Needed: You don't need to download a separate driver file.
Setup: Just plug it in, go to System Preferences > Sound, and select "Komplete Audio 1" as your Input and Output device. Native Access: Your Hub for Everything Else The Komplete Audio 1 is a compact 2-in/2-out
While the driver handles the hardware connection, you’ll want to install Native Access to manage your bundled software (like Ableton Live Lite or Maschine Essentials).
Log in and register your device using the serial number found on the bottom of the unit.
Use the Updates tab to check for any critical software or firmware improvements. Troubleshooting Common Issues
No Sound in Windows? Sometimes you need to install the driver twice if it doesn't show up in your DAW the first time. Also, ensure you are using a USB 2.0 port directly on your computer rather than an unpowered hub.
Audio Crackling? If you hear pops or clicks, try increasing the Buffer Size in your driver's control panel (start with 256 samples).
Firmware Updates: If your device is acting glitchy, download the Firmware Updater from the NI Support site to ensure the hardware's internal software is up to date. Set Up Komplete Audio 1, 2 & 6 - Native Instruments
If you’ve picked up a Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 , you’ve likely realized that while the hardware is sleek, the
are the actual engine under the hood. For Windows users especially, getting the driver setup right is the difference between a seamless session and a "buffer size" nightmare. The Driver Experience: What to Expect Native Instruments uses a dedicated ASIO driver
for the Komplete Audio series. Unlike generic drivers (like ASIO4ALL), this official driver is custom-built to minimize latency—the annoying delay between when you hit a key and when you hear the sound. Cakewalk Discuss Installation:
It isn't always bundled automatically with the NI Native Access software. You often need to grab the standalone installer from the official NI Drivers page The Control Panel:
Once installed, you get a simple control panel. This is where you’ll spend your time "fine-tuning." You can adjust the Buffer Size If the control panel opens and your DAW
—lower for recording (to reduce lag) and higher for mixing (to prevent CPU pops and clicks). Cakewalk Discuss Performance Review Stability:
Once the official ASIO driver is active, the Komplete Audio 1 is remarkably stable. It handles 24-bit/192kHz audio, which is professional studio grade, even on a budget-friendly device.
Users report being able to get down to very low "round-trip" latency, making it great for monitoring your voice or guitar with effects in real-time. Common Hiccup:
Some users encounter an "Unable to Open Audio Record Device" error if another app (like Chrome or Spotify) is "hogging" the driver. A quick tip: make sure your Windows sound settings and your DAW (like Ableton or Cakewalk) are both set to the same sample rate (usually 44.1kHz or 48kHz) to avoid conflicts. Cakewalk Discuss The Verdict Komplete Audio 1 drivers
are solid, but they aren't "plug-and-play" in the way a mouse is. You
install the specific NI ASIO driver to get the 110 dB dynamic range and low-latency performance this interface is capable of. If you stick to the official software and match your sample rates, it’s one of the most reliable budget setups out there. Quick Specs for Context: Komplete Audio 1 Performance Max Sample Rate 192 kHz (with official drivers) Dynamic Range XLR with 48V Phantom Power (for pro mics) 1/4" Jack (for guitar or line-in)
Are you having trouble getting your DAW to recognize the interface, or are you just looking to optimize your current settings? Review: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 - Ask.Video
Symptoms: Your DAW lists no Komplete Audio 1 ASIO option. Windows plays sound through internal speakers.
Solutions:
Symptoms: The green USB light on the Komplete Audio 1 does not turn on. Your PC makes a "ding-dong" disconnect sound.
Solutions:
You’ve just unboxed your shiny new Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1. The chassis is rugged, the knobs feel solid, and the signal lights glow reassuringly. But before you lay down that first track, there’s a crucial handshake happening between your hardware and your computer: the driver.