An overlooked Gem 
by Tim from SG, May 2008
Music Background:  Serious Hobbyist

This is continued from my earlier review of the AK1. I returned the unit due to SERIOUS driver issues / incompatibility with my system, and got an E-MU 1616m for a replacement. It's solid and stable, but something about the sound quality just made me have to come back here and write a review.

After comparing the sound quality of the 1616m with tracks that I'd done critical listening on with the AK1, I'd say I definitely love the AK1's sound more. Mids and Highs-wise there is essentially not much difference; the AK1 is noticeably more pronounced, but the 1616m's are more balanced and refined. It's the BASS response that makes a huge difference. The AK1's bass is MUCH more refined than the 1616m; which in comparison is not as strong and more muddy. Pretty astonishing difference considering the 1616m boasts "Mastering Grade" AD/DA converters.

Mic preamps wise, the 1616m's are noticeably cleaner; but there's a price to pay for that.

NI didn't over-market the Audio Kontrol 1. It is indeed a high-end audio interface with pristine high end converters. For the price, it is now my recommended audio interface for anyone requiring a minimal amount of I/Os, MIDI connectivity, Simple MIDI controller functions, as well as uncompromising sound quality. If your mixes sound good on the AK1, they will sound almost the same in consumer audio products. The 1616m's however, showed a stark difference in quality.

The ONLY reasons why I don't own one now is because of poor tech support as well as known unresolvable issues with certain computer systems.

  Excellent quality but poor support 
by Tim from SG, December 2007
Music Background:  Hobbyist

Believe the hype; the AK1 is all its supposed to deliver in a compact but powerful mobile sound card with high-fidelity audio.

The 192kHz resolution sample rate is quite redundant now as most audio applications do not support sample rates that high as of yet. However, even at 24 bit 44.1KHz, the sound is very clear and crisp. It definitely brought my music tracks to life.

The only thing that disappoints me is the poor support from Native Instruments on their hardware. Getting the AK1 to work for your system can be a very frustrating and tedious process. The AK1 is known to have serious incompatibility issues with certain computer configurations.

I would highly recommend this product over other competitors except maybe for the Edirol FA-66; first check with NI to make 100% sure your computer or laptop is compatible with the AK1 before buying to save yourself some frustration.

  The Audio Kontrol 1 
by rayansaz from Iran, May 2007
Music Background:  Hobbyist

Great output quality
fabulous bass
distinctive stereo seperation
latency is a little high for software synthy
no digital I/O

Great for the best quality playback, even mp3s.
Accurate 2 channel recording
for guitarists.

  Early review of NI Kontrol 1 
by Jeff Reynolds from San Juan Capistrano, CA, October 2006
Music Background:  Semi-pro recording engineer and musician

Just got this interface last week and it sounds much better for guitar than my Presonus Firebox. I have not had a chance to record vocals through it, but using the it with the software it comes with is outstandingT the Vox AC30 models so far have me completely blown away. The Xpress Keyboards are a little on the light side for presets, but if you are looking for crystal clear and inexpensive all in one package for hardware and guitar modeling software, then call up Sweetwater and order one before the rush has them back ordered. Other features that are very handy for recording guitar are the MIDI funtion knob and buttons (3) on top that you can use as as transport functions (start stop play/record) without having to click a mouse. You can stand back 6 feet from your monitors and really dial in you tone and then just click the button on the Kontrol 1 and start to record. I will be following up with more in the near future. Can't wait to get some vocals down. I have just about every type of software you can use for recording guitar that the average guy in a project studio can afford and this is the best buy out there. THANK YOU SWEETWATER REP JOSEPH SECU for all the help over the years and for getting this in my hands so quickly. Lastly, this interface is smaller than it looks, so easy to pack in a laptop bag. Well back to my new favorite studio toy!

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