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The Komplete Audio 2's price went low enough to get featured in the sub $100 segment. This means you're getting even more value for the money with this unit.

Here's the scenario: You're inspired to start music production after being fascinated by the music production process or absorbed into a genre you want to make yourself. You look up tutorials on making music, see these producers with a massive collection of virtual instruments and plugins, and run them on professional-looking DAWs.

Software is a significant barrier to entry into music production that quite a few people want to pursue. Electronic music makes use of these virtual instruments and plugins for their sound. That said, even the best audio interfaces often include essentials, such as a watered-down DAW and some rudimentary plugins.

Many USB audio interfaces come with bundled software, but Native Instruments' Komplete Audio 2 interface feels more like a software package with a free bundled interface.

On the hardware, the Komplete Audio 2 sports two combo XLR jacks with line / instrument switches. This enables recording with a stereo pair of microphones or stereo out from keyboards.

It also includes a direct monitor blend knob to tweak the signal you hear between input and playback. A large volume knob sits on top of the interface.

A high visibility VU meter up top lets you see how much gain you run your inputs with.

It is an incredible value package that includes plugins and virtual instruments, effects, and amp simulations. This is great for those who want a complete software suite right out of the box without purchasing anything else.

While the mic preamps may be slightly noisy, they are generally suitable for most applications. Enclosed in plastic, worrying about long-term durability wouldn't be irrational.

Tech Specs

• A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Preamp: 2
• Channels: 2
• Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z)
• Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x 1/4" Headphone
• MIDI: No
• Power: USB bus powered
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Bundled Software: Ableton Live 10 Lite, Maschine Essentials, Komplete Start