Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

OK.. I bought this in November 2023
After comparing a lot I decided to buy this instead of Scarlett 2i2 gen3.
Why? Scarlett has some known issues.. I forgot which were important but the main problems for me where: front facing lights are always on and you can't turn them off, the main volume knob is small. I concluded after reading a lot of reviews that Scarlett is overhyped and nothing special really. It may have better preamps.

I don't do professional recordings (Who does anyway? You think you do?). I just needed a USB interface to record my stuff and to have balanced outputs for my studio monitors.
So i bought Komplete Audio 2.

I am happy. I love the design. There are no lights in your face and the large volume knob on top makes it a good controller for my speakers - it's just so practical. Oh and the gain lights - really nice and polished look. It looks nice on my desk.
As an older interface this doesn't have the loopback feature needed for people who record and stream on youtube.
But support from Native Instruments seems great. Take a look at websites of products before you buy them. One look at the drivers list for this made me comfortable to buy. They continue to support the device.

In december 2023 it also came with a lot of complementary software Guitar Rig, NI Komplete select, iZotope Elements suite.

This for me is much better than Scarlett 2i2 gen3.

There are RCA to 3.5mm cable and 3.5-3.5 cables included in the package I think. There is no 6.5 - 6.5 TRS cable included.

There is a comparison video of recordings from various USB interfaces on youtube including Komplete 2

Great quality for the price. Intuitive, easy setup and a sleek, attractive design (in my humble opinion).

I've seen video reviews where people state "it's extremely light...", "it's not made of metal..." in regards to it not feeling overly "robust", but hey, if you're constantly on the go with an audio interface, you'll probably be looking for a product with other traits anyway.

My Komplete Audio 2 lies stationary on my desk, it looks good, gets the job - which I need it to do - done without any issues, it does it in quality and the price is extremely fair.

Highly recommended.

I tested them both and and I could only see TWO major differences...

1 - The Komplete Audio 2 is made of plastic whereas Focusrite's audio interfaces are made of aluminium. If you're cautious with your gear, you don't have to care... but if you're not, go for the aluminium.

2 - The software they are delivered with. With NI Komplete Audio 2, you may get lucky and have a promotion (free Guitar Rig 5 or iZotope Elements Suite). Personally, I don't mind the rest (Ableton Live 10 Lite, Machine Essentials, Monark, Replica, Phasis, Solid Bus Comp...maybe you'll do !). On the other hand, Focusrite Scarlett comes with XLN Audio Addictive Keys which are AMAZING (and XLN Audio Addictive Drums 2: Studio Rock is pretty nice as well).

So pick a team, and stick to it : plastic or aluminium ? Guitar-oriented and mix plugins or keyboard & drums VST ?

Considering your answers, you might want either one or the other. Otherwise, I have no complains : NI Komplete Audio 2 never failed me in 3 years.

This is a typical low-budged soundcard with it's common features: two mics inputs, one headphones output, two balanced outputs for monitoring system, onw BIG knob for it's volume, etc. However, the design is gorgeous: every knob is placed Intentionally, every element feels intuitively. The only drawback for me: it has a 33 ohms impedance and low output voltage and therefore it can't be fairly matched with a 250 ohms headphones (still playable tho). Everything else is just: the best quality and features for it's price with the overall great sound with minimum noise level and artefacts for a home studio.

I like this.

The build is all plastic, but of nice quality and feels sturdy. Additionally it is also quite light, which is good for travel, also considering it is USB powered.

The NI drivers work well and allow to select the sampling rate, but do not offer any kind of additional features, such as routing options or effects. All of that has to happen in your DAW.

I do not have much experience with mic preamps, but these have given me no issues: low noise, no clipping issues and have phantom power. The instrument input mode also worked quite well.

Overall, no complaints. Especially for the price and portability