Native Instruments AUDIO KONTROL 1 User manual

OPERATION MANUAL

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. All product and company
names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective owners.
Furthermore, the fact that you are reading this text means you are
the owner of a legal version rather than an illegal, pirated copy. It
is only through the loyalty and honesty of people like yourself that
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH can continue to develop and create
innovative audio software. On behalf of the entire company, thank
you very much.
Users Guide written by NATIVE INSTRUMENTS
Version: 1.0.2 (05/2008)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just
in tracking down bugs, but in making this a better product.

This package includes a Windows only version of Steinberg® Cuba-
se® LE. Within this manual, Cubase LE is referenced to explain ge-
neral use cases of sequencer applications. If you do not use Cubase
LE but another sequencing software, the usage is similar. In case
you don’t know how to adapt the given examples, please consult
your sequencer’s manual.
Mac OS, Macintosh, iTunes, Logic, Mac and Apple are a registered
trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the Uni-
ted States and/or other countries. Winamp is a registered trademark of
AOL LLC. The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned
by Bluetooth SIG. Cirrus Logic is a registered trademark of Cirrus Logic
Inc. Steinberg, Cubase and VST are registered trademarks of Steinberg
Media Technologies GmbH, Hamburg.
All other product and company names are ® registered trademarks or
™ trademarks of their respective owners.

Germany
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 28
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
[e-mail]
www.native-instruments.de
USA
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
5631 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
[e-mail]
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2008. All rights reserved.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 5
1. Welcome to AUDIO KONTROL 1!
Thank you very much for choosing AUDIO KONTROL 1! Equipped with high end
digital/analog converters, AUDIO KONTROL 1 combines versatile audio input and
output slots that t seamlessly into your setup. AUDIO KONTROL 1 also provides
MIDI connection capacities as well as freely assignable controllers on the hardware’s
top panel: It is the tactile interface to your software.
AUDIO KONTROL 1 provides two inputs and four outputs that allow you to use
the hardware exibly within a variety of setups. For instance, you can connect
a microphone and record a voice, and at the same time you can record a guitar
or trigger virtual instruments with your MIDI keyboard. Alternatively you can use
AUDIO KONTROL 1 to listen to two completely independent stereo signals, a feature
that is needed for DJ applications such as Traktor DJ Studio 3.
The NATIVE INSTRUMENTS software that is included with AUDIO KONTROL 1
provides everything you need to start using your audio interface instantly:
TRAKTOR 3 LE is a fully-featured digital DJ solution. Plug your guitar or bass gui-
tar into AUDIO KONTROL 1’s instrument input and play it through GUITAR RIG LE,
bringing the tone of classic ampliers and effects to your home studio. Lastly,
KORE PLAYER offers a set of outstanding keyboard instruments – all conveniently
playable from your master keyboard. Moreover, AUDIO KONTROL 1 comes with
Cubase® LE by Steinberg, which provides you with a powerful sequencing and
recording environment.
Last but not least, AUDIO KONTROL 1 offers three buttons and a controller knob
on the hardware’s top panel. You can assign any key command or MIDI message
to actions performed with these elements. This turns AUDIO KONTROL 1 into a
versatile controller that allows you to touch your software, be it one of the included
applications, your favorite sequencer, your graphics software or other media ap-
plications such as Winamp® or iTunes®. Setup les for popular programs ensure
the use of these features is hassle-free.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 6
This manual will help you use all the features of AUDIO KONTROL 1.
It is divided into three parts:
Chapters 3 and 4: The rst part explains how to setup your AUDIO KONTROL 1
quickly. It describes the different parts of the product and guides you through
the installation process.
Chapters 5 and 6: The second part illustrates different practical situations, from
the simplest setup to more complex congurations. This learning-by-doing
approach will familiarize you with AUDIO KONTROL 1’s concept.
Chapters 7 and 8: The third part gives you a detailed reference about the soft-
ware interface and its operation. Reading this section will give you a full un-
derstanding of this great tool. It also contains a section about optimization and
troubleshooting.
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AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 7
2. Safety Considerations
Warning
Before using the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware, please read the manual and
pay special attention to the instructions below.
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not
open it or attempt to disassemble or modify any internal hardware. If there
appears to be a hardware malfunction, immediately stop using the controller
and have it inspected by qualied service personnel.
Do not expose the unit to rain, and do not use it near water or in damp or wet
conditions. Also, never place anything on top of the controller, and be very
careful that no objects or liquids of any kind enter the unit.
This product, in combination with an amplier, headphones or speakers, can
produce sound levels capable of damaging your ears. Do not use it for long
periods of time at high volume levels. If you experience any hearing problems
or ringing in the ears, consult a hearing specialist immediately.
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware is powered by the USB bus. Operation can
be guaranteed only as a single device with a USB2 controller or with a self-
powered USB2 hub.
Caution
Before connecting the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware to other electronic com-
ponents, turn off the power for all devices. Before powering your system up or
down, set all volume levels to minimum. Gradually raise the volume controls
while playing your instruments to set the desired listening level.
Do not place the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware in an unstable position where
it might accidentally fall to the ground.
Before moving the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware, remove all connected
cables.
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AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 8
Never subject the unit to extreme temperatures (e.g., direct sunlight in an
enclosed vehicle, or near a heat source), or high levels of vibration.
Do not use excessive force on the buttons, knobs, switches or connectors.
When cleaning the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not
use paint thinner, solvents, cleaning uids, or chemically-impregnated wiping
cloths.
Important Notes
Disclaimer: Native Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for damage
or data loss caused by improper use of, or modification to, the
AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware or software. It is your responsibility to back up
data you don’t want to lose.
Specications subject to change: The information contained in this manual is
believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, NATIVE INSTRUMENTS
reserves the right to make changes to the specications of software and hard-
ware at any time without notice or obligation to update existing units.
Nameplate location: The nameplate is located on the bottom of the
AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware. It lists the product’s model name and other
technical information. The serial number is also located on the bottom of the
unit.
Disposal notice: Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or for
some other reason come to the end of its useful life, please observe all regu-
lations of your country that relate to the disposal of electronic products.
Copyright: © Native Instruments GmbH 2008. All rights reserved. This publi-
cation may not be reproduced in whole or in part, summarized, transmitted,
transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into any language, in any
form or by any means without the prior written permission of Native Instruments
GmbH.
All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
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AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 9
3. Parts of the Product
In this section, we will quickly describe what is contained in the hardware and soft-
ware sections of AUDIO KONTROL 1. Please take a moment to read this carefully;
it will give you the basic knowledge of how AUDIO KONTROL 1 works.
If you want to get started immediately, turn to section 4. There the setup of your
AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware and software is described in detail.
3.1. Hardware
3.1.1. Front Panel
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 front panel provides you with the connections and controls
that you will probably modify the most. These include the audio inputs and their
controls, the main outputs’ and monitor levels and the headphone output.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 10
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 Front Panel.
1: Combo Input Jack (Input 1)
This analog audio input accommodates either XLR or phone plugs. The XLR plug
(mono balanced) allows you to connect a microphone, routing the signal through the
mic preamp. The phone plug (¼” jack, TRS mono balanced) allows you to connect
a variety of other line level audio devices (mixer, MIDI sound module etc.).
Please note that, depending on which plug you use (XLR or phone jack); you have
to select the appropriate signal level on the Mic/Line Switch (2).
When using a condenser microphone, don’t forget to activate the Phantom Power
Switch (18).

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 11
2: Input 1 Level Switch (Mic/Line)
This switch allows you to select the type of signal you have plugged into Input 1.
If you connect a microphone (using an XLR plug), activate the switch (pushed in).
The incoming signal is then routed to the mic preamp, and its gain can be adjusted
via the Mic Knob (3).
If you connect a line-level device (using a phone plug), deactivate the switch
(pushed out). The incoming signal will then be routed to the line level circuitry and
its gain can be adjusted via the Line Knob (6).
3: Microphone Input Sensitivity Knob (Mic)
This knob allows you to adjust the Input 1 gain if you connect a microphone (XLR
plug). This knob controls the amplication level of the mic preamp.
If you connect a phone jack to Input 1, this knob will have no effect. The level of
your signal can be adjusted via the Line Knob (6).
4: Input Jack (Input 2)
This analog audio input accepts phone plugs (¼” jack, TRS mono balanced). This
input allows you to connect a variety of line-level audio devices (mixer, MIDI sound
module, guitar etc.)
Please note that, depending on what kind of device you connect, you have to select
the appropriate input impedance via the Inst/Line Switch (5).
5: Input Impedance Switch (Inst/Line)
This switch allows you to choose between high and low impedance for Input 2,
depending on what kind of device you have plugged into this input.
If you connect a mixer, a hardware sampler, a MIDI expander or any other line-level
audio device, select the usual low impedance (Line: switch pushed out).
If you connect a guitar or bass (for use with GUITAR RIG 3 LE for instance; see
section 5.3), select high impedance (Inst: switch pushed in).

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 12
6: Line/Instrument Input Sensitivity Knob (Line)
This knob allows you to adjust the line/instrument input gain. This is relevant to the
signal coming into Input 2, but not exclusively: on Input 1, if Line is selected with
the Mic/Line Switch (2) (and accordingly a phone jack is plugged into Input 1), this
knob will control the level for the incoming signal of Input 1 as well.
The knob also controls the gain of Input 2 if it is set to high impedance, i.e. if the
Input Impedance Switch (5) is active.
To sum up: the Mic Knob (3) only deals with a microphone signal coming into Input
1, and the Line Knob deals with all other signals coming into Inputs 1 and 2.
7, 8: Output Level Knobs (1/2 and 3/4)
These knobs adjust the output volume for each pair of Main Output Jacks on the rear
panel (17).
9: Monitor On/Off Switch (On)
This switch turns the direct monitoring bus on/off. The direct monitoring bus al-
lows you to listen directly to the input signals: the signal on this bus bypasses the
AD and DA converters, the USB processor and the computer, so you can check
what’s coming into the AUDIO KONTROL 1. The monitor signal is mixed with the
computer output on one of the two output pairs (or both if desired). The selection
of the output pair receiving the monitor signal is made within the driver settings
(see section 7.2), and not on the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware.
10: Monitor Mono/Stereo Switch (Mono)
This switch, when activated (pushed in), merges the two inputs into one mono signal
for monitoring. This can be useful, for example, if you’re using only one input on
your AUDIO KONTROL 1: you can then monitor this input signal both on the left
and right channels.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 13
11: Monitor Level Knob
This knob adjusts the monitor volume when mixed with the computer’s main output
signal. Turned hard left, you will only hear the signal coming from the computer,
i.e. the monitoring signal is muted. Turned hard right, you will hear the input signal
at its original level; the computer’s signal will preserve its level.
12: Headphone Output Selector Switch (1/2 – 3/4)
This switch allows you to choose which output pair (1/2 or 3/4) from the Main Output
Jacks (17) is sent to the headphone output.
13: Headphone Output Jack
This analog audio output accommodates a headphone jack (¼” jack, TRS stereo).
Connecting headphones has no effect on the main outputs.
14: Headphone Output Level Knob
This knob adjusts the volume of the headphone output.
3.1.2. Rear Panel
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 rear panel is equipped with the connections that you won’t
necessarily change for each new project. These include the main audio outputs, the
MIDI input/output and the USB2 connection. It includes also the phantom power
switch for the microphone input.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 14
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 Rear Panel.
15: MIDI In/Out Connectors
These connectors allow you to connect MIDI devices to your computer and to
send/receive MIDI messages.
16: USB2 Connector
Use this connector to connect the AUDIO KONTROL 1 to your computer.
17: Main Outputs Jacks (1 to 4)
These analog audio outputs accept phone plugs (¼” jack, TRS mono balanced).
You can use them to send the output signals to an amplication system or other
mix down device (desk, effects…)

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 15
18: Phantom Power Switch (48V)
This switch has to be activated (pushed in) if you are using a microphone on Input
1 that requires a phantom power supply (e.g. a condenser microphone).
3.1.3. Top Panel
Whereas the front and rear panel deal with audio and MIDI signals, the
AUDIO KONTROL 1 top panel is dedicated to the manual controls. It provides you
with a set of four Controllers which act like a remote control for your computer
applications. These Controllers are of two types: the Controller Knob and the Left,
Middle and Right Buttons.
The top panel also provides a number of LEDs for monitoring the various activities
of the box.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 16
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 Top Panel.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 17
19: Controller Knob, 20: Left Button, 21: Middle Button, 22: Right Button
The use of these four Controllers will be extensively explained in the next sections.
They are the core of the remote control of AUDIO KONTROL 1.
23, 24: Info LEDs
These LEDs inform you about various aspects of AUDIO KONTROL 1.
48V: indicates the state of the Phantom Power Switch (18).
Input 1: indicates activity at the hardware’s rst audio input. It lights red if the
signal is clipped. In this case you should decrease the Input 1 level.
Input 2: indicates activity at the hardware’s second audio input. It lights red if
the signal is clipped. In this case you should decrease the Input 2 level.
Output 1/2: indicates activity at the hardware’s rst audio output pair (Main Output
Jacks 1/2, 17).
Output 3/4: indicates activity at the hardware’s second audio output pair (Main
Output Jacks 3/4, 17).
USB: indicates the USB connection state. If the connection is established it is
steadily lit. It blinks while the components are initializing.
MIDI In: indicates if there are MIDI messages being received at the hardware’s
MIDI Input (15).
MIDI Out: indicates if there are MIDI messages being sent from the hardware’s
MIDI Output (15).
Monitor 1/2: indicates if the direct monitoring signal is being sent to the rst
audio output pair (Main Output Jacks 1/2, (17)).
Monitor 3/4: indicates if the direct monitoring signal is being sent to the second
audio output pair (Main Output Jacks 3/4, (17)).
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AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 18
3.2. Software
The software section of AUDIO KONTROL 1 is divided into two programs:
The Driver, which handles communication between the AUDIO KONTROL 1
hardware and your computer.
The Mapping Application, which waits for events at the hardware’s top panel
elements, reported by the driver, and maps them to software actions.
3.2.1. Driver
The driver basically acts like any other driver supporting a device connected to
your computer. It is an interface between your computer and the real world (in our
case, the AUDIO KONTROL 1 hardware). The AUDIO KONTROL 1 driver handles
different types of signals: audio signals are routed to your computer’s correspond-
ing audio driver (ASIO™, Core Audio™…), MIDI signals are routed to your music
applications, and interactions at the hardware’s top panel (also called “hardware
events”) are sent to the Mapping Application.
Some of the driver parameters can be edited via the Driver Control Panel. Please
refer to section 7.2 for more info on how to edit the driver’s parameters.
3.2.2. Mapping Application
AUDIO KONTROL 1 lets you control your music applications (or, in fact, any other
application) from the four Controllers on the hardware top panel. These Controllers
are assigned to specic commands in your target application (for example a key-
board shortcut or a MIDI message).
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AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 19
The Mapping Application controls the mapping system, which handles the interac-
tions with the four Controllers: the Controller Knob and the Left, Middle and Right
Buttons. The mapping system denes the connections between hardware and
software interactions.
Let’s look at a quick example to understand the remote control signal ow in
AUDIO KONTROL 1. When you turn the Controller Knob on the AUDIO KONTROL 1
top panel, the device sends an event through the USB2 connection to your com-
puter. The driver receives this event, translates it and sends it to the Mapping
Application. The Mapping Application then executes the software action correspond-
ing to this event, for instance turning Winamp®’s volume up or down.
Each Button has a special mode called Modier. In this mode, the Button plays
the role of a “Shift” or “Ctrl” key: it does not carry out a specic action in the
target software, but instead, when pressed, it modies the action of the three other
Controllers (the Controller Knob and the two other Buttons) in the target software.
That way, it is possible to dene different assignments for the same Controller,
depending if another Button, set as modier, is pressed or not. This creates differ-
ent “Layers” in the mapping system: one Main Layer when no modier is pressed,
and three additional Layers, one for each Button (if it is set as a modier). You will
get more info on this in section 7.3.

AUDIO KONTROL 1 – 20
The Mapping Application (Display View).
The mapping system is fully customizable: with the Mapping Application, you can
assign a wealth of actions to each Controller and even to combinations of them,
thus deciding what has to be done in your music application, whatever you do on
the hardware top panel.
A full set of assignments for the four Controllers is called a Page. The Mapping
Application comes with many prepared Pages. These Pages are meant for the most
common uses of the Controllers with NATIVE INSTRUMENTS products, major
sequencers and other audio applications. You can then customize these Pages and
create your own Pages from scratch to t your needs.
For more info on customizing the Mapping Application, please refer to section 7.4.
You will also nd examples of using the Mapping Application in sections 5 and 6.