Komplete Audio 1 Drivers →
Beware of third-party driver sites. Always download directly from Native Instruments. Here is the safe, official path:
Note for Mac users: macOS 10.13 and newer do not require a separate driver. However, if you use an older Mac (e.g., macOS 10.11 or 10.12), you may need a legacy driver. For macOS 11 (Big Sur) and later, rely on the built-in Core Audio driver.
The Komplete Audio 1 is a Class Compliant device on macOS (meaning it works without extra drivers on many Mac systems) but requires dedicated ASIO drivers on Windows to achieve low-latency performance. On Windows, the generic USB audio driver will give you sound, but you will suffer from:
The official Komplete Audio 1 drivers (part of the Komplete Audio Windows Driver package) unlock the interface’s full potential: 24-bit/192kHz resolution, round-trip latency as low as 4–10 ms, and rock-solid performance in Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, or Reaper.
The drivers for the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 are essential for low-latency performance on Windows, while the device is plug-and-play (class-compliant) on macOS. Native Instruments Download and Installation Instructions Windows Users (Required)
To achieve professional low-latency performance in a DAW, you must install the specific ASIO driver. Disconnect the device from your computer before beginning the installation. Native Instruments Drivers & Other Files Locate the Komplete Audio 1 & 2 Driver
(current version 5.22.0 for Windows 10/11) and download the ZIP file. Extract the ZIP file and run the file, following the on-screen prompts. Once the installation is complete, reconnect the Komplete Audio 1
In your music software (e.g., Ableton Live, Maschine), go to Preferences > Audio and select as the Driver Type and Komplete Audio as the Device. Native Instruments macOS Users (Not Required) The Komplete Audio 1 is class-compliant
on Mac computers, meaning no separate driver installation is necessary. Your computer will automatically recognize it as an audio device upon connection. Native Instruments Software and Firmware Management Native Access Native Access tool
to register your hardware serial number and download bundled software like Ableton Live Lite or Kontakt instruments. Firmware Updates
: Hardware updates are occasionally released to improve stability. These are typically handled through a separate Firmware Updater available on the same Drivers & Other Files Native Instruments Troubleshooting Tips Drivers & Other Files | Downloads - Native Instruments komplete audio 1 drivers
To ensure your Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 performs at its best, you need the correct drivers to enable low-latency recording and stable audio playback. 1. Identifying Necessary Drivers Komplete Audio 1 class-compliant
for Mac, meaning no driver installation is required. However, for users, installing the dedicated ASIO driver
is essential to minimize audio lag (latency) and ensure compatibility with professional DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Ableton Live, FL Studio, or Cubase. 2. How to Download and Install
Native Instruments manages all hardware and software through a centralized platform. Download Native Access : Start by downloading Native Access , the official management tool for NI products. Register Your Hardware
: Log in to your account and enter the serial number located on the bottom of your Komplete Audio 1 Install the Driver : Once registered, navigate to the "Available" "Not Installed"
tab in Native Access to find and install the specific driver for your Windows version. Manual Downloads
: If you prefer a direct file, you can often find legacy or standalone driver installers on the Native Instruments Product Downloads Native Instruments 3. Key Benefits of the Dedicated Driver Ultra-Low Latency
: The ASIO driver allows the hardware to communicate directly with your computer's CPU, reducing the delay between playing a note and hearing it back. Buffer Size Control
: You can manually adjust buffer settings (e.g., 64, 128, or 256 samples) to balance performance and stability based on your computer's power. Optimized Audio Path : Ensures the interface's high dynamic range (approx. 110 dB) and preamp quality are fully utilized by your software. 4. System Compatibility
: Compatible with Windows 10 and 11 (latest Service Pack, 64-bit). : Native support; simply select " Komplete Audio 1 " in your System Settings or DAW. Native Instruments inside a specific DAW like Ableton Live Beware of third-party driver sites
Navigating drivers for the Komplete Audio 1 is the difference between a smooth recording session and a frustrating afternoon of troubleshooting. Since this interface is "class-compliant" on some systems but requires specific software on others, knowing exactly what to install is key. 🔌 Quick Start: The System Split
Your driver needs depend entirely on whether you are using a Mac or a Windows PC:
Mac (macOS): No driver installation is required. The Komplete Audio 1 is class-compliant, meaning your Mac recognizes it instantly via CoreAudio.
Windows (10/11): You must install the official Native Instruments ASIO driver to get low-latency performance and access all hardware features. 🛠️ The "Pro" Way to Install (Windows)
Don't just plug it in and let Windows guess. Follow these steps to ensure a stable connection:
Disconnect your interface first—it's safer to have the driver ready before the hardware "introduces" itself.
Download Native Access: Use the Native Access installer to register your hardware serial number and automatically pull necessary updates.
Grab the Manual Driver: If you prefer a direct install, visit the Native Instruments Drivers Page and find the "Komplete Audio 1 & 2 Driver".
Run as Admin: Right-click the setup.exe and choose "Run as administrator" to avoid permission errors.
Reboot & Plug In: After the installer finishes, restart your computer and then connect your interface. Note for Mac users: macOS 10
To see how to register your hardware and download included software effectively:
The Komplete Audio 1 audio interface is generally reliable, but its performance depends heavily on using the correct drivers for your specific operating system. Driver Status by Operating System
Windows (10 & 11): Requires the official Native Instruments ASIO driver for professional performance. While some users find it "plug and play," standard Windows drivers often lack the low latency needed for music production.
macOS: This device is class-compliant on Mac. No manual driver installation is needed; you simply plug it in and it is recognized via CoreAudio. Installation Guide for Windows
To ensure the best performance in your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation): Disconnect the device from your computer before starting.
Download the latest driver from the official Native Instruments Downloads page.
Run the installer and follow the prompts. Some users report needing to run the installation twice or rebooting specifically for Windows 11 compatibility.
Reconnect the device and select "Komplete Audio ASIO" in your software's audio settings. Common Troubleshooting Tips Still no Driver for Windows 11 - NOT BUYING AGAN!
Here’s a short, informative piece on the Komplete Audio 1 drivers—written for musicians, podcasters, or home studio users.
Sometimes a new driver update breaks compatibility with an older DAW or system. Here is how to revert: