Mitch

Ableton User Group Melbourne are doing an event Monday night to go through some cool stuff with the Live 11 launch. These used to be in person, but they've been doing them online for the past year or so whilst gathering restrictions are still in place. This opens it up to non-Melb peeps as you can join in from anywhere, watch it back later, etc. 
All streamed live through facebook for anyone interested https://www.facebook.com/events/2845182762405957
 

The Komplete Audio 1 by Native Instruments is their entry level sound card. It's lightweight, sleek and has the blue LED signal lights we've seen across their range. It's a nice and compact unit which doesn't require too much desk space. I purchased this to boost signal to the headphones and power some mid-level-priced speakers, to override the Core Audio in my MacBook Pro. It cost me $149 from Store DJ which is bang on what I wanted too spend. 
Taking it out of the box, the lightness of it seems instantly concerning. It makes you wonder if the components inside will be up to the task. I have a Scarlett by Focusrite set up in my permanent studio and that weighs a considerable amount more than this. The build quality of the Scarlett is worlds above this, but I also paid quite a bit more for it. The Scarlett isn't directly comparable to the NI KA 1 as the reasons I've purchased each unit have 2 very different purposes. 
On the front panel you have 2 inputs, an XLR (only) and 6mm audio jack. They have a nice click to them when putting the cables in are seem to hold them in nice and firm, which you would expect. The gain dials are weighty, which is something I like. They have a good amount of control and the input of volume is nice and smooth. The line / instrument switch is quite solid too. It also has a 48v switch for those 'phantom powered' studio mics. I don't have mine here unfortunately so I can't comment on the sound quality. Engaging 48v doesn't affect the sound quality through the headphones which is good, because you never know.
On the top of the panel you have your master gain for your speakers. This dial is a good half the weight of the knobs on the front panel but it doesn't feel horrible, and the lights dance around signalling audio as you would expect. The gloss plastic cover over the LED's is a nice contrast to the flat black which supports the master gain. Simple and modern design, nothing negative to report on.

On the back, we have a USB power connecter and 2 RCA outputs, left and right. I wouldn't say it's ideal but it's not horrible. The sound delivery is perfectly acceptable for my intended use. I'm using 6" Behringer Truth monitors at the moment and, despite the lack of low end, they're not struggling to output the sound. Back in the day when I first started I used a Cakewalk UA-1G (which I still own) and that got me through the first few years of my musical journey just fine. That was a brilliant bit of kit. It wasn't Focusrite level by any means but it was the perfect little companion to get started. The output wasn't very loud and the inputs kinda sucked but it did everything I needed it to do. I'd put the NI KA1 on a similar spectrum as the UA-G1, in terms of a budget sound card, but the modern quality of the NI KA1 makes it a far better unit and will suit any bedroom producer just fine. Cakewalk UA-G1 pictured below.

 
In conclusion, I pick my Focusrite over the NI KA1 any day of the week. It's a far better build unit and the audio quality, both input and output, is spectacular. However, I'm not writing to compare the two. I am writing to give my opinion on this little budget sound card which is reasonably priced and holds it's own nicely. Native Instruments throw in some free software with it too; you get the lite version of Ableton Live, Maschine Essentials, Replika, Phasis, Monark and Solid Bus Comp. That's a great little package of plugins to add to your arsenal. Monark is a great synth which can be used on the free Reaktor player and Replika is one of my favourite delay plugins - I use it on everything! Native Instruments also give you a $39 gift voucher to put towards another purchase of your choice, on their online store.
Value for money, I'm not disappointed. If I was just getting into it I'd be even happier with the plugins they gift you too. The build quality is good, after initial thoughts that the lightness could be concerning, the audio output is good and it's a nice compact unit. I would have liked to see 2 XLR's with 6mm inputs inside them and 6mm outputs on the back rather than RCA's but it's a const effective unit so something has to give. Something to be mindful for the new generation Mac users with USB-C. You'll have to get a USB to USB-C adapter, not a replacement cable. NI have sunk their USB into the unit quite a bit for some reason meaning their cable is really the only one that fits in it. You'll probably need to spend an extra $20-$30 from Officeworks on an adapter, or maybe more if you buy a docking setup. 
With all that said, I give it 3.8 out of 5 stars. Overall, a good little unit which will do the job just fine. Few nice plugins and an e-Voucher from the kind people at NI is a nice little incentive too.

This also has balanced output and USB-C at a slightly cheaper price https://www.storedj.com.au/m-audio-air-hub-usb-monitoring-interface-w-built-in-3-port-hub

Only thing I’d say about that is it has RCA outputs, I’d be keen on TRS/XLR balanced output at a minimum. This m-audio one looks like a new model and has 1/4” balanced outputs https://www.storedj.com.au/m-audio-m-track-duo-2-channel-audio-interface-w-2-xlr-and-1-4-inch-combo-inputs. Currently on backorder though.
 
This one is a tad more expensive but also has the benefit of a USB-C connection. Assuming you have a newer MacBook this will avoid the need for another adapter https://www.storedj.com.au/rode-ai1-studio-quality-audio-interface-and-headphone-amplifier. Rode typically make OK stuff too..

I went to an online meetup thing where a bunch of the certified trainers had early access to the beta. The creativity you can do with the comping looks cool, as does the additional MIDI editing features.
 
I’ll post back here once I’ve had a crack at it!

This also has balanced output and USB-C at a slightly cheaper price https://www.storedj.com.au/m-audio-air-hub-usb-monitoring-interface-w-built-in-3-port-hub

Yeah.. When they first announced the beta I jumped on the discounted upgrade they offered (think it was 20% off?). Was my Christmas present hehe

Back again m8s. This month's mix is a recording from my set @ Glamorama the other week. If anyone is in Melb this weekend I'll be playing there again on Sat 👍.
 
 Enjoy peeps
 

They do work with rekordbox; however, the screen only lets you browse one line at a time which is a bit of a pain, so you need your playlists on point. The 850s (what I have) show three rows when browsing which is a bit better, but I’m finding they’re getting slower now the USBs are quite large with heaps of tracks on them. 
Pioneer do make a range of all in one units which look like a controller but you just bang a USB in and off you go - not sure how much these are though (probably more than 500).

They do work with rekordbox; however, the screen only lets you browse one line at a time which is a bit of a pain, so you need your playlists on point. The 850s (what I have) show three rows when browsing which is a bit better, but I’m finding they’re getting slower now the USBs are quite large with heaps of tracks on them. 
Pioneer do make a range of all in one units which look like a controller but you just bang a USB in and off you go - not sure how much these are though (probably more than 500).

If anyone is thinking of updating to Big Sur or upgrading your system to a new Mac with the M1 chip you may wish to hold off a little longer, unless you're using native Apple apps such as Logic Pro, Final Cut etc.
I'm on the look out to do both, update my MBP to Big Sur and invest in a Mac mini with the M1 chip. I've been keeping my eye on what's compatible and what isn't and nothing much has changed in the last month or so, so I would suggest if you're thinking of doing the same just wait until maybe mid-year. 
In the meantime, if you're interested, jump onto Roaring Apps and search the applications you often use and their compatibility with Big Sur and with the M1 chip. New technology is exciting but also a massive pain in the ass for existing software. Hope this little tool helps anyone looking to upgrade.  

Thanks mate - bringing it back for 2021! Appreciate the repost .

Rotorcraft is back! Will have a listen on tomorrow's drive

Came across this article - I wasn’t aware you could order instruments and effects to put the most used ones at the top!
 
https://audioordeal.co.uk/ableton-features-you-didnt-know-that-you-probably-should/ 

Hey fam,
Been a while since I posted one of these. Hoping to do one each month. As things start to reopen down here, I greatly appreciate any social media action as I try to get some bookings + post any feedback below of course. Stay .
 
 

ey up.
Long time no viddy.
I did a thing for work. Some of you might be interested. Some others may learn something new.
Each one Teach one.
 

Hey everyone. 
This is a track I made for a remix competition, except I finished it too late haha, I decided to put it up anyway since I really like it. I hope you guys can listen to it, your support would really mean so much to me. 
I wish you guys all the best.
Owen. 
 
 

Great timing given most clubs are shut and what not, but Pioneer have nevertheless released the CDJ-3000. 
https://www.pioneerdj.com/en-au/product/player/cdj-3000/black/overview/
AUD4000 a piece.

The 2000's for the usb were great. Definitely made taking your collection from venue to venue so much easier. Everything after that became wank and it was Pioneer cashing in on the market. Fair play to them but I feel this thing isn't required

Yeah I can’t see many places adopting these until the current units start to fail/need replacing. Nothing compared to the CDJ1000 -> 2000 where they introduced USB sticks (i.e. game changer).

Saw these online, thought I’d share here. 
 

Saw these online, thought I’d share here. 
 

Came across this software at the Melbourne Ableton user group Melbourne. Pretty cool software made in New Zealand, company is run by former CEO of Serato. It basically allows you to connect MIDI keyboard, pad controllers, and drum kits to your computer, then has a series of lessons that aim to improve your skills playing each instrument. Would definitely recommend if you're looking to sharpen your skills.
https://melodics.com

In that case, some options for an entry level all in device would be something like:
Pioneer DDJ400. This uses rekordbox software. Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2. This uses Traktor software. For something a bit more advanced, you can get the Pioneer DDJ800 or Traktor Kontrol S4. Pioneer also have some more expensive all in one units which allow you to copy music to a USB stick and play without the laptop. However, if you’re just starting out the entry level models would be OK.
 
To get up and running, you’ll need to pair the above with a set of speakers (also known as “monitors”) and a set of headphones. Not a hard and fast rule, but the better quality stuff costs more. If you want some recommendations for these let me know 👍

New(ish?) wireless device. Has some basic built in sounds and functionality, however you get some pretty awesome capability when pairing it to your PC (works with MIDI over Bluetooth) and using their Max for Live plugin
 
https://artiphon.com/pages/orba-by-artiphon
 
Here’s a vid of a guy mapping it in Ableton