Line 6 Toneport KB37

I was in need of an audio interface back in 2018 and stumbled across a used Toneport KB37 for $80 couldn't afford it right then but I did reserve it for later purchase. Got it home and since I hadn't used an interface took me awhile to get it working but it worked fine mostly in the end. It features great feeling keys that are pressure sensitive, 4 knobs and buttons to control stuff inside your DAW. It also comes with many 2 XLR inputs and 1 guitar input. Overall the actuall product is great for starting but I do have a few issues with the knobs for volume control which I think was caused by the previous owner it takes me afew minutes to get the volume to even work has to be in the right place to even output anything from the XLR input. Same problem with headphones output would be 100% satisfied with it if that wasn't an issue but overall I would highly reccomend it to people starting out just make sure to ask the shop or whoever to see if you can test it with the headphones and XLR volume knobs.

The Line 6 Toneport KB37 is a usb recording interface that does it all! It features 37 midi keys with pitch and mod wheels, expression and footswitch controls, transport controls, mic inputs with phantom power, stereo line level inputs, guitar input with pad, headphone and main outs, and that's just the hardware. I use my KB37 for various recording, songwriting, and production projects, and with this piece of hardware, I can recording and work with pretty much any instrument except drums.

It also features great Line 6 software, with includes their signature guitar amp models, bass models, and vocal preamp models. Also included are guitar pedal effects and studio effects, and additional models can be purchased as well. Best of all, there is zero latency monitoring when using the models. which is perfect for recording guitar. Under normal recording circumstances with guitar amp emulation, there is a slight lag, which can definitely affect the recording performance on faster material, such as guitar solos.

UTILIZATION

Generally, Line 6 hardware is very easy to setup, and it especially works well on Windows systems, which isn't always the case when it comes to usb audio interfaces. Notably, I've always had driver problems with Tascam audio interfaces working with Windows, when it seems their main support is for Mac OS. But I've never had driver problems with Line 6 hardware.

Line 6 has their own update software (Monkey), which helps detect and properly register all Line 6 devices, authorize purchases, and download the newest drivers and software. It is very centralized, very well supported, and Line 6 puts out new software updates with new features on a regular basis. The KB37, specifically, is an older device that has been succeeded by the POD Studio KB37 (which, feature wise, is almost identical), but I would expect Line 6 to create new drivers if, for example, Windows 8 comes out.



OVERALL OPINION

Overall, the Line 6 KB37 is one of the few pieces of musical hardware that I use every single day, and I would recommend it to anyone who has a smaller, personal studio setup. It is one of the most versatile usb audio interfaces I have ever owned, and I would easily pay double than what I paid for this hardware. It even sits perfectly on the middle of my desk, between my monitor and my computer keyboard. And with all the various equipment and computer changes that I've been through, the KB37 has never moved from it's spot on my desk.

Having a Pod, a small keyboard and a usb sound card all in one

Midi keyboard 37 keys
. 2 XLR mic inputs (with phantom power)
. Guitar / bass input
. Stereo line inputs and outputs
. Digital output S / P DIF
. Stereo headphone jack
. Analog VU meters
. 2 sockets for foot switches
. 1 jack for expression pedal
. Buttons to select memories and transport
. Wheels pitch bend / modulation
. 4 assignable controls and buttons
. Comes with the recording software "Ableton Live Lite 5 - Line 6 Edition" and therefore operational seconds after unpacking
. Hardware and software compatible with most popular recording software for Mac and Windows and allows to work 44.1/48kHz (16/24 bits), while offering compatibility 96kHz

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is not Fatar, obviously, but enough for basslines and solos with one hand.

The manual is quite clear and comprehensive.

The config is done exclusively by the software, and the beast must be plugged into usb to work.

The general use is easy.

OVERALL OPINION

I since its release, I do not use anymore since I have a lot better (and really expensive) now

To my knowledge this is the only keyboard / guitar emu / soundcard natively
but another mini keyboard / sound card with a good guitar emu would equally software, see better (Guitar Rig 5?)
From secondhand at a good price I would buy it again. Good quality / price ratio.

Extensive connection, software ... ditto

UTILIZATION

Great ergonomics, huge time saver because you win in place, cables ...
I could turn my Zoom amp simulator, and its power supply, my mixer and my master keyboard ...

The only flaw: sometimes the driver & plant, if the sound still works, the midi keyboard is sending more signal. We must then restart the computer. However, this only happens if I stayed on the computer all day and that if I made the net, of computer music, etc.. This has never happened to me in a serious session of computer music.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it 6 months & it has simplified my life to home-studiste. When I want to play an instrument, I just have to take it, nothing to plug in or turn ...
I was also pleasantly surprised by the sound of the mic preamp tone.

A great value, especially for me who bought it secondhand .