What is the kernel_task listed in my Activity Monitor?

[thgmusic]

It may just be my imagination, but my M-Audio Firewire 410 seems to want more processing power after I upgraded my system to 10.4.3.

I never noticed a process called "kernel_task" prior to the update, but now I see it and it can use up to 15 to 20% of my CPU when I have an audio app running, like DP using VI's. This percentage is apart from what DP is using.

Thoughts? Can I downgrade back to 10.4.2?

THG,
Brad Pearson
THG Music
Spokane WA