Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 Update Adds Standalone MIDI Control For External Hardware
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Now you can deeply control your hardware synths and drum machines with the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series. And with MPE!
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 Update
[August 2 2024] Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series of MIDI controllers are certainly impressive but they’ve largely been focused on use with a computer, with NKS integration and software control a highlight. However, a new update promises to make them even more powerful with added standalone MIDI templates for use with hardware synthesizers and drum machines.
Komplete Kontrol S MK3 1.7.6 is a free firmware update for all three models in the S MK3 series, S49, S61 and S88. It features an editor for working with external hardware, allowing you to map MIDI CCs, control and program changes and more. It also gives you control over connected expression pedals. Imagine controlling an UDO Audio Super 6 desktop, as in the demo video below, with MPE from your Kontrol S MK3 all while free from a computer connection.
The Komplete Kontrol S MK3 1.7.6 update is free for all owners. See your Native Instruments account for more information.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 Series
[September 12 2023] Native Instruments has updated its top-of-the-line USB keyboard controllers. Six years after the release of the previous generation, the new Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series introduces USB-C connectivity, polyphonic aftertouch, and other exciting new features.
Like before, the NI Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series is available in three different keyboard sizes. You can choose from semi-weighted models with 49 or 61 keys, or the 88-key variant with hammer-action keys. According to NI, the all-new keybeds were developed in collaboration with Fatar. The biggest news is obviously that all three variants now support poly pressure, which opens up new performance opportunities with compatible software synths and instruments.
The hardware has received a complete overhaul. All three Komplete S MK3 series keyboards feature sleek new unibody enclosures and a huge color screen tucked away beneath a glass surface. The big screen replaces the dual screens of the predecessors for an even better editing experience. It’s accompanied by eight aluminum push encoders, as well as an illuminated data encoder to the right. The pitch and modulation wheels are also made of machined metal. In addition, the Komplete S MK3 series features an RGB-illuminated ribbon controller.
Ever since the Komplete Kontrol S series came out, its signature feature has been the innovative Lightguide. So it comes as no surprise that NI has carried over this feature to the new MK3 series. The strip of LEDs for each key comes in especially handy when working with NKS-compatible software instruments, as it can display split zones, color-coded key switches, and other useful information.
In addition to USB-C and MIDI connectors, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series offers four pedal inputs: sustain, expression, and two assignable pedals. The keyboards can run on USB-C bus power.
Deep NKS implementation
Along with the introduction of the new Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series, Native Instruments has announced a new generation of the standard. According to the manufacturer, NKS now enables even deeper control of NI Komplete and other compatible instruments. You can browse preset libraries directly on the keyboard. The screen displays the actual names of parameters along with the appropriate controls like toggle switches and dials. Furthermore, NKS now gives you a choice of a streamlined Performance mode that provides easy access to the most important parameters for tweaking, and an Edit mode with multiple pages of parameters for in-depth editing.
The keyboard controllers come with a comprehensive software package. In addition to Komplete 14 Select and the Komplete Kontrol software, you’ll receive copies of Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite.
Price and availability
The new Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series is now available at Thomann. Prices range from €749.00 for the 49-key model* to €849.00 for 61 keys* to €1299.00 for the 88-key version*.
Komplete Kontrol S MK3 Series
More information about the NI Komplete Kontrol S MK3 series
Videos
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4 responses to “Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S MK3 Update Adds Standalone MIDI Control For External Hardware”
This is great and all, but why would I make a template to control a synth that already has a knob per function to control it in a cumbersome way? The whole idea of buying knobby synths is to get away from this, like controlling VST’s. It would be more interesting if they would make the arp and scale functions available for external synths.
I wonder who actually will use this feature…
this is more for desktop hardware and other hardware that lacks knob per function… but marketing is dumb
also, i dont understand why these keyboards dont come with a full Komplete version.. or at least some kind of discount for it
Not sure what the reference to MPE is in this article? If you mean poly aftertouch, and the controller sends this via traditional MIDI poly aftertouch messages rather than having an option to send it using the MPE specification (ASM and Korg offer that), please dont say MPE as it can cause confusion. Cheers.