Komplete Kontrol S-Series Keyboards: Hands-On Overview

[@solutionsagent]

I knew I could count on DJTT to be the first to give us info on the new S-Series controllers. :)

[@strugglebuggietv]

i love reading the comments... the elitists hate it, the newbies cant afford it, and everyone else thinks its awesome...

[@billoneil7033]

spot on, bro. I'm the last category, I think its awesome. I used to make scale sheets to tape over my boss dr5 20 years ago, and I wrote lots, including a cool zoot suit swing pattern in locrian mode, which I never would have done without the homemade scale guide. this thing has serious creative potential for me and everyone who doesent want to put in the 8 years to learn every scale, key, ect on piano. too bad for all the elitists who had to grunt out all those lesson hours

[@DD-sw1dd]

Lol! This is true.

[@simply.darius]

Haha ! Great one ;)

[@lucianodebortoli]

Bill Oneil you dont need 8 years to learn how the locrian mode is played. this is just an expensive midi controller that doesnt have any pads, or faders. the only feature that might be useful is the split layers of a sound reflected on the keys lights (which isnt even advertised)

[@Noondroid]

I'm in categories 2 and 3 lol Love it and can't afford it.

[@BrandonCharles87]

This thing almost plays itself! Incredible innovations guys!!!

[@RheyneMusic]

Awesome. Nice to know Fatar was involved, too.

[@matthewmixes7780]

Rheyne!!! Basically looks like an Ableton Push for Komplete. I definitely am interested.

[@StevenMorris]

Rheyne If you end up getting one of these I'd love to see you use it in action!

[@pesto12601]

and.. 4+ years later.. I just order a "used" but like new S61 for $200! Works great and you can't beat the price!!

[@PrimiusLovin]

It has some interesting features (the lighting system, the touch pitch/mod wheel, and the arpeggiator mode) but it also lacks a lot of features found in almost any midi keyboard in that price range (sliders and drum pads are the most obvious): For someone who needs a 2nd keyboard and/or uses Kontakt this could be a nice option, but for those who are looking for their main midi keyboard Kontrol might not be the best option out there. I ended up buying an SL MKII after thoroughly checking various other options

[@DJRX78]

I am so glad I came across this video! I have been doing a great deal of research on finding a midi keyboard, and knowing this is NI, I'm pretty much set. Thank you so much for putting this video up, I have finally found my answer. Now I just need to save a butt ton of money again like I did when I got the Maschine way back when.

[@KaziNourin]

simply awesome

[@MartIn-bn7yy]

The lights showing which notes are in scale is an awesome idea ! I wanna buy it just for that ! Also, going through all the NI library by type of sound is very good too.

[@supravista]

If you need a controller for sound design, the one is the best you concurrently get. While the Akai Advance can work as a sound design machine, is shining point is the instrument/patch menu functionality. But if you're wanting a controller for sound design, it lags a little bit by only having 4 banks of parameter mapped knobs, and you can't name those banks, such as naming one osc, filter, etc. This makes it all but impossible to organize the many parameters of a synth. The Kontrol, on the other hand, lets you make many pages of mapped parameters, and name those pages to organize them. That simple difference makes all the difference for sound designers.

[@ChrisPhoenixBMR]

Sold. I was most worried about the pitch/mod strips. But they look FANTASTIC. I am selling off my Novation SL mkii... downgrading it to Zero SL mkii, and will be buying one of these.

[@djtechtools]

Awesome - please check out our store and preorder there to support DJTT: store.djtechtools.com/product_categories/13

[@tussaladd]

This is fucking INSANE AWSOME! I have spent years in learning scales and those sus,dim and whatever. BUT, Im producing as well, so the time it takes to learn how to play the keyboard by scale, on all different keys and not just C Major or A minor, just takes too much focus and time. I want to make beats and not fuck around with pitch and keys and whatnot. I know the freakin theory, I just dont have time to become a virtuoso. Sampling, synth tweaking, beatmaking, timestretching, mixing and all those things needs my attention, not which fucking key to play if I want a sus4 chord. MAN, this is the SHIT!!!

[@ramabosch6226]

which is the Piano of Komplete 10 that you played on 1:00? awesome

[@swajmahal2538]

SO AWESOME!!! Been waiting for NI to make a midi keyboard for its own plugins! Ill be buying!

[@OxygenBeats]

siiiiiiick! i hope they come out with an 88 key version too

[@djtechtools]

Probably unlikely, but we'll let you know!

[@OxygenBeats]

owell! at least there is a 61 key! :D

[@Its303AcidBass]

he uses the worst sound for the demo.

[@PradigyMusicman]

That's cool. I wish it had drum pads tho.

[@markscottuk]

Maschine.

[@PradigyMusicman]

Mark Scott true.....still not sure this is worth me buying without the pads tho.

[@keyzone72]

NI intentionally chose to NOT put pads on this new keyboard for fear that it would cannibalize sales of their MASCHINE series. Kinda makes sense to help differentiate the hardware product lines. Just my guess....

[@PradigyMusicman]

keyzone72 Can't dispute your reasoning there. Still....just 4 pads would have been nice. Komplete does come with Battery and Studio Drummer

[@KatiHathor]

Pradigy Musicman if you can afford this expensive hardware and software surely you can afford something cheap like the Arturia Beatstep which has 16 nice pads on it and a sequencer for $99

[@XaserII]

Starting at 499€ for the 25-keys! Nevermind that the most expensive 25-key controller available today costs about 200 less..

[@clydehoho9240]

Are all these features inside the keyboard? If i chose a key and play, will it play those notes in the DAW? So I can use this with any VST I wish to use?

[@KamosLab]

yes

[@clydehoho9240]

kamos lab Do you know if I'm able to edit what it says in the screen if I assign knobs in another VST for instance? Can I make it say "Cutoff" when I have Sylenth1 open for instance?

[@meldmagic]

I want to hear a filter sweep using those encoders and touch strips. Need to hear how smooth they are.

[@michaelhawthorne5516]

I wonder how hard it would be to hack the data that comes out of Komplete to make a Kore-like controller out of a Raspberry Pi or similar...I would bet it can be done for a lot less than $500

[@robertstevenson3214]

Make a video about how this integrates with Maschine...

[@MoediBlinkAVA]

can i switch of the lights above the keys if i dont need them?

[@peteinbirmingham]

Yes, you can switch off the light guide.

[@MrMarcLaflamme]

7:02 ahhhh you didn't resolve that chord! Now I have a hanging note stuck in my head... :-S

[@dzing74]

I wonder how long it will be until ableton bring a keyboard out?

[@davidholmes3776]

Who puts their Maschine vertically on a shelf?! Who does that!?!?!

[@djtechtools]

We do. It's our controller wall, which is specifically designed to make you jealous ;)

[@KhazmProductions]

DJ TechTools It's working.

[@massivebeatzz]

anybody trying to market music gear to youtube audiences!...

[@upbeatentertainmentx]

you obviously never heard of dj tech tools, which is your loss

[@CyberWallX]

+David Holmes jeremy ellis for example...

[@tmjorud]

So the chordsets are fixed? It would be great if you could create your own chords aswell and map those to single keys on the keyboard.

[@TheMame82]

Is it possible to use the arp, chord and scale features in native midi mode or are they restricted to Komplete?

[@DDaniels3000]

My prayers r anwsered!! Love it!! Now i just want to see the maschine intergration

[@Mindcircusmoe]

will this work with reason 8 and if it does will the chord and scale features work with reason devices like synths ect?

[@ithinkmynameismoo5e]

For anyone who was interested the track at the beginning is, Horizon (feat. Nilu) (Original Mix) - Singularity

[@veiss8801]

What is that sexy blue controller on the shelf behind him with the 2 faders and knobs on the sides??

[@JBlongz]

I see octave transport, but what about semitone transpose on the keyboard?

[@dk0r51]

Defective touch strips are a common issue per the link below. I've gone through four brand new Komplete Kontrol S61 keyboards from Native Instruments. All four of them were received running firmware version 16 and all four had broken touch strips. Updating to the latest firmware version 17 did not produce any change. Native Instruments have failed to make an official announcement. See here for more details: www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/komplete-kontrol-s61-keyboard-touch-strip-issues.230800/

[@Hangituphtx]

Love it! Will it work in the Maschine Daw???

[@FaumauNZ]

I want every peice of technology in this video!

[@liubei8822]

i bought the Komplete Kontrol S61,but there is no power cord only the usb cord, is it right?

[@marcwashington9733]

Hey I need some assistance setting up my S49. I have no Audio when playing the keys.

[@romenpheonixx7005]

Do you need to open a new instance for Komplete Kontrol every time you add a new track? I use Ableton.

[@jamstock]

If I already have Maschine, is there any point in getting Kontrol keyboard?

[@TheFujac]

fantastic.....christmas present to myself this year for sure!!!

[@ValTek_Armory]

I really want a 49 now

[@randyclere2330]

OMG!! I am waiting for Maschine Studio and a Complete Kontrol keyboard to be delivered. I play Chapman Stick and Bass.... really love World Music and Jazz fusion.... full ahead and composing!!

[@michaelfrankenberger9690]

Is it also possible to use this keyboard for other libraries like eastwest or spitfire?

[@hatchimitsuchai]

Do the chords get printed or is it the same as the arpeggiator where the arpeggiator doesn't output midi? These features are only for live performance?

[@metalwrath4]

I think I'm sold on the S49 & Komplete Elements

[@bigboyvit]

I used to love and browse New controllers and but i just listed the top controller of all time at affordable price the Yamaha MX49,the Yamaha guys Killed it this Keyboard is so beautiful it integrates with any DAW it got over 1000 sounds you can detune them and make your own its actually a synth but it changed my life.Thank you Yamaha.

[@RobinHKollektivtrafik]

How does the keyboard work with non-NI products? Can you program it to your hearts' content making your own presets? Including programming what the display below the knobs read? Limitations?

[@noelvox]

What's the piano used in the beginning of the video?

[@nudirt1274]

Kanye, Rihanna and gang love this controller for All of the Lights

[@mkarnicki]

Soum Bhaery Haha, that made me laugh :D

It's very helpful for playing on dark stages

[@BodhiGeraci]

Is this something I want?: Yes. Is this something I need?: No. Would I buy it?: Yes. If it wasn't 6 fucking hundred euros.

[@Faireweatherfriend]

I'm mainly interested in the illuminated scales feature. But I keep reading that kontrol will only work with komplete. Can't I get it to light up a scale and then use it as a midi controller for any vst I might choose in my DAW?

[@StevenKay_Detachment]

Bob Millard I've read the new update sorts those issues.

[@ChrisDececio]

can you use the knobs to control plugin parameters on the komplete processing plugins such as the compressors & eqs?

[@NimaTproductions]

Im at work so I was skipping through this so sorry if I ask a dumb question. So this thing comes pre packed with sounds and you can pick what key u want to play and it will light only those keys in the scale?? If so Im buying it right now lol, any newer models out?

[@gareebee]

Can you set up patches for instant recall at a live show?

[@HamHavoc]

Personally I think the push outshines this thing. If you don't know how to play scales then you will still be in the same boat with either piece of equipment but the push has a drum pads and step sequencing. Of course its only if you are an ableton user. Great piece of equipment for other DAWs tho. Also I see comments about people needing to learn theory and know how to play the piano. With this keyboard you can practice the keys and scales with the lights! Kind of cool for a beginner to learn how to play. The price is a little steep tho.

[@_MoshikoAz_]

do i need to own the kontakt 5 full version in order to use all the feauters ?

[@kasoom]

Can komplete kontrol s25 be used without komplete kontrol software, like a regular real keyboard should, like pop any plugin on a ch strip and play away, with maschine or logic etc... Thank u

[@reboot1337]

can you play chords on 1 side and single notes on another side

[@DJjakedrake]

One side of me says, "This is just like Irving Berlin's, (who made countless song you all know), key changing piano, but a hundred year into the future". The other side of me says, "What are they gonna include next, an instant four part harmony box, that works off a Roland D-beam". Which honestly you could make, if you connect this keyboard to Sibelius's instant four part/chord writing add-in, and then allowed a D-beam to control playback.

[@camfre4k]

I*m new to this. please explain to me, all the sounds that he's playing in this video, do they come with this keyboard ? or do you have to buy them as plugins on the side from native instruments ? and also, can you record the sounds from the keyboard in logic ? or can you only use it to control the sounds that comes with the software ?

[@hubiedub3035]

Video is quite blurry/blocky even at 1080p so it's difficult to see what's on the screen. Can you upload a better quality version?

[@andreumateulamas]

I do not see the 25 in the website.. What happened?

[@biggrime]

people mad cause newbies can compete now. lol poor saps

[@DeathlyPudding]

so basically Ableton Push for Komplete? I kinda feel underwhelmed, but it all depends on the price.

[@KatiHathor]

the price is too high for me when it doesn't even come with any software at $599 for 49 keys :( so you have to buy komplete also which is another $499 so you're looking at over a grand investment...too bad since I like the product.

[@BioshadowX]

Noob question but can you just use this as a keyboard or does it only interface with Komplete Kontrol software?

[@JimAtwood]

I think NI should have used the traditional mod wheels rather than the touch strips. History shows with other famous synths like the JP8000 and AN1x that although great, the strips are not THAT popular. Now I hear through the grapevine unconfirmed reports that there are a few problems with the touch strips. Otherwise, it's a nice controller indeed.

[@MrMakemusicmike]

+Jim Atwood I hate using a the wheels. One of the appeals of control is the touch strips.

[@ronwilson3466]

+Jim Atwood I Agree - I place my first finger joint on the wheel groove and use the tip of my finger as a "stop" for minor key bend and when I want a full range bend, use the wheel normally. Ya just don't have that kind of control with touch strips. As long as I'm on my soap box, Korg also doesn't have a clue with their "sideways" pitch stick.Years ago I was at NAMM when people were complaining to Korg about the sideways pitch-stick and the (I assume, official) response was; "We feel that a side to side motion of the hands is more "natural" when it comes to controlling pitch because this is how you play the keyboard, you move your hands side to side".... arrgh!

[@scarakus]

+Jim Atwood I prefer foot modulators...

[@iamDJFREAKY]

This is exactly what I needed.... Only a few questions though - does this keyboard come with a copy of Komplete/Komplete 10? Or if I buy this, will I still need purchase a copy of komplete 10 as well? I have never been able to afford komplete but have wanted it for so long, so I'm actually praying that it comes with it..

[@djtechtools]

Nope - but we will be working on making a bundle for you :)

[@dbXseven9]

You can buy them separate or together but you don't get one free. They both have separate pricing.

[@alfonsohayes4236]

DJ TechTools How soon for the bundle??? do you know??

[@djtechtools]

Alfonso Hayes as soon as we get preorders for K10 setup correctly :)

[@iamDJFREAKY]

DJ TechTools Okay. Thanks for letting me know. That's awesome, I do hope it's reasonably priced. Would love to have Komplete, finally. And this keyboard is just what I need!

[@blaaazer441]

what is the song in the beginning in the background?

[@fernandozamora5896]

+blaaazer441 Singularity - Horizon. Wonderful song, but the EP can't be purchased anywhere anymore. I think you can still find the specific song on some compilation albums though, or just youtube. Check out the rest of Singularity's stuff too, he's really underrated!

[@DarkToleSon]

Intro song: Singularity - Horizon

[@marike1100]

Not much in the way of actual piano playing in this demo, but the S49 seems like a nice product.

[@scarakus]

+Markus Arike Yea right. i was quite unimpressed by the "Casio" keys, lol. they should of focused on the integration with the NI software.

[@pioun777]

Is there a software for chord and scale features like in this keyboard but for all midi keybords? I remember iphone garage band had something similar.

[@davidpadilla1248]

What special features can I use on this piano without buying Komplete 9/9U/10/10U?

[@GustavAstep]

Does anyone know if the settings of the LED key-lights can be adjusted, so the LEDs are off when the according key is not pressed and on when the according key is pressed? Please let me know :)

[@erikschaepers]

OK here is a question: I am going to to play Massive in a live context. Can I use the S49 to send controller data and have Massive load a different patch? I mean, not browse around but a one-button setup to change sounds. That would actually be a reason for me to buy the keyboard. Thanks for clarifying , nice video btw.

[@shastibg]

does it have to be connected to the PC/MAC ?? or it have a stand alone function?

[@westgatefilms]

I have had mine for a couple years and only works in stand alone mode with a GREATLY reduce library and problems with 8dio stuff. Did they ever update the firmware software to actually make it work while as a plugin in protools????

[@johnnyparker2128]

I'm still a little skeptical of the keybed. They say it's from Fatar but they're not full keys so they look cheap. I'll have to test it personally to see how they feel.

[@davidfreeman8004]

I love the mod wheels! Too bad it isn't 88 keys, so you don't have to worry about freaking octave shift, or reassigning keys in Kontakt libraries. Also, is it velocity sensitive? I couldn't tell by his playing.

[@desktorp]

Even though the key lighting looks sorta gimmicky, I really like the way it's synchronized with the arpeggiator. I'll never buy this but I can definitely see the appeal. I want something like this, with the dynamic control labeling via small LCDs, but for more generic use; not optimized for use with any particular software.

[@alfonsohayes4236]

this Kompletes a hip-hop studio. This puts NI over everyone as there are benefits from buying within one company and using one DAW,

[@reflex1377]

can you use this with eastwest studios with the same lvl of compatibility then with komplete 10?

[@Gorflaxsack]

Will it output the midi into your daw? Like if I have some weird scale on, and swung arpeggiator? That will put the scaled midi and shortened arp notes into the daw when it records? As dictated by the options on key controller?

[@djtechtools]

Gorflaxsack Yes it would record the scale that you played into your DAW.

[@hxpbvrn]

Is this keyboard sold separately with Komplete 10 or when I buy this keyboard will I get Komplete?

[@djtechtools]

Komplete 10 is sold individually but we have awesome deals for it bundled with the a Komplete S Keyboard. You can find them here: store.djtechtools.com/product_categories/13

[@mrflash345]

Does anyone know the name of the song that plays at the end of the video?

[@sethholston4142]

It's like my midi controller had a baby with my maschine

[@HernanHH95]

What power supplies are compatible?

[@rolandbudin]

I listened to several demos online and unfortunately I am very concerned about the quality of the keys. They seem to be very loud which is kind of annoying and uncomfortable for long time studio use... Maybe I'm wrong and I hope I am.

[@elio271158]

Can i use another keyboard to use with Komplete, i have two Korg synths, one i use for my Roland 1080. Or do i have to buy the Komplete keyboard also?

[@Ladywrip]

Okay... first thing I heard him say was, "this was built SPECIFICALLY to be integrated with Komplete libraries". So does this mean this device can ONLY be used with Komplete??? This may be a dumb question to some, but I'm still new to music production and I recently almost bought a used Maschine Studio that didn't come with the software... I thought (no big deal, I'll just download/buy it from NI website, right... WRONG). Now that I know I MUST buy or get the previous owner to transfer their license over to me, buying a Machine Studio without the software included is essentially buying a plain-old CONTROLLER, and I want to know if this Komplete Kontrol is the same way???

[@moniker8054]

+ViXenBeats Not anymore, they created NKS which is the protocol the instruments use to communicate with the Kontrol, Heaviocity, Spitfire, EastWest, all have NKS ready stuff. Also, the keyboard has a MIDI mode, making it work like any other controller. It comes with a small selection of Komplete stuff too.

[@Ladywrip]

***** Okay, thanks for that info!

[@flawlessflatline3404]

How do I get it to link to my maschine I just got It an can't get it to connect with the maschine help me out

[@DeonMadeIt]

Do I need a Mac to run this software or does it work with pc as well ?

[@FryonMusic]

I was originally considering getting an Ableton Push for the scale feature, but this, for the same price, keeps everything traditional, which is nice, but I still feel it's over-priced.

[@teryllalston7487]

How are you I plugged mine up it came on stayed on for alittle ,than it cut off never could get it to turn .what do you think?

[@TheGimpwars]

oh man i bought komplete 9 4 months ago ultimate. if i would have gotten a heads up i would have waited. is there any special offers to upgrade my ultimate 9 to 10 & how much? also how can i do this. im registered with you. can you give me instructions on how to. thank you

[@dannyflores3936]

my next controller, i got komplete unlimited. i just need this to complete my setup. question, how well does this controller work with logic pro x?

[@redpillowmedia]

Is this keyboard only compatible with NI software or does it also work for stuff like Nexus and Sylenth? (as a midi keyboard)

[@PhilGallardo]

it does function as a midi

[@Johnnysynth]

Not once do they show the "Kontrol" interface on the laptop ...!

[@lushfauna]

can you just use this instead of Maschine?

[@saikoshock629]

yes this is able to utilise the same important functionalities of the Maschine :)

[@lushfauna]

Thank you=)

[@saikoshock629]

lushfauna nws

[@v1shy949]

ll this controller work with any vst and daw