Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 full and in-depth review

[@marcelobalbuena8990]

I can't believe how this video has only 1.9k likes ATM, I have just bought a S49 MK2 and haven't seen any other review so in depth like this one. A huge thumps up to the amazing work you did here.

[@terragangbandits]

😊😊😊😊

[@tonyjamesr116]

Great review. I’ve got Maschine studio and I’ve just bought an s49 mk2 , second hand, can’t wait to try it. One thing the Maschine does have is a great sampler , plus step sequence and you can input music from an iPhone.

[@jamesbaker1506]

Just brought a secondhand S49 MK 2 (trading in my MK 1). Just watched this video before even turning it on. Like reading the manual but a lot more enjoyable. Great video and has someone mentioned goes into a lot more functionality than other videos out there. Great job 👍🤘😊.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you put a lot of work into this and it was very helpful and interesting, i watched to the end, thank you

[@psytoolpsytrance-tooltime8212]

I like what he does, can always look at him and learn what is going on

[@AngusMokPhoto]

Wow, incredible review! I didn't realise how effective this bit of kit could be until this video. The hands-on tweak-ability has really caught my attention - that hardware synth style knob twiddling is something that I've been wanting in a midi keyboard and now finally NI seem to have that aspect down

[@Halcyon111]

Nice sense of humor. Thanks for the tour.

[@tomaszfiedorowicz8882]

fabulous and very professional review! thank you very much

[@AL.farmlife]

100% true

[@CONAzavod]

One of the best articulated reviews ever - with a special british flavour there.... :)

[@TG-se3dc]

damn.....this is probably the most in depth and well done review of any product Ive ever seen. Well done.

[@boboscurse4130]

This is the best overview I've seen. I've ordered the s61 Mk2 and I'm eager to get my hands on it.

[@Jiglo71]

Fantastic review. Thank you for taking the time and effort to really get down to the deepest levels of this keyboard & software package and keeping it simple enough for most of us to understand. 10/10 for the review.

[@royfacer585]

Fabulous down to earth review and demonstration.. And best of all someone who's English.. No annoying American accent

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

After watching a ton of videos, I still cannot decide whether or not to purchase the complete control S 49. Thanks to this video. I now know I want to order one. Thanks for all your help and hard work. I also subscribed because I really appreciate the way you present information and a basic yet non-boring way. Thank you for all your hard work.

[@matthewjosephwalker]

really well produced, in-depth by a real synth enthusiast. taught me how to use my keyboard, thank you!

[@TheCoolProfessor]

I only want it because of all those pretty lights! Thanks for the review!

[@SoerenVogelsang]

THANKS! This was the video I was searching for the whole day. I just wanted to know, what Mschine can do, what the keyboard can't and NO ONE just put it this precisely: Nothing. I found a way now to get the maschine software without buying the hardware, so I will buy this thingy now. Thanks again!

[@GODenWord]

Ugly surprisingly all reviews of this Komplete Kontroll Mk2 i saw were missing information on how this MIDI controller works with non NKS plugins! Thank you for providing this important information!!!

[@ilikemyrealname]

ⰔⰀⰞⰀⰎ̑ⰣⰁⰤⰛⰟⰋⰉⰀⰎⰎⰀⰘⰟ⋅ I found that any libraries I own that are .nki, can be re-saved in Kontankt to be able to use in KK under the User section. Many of my .nki libraries did NOT work out of the box, they failed saying corrupt or whatever, only can be opened in Edit view in KK. Re-saving in Kontakt corrected that issue. Just time consuming when you have many many libraries.

[@thisisthenameiwanttouse646]

Did a search for Kontrol S61 MK2 review and saw this. I really appreciate this review. Well thought out, profesional and most importantly very useful in helping me decide. Your approach is ..... well PROFESSIONAL. You have earned another subscriber. Im looking forward to going through your other videos.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

You are welcome :)

[@DinastiaDragon]

I just want to highlight your magnificent review of Komplete kontrol, I think it has been a total explanation and magnificent use reference, you have gone from the emotional, aesthetic to the end of use, for me it has been a tremendous experience to enjoy it.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thank you very much :)

[@martinb5367]

I am watching this video in 2024 as I finally!!!! manage to buy it yesterday. I know I know we have mk3 but is only what I got at the moment and guess what? I am happy.

[@st0rmchild]

Thanks for this! The details are really important, but most reviews gloss over them. Might be worth doing a follow-up for things that have changed since this was recorded. For example, according to the current S-Series mk2 manual, the Pattern view should allow you to select and edit notes in Maschine.

[@Sax4Trax]

Wow, now I realise I didn't even scratch the surface of my keyboard! Thanks for this extended tutorial !!

[@thomandy]

Do you know how good the keybed is compared to the Arturia Essentials MK3 49?? I just got one and felt the keybed was a bit plasticky, but perhaps that's just how the keybeds for these keyboards are??

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I really like the new Essentials Mk3 but I havent played the S49 Mk2 in years. There are both made of plastic and really if you want a good feel you have to pay a lot more for a good Fatar keybed. It's a very subjective thing.

[@thomandy]

@@MoltenMusicTech I see. Yeah, I'm completely new to all of this, so I was expecting a bit much I guess. I am considering getting "NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 MK2" though. There is a sale, normally it's 750$-900$ here, but for the next two days, I can get one for 600$. I was told the keybed is a tiny bit better there, and it says "Premium Fatar Keybed" so perhaps I should just go for it. And since Im getting Komplete 14 regardless, I can use the Komplete Select, upgrade it to Standard, and save 150$ that way. In turn making the upgrade only cost me 150$. Anyways, thank you for the reply:)

[@coeburnett]

This Video is so good, that I'm reviewing it again a couple of years after I ended up buying it!

[@sexypotato11]

Brilliant review. Non-bias, thorough, clear dissection.

[@visheshl]

This is sort of what i always thought a combination of hardware and software should be like, combine this with ableton and push, then it would be nearing the goal

[@petera1033]

Best review of anything I've seen reviewed - well doneand more importantly- thank you.

[@montazownianr1]

It's unique review. Very, very informative. I love to hear about glitches before buy, not only "wow this gear is aaaamazing!" I mean, not only "look this gear can do this or that" but also can it REALLY do this or that in practical way, in real world testing :D

[@saurabhsonic]

Tremendously helpful video. What a lot of great information! I watched all the way to the end!

[@KavaKavana]

thanks for such a comprehensive and honest review. You've really helped me wrap my head around the concept behind komplete kontrol..the good the bad as well as the ugly

[@shooten1st]

Thank you. This was excellent and very helpful showcasing some things I missed. I have Maschine 2 and that was an amazing demo.

[@djtomhigham]

Amazingly in depth and informative review!

[@dezinerAhmad]

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS REVIEW IF YOU ARE BUYING Mk2..... WoW what an Aamazing Amount of Information covered in Here..... All You need to know about it Design Software and Capabilities along with the Down side..... Thanks For so much of Hard work... I shall Be buying this very soon now since i know all about it ... GREAT MAN ...

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks!

[@Shoomer1988]

Oh, and just a heads-up. As of Oct 2018 The S (and A) series keyboards come with the Maschine Essentials, which despite it's name is actually the full version of Maschine, just with a smaller library. But if your buying an S49 you probably have some version of the Komplete library anyway, so I don't think it matters.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yaaaaaaaaaaay!!!! Is that true?

[@Shoomer1988]

Yeah, it's true. You can read it direct from the horses mouth....Scroll down to the bottom www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s49-s61/included-software/ I imagine it's possible to download it and update previously bought keyboards somehow. Oh, and many thanks for the video. It must have been a lot of work, but you really help me make a decision. I've subscribed.

[@sadpepe7937]

Holy shitballs! Thanks for posting this! I need this thing!!!

[@bernardojunqueira2392]

An in-depth review of the new MK3 by you would be highly appreciated 😊 . Luv your reviews.

[@eliolson3789]

Thanks for this great video, just bought a used s49 Mk2 and it's incredible. This video is great, the touch screen you use for the tablet is great too!!

[@CharlesK441]

Just ordered one after watching this. Picking up in store now! Be right back!!

[@StevoLloyds]

Great review, I watched quite a few videos on the S49 then ordered one, I should receive it tomorrow, then watched your video. Great suggestions for improvements, Native Instrument should take note, a lot of them could be free firmware and Komplete Kontrol updates, although NI might not see it like that. Thanks again for a a full and unbiased review.

[@svbullt]

Excellent review. Thank you!! I've had this keyboard for a few weeks now and I'm also disappointed that the Machine software is not offered with it.

[@DDoom33]

Kim buy the new maschine mk3

[@sebastianprieto3244]

the Best review for Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 , thanks

[@therammusicvideo]

Appreciate the walkthrough. I am the type of songwriter that is prone to freezing up creatively, when looking at too many knobs. Picture a deer in headlights frozen. With your tips, I realized how intuitive the hardware is, and how seamless it works with Logic Pro X 10.5. I currently use Live instruments, Guitar amp mics, vocal mics, and live drums into a UA apollo x8p, these controllers used with the mobile logic remote are SO IMMENSELY POWERFUL it is beyond words. No mapping, no bullshit, no system crashing. Ive never seen this level of ease when using my old Novation Impuse controller. Have you done any reviews of the Komplete 49 + Maschine controlling LIVE LOOPS in Logic? That would be cool.

[@matejs9499]

Great review, waiting for my s49 to arrive next week! Cheers from Prague

[@MattMerritt]

Somehow I watched your entire video... never losing interest at all... great job, and great review! Thank you!! :)

[@larryboy1975]

You are a truly awesome human being. I'm already sold on Komplete 11 but I think you have easily convenienced me this is worth trashing my worthless AxiomPro61. Thanks:) for a very good review!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks very much.

[@adamtrilling5668]

Thank you for an honest, clear-cut, helpful review. Cheers!

[@lennardvillasenor5151]

I am trying to find information on Komplete Kontrol vs. Arturia vs. Nektar options for integrated MIDI controllers and your articulate enthusiastic and engaging video was both informative objectively and demonstrative. I also enjoyed the verve by which you deliver this information. Kudos. And thumbs up on your personal style.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks!

[@willmcelroy6376]

You didn't change shirts for 3 DAYS (40:10)? JK JK. no really this is the best review of a product i have ever seen. Native instruments really should watch this and take you observations seriously. Your suggestions would really make this a true intuitive instrument, not just a controller. did you "KONTAKT" them (see...see what i did there?) about it. Thanks again. Cheers man - Will

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It's true - i had to go back and do some reshoots with this video and had to keep digging the shirt out of the wash for continuity purposes. Yes, i was in direct contact with NI about the review, i even sent them a draft before i shot the video, so they've seen it.

[@batchcorps]

Great review! I want to view more of your insightful and inspiring takes on tech now.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

+Davis Bloom cool 😃

[@SouthernEmperor]

Great review and thank you for your time. I just purchased the S49 and I was litte bit frustrated because my DAW (Studio One) does not support it, but....I already have the Maschine MK2 and when I opened my Maschine software, the S49 was flawless. So....you're right, you have to have the Maschine Software to get any real use of the Komplete Kontrol controller. Well...maybe that was NI's plan...LOL...to make people go and buy the Maschine MK3 so they can have the software they need in order to maximize the potential of the board. LOL.....I think they knew it was very limited without the Maschine software. It works fine as a controller in Studio One, but as a regular controller just like the Axiom or the Akai MPK Series without all the other features and benefits you only get with the Maschine Software. If you don't have the Maschine Software, don't purchase this board as it's a waste of money if you do. Just an FYI.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes, it's a weird connection - i'm not sure Native Instruments have a properly thought out plan for this.

[@chaddonal4331]

Can you detail more specifically what the Maschine SW adds?

[@TCAMACHO92]

What if you have the novation launchpad pro? Is it worth getting this .

[@SilverSun216]

I bought the MK2 s61 because of this video. It'll be here next week. I'll let you know if I share your enthusiasm after I've had a chance to mess around with it.

[@spacecash9721]

still like it 2 years later?

[@arbous65]

Hello MMT, thanks a lot for this lengthy video to explain so much and also give pros and cons and your point of view for different features and future features wish list. It must have been an enormous undertaking for recording and editing. Has there been whole lot of difference in third party plugin support in KK software after 6 years? Does KK software updates added to the accessibility of the DAW features and plugins through KK S mk2 MIDI keyboards? Do you see that your S49 mk2 is now more communicative, more animated with the display, buttons, etc. to show you more stuff, and added more control / opportunity for more hands-on involvement, or it has had just minor changes as far as related to KK S mk2 since you recorded this video?

[@frederikfind4591]

Dear Mr Molten. Thank you for the in depth review. I've set my alarm clock til tomorrow early. And will rush down to the nearest musicshop to purchase the little wonder.

[@bockschuss]

I get into the choir: what a review!!!!! - thanks for the deep dive

[@chelfyn]

I have an S61, and I had it a week before I dropped a ton of cash on a mashine, mainly to get the software to use with the S61. It's an awesome combo!

[@Michael_RareZebra]

Such a great review. I liked & subbed. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Thinking of going for the 61 key version (it's all about how much bigger it is overall compared to the 49).

[@MoltenMusicTech]

thanks!

[@billwarner213]

GREAT video, just went through step-by-step -- thanks!

[@sexypotato11]

Question - I am an improvisational pianist, I'm looking for the best midi controller to create film scores/instrumental beats/etc. I 've been producing for around 2 years and am looking to purchase a useful controller. I work with Logic Pro x, and from what i've dug around, the Komplete Kontrol 61key MK2 seems to be the best bet. Any thoughts/recommendations?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It felt good to me - you've seen my review. It's a hardware/software solution so if the software integration is less interesting then maybe you are paying for something you don't need. Some people say the keys are noisy. It is all plastic. As you're a player I would highly recommend going to a music shop and running your fingers over a few. Hope that helps!

[@ilikemyrealname]

I bought the S61 the other day for scoring specifically. The ability to whip through presets is quite incredible. Major speed increase in workflow. On thing I’ve noticed so far is intergrading my 3rd-party libraries, which I find are a must for scoring. I need my bells, chimes, harps, atmospheres, toy pianos, etc that I only had as .nki libraries. Many of these libraries don’t work directly with Kontrol. However, I learned you can open them in Kontakt and resave them and then they’ll work in KK. Meaning, then they’ll show up in the browser under User. I still have many libraries to fix, but so far it’s a perfect combo for me. I have a few documentaries coming up that I look forward to scoring with this keyboard.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Good tip - thanks!

[@GaliteOfficiel]

Doctor Who has returned !🍻 Thanks a lot for the fantastic review.

[@cobenaut]

great review, just brought the S88 mk2, this video really helped thanks :)

[@Marcus_Sylvester]

Great review! I just beginning exploring the fascinating world of midi controllers, synthesizers and DAWs. I learned not only about Komplete Kontrol but about synths and DAWs in general. It seems to me that Native Instruments have a similar closed digital environment system and business model as Apple. It has advantages, but disadvantages also...

[@MadelnMachines]

That was a really great review that showed me everything I wanted to know. I got a really in depth idea of what it would be like to own and use one myself. I get the impression that it's really more of a device for spending endless hours preset surfing and preset tweaking rather than programming your own sounds - even though you can if you want i'm not sure it's a particularly good way to do it with endless pages and so few encoders. That's really what I want to get away from and what bores me about computer music. I liked your suggestions for adding encoder visuals to the screens and using the buttons above the screens to navigate pages. I assumed it would be like that already. The depth maschine integration was interesting to see. I wonder if they have made many improvements since the video was released. As a side note I think the keyboard lights could be useful for learning scales and a few music theory things. Thanks!

[@anzatzi]

Great review. I love your Surface set up!

[@reggles10]

Really useful review covering many aspects. Thanks

[@HKunze08]

Great video, very informative and entertaining. Learned a lot and had a good time at it. Completely share your criticism on the scarce use of the display and hope ni resolves this in a firmware update.

[@rixcom7621]

Pretty amazing video!! I just ordered the MK2 61 key version to use with my Best Services and East West software loads. However, just diving into this technology. Maybe sell off half of my over 100 analog synths. This thing sound amazing!Thanks for the video, much help!! Rix:)

[@RoyMaya]

Great in depth review - enjoyed it very much.

[@redkaneruckus2786]

Great job on the video and thanks for educating us all. We owe ya one. A few things have changed since then, that or I’m short bus material. I purchased the s49 have it going into UA Apollo to iMac to the s49. I bought the software upgrade(it comes with select) then on their site gives you the option to place serial numbers in to get the full version for a discount. I never used machine or had any native software on this iMac or icloud or anything hooked up to this setup, yet machine works and can be loaded from my s49 and or komplete kontrol inst page on the computer. For some reason I felt douche continuing to say my iMac so it’s now my computer. Also all ua plugins pop up automatically once loaded in console or the browser or s49. They all can control ua’s software called control. I could have just said, everything you can think of as far as native inst and all of their software is concerned, is working nice. Universal Audio has paired nicely with Native Inst, and they actually did a good job interconnecting everything as far as ease, labeling, data transfer go. The computer really has not done shit better or dif and the weed I smoked this morning was very tasty. Sorry if you read this. Keep it true and be easy my sleez balls. Oh and I have one more upgrade if u need for komplete

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks!

[@redkaneruckus2786]

PS y’all are full of shit if y’all really watched this non stop all the way through, everybody including my dumb ass started to post their comment here. Right freaking here. I to confess this guilt with you all. Hang our heads we shall not. Focus my fellow brothers of tetrishydrocanableaters. Exhale. We have to go to work and we are super stoned. Breath. I got this. Peace. Oh so im through typing crap so stop reading. You will get mad at me then comment some fighting words and the only person that gets hurt is both our mothers names. God bless mine but anyways. Yea have a good day. Everyone who read this I send positive vibes your way and families way blessing of prosperity speak your destiny into a reality and a shut the hell up. Now y’all got me all at the bar alone crying. I’m out. Roll tide. and adddd out and here we are now wondering what the hell im talking about. Right?

[@redkaneruckus2786]

I also just realized this is the first time ever commenting. On anything. Talk about realizing how selfish I’ve been depriving those in need of my priceless comments. 🍒

[@redkaneruckus2786]

Molten Music Technology really did a great job

[@TheFunkloft]

@@redkaneruckus2786 You should seek some professional help, mate.

[@PedalScience]

So much better than every other demo / review of this keyboard! Thanks

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks!

[@kennethenos2716]

HUGE GRATITUDE for this top work 🏆 Definitely more entertaining & engaging than the pdf manual 🤣😴🙄 Just picked up the S61 and I'm a newbie at VST stuff so the learning curve has been a bit stifling for me but you have helped tremendously 🥰

[@blacky101011]

This was very helpful! Thank you for the hard work!

[@joseayarzaguena3567]

Excellent work it really helps me to understand all of komplete, s49 and machine functionality, compatibility and details¡

[@nickpmusic]

Thanks for this, really helped me decide to buy:)

[@Curious_Skeptic]

The whole point of s49 is to work w NI instruments ;) s88 mk2 was my all time fav midi board. Having two nice lcd screens that in affect give you the oled knobs of an mpc x is such a killer feature. Sample trimming, instrument browsing, this board is like having an mpc live or one w a great keyboard built in. Think it has only become more popular over time. Even seen in many hiphop oriented home studios ;)

[@benstarmore702]

What a great detailed review. Thank you

[@Kolinu2]

Thank you Robin. superb review of NI's Komplete Kontrol.

[@CybreSmee]

Nice job. I'm still wanting a controller like this, but with more tactile synth controls, sliders, toggle switches, big bakelite knobs etc

[@MusicFed]

thanks for this amazing video!! so do you think the 49 is enough to control sample libraries (with their keyswitches) vs the 61? the 61 is quite huge so I am not sure

[@MoltenMusicTech]

You can certainly use it for that as long as you are happy with the playing range. The light guides really help with it and so does the octave switch.

[@betalike]

Teacher. Another query. In the part you show Maschine and how to record a pattern. I follow in your footsteps, in my case I load "Polyplex" instead of "Punch". I select a particular patch and how it sounds as you search, it's easy to choose. However, and despite the fact that the controller shows everything as you show it, it even turns on the LEDs of the keys that can be played, but it does not emit any sound and therefore it does not work for me. Do you know why my controller doesn't send a midi signal in this function? (Are there any settings I'm forgetting? As I mentioned, everything else works as is, all the buttons, except the part to record music notes) TY in advance

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Ok - troublshooting questions: Where does the sound come from? Do you usually get sound from other synths? Do you have Maschine hardware? Does the Maschine software record notes or let you change things with the S49? Have you tried loading other synths/sound banks?

[@betalike]

@@MoltenMusicTech I have no the Hardware but I solved the problem ( I pressed the SCALE key on the S49 controller, and the keyboard activated and thus began to play.). Today I should receive the Maschine controller but I was trying to learn while using the software.

[@Yahoomediaclub]

Brilliant video...really the most well explained online...on this awesome NI / Hardware + software.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[@m1ndsetstudio]

The keyboard lights come into play depending on what instruments your using If you combine it with komplete 10 or 11 it’s a beast Also using it within maschine is where it shines

[@zwurltech9047]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@andymurray4475]

Such a comprehensive and well-informed insight. Best review I've seem for ages about any piece of kit. Your comments are so relevant to workflow. Many thanks.

[@iamhated1292]

Thank you for such a thorough and informative video! I was having a lot of issues in figuring out how to use Komplete Kontrol with my S49 (in fact it's how I ended up here), but now I'm not confused and can see that it wasn't me at all, that it's just the way things are with this keyboard. At least now I can stop banging my head on it. Thanks again for that, and shame on Native Instruments! I'm really questioning now my investments with these half baked products.

[@Phyrefli]

Thank you very much for such an in-depth and detailed review. Great watch + subbed.

[@raffaelebossard4708]

Hey there! Fantastic video, thx for this! One question: Have you found any way to deleate a loaded instrument? let's say I loaded an FX, but I'm not happy with it and I'd like to deleate it from the chain...anyway you can do that or do I have to load a totally new Komplete instance and start from scratch??? :) thx!

[@Shoomer1988]

Thanks. You convinced me to pull the trigger and order one.

[@willmcelroy6376]

wow, can't believe you actually responded, I feel honored. one of the things that struck me most about what you said, was how the s49 mk2 brings back the feel or joy, or since of discovery similar to using hardware, making the thousands of patches more "fun" and accessible. Does the surface tablet do the same for you? If so, how exactly? I'm considering purchasing the surface book 2, because i too seek the more hardware, or fun experience from my Daws and software...namely propellerhead reason (i currently use macs...logic). I also have gotten to the point that daw work and recording in general has gotten kind of dull or lifeless, making creating music less fun. Does touch computing help or is it just a slight step up from having a traditional laptop when in workflow? Also, I have kind of fat fingers so... sorry for all the questions. been checking out your other reviews...you really have a gift for this stuff. Cheers-Will

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I talk to anybody - no need to feel special :D A touch interface does bring a sense of a new way of working and that can be very valuable. It's not quite like proper knobs and stuff but it breaks you out of the mouse zone, relaxes your shoulders and changes your position - that in itself is very helpful. To be playing a keyboard and then reach out with a finger to change something on screen is fabulous - you stay in the moment, and, i find, i'm more likely to continue playing with the synth, with the interface. Reason is a little small for touch - but it depends on what you're doing. I'm going to be going through all the DAWs on the Surface in the next batch of videos.

[@Omega-Phil]

I'm watching this video in small chunks, it's brilliant, in the VST section how do you get it to list all VSTs that you own? I have a lot that I use in Reaper but only two show and they are Synth Master 2 and Synth Master Player. Thanks.

[@kmo2370]

Thanks for the detailed explanation of this keyboard! I have one question. Is it possible to store midi cc mapping info and use it without PC / mac ? I want to use it as a standalone midi controller. But if it can't store midi mapping info that we edited on PC before, I'm pretty afraid to buy one.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Not that I recall - it's very software driven - but i dont have it any more

[@JamesBermingham]

Have you ever compared it to an Arturia Keylab MKII? I’m on the fence between these 2 as I’m heavily invested in both their software worlds. 🤔

[@MoltenMusicTech]

No, I haven't tried a Keylab - they will be very similar

[@christophertodman8254]

best mostest comprehensive review ever...oh and very funny

[@KahyohBe]

Hello Sir~ what app on your iPad are you using with your Komplete s49 keyboard

[@MoltenMusicTech]

None at all because it's a Microsoft Surface Pro, not an iPad, and i'm using regular desktop music software on regular Windows.

[@KahyohBe]

@@MoltenMusicTech Ok thanx for your response

[@stevehofer3482]

Very nice demo. Your use of the Surface pro got me thinking that maybe I could use an ipad the same way. It looks like the Duet app on the iPad will allow the iPad to be used as a touchscreen monitor connected to the Mac or Windows PC. I have two old iPads. I may use one as the remote monitor and the second to run Logic Remote.

[@giacomocagnetti2529]

Hi! I wanted to congratulate you on your skill and clarity. One question: if you wanted to build a setup from scratch to play live, what would you choose? Consider that I would use a Macbook pro (on which I would then have to choose a software for managing patches with various splits/layers for each track... Like main stage, gig performer, etc. Any advice on this?). What kind of hardware+software solution would you choose for a setup that can cover a bit of all rock/pop rock sounds from the last 50 years? 😄 I saw that arturia supplies analog lab while native instruments supplies kontakt liberia... Could it be a solution to buy a "top" level 49 keys and put a more "simply" 88 (maybe used) next to it using the software and sounds provided by the 49 keys? Or is it better the other way around? Maybe invest in a 'top' level 88-key master to which a cheaper 49-key can be added, using the libraries provided by the 88-key? Consider that even if I like the piano keybed, for live use with the band I could also make do with a good semi-weighted one that is perhaps more versatile and on which I can play with less 'effort'. Consider that most of what I do will be on the 88 keys, while on the 49 I would divert all those more particular sounds, like pads, leads, brass... (For the organ I have a numa organ dedicated only to that on which I already use the BX3) I read that by taking a Native Instruments the internal software is more "closed", but what does that mean? That I can't use other libraries and other vst's using it as a master by managing it with mainstage for example? By mapping the various controllers according to the vst used and saved for patching a particular track? I'm a bit confused I admit! Another question: if I buy an used keyboard do you know if I will be able to download all the software included in the original bundle?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks - gosh, big questions! No one can tell you what to buy or what you should be using. It depends on what you want to do. If it was me I'd sink a couple of grand into modular and spend the rest of your life fiddling with it on stage. Dump the laptop and go all in on hardware. But that's probably not what you're after. Another way would be to go with a proper performance keyboard like a Nord Stage 4 that will have all the sounds you need, again, without a laptop getting in the way. However, you seem set on the idea of a laptop and MIDI controller. Arturia Analog Lab and NI Komplete are good options. They come with a lot of sounds and great integration. Why not get the 88 keyed version of either? Alternatively just buy the software and key an 88-keyed keyboard that you like. Both the NI and Arturia can happily play other sounds and map to any MIDI controls. The Komplete software works best on its own as a self contained library, but you can also run it as a plugin - just takes a bit of setup. My overall advice really would be to keep it as simple as possible. Don't have two keyboards if you only one. Run the sounds in software and play them with one keyboard. If you are trying to fudge or hybrid your way to something confusing then you are definitely barking up the wrong tree. Choose one thing and see how you go. Second hand software - varies from company to company as to whether you can resell or reuse registered software. You'll need to check with the owner that they can unregister it and transfer it to you. Cheers!

[@giacomocagnetti2529]

@@MoltenMusicTech thank you so much for your fast reply!

[@citizenworld8094]

Would be good to update this video as the S88 is in full swing too and there are many new features. I watched it all and was worth it.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Thanks! It's a good idea to do an update - not sure I'm going to be able to any time soon.

[@citizenworld8094]

@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks. I subbed and liked it even though it's 3 years old. I bought an S88 a while back and believe it or not, your is still perhaps the best video on the whole lot even 3 years later so that says a lot about NI in some respects. Would love to know how to figure out the MIDI assignments on this product. There is not one video out there that tells you how to work it in detail - I searched for hours online - nothing and the manual is too vague and difficult to get your head around. Anyhow, just to say thanks again for all that effort those years ago! Keep up the good work.

[@nikoloniusTV]

Amazing review! Thanks a lot.

[@TheRickymak]

Is using the komplete kontroller really faster than mouse clicking categories in the komplete kontrol software and even typing in search phrases like “electric piano, 808, etc…”

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Not necessarily faster but more convenient and keeps you at the keyboard rather than reaching for a mouse.

[@pjreddy4947]

Hi, is there a way you make your keyboard turn to Notes (or keys, or whatever the proper term is) of one sound without maschine? For instance, if I open up Komplete Kontrol in Logic using a S49 mk2 (without maschine), is there a way I could load a battery kit, and then hit the first piano key (lets say its a kick drum), and THEN SELECT ANOTHER BUTTON OR OPTION, which then turns the whole keybed into that note, which I can then play in different keys. Similar to how the keyboard works in Maschine? Hope this makes sense. Thank you.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That does make sense but you're after some sampling software - it's not a function of a keyboard, you need a plug-in that'll let you map samples across a keyboard. If you're in Logic then the EXS24 will let you do that. You might be able to do it in Battery but i don't know it that well. Ask around on the NI forums.

[@johng.l.4251]

Hello and good evening, please, i have an question and maybe you can answer me... In the background in your video i can see some some hardware Synth (EuroRack, BassStation2). Now my question: Can i use the keyboard split function of the device (with an additional midiTHRU) to send midiNotes to the hardware synth? I hope you or anyone in the comments can give me an answer. Thanks and greetings,

[@luigicodeluppi8888]

Hi. sorry if I bother on your mail to ask if you can help me with a problem that I can not solve. I have a problem with komplete kontrol mkII. I work with computer window and daw maschine 2; everything up to date including komplete kontrol software with Native access. Everything works except for one "small" detail: the keyboard doesn't play the loaded sounds, and it doesn't seem to send midi signals to the computer. So all the functions (load sounds, mixer, channel selection, play, stop, ... etc go and work the daw) but the keys don't play or record any sound or track. I reloaded the daw and also the diel kontrol software but nothing. In the "controller" dropdown of Maschine 2 kontrol mk2 it is regularly selected, however I realized that if I go to the preferences in the midi setting where I have to select input or output device, in fact, I don't see any device to select. In short, there is something wrong and it seems by deduction both in the operating systems also because I have always connected via USB kontrol mk2 to maschine plus in standalone mode everything works and plays as well; while with maschine plus in controller mode it doesn't work anymore. Can you give me some pointers? I really thank you. Louis

[@MoltenMusicTech]

All i can advise is to strip it back to basics. Remove everything except the KK - have that plugged directly into your computer. Open your DAW and load a virtual instrument (not a Native Instrument one) and see if you can play it from the KK. Use it as just a MIDI controller and get that working before you do anything else.

[@luigicodeluppi8888]

@@MoltenMusicTech thank you very much

[@TheOfficalAndI]

Thanks for the review. Given all the shortcomings this thing has, i probably won't get one.