Kontrol S61 | Overview | Native Instruments' New Kontrol S-Series MK3 Keyboard!

[@comicsmisexplained]

I can’t justify upgrading from my MK2 S61 to this 😩 If they made a crazy edition with some Maschine MK3 pads with all that empty space then they can have all my money. Great video as always 🙏

[@DDS825]

Thanks man I appreciate you watching! That would have to be a special edition. lol I'd get it though for sure!

[@davidbueso3840]

​@DDS825 I don't mind no pads, but they took maschine integration completely. And even though it's a beta version, they removed the buttons that integrated with Maschine that mk2 had because of statics which I don't believe. Little disappointed.

[@kingech_B15]

The empty space is to put your double cup of lean.

[@moseskodisa8211]

It is a great midi keyboard i like the fact that it is minimalistic i have been using midi keyboards with almost everything in it like your drum pads, faders, knobs etc it makes your production easy and multi functional but with my experience though, i found that such midi keyboards don't last longer than a normal midi keyboard.

[@DDS825]

Yea, I personally enjoy the keyboards without all the pads and faders as well. When I had those keyboards I didn’t use the pads.

[@Meekismwisdom]

You were the first person I seen with this instrument and I was amazed by those colors ! Congrats on your new device . This is epic and it’s huge ! Great editing too

[@Meekismwisdom]

Controlling kontack from the instrument is amazing 🤯

[@DDS825]

Thank you Meek! I put A LOT of time into this video and that’s the plan moving forward.lol The colors are great to look at. The control for Kontakt is awesome!

[@706erRick]

Have you tried controlling Kontakt thru the Maschine MK3 using the Maschine software with this keyboard...?

[@DDS825]

@@706erRick yes, it works for browsing. No play assist functions yet.

[@solowkeytv]

Great review mane! Now that's wild it won't work with my Maschine MK3, smh. I'll just stick with my Kontrol MK2 S61!

[@DDS825]

Thank you and yea man, I was hoping it would flow like the MK2.

[@solowkeytv]

@@DDS825 Yea that’s unbelievable. I did leave you a comment on your Komplete Kontrol software with Logic. Is there any kind of way you can use Komplete Kontrol as a VST in Maschine software?

[@stevea8099]

Thanks for the video, really useful. I'm gonna upgrade.

[@leftofcenter4]

Great controller, I bought the 88 key unit, I am all new to The NI eco system, not a machine user but old school MPC 2000xl and Roland phantom workstation to create my drum parts, caught it on sale over the holidays.. this is very useful for the real musicians along with the non musician producers who can’t play keys.. NI did a hell of a job on this new controller.. best in class..it makes my Avid controllers a bit less relevant in my production setup. I am sure the NI brass will update the software for the Machine users in the future I can’t see them ticking off the large machine user base for long. Nice review. Great unit.

[@DDS825]

What are your thoughts? You can get Pre-Order here: bit.ly/KontrolSMK3

[@RINGOTVReactions]

I’m going to upgrade just because. I’ll be sure to use your link to support you when I make my order.

[@DDS825]

@@RINGOTVReactions thank you! I appreciate the support 🙌🏽

[@RINGOTVReactions]

@@DDS825 Just place my order using your link. Salute. Doesn't Ship out till Oct 31 I believe but I could wait. I'm about to get very serious with this music.

[@DDS825]

@@RINGOTVReactions Thanks Man! Time to get to work! ✊🏽

[@TElectrik]

No way I'm buying it if it's not compatible with machine wow! What a let down! I'll stick to my kontrol MK2 Thanx for the heads up! I love the seamless of the mk 2

[@DDS825]

No problem. I felt It was very important to mention that!

[@groovedealerfeaturing-ashl6476]

Shorts, sliders and socks.... Niiiiiiiiiiiiice! 😜😜 Interesting video though mate, looks REALLY close to using a hardware synth, sweet!

[@MiriAstro]

The lack of maschine integration will keep me with my S61 MK2 and maschine MK3 for now. That’s the dynamic duo imo even in Logic Pro.

[@DDS825]

Yea that is the dynamic duo for sure. There’s no topping that right now.

[@ursullavandenbord2322]

Great review. Can you stack more than 2 sounds ? Like creating a multi ? Thanks.

[@DDS825]

Thank you! I have done it with Kontakt 7. Not in the Komplete Kontrol software though.

[@tokyoskyline1752]

NI didn't want to delay release of keyboard so focused on Kontakt/ Komplete integration FIRST as that's main use for s series. And have implied Maschine integration is coming later even though no obvious physical buttons, whether that will be available by October 16th shipping date who knows. Plus there is probably a very good reason why the ring of lights around joystick is split into 16 segments! Each one equalling the 16 tracks?

[@keithlaury3538]

Sounds like a lie to me.. Why in the world would you integrate it with logic first and not your own daw? Looks like maschine is being abandoned.

[@DDS825]

That's an interesting take. I didn't even notice that the there a 16 segments on the joystick. lol

[@tokyoskyline1752]

@@keithlaury3538 info about reason for NI pushing out review versions of keyboard without maschine integration taken from Loopop video on s series mk3. claims that was info from NI. Only time will tell but I agree odd to release review versions with missing headline features.

[@yuvanranveer1089]

does the keyboard still work with kontakt crac*ked?

[@es__music]

I wanted to get this for the light guide as I’m learning piano but the smart system doesn’t make any sense to me. I thought it would show all the keys in the scale, but when you did that, it showed random keys. Also for the chords, it would light up like 8 keys. What chord has 8 keys? lol

[@DDS825]

The light guide does help. It depends on how you decide to use it. I took mine off of mapped mode and went to easy mode. If you set it on mapped or learned it will show you all the notes in a scale. I’m not a music theory expert but my basic understanding of a chord is a group of 3 or more notes. So I believe it is possible to have a chord with 8 keys. I could be wrong though.

[@electedmusic7685]

Hello, a question, does the new s61mk3 read the vsts wallpapers from previous Kontakt versions on the keyboard screen? kontakt 7 first version, kontakt 6... or do you need to have kontakt updated to the latest version?

[@CyanideSoundSystem]

So I can use scale mode without komplete Kontrol

[@keithwalter506]

Questions that need answers!!!!!!

[@DDS825]

As of right now, to use Play Assist features I had to load Komplete Kontrol.

[@tookiegotit4636]

Can’t wait 🔥🔥🔥🔥thanks bro

[@infernonine]

So they went from 2 screen to 1

[@colorofsound]

If they do an 88 weighted key version I'm in. Still on the S88 mark 1

[@DDS825]

The S88 MK3 is Hammer-Action weighted.

[@gm0n3yz]

ty for your review. Are you able to change midi channel directly from the midi controller or do you still have to change it from komplete kontrol software?

[@marclemar]

Can you please tell me: Does the scales mode work without using the Komplete Kontrol software???? If not👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾 Update: Seconds after I posted that you commented on my question… u gotta use Kontakt to use scales mode smh… still 👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾👎🏾. After owning two versions I’m done being “Kompletely Kontrolled” they need to make their controller more like Novation and not require software for scale/Chords mode. Especially when people are looking to get away from the computer more and more.

[@DDS825]

One thing to keep in mind is I'm still using the Beta version of this, and there will be a lot of updates to it. BUT, in its current state you have to use the software.

[@marclemar]

@@DDS825 Yeah I Love NI but they just keep refusing to go all the way with their stuff. Even if it’s not standalone I’m terms of sounds it should be standalone in functionality (Scale/chords, ect). Also losing the Maschine integration because of non Maschine user complaints is CRAZY!!! Just tells us Maschine user, You and our own software are not the priority!! That’s nuts!! Meanwhile everyone else has a keyboard controller dedicated to their own DAW But not NI… WTF??

[@NordiusOfficial]

Preach it bro!

[@Saintknick]

I bet they are replacing Maschine with a new one that will work, that way people will have to buy both if they want the integration, that’s an Apple type maneuver

[@davidbueso3840]

Exactly. But that's anti consumer. I'm not buying any other product from them. I'll stick with my mk2.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Still missing the buttons

[@MrYoungpianoplayer]

Can I use it without connecting to a DAW?

[@DDS825]

No you can’t.

[@812JB]

But aren't the same Kontakt sounds loaded in Komplete Kontrol if your library is set the same for both? Referring to your not having to open komplere software statement

[@DDS825]

An example of a difference is Pigments. Pigments isn’t a Kontakt Library, so if I want to use it with this keyboard I would have to use the Komplete Kontrol software to browse the presets from the hardware, etc. If I’m using a Kontakt library I won’t need to open Komplete Kontrol to be able to browse the presets.

[@lavoicebrandon27]

Good video I started a couple of years ago dumping machine moving over to Ableton and I noticed it works very well with Ableton but I don’t understand why a company would put something out like this and it don’t work with your main DAW leads me to big question where is Native Instruments going? What is this about?

[@keithlaury3538]

Maschine is being abandoned it's obvious.

[@LarsNorlander]

The way it seems to work with NI products is that, it's not that the keyboard supports the NI software, it's that the NI software supports the keyboard (or any other hardware for that matter). I imagine that they're already working on new Maschine hardware, along with a new version of the Maschine software to go with it. And I imagine that they've designed the future new Maschine hardware alongside this new version of Kontrol to be a cohesive experience. I dare say they designed the whole experience of all these products starting with Kontakt 7. So I won't be surprised if the Maschine software won't support this new Kontrol keyboard until the new Maschine hardware and software come out. Which may be a while. (Which would admittedly suck.) It's all speculation but it's what makes sense in my head.

[@DDS825]

That’s an interesting take on this situation for sure. I hope something happens to where this will work with Maschine at some point. I just enjoy the workflow of the Maschine & the KK MK2.

[@LarsNorlander]

@@DDS825 Yeah, absolutely. I have both and it's very nice! Tho my actual skills need work. 😅🥲 I have that speculation because of how well Maschine MK3 and KK MK2 work together, it just feels weird if those two products just suddenly diverge. Combine that with the fact that KK MK3 just immediately worked with Kontakt 7, and it *seems* like they have a product roadmap planned. Though, and I hope, they ship a version of Maschine 2 with support for the KK MK3 sooner than later.

[@davidbueso3840]

​@@LarsNorlanderI hope so too. I don't have mk3 just kk mk2. So, it's sad to see this control doesn't have anything to integrate with maschine which I use alot with my mk2. I'm gonna upgrade unless I see some news about maschine intergration.

[@leftofcenter4]

You’re spot on…I am sure they are working to address the Maschine user base..

[@Locrum]

I hear a lot about the lack of integration with Maschine, and I have no idea what that is. I’m upgrading from a 20 year old M-Audio 49 midi controller, and have a demo on order for the S-61 MK3. I am not in the Native Instruments ecosystem, and my libraries are all third party. I already have a daw controller (faderport 16), so I’m hoping this keyboard is what I need.

[@ZDanielPhoenix]

7 months in, what was your verdict on the mk3?

[@jasoneden3515]

What version of Komplete Kontrol software are you using ? It's different to mine .I'm running Version 2.9.4

[@DDS825]

I have the beta version of the update.

[@ed_ms]

It will probably work with Maschine once the software/firmware gets an update, don't you think?

[@DDS825]

I’m not sure of what’s coming down the line. But, I’d hold off until I knew for certain that it was working with Maschine, if that is my only DAW.

[@Realliedoe]

I am NOT greeting rid of my mk2 dude…this is disappointing ESPECIALLY after waiting 6 years son

[@DDS825]

@@Realliedoe I believe I’ll be using my MK2 more. My workflow is so much better with Maschine. Logic is cool but it’s not Maschine!

[@LezMarwick]

Why is the latency so bad when you play?

[@DDS825]

There wasn’t any latency. It was probably just the audio / video synchronization.

[@LezMarwick]

ok, thanks for the quick reply.@@DDS825

[@TaylorMade716]

All that free space they could of add the Maschine Jam controls on the right side

[@DDS825]

That's an interesting concept. I see a lot of people mentioning the pads on the MK3 but not the Jam pads.

[@Teeb2023]

Yep, pads and sliders; the missed opportunity to make this a real competitor is just ridiculous.

[@CORNERSTOW]

Bruh 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@DDS825]

It’s 🔥 bro!

[@Realliedoe]

One thing I will say. It is MIDI 2.0 compatible. And someone made a good point in the comments by saying, There maybe be a new Maschine software update coming that the controller will be compatible with, this is why Maschine integration is not announced. The same way the scale/arp buttons are removed but available, so to may be the Maschine features.

[@DDS825]

I'm curious to see what's to come in the future.

[@Realliedoe]

@@DDS825 In all honesty. It’s like you have to have vision to be sold on this product. From face value, it’s just a re-skin of the Mk2. But for the folks like me who pay attention to future technologies and possibilities, it is an investment. At this point, I’m going to hold back but, I can see in the future both near and far this product becoming way more than expected!

[@marcvoss]

Well some complain bout the high pricepoint But everyone who had the chance play this said that it feels very expensive and isnvery robust build...plus fatar keys...plus polyat, big glass screen, clean look, nks2 and so on... 850 bucks for this one are ok ...jist preordered and will uae this keyboard ALOT...sadly have to wait...until oktober 31th? Hope not xd

[@mrsicc6100]

The idiocy of Native Instruments: they made there S-Series keyboards no longer compatible with their flagship software Maschine, yet they are sending these things to Influencers who produce on Maschine. We were excited thinking there was a new keyboard for Maschine, only to be told “ no, its for Logic”. Okay take that shit to the Ligic community and Logic influencers. Right, because they’re uninterested. This is dumb. We’re not buy this. We use Maschine-- not Logic.

[@timsawn]

No maschine no deal

[@DDS825]

Hopefully Maschine will work with it some day.

[@davidbueso3840]

I feel like they downgraded the lights because warching many videos, they all seem to be dimmed down; not as bright as the mk2 imo. Also sad they removed Maschine intergration which was a big part of my workflow without buying another hardware. If they are not updating this keyboard with maschine, ill stick with my mk2.

[@DDS825]

I’ll have to do a comparison of the lights on both keyboards on camera to see the difference. But I noticed that as well across other videos. We’ll see what happens in the future as far as this keyboard and Maschine goes. Hopefully they will work seamlessly in the future.

[@YEE941]

no Maschine no deal

[@DDS825]

I can understand that. That’s why it was important for me to mention that in this video.

[@shescrafty7667]

@@DDS825its like didnt they know you’re a Maschine producer and the majority of your followers are as well? Nobody is here is saying,” ooh-wee a new Logic controller “. No. We’re all asking WTF is wrong with Native Instruments? Did they just try to dump us all off to Logic?

[@DDS825]

@@shescrafty7667 A few of us Maschine users let them know how important Maschine integration is to us and our communities. I also know they check the comments as well. We’ll see what comes in the future.

[@YEE941]

I’m hearing a maschine daw is coming. I use logic for recording but it would be nice to do all my work in maschine. I hope it gets plug in delay compensation

[@rickvestuto]

Do you think that this Controller would be a good compliment to the MPCX? Im looking for a Midi Controller keyboard with its own sounds Best, Rick

[@johnnieray2423]

I pre-ordered one from musicians. Friend, and I'm kinda happy and kinda not. Most of my production is from machine. first. I do have cubase but why.... are they doing this ? Yes I have kontakt 7 but I also have komplete 14 ultimate so this is very upsetting Hopefully they see all of the comments about this and address it real soon .. Actually just update it to work with maschine and add audio tracks to make it maschine so we can stay in one komplete eco system. Today's day and age maschine software should be a daw, like fl studio

[@BEASTBEATS700]

Does this integrate with FL studio bro?

[@paulopalacin3337]

I don't understand NI, now it doesn’t support maschine? and it doesn't have good integration with other daw like others brands? The only good thing I see is the software, which is excellent, so I think it's better to buy an m32 and an arturia 88. Also goodbye Maschine+ 😢integration

[@MrPawillie]

If you use Maschine as a plugin inside a DAW there is no reason why it won't work.I have not bought the MK3 yet but i am tempted. Peace.

[@DDS825]

I tried doing that with Logic and Maschine still doesn’t recognize the keyboard.

[@adwes1937]

It’s ultra dope but😒…….. They refuse to update the software.

[@DDS825]

Which software?

[@adwes1937]

@@DDS825 maschine software it been the same for 5-7 years nothing has changed. Other Daws got something new every 6 months.

[@marclemar]

Honestly thought they were dropping a standalone… I hate being that guy but I’m a little disappointed

[@tymorg5666]

So it no longer “ kontrol” Maschine and has the basic DAW functions any other midi controller has, and their selling point is polyphonic after touch? This is stupid. You might as well just get a Yamaha or Roland hardware synth now. They come synth engines, thousands of sounds; AND faders, pads, as well way more DAW control than this. In fact the Roland as an equally big screen and it shows Ableton’s session view on it. Plus any hardware synth has a built in sequencer. Does this have a built in sequencer?🤔 Oh it did ( Maschine) but they made it no longer support that .😏

[@terrytimberlake8926]

Hold up.. I know you get a kickback for talking about their product.. but when is a nuff. Every 6 months, a newer keyboard, a newer iPhone, etc etc etc 😮

[@DDS825]

It's never enough, it's the way of the world. lol I was literally just looking at the new iPhone.

[@terrytimberlake8926]

@@DDS825 with all due respect. It sounds like mind control. Just my opinion, and not to you..

[@notsogood9449]

No Maschine intergration. I will NOT be buying this.

[@shescrafty7667]

So they basically made a non Apple plug in upgrade for Logic?🤔 So they believe Logic producer will buy a plug in suite upgrade like Komplete 14 and Kontak, then drop another $800 for a S49. 🤣😂

[@Emotionz223]

Womp womp they could do better is my thoughts at least make it touch or standalone with Kontakt and third party sounds...Do better NI ....AKAI is kicking your ass right now

[@pwho405]

that's crazy because I see the Akai Guys Crying about the same thing.....🤷‍♂

[@Emotionz223]

@@pwho405 yea well Akai sounds usually suck so I get it lol but you can't tell me Akai has not been kicking NI ass hardware wise

[@pwho405]

@@Emotionz223 with what exactly?

[@Emotionz223]

@@pwho405 for one they came out with a standalone touch keyboard and came out with like 3 or more different MPCs since last year

[@pwho405]

@@Emotionz223 I'm riding with ya..... I just think we get caught up sometimes focusing on wants (new&shiny) over needs (better converters😜/software). I see this thing and I'm like nah not for me, but I know this gonna be the workflow going forward so I'm interested.

[@keithlaury3538]

It works with logic not maschine😂😂 this is very stupid of them

[@FadeEcomonics]

8 outs would have been fire. What is this nonsense? Just keep the MK2

[@sadarahurh8794]

Komplete Kontrol software sucks. Especially the GUI.

[@CORNERSTOW]

Couldn’t see light guide but not a issue I totally trust it works 🫡🫡🫡🫡

[@DDS825]

Unfortunately that was due to my lighting. Lol I appreciate you watching!