Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S Series MK3 - A Big Upgrade?

[@davidbanner9001]

It's very nice and poly aftertouch is very important. How aftertouch in general just faded away from many keyboard makers is beyond me.

[@AAllinsonNN]

I'm 6 weeks into my preorder... maybe another few months before I finally see mine. This is helping cure my major GAS while I wait. Thank you for the detail!

[@AAllinsonNN]

I have the S88 pre-ordered though. Cant find a good video of that yet...

[@scruffy_burrito]

Nice and beautiful playing from all the three of you!

[@wendydelmendo8574]

Native Instruments y’all sum dawgs for taking away Maschine control

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

I think 1 key to unhappiness is concentrating more on how one thinks things should be rather than how things are. I’ve heard so much “shame on NI for…” that it’s just funny now. This keyboard does what it does and doesn’t do what it doesn’t. If it will work for you, get it, if it doesn’t, don’t. Personally, I’m getting it, I can easily ignore all of the noise. 🎹♥️

[@maximumguitarage]

Great point ! ☝️⭐️

[@MrPacoArespacochaga]

Amen

[@maximumguitarage]

@@JamesLloydKeyboardist yes agreed 💯got this and the Akai MCP 61 , ✅

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

@@maximumguitarage Oh see, you’re just greedy. 😆 Just kidding. 🎹💙

[@maximumguitarage]

@@JamesLloydKeyboardist haha 😆 - just filling up the tool box 🗃️

[@JonMurray]

Flying with the Falcon today!!!

[@shogunai]

For those wondering, Native Instruments replied to me about a month ago on another thread with a big nod towards a standalone version of this coming. They didn't say it outright, but they did hint that it was on the table. I believe the Maschine Plus came about 3 years after the Maschine MK3... I doubt it will be that long this time. From the perpective of someone who is completely studio based, I think I'll just grab this. But if you're a stage pianiast as well as in the studio, I'd hold out if I were you.

[@kyleborah949]

interesting...

[@petterrong1590]

It would have to be a huge upgrade in the sound library department. The way they script their libraries does not lend itself very well to live use, and going back redoing all of their stuff (especially the stuff that they didn't actually make themselves) sounds like a massive pain they probably wouldn't go through with. And considering the dumpster fire that is MPC Key, they would be very weary of just jumping into the hardware synth/workstation market when they have 0 experience with it

[@shogunai]

@@petterrong1590 I don't think they are going to build a standalone version of their Komplete universe though, or have a fully functional, scriptable version of kontakt on board... I agree KSP can be described as archaic at best, but fingers crossed they actually are paying attention to the community and seriously shifting their technologies forward alongside the hardware... It is entirely possible they release a new platform in the coming months/years, for making multisampled instruments alongside either Kontakt 7.5 or 8 say, that makes it a lot more user friendly and 21st century. What I expect for now though, would be what you could effectively think of as Kontakt Player (but with some limited extra tweakablility hopefully centered around being able to multisample onto the board itself) & Guitar Rig. They have done this for maschine, along with many of thier other plugs, there is no reason they can't port Kontakt or Guitar Rig to a standalone processor... That would give you a fully functional, and infact vastly more functional, stage keyboard than any other brand on the market. This is what I would be looking to do if I was them. Oh, and if I was feeling super generous, I'd and add 8 more knobs above the screen, and 16 sliders, and some kind of large pressure sensitive XY pad input, alongside the mod and pitch wheels... Imho if they did this with the build quality of their current lineup, it'd be the best stage piano ever made, and make them an absolute fortune. If you're listening NI... :P

[@MyNameJeff..]

Yea right

[@marstofficial]

Hi there! Possible to have a link to the thread where NI answered you?

[@sodle11]

FINALLY a controller with poly after touch!

[@jsfbay1]

Also the Korg Keystage, though I don't know how much confidence I have in the ASM keybed in the long run (there's a warning not to press too hard on notes for fear of damaging the keybed.)

[@larswillsen]

Polyphonic aftertouch? .. Sure .. its totally awsome on Moog lead solo's man! :D

[@steffenfriedle3254]

The simple BIG HIT for poly AT is a keyboard split .. with a lead at the right and a bass at the left.

[@djjuno106]

One cool feature in kk3 is once you scan all your non nks plugins it will then map all the parameters and display them on your keyboard screen. I have a kk mk2 and kk3 software works fine with it but do not install or update too kk3 if you have a mk1 keyboard because if you do you will lose your nks mapping

[@dabluejay]

Such an awesome piece of tech! I currently have a Novation Launchkey 88 MK3, but this would be a solid upgrade.

[@judddredd8617]

The Mk2 has all the light guide articulations as well. Plus you can easily get the on screen keyboard by changing the view, i always have it showing. I will probably upgrade once more of the NKS has been updated. The Mk2 is one of my favourite controllers.

[@Gahttz]

On screen keyboard?

[@Roundtablist]

The Ensoniq EPS sampler had polyphonic aftertouch 35 years ago in 1988. I still find it ridiculous that it's not been a standard feature since.

[@Br00sta]

I'm more interested in the VST control - how is it with Roland Cloud stuff? How does it compare with Arturia Keylab MK2 for controlling Arturia VSTs? U-he? Korg? Waldorf? Etc.?

[@Jason75913]

Roland doesn't do NKS compatibility.

[@Br00sta]

@@Jason75913 Yes it does.

[@JayTheLane]

Falcon flies again 💜 Oz has been sheared ✂️🐑

[@clivechandler8817]

Falks beautiful tones are nearly putting me to sleep. Felt myself drifting of there, but I've got a pizza in the oven. so I need to stay awake.

[@MreenalMams]

How did the pizza turn out?

[@israeltamezmusic2545]

I got the previous model and where I connect my sustain pedal messed up , I need to get that fixed s49 , or get the new one 😂

[@sonarfreq]

Can you create a new channel and insert an instance of Kontakt 7 (or 8)... OR an instance of Komplete Kontrol.... JUST from the S49 keyboard... or do you have to do that with the computer keyboard and mouse first, and only THEN can you control that instance with the S49 ???

[@MrClarkio]

Lovely playing at the end there. What instruments were those last 2 clips from?

[@PresyceBaez]

Should i get a mashine mk3 or wait and see if a new one drops? Edit : I got the maschine and the collectors edition of komplete. And I am mindblown and extremely happy with my purchase. I just have to learn a bit more about this work flow but I am loving it so much!

[@HoldMyBeerFam]

Wait till a new one drops, but if you can't wait and can still shell out some money, go to reverb and get a maschine studio for $219 sold directtly from native instruments seller. It comes with the software and mine came literally brand new without a scratch and all new buttons and pads, still with the chalk on them. Couldn't have been happier because if I can't sell it when a new one comes out I wont even be trippin because I actually love the space and the layout of that Maschine. It feels premium. My plan if I couldn't sell it was to give it to a kid who is interested in making beats because I already have the komplete 14 standard so I never needed to register the software. So it wouldnt hurt me to give it away for a good cause. It used to retail for $999 so to get it brand new for 219 without a scratch and with the software i thought was dope. I'll most likely be keeping it though as long as they support it which they always tend to continue to do. I bought it cause it pairs well with the S88 MK2 and was cheaper than a maschine mikro which is crap compared to it

[@steu76]

What patch that beatiful strings sound at the end is?

[@ArtificialProductionsOK]

Hello Jack. Is a Nord Stage 4 significantly better using Kontakt Kontrol with Komplete rather than the NI S88? I like the integrations, but if I’m still tied to a computer with the S88 can’t I just map all the controls on a Nord Keystage 4? I only want to make one purchase and I’m having a tough time coming to terms with the price.

[@DrawAndErase]

I'm interested but I don't use native instruments, so I'm waiting to see what Arturia do. They have to have poly aftertoucu now, and hopefully a better keybed on the smaller sizes.

[@kyleborah949]

What pad sound/preset? Is that just before the strings?

[@KevinLynch-rm2mp]

I've never owned a Native Instruments keyboard. I know its part of an "ecosystem" , and I like the feel of the S series keys. Given the fact that this new release has so many doubters, should I wait until its ready for "prime time"?

[@MistaZipps]

I'll tell you this though.. they have the best feeling key feel between at leats 5 others companies that I've tried. Whether its this version in the video with the semi weighted synth keybed, or weighted of the 88 key, the action on their whole line is what ultimately won it over for me.

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

I think the real value of this keyboard shines brightest when used with native instruments plugins, which I feel are excellent by the way. If you’re not looking to get into those then I would recommend you get something less expensive but has the features you need. 🎹♥️

[@Qbit.Plicherss]

What's the name of the string library played at 13 min. Sounds amazing

[@buries_r]

Who's had their mk3 for more than 6 months already? Are there any issues with the keybed? Are the drivers all good now? Is the keyboard holding up okay with a lot of play ?

[@viniciusfrasson7388]

Does Keyboard might plays without computer ?

[@youknowwhoiam6484]

Do you guys ship to India?

[@thecoastCoverband]

Hi is the cpu of the keyboard being used?

[@Jason75913]

Yes. The keyboard wouldn't work at all without it, like any and every other MIDI controller.

[@maximumguitarage]

To be frank I am cool without faders 🎚️ or pads - I have other tools that fill the gap like the Akai MPC 61. What is key for me is the workflow and 88 weighted keys with poly AT

[@dennisodonnell9607]

Just got the S88 and loving it! They’ve actually dropped the ‘KOMPLETE’ now….it’s just called the Kontrol S series…..their naming conventions have always been awful 🤔

[@maximumguitarage]

Still have it ?

[@MelAndGim]

@@maximumguitarageYes. Have had some compatibility issues with Mac and Kontakt 7, but it seems ok now.

[@maximumguitarage]

@@MelAndGim great to here. Glad everything is good to go now . I pulled the trigger on this unit a few days ago . Thanks

[@shon227]

Are keys normal size or smaller of real piano?

[@drnabs872]

Kept it for one evening and sent it back, native access and usb c only is a big pain, so disappointed but that made me do the jump to an osmose

[@mikefarquhar5063]

Yep, I had a similar issue- usb-c bys powered!! Pfft! and native blames everyone else's usb chip sets rather that send the correct usb-c cables and power supply. They must believe we all use the same pc or, mac, ios as they do... sentbit back too. A shame because it boasts everything I'm after apart from full mpe 5D keybed like the seaboard or more like if there was a 61/88 key Osmose-E option that would be great

[@D76-z2h]

This board for me is a bit of a disappointment for what it is, however I wonder if would be a match for the new Montage 6 to get poly aftertouch without the weight of the M8x. Plus of course much more with it's NI software. Personally don't see the attraction of standalone that has been muted for a while, unless targeted more of a pianist. Many of us have two PC setups and already used up the number of installations allowed for VST's, plug-ins etc. ilock sharing issues too. I'm sticking with my Mk2 as can also see we are being led down an expensive path if you also use Maschine as seems these two platforms may be heading down separate paths. Nice review though Jack 😊

[@mattwallis1893]

I still haven’t been able to get my S49 m3 up and running, brand new, Komplete Kontrol won’t load. NI Support trying to help, so far no luck. Expensive paper weight.

[@UncannyAdam]

I don't know how you dud it, but you made Alexa add "i don't care" to my shopping list hahahaha

[@frankierandazzo1]

Does the controller come with the banks of sounds for logic etc or is it just a controller?

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

It’s just a controller, but they are also bundled with a version of Komplete software and plugins of your choosing. 🎹♥️

[@JamesLloydKeyboardist]

I’m wondering why folks want touchscreen on this so much. To do what exactly? To adjust faders, pan, plugin parameters. I imagine that would be more tedious and less exact than helpful. Imagine if maschine mk3 had a touchscreen. Would that be more fun or more efficient? 🎹♥️

[@pietrozaffutomusic]

I prefer Arturia Kaylab MKII

[@meleesuss]

“cause he’s hip to online piracy” got me 😂

[@MFitz12]

I would argue the use of Poly AT on "big hit records" is not a good gauge of its utility or viability in a broad variety of musical styles. So many hit records these days barely have discernable melody or harmony! There is a lot more to music than recent pop hits.

[@Curious_Skeptic]

I don't know about others, but still no touch screen? Seems like a horrible oversight, again. I almost like the MK2 better. The look is nice of the MK3, but still on the fence. If they included some of the VST's you are demoing, I might pull the trigger. Knowing I have to spend so much more to get quality sounds on top of the initial purchase.

[@Whywhatwherehowwhen]

Upgraded to kk3. Loads of random native instruments and other nks ready software not visible. No real consistent pattern in terms of what brand or what age they are so very difficult to address. Black screen for about 20 seconds after loading kk3. Lots of other people experiencing the same problem. Not impressed at all. Keyboard is top notch but NI software has gone buggy as hell over the last few years. Had multiple issues that have taken a long time to be resolved with bug fixes in subsequent updates.

[@furiobisotti8150]

The old one was the best keybed among all controllers. Using it as a live keyboard player I am not heavily interested to upgrade. All these new things (excluding polyphonic aftertouch) are for studio guys using NI stuff or NKS

[@HoldMyBeerFam]

The S88 MK2?

[@furiobisotti8150]

@@HoldMyBeerFam I have the S61 mkII

[@AAllinsonNN]

I would argue that poly AT is huge for studio use as you don't have to automate every detail of every note later. Just get a good performance as you would a guitar, and thats most of the 'music' for that track sorted

[@furiobisotti8150]

@@AAllinsonNN No... I meant that big display and better NKS integration is useful for studio guys. As a live performer I would be interested in PolyAT only

[@AAllinsonNN]

@@furiobisotti8150 ahh okay, makes sense. I apologize for my misunderstanding. Good points, for sure!

[@VexylObby]

Has anyone else abandoned Midi only keyboards? It was never inspiring enough after 2 models.

[@Jason75913]

What are you talking about?

[@VexylObby]

Having a keyboard that only serves as a midi-controller turned out to be really uninspiring. Inspiration really hit when I could use the controller for its built-in sounds too.

[@nonyabizness8692]

@@VexylObby lmao

[@UrbanExplorer614]

I really wish they did a lite version without all this NKS integration. I love their keyboards, hate their software. Oh and throw some faders on there, it's like they don't care about organ players.

[@davepanrios]

The updates between the mk2 and mk3 are pretty meh, especially when you consider the price increase. Poly aftertouch is ok, but will make no difference to the vast majority.

[@sjfarrell2.0]

£765 for the 61 key version? No sliders, no pads and no Maschine kontrol. No thanks.

[@DMCPraiseSoundOficial]

Komplete s88 mk3 ?????

[@byrdman6752]

Doesn’t work with Maschine

[@MyNameJeff..]

Oh awesome! A big screen to… Show us an animation. Lmao.

[@Jason75913]

More graphics, less info. 🫤

[@foxg1290]

Imagine paying 1299€ for a MIDI controller with an entry-level Fatar keybed xD And I honestly I dont mind the keybed as much as some others use to complain, the keybed is fine, but already the mk2 is overpriced for what it is. :/

[@dash4445]

which midi would you recommend ?

[@foxg1290]

​@@dash4445 Tricky question since everyones needs vary. A better choise purely on the keybed would be the Studiologic SL88 Grand (if you are into piano-feel hammer action keybeds), but if you want the light-guides which are super convenient to use with NI software then the MK2 is fine (or the others in the S-series). Arturia does some great midi controllers also so check those out. I use the MK2 which also is overly expensive, but if you can get it discounted somewhere it's decent I guess.

[@dash4445]

@@foxg1290 haha my luck! I bought a s61 mk2 for $350 on Black Friday. Thanks for the response!!

[@trstack]

Poly aftertouch - showing my age but, Eddie Jobson all day long.

[@ConnorIronWolf]

I have no sounds when I browse can someone help me ?

[@algarvemike]

Please expand about online piracy? Sounds like a Game changer?

[@MyNameJeff..]

This thing doesn’t even work with maschine lol

[@deadset6016]

Important for blind musicians. DO NOT BUY THE MK3 THERE IS NO ACCESSIBILITY. I have been waiting many years for a manufacturer of midi and hardware keyboards to implement accessibility for vision impaired and blind musicians. After listening to this vid I started saveing and 8 months later I finally got the money together and purchased the MK3 that came out during this time. However the MK3 has no accessibility implemented that left me floored as the only thing the MK3 offers me over my RP500 is a better feeling keybed. I have messaged Native instruments twice and still no reply, this adds to my very expensive frustration in Australia this is a $1300.00 frustration for the MK3 S61. I have been in contact with the music store that I purchased this from and they have contacted the suppliers and still nothing. The MK3 has been out for 6 months now, Where is the accessibility functionality for the MK3? This is the first time a product has had accessibility implemented in older versions and the latest and greatest has nothing to work with, this would be like Apple not including Siri in it's devices. The other frustrating thing is while waiting for the keyboard to be delivered I had purchased the spotlight Ireland software instrument so more money down the drain so far. Not happy Jan

[@Spidouz]

It’s just unacceptable in 2023 to not have faders, pads or even touchscreen….

[@Jason75913]

No one needs a touchscreen in 2023, or stick to your ipad

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

​@@Jason75913😂

[@Tommyalpaca]

This is perfect for my work flow, I’ve never used that stuff on my other midi controllers

[@artarealmblazer]

That’s ok, just buy a Maschine pad for $500-$1000😅

[@shadowhenge7118]

Not even mentioning its incomoatible with all other hardware if the line

[@SlavaBofficial]

All I see and hear about this controller is look at that screen... Over priced controller, maybe made of quality but why would I spend £700 whilst having my beloved mk1? 👌

[@Mr.Facebox]

Terrible that this, in it's current state, lost ALL integration with NI's own Maschine. KONTROL mk3 only works as a MIDI controller to maschine. No Transport/recording, Scene Control, mixer control, no library management. , Which is absurd because its intergrates tightly with other DAWs.

[@andrewsmith9440]

Maybe they are assuming if you want that control you already have a maschine controller like the mkiii or mikro?

[@Jason75913]

They told me in one of their vids that according to usage data they collected, almost no one uses the Maschine buttons on the Mk2 keyboards and some folks have even gotten mad because the buttons are always disabled for them and they cannot use them (these being folks who don't use Maschine or know that the Maschine buttons are only for Maschine).

[@OMNICHROMATICA]

As always i. Here to steal MIDI info for my mans midi chord pack.

[@productamadeus8745]

I guess I don’t see how this is priced so high. It has almost no knobs. No pads. It’s just a very expensive front end for NI sounds. You may as well spend a few more dollars and get a Hydrasynth.

[@Jason75913]

Hydrasynth integrates with DAWs, Kontakt, and Komplete Kontrol? No? Then it is irrelevant.

[@productamadeus8745]

@@Jason75913 Says the NI robot:🤹🏻

[@MyNameJeff..]

This thing is a bad joke.

[@thxrush]

This thing is a waste of money. In 2023 we accept standalone ONLY

[@seanmatthews5279]

Depends on who 'We' are. Personally, given how woefully underpowered Maschine+ is, I'd sooner connect this up to my Mac Studio, than be constantly throttling the RAM. Large cinematic pieces wouldn't stand a chance on a standalone. Don't get me wrong, should NI announce a standalone version, I'd be front of the queue with an open wallet, but for home studio work, this looks just about perfect.

[@Jason75913]

"we" WUZ

[@OMNICHROMATICA]

I wouldn't be first in line. I'm actually quite upset they didn't put faders or a bunch of touch strips like the JAM or the MKII touch strip

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

I couldn’t disagree more! I’ve collectors, spitfire, dio8, Arturia,etc… on a mini i9 64gb ram, I upgraded internal to 8 gb and have 4 4 gb external. Plus IPad M2 with all its goodies and the expression E Touché. Every bit of it’s 100% portable and light! I have a large modular and semi modular set up, all made to transport either across the room or across the country. In my case nothing will ever leave my studio, however my point isn’t how much great stuff I have, but how upgradable and portable and light everything is. Yes, it’s a pricey setup, it’s also state of the art and will continue to be. This mk 3 is made to be more than a controller as updates roll out, and I’ve ordered one in anticipation of that. Not a waste of money at all! Actually the 88 is only 30 lbs, my Kronos is 100! It’s not even movable outside of my studio, by myself. It’s all in the planning of what you want and how to keep it updatable and portable, in my opinion. The Kronos is incredible sounding and great playing, I got a Nautilus 61 and plugged it into the Kronos but when I receive the mk3 every will be routed into that. I bluetoothed everything that wasn’t already on board. I wouldn’t do that live, but in the studio it’s perfect, way less wires. I’m very fortunate and I know it, I’m also disabled so weight and portability just five feet is a very big deal. I do believe I put together the best system for me and I do believe this keyboard controller is the perfect addition. I shared all this just to explain for me, and many others, not a waste of money! It’s actually exactly what I had hoped for. Just one more thing, I’m not bragging (well, not trying to sound that way), I honestly think this is a lifetime purchase, I’m disability check to check and have to finance everything, when that’s paid I do it all over again. I totally plan on this being THE last controller I will ever buy! This was all I ever wanted to do in my life, I wish I was healthy but is what it is! I’ll die happy! Lol

[@zichaowang87]

0:54

[@MyNameJeff..]

This thing stinks

[@joeymc5272]

Besides Poly AT this is not worth the upgrade to me. Why the hell would they have a lack of maschine integration and not more integration with maschine? I thought the whole point of the ecosystem was to be seamless? I love NI but im definitely not upgrading until the get their shit together on some things.

[@nelauren]

Because they *want* you to buy Maschine? It not a charity.

[@OMNICHROMATICA]

I searched S88