The New Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3 Midi Controller is 🔥

[@michaeltrenier]

As an OG NI guy…I’m not mad I grabbed the Arturia Keylab MK2. For the money….considering I use Studio One and MPC Live as well…this is COOL…not a world breaker though. For my $569 I get to control ALL of my stuff…AND I got the amazing Arturia V collection? I’m good man you had me sweating haha

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

This unit has slight improvements but I think I'll stick to my mk2. Thanks for your review

[@KeldonA]

So underwhelming. Not even a touchscreen. It's like they don't want to take our money.

[@PysterBeats]

That's what I was thinking. It looks cool but with the price of the mk2 going down I feel like that's the way to go. S49s mk2 on Sweetwater are going for 500 new now.

[@nine27]

same.. they need to fix and improve their damn software and customer support

[@davidbueso3840]

​@keldon85 I honestly happy is not touch screen. I have better control with knobs then dragging your finger and not having good calibration which later you'll probably complain about.

[@anthonyalexander7246]

All plastic toy garbage, I miss my ensoniq keys. Quality.

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Moving the touch strip so I’m not constantly muting Omnisphere and Zebra while using the mod wheel is an improvement. They kinda dropped the ball dropping Maschine integration and still requiring the KK software to be open to use arp/scales. Nice video though!

[@gmorb666]

I havent used any kontakt product but i needed a midi keyboard to start learning how to play since ive mainly been using an akai force and its drumpads for music creation. I hope i dont regret this purchase, seeing how a lot of people are complaining about things but since im not invested in the native instrument ecosystem yet and i havent nor do i ever plan to use a maschine product, im probably their target customer. Time will tell if this purchase was worth it or not

[@connormckay9429]

I wouldve loved to see them have a keyboard and drum pad all in one just like the MPC Key 61

[@th-wf3sz]

Dude, like what are people thinking not adding drum pads...? My MPK 261 is older, but still does what I need it to do.

[@Lenron-B06]

Um no why would they do that when there is the maschine.

[@connormckay9429]

@Lenron-B06 The same reason Akai did it when they had stand alone MPC's, to make an all in one unit.

[@MKJ2DAY]

@@Lenron-B06 1. Because people would much rather do something in one place rather than two. 2. Because drum programming using NI software is consistent with their brand 3. Because producers have been asking for this feature for years. 4. Because of all that extra space on this unit...why wouldn't you? 5. Because Maschine workflow is included on the MK2, innovation would suggest adding Pads. imho...

[@JewelzFin]

@@Lenron-B06 Because not everyone wants or needs a Maschine.

[@jltbk5420]

I dunno Bolo!! This refresh was the biggest money grab IMO. The few changes they made could’ve been added to the MK2 with a firmware update. I’m still rocking a MK1. I bought a MK2 last year and returned it for this same reason-Not much of a upgrade. A few of my keys are buggy now on my old MK1 and only for that reason I may upgrade. But for someone that has a fully operational Komplete Kontrol I don’t see the sense of upgrading. Thank you for demonstrating the new piece for us.

[@Dispatcher813]

It's all a money grab at this point. Look at the gear pushed on the average consumer. I dont see roger mayer pushing the 456 HD tape modules on us. That's because he builds gear for Jimmy Hendrix and other professionals. Point is we have become the commercial crowd. I just came here to give bolo some veiws because bolo is a cool guy.

[@no1semach1ne]

I don’t use maschine anymore but I think it’s a real bummer this thing isn’t compatible with the maschine , when I did use NI that was one of my favorite features about owning both pieces , I loved having the extra screens and knobs on the kontrol for the maschine (using it as a mixer ect) I found myself using it like that most often. Hopefully they fix that

[@smokey5100]

💯

[@kvmoore1]

The makers of this controller, as well as the new yet-to-be-released Yamaha Montage, obviously had some influences from the current Roland Fantom in regards to interface design. See the screen dead center and the knobs below the screen? Hehehe.

[@tuneunleashed]

Yeaaaah the 2019 Roland Fantom really changed the game design wise

[@sydneyparris4623]

man i just found out this came out this morning u allready got it with a video!!!!!

[@Idonttakethisseriously]

I’ve been buying NoTHiNg but Native instruments and have all the keyboards and drum maschines, But THIs is it for me. Going back to Akai and the mpc for real bro.

[@HesleyCapey]

How about some video with Logic Pro integration, rec, play, quantize, channel volume, etc etc

[@christiaantinga]

It's all good. The only important improvement for me is the relocation of the expression slider. So many times I'm working with the modulation wheel and accidentally touch the expression slider. Frustrating :)

[@0072gldnfngr]

Big Bolo! I watched some other things on this, and had my mind up before I came here. However, I watched it because it’s you and I like hearing your take. I’m not understanding why they wouldn’t just wait the next few weeks out and then announce it because it’s looking bare bones to me right now. Lol 🤷🏾‍♂️ However, you saying that you WILL be doing more videos on it gives me hope in NI’s post release support for this product. There’s a ton of features I’d like to see them implement because they have a ton of headroom to make this something you can’t have a studio without, just as the MK1 was. I’ll look forward to your follow-ups.

[@CesenaticoOfficial]

The lights are from the first MK gen.. where are the pads and the sliders wanted by the users?

[@samsidique8662]

I’m just curious what did they add from the controls two series? More encoders and bigger screen because so far everything i saw in there i did with s series 2

[@youtubevideos415]

They didn't add anything, but they took so much away.

[@lowlowseesee]

they added after touch to something and also moved the touch strip to a more playable area. nothing too fancy so most people with the mk2 wont need this expensive thing

[@revp01]

Still no faders for synth, organ or daw control? All that empty space. It would be useful. I appreciate the updated integration and polyphonic aftertouch but I think I’ll stick with my Nektar P61, SL88GRAND, & SL Mixface. They’ve integrated well with all of my virtual instruments and Reaper.

[@marclemar]

DOES IT WORK WITHOUT THE SOFTWARE???? IF NOT THEY CAN KEEEEEEEP IT!!! After owning two versions of this controller I’m not interested owning another one if I have to run Komplete Kontrol in order for scales and chords to work. I guess I’m asking for standalone.

[@lowlowseesee]

he had to rock the shirt after they gave you the mk3 hahahaha, id wear it too lol

[@anthonyalexander7246]

Still no sliders. damn.

[@agustinbernal2760]

What about Maschine integration? I will definitely stick with my mkII

[@AntDizzleBeats]

I knew I should have waited 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@jorgefrias7889]

MKI has scripts for Studio One 6. I use it that way, I’m sure if they don’t have it now for MK3 they’ll have it eventually.

[@Scott-kk1qx]

Studio one is listed as one of supported DAWs on their website for the MK3. DAW integration Kontrol has advanced integration with the following programs, with further integrations currently in development: Ableton Live Bitwig Cubase - support coming in late 2023 Digital Performer FL Studio Logic Pro Pro Tools - support coming in late 2023 Studio One

[@michaelwalston2438]

@@Scott-kk1qx Also working with the Reaper team, no firm release date for that.... No mention of Reason....

[@ursullavandenbord2322]

Great ! Thanks . Can you stack 3 ,5 ,8 sounds like you do with 2 sounds and then save the stack preset ? Thanks.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Yes definitely in Kontakt

[@faxinadu]

Exactly, when hosted in Kontakt you can interact with the rack

[@NatanguraHaus]

Love the empty space. Perfect flat surface for my pancakes and coffee cup. 🥞 . Gosh, Never been so happy enjoying breakfast these days! Aaameen! 😂 also thinking about super gluing my audio interface to it or probably my studio monitors!🤔😂

[@Gahttz]

can you do multis within komplete kontrol tho not just kontakt?

[@jayleathalbeats]

@bolo you not even an NI guy lol. You are dope broski. For the OGs

[@BestKeptSecreization]

Can it view the plug-in Serato Sample 2.0 on the screen? If it does I’m sold. It’s better.

[@youtubevideos415]

This whole Komplete Kontrol MK3 fiasco is an excellent opportunity to see which KZbinrs make honest reviews and which are only doing sponsored reviews to make money. Like this one for example. No word about the complete drop of support for Maschine. It's not even supported as a DAW mode. No mention about scale mode that doesn't work standalone or doesn't work at all in Kontakt. 90% of the users online are disappointed. But yet this video is just trying to sell the Mk3.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Can please everyone 🤷🏾‍♂️ but it’s definitely a dope board

[@Lenron-B06]

Or you could just buy the maschine, it has all the support. Also works a lot better than it did on the keyboard.

[@youtubevideos415]

@@Lenron-B06 I have the Maschine, but you need to play some advanced parts on a real keyboard. My KK Mk2 is on a whole other corner of my Studio than my maschine. I need to control Maschine from my keys.

[@shocktnc]

​@@BoloDaProducerthe point is, your clearly biased

[@youtubevideos415]

@@shocktnc He's not only biased, he's a sellout.

[@LegenDarien313]

They could've put more screens on all the blank space....it's dope though

[@lowlowseesee]

thats not how it works though lol. at least not yet lol

[@Mr-Keyes]

Can't understand why they couldn't put drum pads on it? especially when the MPC keys came out 😕

[@ernestm8884]

Damn That Hurts.... I just got my S61 mk2 less than a year ago man. I am in the market for the S49 or the Arturia Keylab essential 49 mk3 which is literally half the price of the Komplete Kontrol.

[@Lenron-B06]

I will sell mine or give it to someone getting started.

[@PRODMAYSENPRICE]

Say that… just got my S49 last month lmao

[@TomMarvan]

Great review, thank you! Subbed.

[@ReubenCornell]

As someone who often works for NI... I think this is a great real-world summary of some of the best features. Bravo!

[@electedmusic7685]

A question friend, are the keys feel the same as the previous model?

[@MyNameJeff..]

I’m so tired of this company. Look at all that wasted space. They abandon the plus, haven’t update maschine software in over a decade, and they just push sample packs and gimmicky vst’s for cash grabs. Been with then since 2012, I started making music with maschine. They have zero customer support as well. Akai actually cares about their products.

[@730productionsllc]

You have a supporter. Agreed to the fullest. Abandonment is there job its what they do best.

[@BoloDaProducer]

You gotta be patient my friend… trust me

[@730productionsllc]

@@BoloDaProducer it’s difficult to trust this company my brother. And I’ve been a loyal fan since the very first Maschine. And I’m a fool to spend the money I spent on th plus thinking I could use more than just expansions in standalone. Adding external hard drives is a lie. They should’ve never said standalone. MPCs are standalone ie having their own vsts inside the unit and being able to use it without a computer. Can NI say that?

[@VelAuguste]

+1 this comment

[@nonyabizness8692]

@@BoloDaProducerI hope you know something that we don’t, like a updated Maschine+ with a more powerful processor because I’m not sure a new S- controller was needed.

[@iameags]

This keyboard is making me lose hope in the Maschine MK4 when it comes out. There is no new innovation just a prettier design.

[@adamgreenhill110]

Subjective too. I think it looks worse. They put the controls closer together, and made the top half (or 'forehead') bigger. So it looks like pure wasted space now

[@AtlantaPrin]

Tell them to put some pads on it and ill buy it 🙏🏾

[@Vicangelo]

They were crazy removing Maschine integration. Their excuse of "not many users used maschine with kontrol" seems untrue, comment sections are on fire

[@Tech-Nem]

Not buying anything from them until they fix what they already have 💯

[@faxinadu]

Small correction regarding DAW integration - Pro Tools if for sure yes coming.

[@Barrygraybeatz]

Need to add drum pads until they do that ill stick with the mk2 for now

[@jd4476]

Is there any real difference between this and the mk2?

[@flossondatrack8861]

I’m not seeing it either lol.

[@harbourphotography2152]

Not much.

[@jd4476]

@@flossondatrack8861 haha yea I recently bought the mk2 a few month back and I don’t see anything that’s worth the upgrade

[@BoloDaProducer]

There’s definitely a difference, depending on how you use it. However, the board is solid

[@wizmos74]

Apart poly afterthought nothing revolutionary

[@troytinsley148]

How is the S mk3 working with Logic now that you've had the keyboard for a couple of months? I justordered the S mk3 and wanting to learn Logic. I was using Studio One, but don't want to pay the subscription price anymore.

[@swanebrokendeep]

Thanks for this video bro! very dope!

[@daffycarter8390]

Damn Bolo only if they do this with the new maschine awwww man mpc killer

[@johnnieray2423]

The cable it comes with is type c on one end whats on the other end type a ?

[@rivaltheproducer]

I wish they would create a 37 keyboard edition. That would be fire.

[@crayzmusic]

Does this mean in 2 weeks the new maschine will be announced?? Seems like thats what theyre doing

[@paulsmith1052]

That is so dope 😮😮😮😮

[@nickwatland3565]

Watching now omg I hope it works as a new maschine !! Watching now

[@BlockBallerRecords]

Native =Simple Akai=Doing wayyy to Much 🤣I tried Mpc One and as a Mpc User in the Past I’m cool with my Maschine everything is as simple and straight to the point 🫡🍻💪🏾Goid Review 🤘🏾💯

[@flossondatrack8861]

It’s a small learning curve. But MPC is way more fun and effective. I had to sell the Maschine plus.

[@Lenron-B06]

Yes and the maschine is accessible and as a blind producer that’s important.

[@lpn369]

🤣🤣🤣🤣I bet it's simple, outdated asf

[@Bigheadedwon]

I've never used a Maschine so I can't comment. But when I got my MPC One it was Xmas 86 and I was playing with my new NES. It's not difficult to learn, I'm far from a producer and I was chopping up samples and making some almost good beats on it after a few days. I want to get a Maschine, but the MPC One is legit.

[@UpliftedProductions]

Mark my words, bet Native Instruments is about to drop the newest version of Maschine with the single large screen that's on the new S series keyboard controllers. Get your money up yall!

[@SpyderBlackOfficial]

Before getting our money up let's see what they exclude feature wise. It might only be exclusively for maschine software use. Let's see. I started to learn that new isn't always better.

[@ataturu]

How about a real software update for the maschine? It's too old and compatibility is bad with the new daws out there. Can't even open an old Project without cubase and ableton crashing.

[@williamillington]

I guess people with older versions are big mad as are the people expecting it to be maschine. For a first time S Series buyer/user it looks cool! I have Maschine it's great! This would just be more of that! What's the issue?!

[@schiggy182]

LOL so much love for fl studio (I'm an Logic Pro x user so I got a chuckle outta that. can't wait for it!

[@wutsupg]

Yo BOLO! I didn't know NI was going to make a move like this! ...Especially with the employee layoffs news and all. But that keyboard looks pretty good. I really like the cleanliness. I'm glad they abandoned the two screen concept. I'm a little saddened they didn't make it touchscreen....and I'm surprised they didn't throw in drum pads. I guess they are trying to differentiate themselves from the competition. Any news on the price point and what software is included in the box? Also, will there be 71, 75, or 88key version with weighted or semi weighted keys?

[@willyum3108]

No 71 or 75. The 88 has heavier keys.

[@wutsupg]

@@willyum3108 Oh, they went with the big boy option. That's cool... thanks for the info. I wonder how they implemented aftertouch on a weighted keybed.

[@willyum3108]

@wutsupg I was curious about that too. I've never used aftertouch with the heavier keys.

[@wutsupg]

@@willyum3108 Me neither

[@Myce]

“Trying to differentiate themselves from the competition” is only good if the differences between them are positive.. Having less isn’t a good thing

[@nutsosix7930]

he can make it fly!

[@davidweatherly5518]

Question is it comparable with mpc x?

[@Tech-Nem]

Tell NI I need to use my plug ins… when are they gonna update their software???

[@certifiedbeatz]

Bolo i was wondering do you have any 3rd party non nks libraries in kontakt 7 that load in mk3 with or without graphics.. just curious if the controller will see all in kontakt 6 even if there not NKS supported?

[@kannon3979]

Not worth the upgrade imo. Now if it was the stand alone version then yeah.

[@a.i.mproductions7615]

🗣💯

[@shawnwhitaker8692]

Can I hook my Mpc live up through midi if so can u make a video I use logic Mpc live I want this keyboard but how will I go about link it up with the Mpc thank man if u ever see this

[@InspelaRecords]

I don’t know why, but each time NI update their S eries keyboards, I always hope that they’ll add Maschine pads, but they don’t! I know it’s because they want you to buy a Maschine as well, but it always seems like a missed opportunity - it’d be great for Drum Machine Designer - but no… not to mention the price increase over the previous Mk.2 model… don’t get me wrong, it’s a good update, but not a great one IMHO.

[@boywonder2093]

Waiting on Arturia Keylab MK 3. Good review though.

[@Bashanvibe]

NI is making rethink my upgrade situation!!!! especially now the have aftertouch!!!!

[@jeromeweaver809]

Nope! I will not purchase it. I have the Komplete S61 for $700, and after having it for seven months, the value was $125.00 to sell it back to Guitar Center. I got more cash back from Guitar Center for my Nektar Panorama P6 61.

[@QuantizStudioRecords]

AKAI Force and Live with SSD all day!!

[@mjrisinsd6836]

Force controls Kontakt better than this MK3 and can run all Maschine Plugins with full graphics. It’s crazy but Akai is better at being NI than NI.

[@moshmoshpitpit]

I get that it's a preference thing, but, in your opinion, do you prefer to use the keyboard in Kontakt or Komplete Kontrol mode?

[@AJWise]

Kompete Kontrol is a host for Kontakt and other NKS instruments

[@moshmoshpitpit]

@@AJWise Yes, but you can use this directly with Kontakt.

[@OnlyDaFunk4444]

You can use Kontakt alone but I’ve been really enjoying Komplete Kontrol lately. I’m a hardware dude so I’m very well in tuned with hands on controls. The krazy thing is I’ve had a S49(previous version) and NI Komplete for some years and never really utilized it. On my days I do sound design, I start with hardware but there’s always a element from Kontakt via Komplete Kontrol.

[@Lenron-B06]

I always use komplete kontrol.

[@basedvato]

can you chop samples in maschine with it? Thats all that matters. Would be like an asr-10 with the maschine software.

[@youtubevideos415]

No. This board doesn''t support Maschine at all. It's totally gone. You can't even use the transport buttons in Maschine.

[@BoloDaProducer]

Updates are coming soon…

[@youtubevideos415]

@@BoloDaProducer I wonder what updates that might be, as they have removed the buttons from the board. Wonder how they might add them through a software update.

[@RP-mp4ow]

​@@BoloDaProducerlol define "soon" seeing as you said that 2 months ago.

[@joeynuggetz]

Sucks that only the shills have the review units. Def waiting. I already waited 3 years as I wanted an mk2 S88 but it was out for a while and now the mk3 is here and I’m not too impressed. Let’s see what Arturia come up with but they haven’t added a damn thing to my keystep pro like a simple transpose

[@FormntCtrl]

Is it worth the upgrade? I mean I love my mk2 and I’m going to take a pretty big hit trying to sell the mk2+buying Mk3. I had the mk1 and the upgrade to the mk2 was totally worth it imo

[@harbourphotography2152]

Doesn’t look much of an upgrade tbh.

[@BoloDaProducer]

You gotta get ya hands on one I like it… seriously

[@th-wf3sz]

"Still no drum pads, but we've added a nice blue circle light for you guys to look at as it sits right beside our new & improved state of the art non-touch screen..." Only $12,000, act now before they're gone....! 🙃🙄

[@Lenron-B06]

You not funny if you need pads get a maschine!

[@th-wf3sz]

@@Lenron-B06 Did I hurt them vaginal feelings of yours?

[@paulsmith1052]

Ah come on with the FL script comment hahaha 😂😂😂

[@DeafGripMusic]

Facts 😂

[@R-LoBeats]

We got the novation keys it's all good 😂

[@scarvello]

He knows mfs clicking in sounds 😂

[@a.i.mproductions7615]

😂😂 🗣💯

[@mdef303]

For real tho..

[@noahgolf_]

does it work on main stage

[@joaquincortez5166]

Probably took away Maschine support so they can try and sell more of the the new Maschine that’s supposed to be coming out. If they really have any plans for incorporating Maschine into this it will probably be after that drops. Not much of an upgrade if you already have an mk2. Could have at least put a few faders on it. So much wasted space. Nice screen though.

[@avance1980]

you'd be surprised how much you can program native instruments products . I know the jam and Maschine has Mackie mcu assignments

[@mjrisinsd6836]

They removed the midi template functionality, so good luck. Midi mode is still there but what good is it without template presets.

[@CHOPPERCHOPPER]

This is the Future too hard

[@reignman32]

Can you use it with the Mpc X SE??

[@dave3987]

Has anyone attempted to open their maschine plus to see the type of processor?

[@willmcelroy6376]

I get not everybody’s into touch screens. But clearly the industry is heading that way. touchscreens are clearly leading all industries right now. And the prices for implementing them have been affordable for years now. My 81 year old mother has a touch screen on her refrigerator. Her breathing machine has touch screen, My coffee maker has a touch screen. My phone, my pad, my car? How in Gods name did the NI’s board of executives, sit down .in a meeting, and take years to plan and release a keyboard controller/studio center piece, that’s still deploying the same push button, rotary menu diving implementation they’ve been using for the past 15 years. In almost 2024? Obviously they saw the need for a new screen. Really? Nobody at Ni thought about touch? Really? This release is almost like a big middle finger, to their loyal users/buyers.

[@reneklimert3609]

Will there be Problems with Cracked NI Stuff? Asking for a friend...

[@BoloDaProducer]

Lol….. you’re gonna have to update at some point

[@kingech_B15]

All that extra space for the lean cups

[@michaelburks7928]

Bolo challenge### He gonna buy 100 of us this keyboard for Christmas 😂😂😂!

[@BoloDaProducer]

Great idea but….Challenge not accepted 😂

[@michaelburks7928]

@@BoloDaProducer lmaoooo

[@neutronjockey]

“You get a mk3, and you get a mk3, and YOU get a mk3!” -BolOprah

[@keithlaury3538]

No maschine integration.. It's a no for me

[@BoloDaProducer]

That update is coming… hopefully before it officially drops

[@arnoud500]

Are u sure???

[@kirkstate]

Interesting 🤔

[@johnnydee6274]

Folks still sleeping on UAD's DAW Luna! Can't believe it

[@matthewgaines10]

Hate that NI has all that unused space and didn’t put any thought to using it. Surprised people aren’t asking the typical, “why no MPE”. Everyone expects MPE will make the world new again.

[@rudiloops]

Standalone one next 🤔

[@JamesBermingham]

Great review Bolo ❤‍🔥

[@BoloDaProducer]

Thanks!

[@MLandPRO77]

Too dope

[@montanamaxxamillion]

They made a MPC Key knock-off…i want my dual screens back to match my Maschine screens ugh

[@BoloDaProducer]

I wouldn’t say that… and I’m definitely an MPC guy.

[@montanamaxxamillion]

@@BoloDaProducer Me too Bolo, but the whole layout looks like a KEY without the pads. I think imma stick with the previous version bro.

[@lancegolden8190]

Why no pro tools script?

[@byniasofficial2567]

No arp/note repeat button... Damn

[@ovatbeats]

Sooo strongs!!

[@MadACeTeeMack]

Wow, another Midi controller

[@BoloDaProducer]

Yes lawd!!!

[@ChristopherJenkins73]

I come from the era of Intakt! B4 the land of Kontakt! 😅

[@maximeblais2032]

2:59 lol !

[@cablebox615]

I hope they do a Limited edition White version.

[@BoloDaProducer]

That would be dope

[@saintilusroodolph8574]

U should do a give a way bolo make a beat contest the best beat get a mpc live 2 ❤

[@sectiondrecords4580]

thanks for your reviews - MK3 has no faders so 'MEH' deal breaker

[@BoloDaProducer]

Trust me, you don’t need the faders. With the daw integration using the pots/ knobs dies a really good job

[@Lenron-B06]

That’s what the knobs for.

[@sectiondrecords4580]

knobs are knobs - they don’t replace the tactile experience of faders but I do have my monogram faders…

[@spincoke]

For the price of the keyboard, you should be able to control just about everything in your daw without a computer mouse.

[@davidweatherly5518]

Is this keyboard compatible with mpc x?