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Are you looking for an upgrade to your music production workflow? Look no further than the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series.
Whether it’s the S88, S61 or S49 model, you’ll have access to incredible assignable rotary knobs, production tools, and a smooth experience. Enjoy the tactile, hands-on experience with dual high-resolution screens, auto-mapping of controls to Native Instruments sounds, and transport controls for easy playback and recording.
With its sleek black styling and robust controls, you’ll love what the S series has to offer. USB, MIDI In/Out, and two pedal inputs give you the connectivity you need to create your best work.
Upgrade your music production today with the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series.
Key Takeaways
- The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series provides fantastic controllers with a smooth workflow.
- The controllers are designed for use with Native Instruments software and feature dual high-resolution screens.
- The auto-mapping of controls to Native Instruments sounds and advanced DAW control make for easy playback and recording.
- The keyboards have a sleek black styling and robust controls, but the build quality may not feel as premium as some cheaper controllers.
Assignable Controls
You have eight assignable touch-sensitive rotary knobs and a four-way push encoder at your disposal. These knobs are perfect for tweaking synth and electronic sounds.
However, if you’re a fan of orchestral sounds, you may be disappointed by the lack of faders. To compensate, pitch and mod wheels are included. The touch strips provide a great combination of both.
In addition, the S series smart controllers offer Scale, Chord, and Arpeggiator modes, so you can easily use exotic scales, complex chords, and inspiring melodic lines.
Production Tools
Producing music with the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series is made easy with its fantastic production tools.
Scale mode makes it easier to use exotic scales, while Chord mode triggers complex chords with a single key. There’s also a built-in arpeggiator which provides quick and inspiring melodic lines. Plus, aftertouch is included in all models, adding a new dimension to performance. All of this combines to give users the ability to craft unique and powerful music.
The S series also has plenty of assignable knobs and a four-way push encoder, allowing you to tweak synth/electronic sounds with ease. Pitch/mod wheels offer an extra layer of control and the touch strips provide the best of both worlds.
Workflow
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series offers an incredibly smooth workflow thanks to its dual high-resolution screens. This provides a tactile, hands-on control that allows users to spend less time with the mouse and trackpad and focus more on their creativity.
The two screens offer auto-mapping of controls to Native Instruments sounds, plus transport controls for easy playback and recording. Advanced DAW control with Tempo, Mute/Solo, Loop, Metronome, and Quantize is also available.
The S series also offers Scale, Chord, and Arpeggiator modes, allowing users to quickly and easily create inspiring melodic lines.
Dual screens and hands-on control make it easy to get the most out of your Native Instruments software.
Connectivity
Building on the fantastic workflow of the S series, all models also include USB, MIDI In/Out, and two pedal inputs. Although additional connections such as faders, CV ins, and more would have been welcomed, the current connectivity is still sufficient for most users.
The pedal inputs can be assigned to sustain or expression, adding a new dynamic to performances. Despite the limited connectivity, the S series keyboards still have slick black styling and robust controls. The controls have a super-smooth action that feels premium when playing, making up for the lack of extra connections.
Ultimately, the S series provides excellent connectivity options at a reasonably expensive price.
Build Quality
Moving on from the limited but sufficient connectivity options, the S series also offers a premium build quality. The slick black styling and robust controls of the keyboards have super-smooth action and feel premium when playing. Though some cheaper controllers have additional premium touches, the S series offers great value for money.
The controls are robust and have a solid construction, enabling them to withstand heavy use during performances. The keyboards feel premium during play, but not necessarily when lifting or moving them.
Software Bundle
What’s more, the S series comes with an incredible software bundle?
The Komplete Kontrol software provides users an integrated workflow with a vast selection of included plugins. These plugins are compatible with most major DAWs such as Logic, Ableton, and Pro Tools.
The software integration allows users to quickly access and control their favorite sounds and effects with the S series controllers.
All models come with a range of sample libraries and effects, as well as Native Instruments’ own Massive, FM8, and Kontakt.
The Komplete Kontrol software also provides a visual mapping of all the controls, allowing users to easily assign and adjust settings.
With the included software bundle, users can create detailed and complex sounds with ease.
Conclusion
The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a streamlined and intuitive workflow in their music production. With assignable controls, production tools, and a smooth workflow, you can’t go wrong with the S88, S61, or S49 models.
They offer great connectivity, a robust build quality, and an incredible software bundle.
So take your music production to the next level and experience the power of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S series.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!