Native Instruments announces new Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI Controllers

Berlin-based music technology company Native Instruments has unveiled the latest iterations of its popular Kontrol S-Series MIDI keyboard controllers. The new MK3 versions of the S49, S61, and S88 models aim to streamline workflows and enhance expressive capabilities for modern music creators through refined hardware design and deep software integration.

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Features

From a hardware perspective, the MK3 keyboards introduce keybeds with polyphonic aftertouch across all models, allowing for nuanced modulation by sensing pressure intensity across multiple keys simultaneously. This aims to enable more deeply expressive performances when using the controllers with virtual instruments.

Integration with Native Instruments’ Komplete sounds and effects is achieved via the company’s Native Kontrol Standard technology. This offers pre-mapped control of instrument and effect parameters to enable intuitive sound tweaking directly from the keyboards. Seamless DAW control has also been enabled by transport and mixing commands accessible from the keyboards.

The industrial design has been updated with a high-resolution glass display, anodized aluminum knobs, and backlit buttons. Visual feedback comes from a Light Guide system that illuminates key scales, zones and more. The keyboards also feature four pedal inputs for further real-time control options.

Bundled software includes Komplete 14 Select’s instruments and effects, the Komplete Kontrol software for enhanced integration, and Ableton Live Lite DAW. This combines to provide users with creative tools spanning instruments, effects, DAW control and more.

The Kontrol S-Series MK3 controllers aim to provide intuitive hardware control of virtual instruments, streamlined workflows, and expressive performance capabilities. The new iterations look to build on the lineup’s strong reputation by optimizing the hardware-software interplay for modern music creators.

Price

Kontrol S-Series MK3 will be fully available online and in stores this October, with preorders also shipping at that time. the S49 is currently priced at $749, the S61 at $849 and S88 at $1299.

Image Credits: Native Instruments