Subscribe
Studio

Native Instruments releases Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards

Native Instruments has announced new Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards (S49, S61, and S88), offering seamless hardware and software integration, expressive control and an industrial design.

The Kontrol S-Series keyboard controllers are equipped with new features and control capabilities that enable creators to stay in the flow with an intuitive connection to instruments, effects and DAWs – all with easy navigation via a high-res screen.

They are available in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys.

New polyphonic aftertouch functionality means only the slightest pressure is needed on individual keys, controlling cutoff, pitch, vibrato and more without reaching for an extra encoder or dial. All three models include polyphonic aftertouch on a keybed that was developed in collaboration with Italian manufacturer Fatar.

Kontrol S-Series controllers offer in-depth control via extensive Kontakt integration and next-generation Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) technology. NKS brings software instruments, effects, loops and samples into one smooth workflow, creating seamless integration between NI software, all major DAWs and thousands of partner sounds, instruments and effects.

All three models feature an industrial design with a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodized aluminium encoders and mod wheels and redesigned tactile buttons. 

Meanwhile, a lighting system makes it easy to stay in the creative zone with an intelligent Light Guide that illuminates switches, key zones, scales and more.

Kontrol S-Series controllers come with a range of software that enables creators to start making music out of the box, including:

● Komplete 14 Select production suite, including synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a wide range of customisable sounds.

● Komplete Kontrol software that unites and organises instruments, effects, loops

and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.

● Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite and Ableton Live Lite.

Top Kontrol S-Series features include:

● Refined industrial design.

● Full-colour glass display for intuitive browsing, tweaking and mixing.

● Keybed from Fatar with polyphonic aftertouch as standard.

● Metal-touch pitch and modulation wheels with central illumination.

● Hardware/software integration with direct connection to Kontakt, which helps users find, adjust and play sounds quickly and easily.

● Seamless integration with all major DAWs, allowing for control transport and

mixing commands directly from the keyboard (record, stop, rewind, mix, edit and see project channels on the display).

● Precision tweaking for sounds, pre-mapped to key instrument and effect parameters.

● Redesigned Light Guide pinpoints notes with a light above each key.

● USB, MIDI and bus-powered USB-C connectivity plus inputs for four pedals: one sustain, one expression, and two assignable pedals.

Kontrol S-Series MK3 is available for pre-orders from www.native-instruments.com and select retailers and will be fully available online and in stores this October, with pre orders also shipping at that time.


Kontrol S49 MK3 pricing:

€ 749,00 / $ 749,00 / JPY 107.400,00 / £ 649,00 / AUD 1.099,00 / CAD 969,00 / CHF 749,00 / CNY ¥ 5.899,00.


Kontrol S61 MK3 pricing:


€ 849,00 / $ 849,00 / JPY 121.700,00 / £ 749,00 / AUD 1.299,00 / CAD 1.099,00 / CHF 849,00 / CNY ¥ 6.699,00


Kontrol S88 MK3 pricing:


€ 1.299,00 / $ 1.299,00 / JPY 186.200,00 / £ 1129,00 / AUD 1.949,00 / CAD 1.679,00 / CHF 1299,00 / CNY ¥ 9.999,00.