Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 keyboard

General

Native Instruments has designed the Komplete Kontrol S49 keyboard specifically for use with NI Komplete 10. The 49-key MIDI keyboard helps you control Komplete 10's comprehensive sample library, using 8 parameter knobs, a separate transport section, two ribbon controllers and a browser section. It even features a Light Guide system. The Kontrol S49 keyboard is ideal for multimedia producers who are accustomed to working with lots of different sounds, as it allows you to keep a clear overview of your samples.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49: a keyboard with Light Guide

The Light Guide system consists of a clever series of LEDs located above the keys of the keyboard. As the keys sometimes have a completely different function in Komplete - think of key switches for orchestra samples for instance - it's easy to lose track. The Light Guide system helps you out, though, by displaying the functions of each key in different colours. The keys of the S49 are courtesy of the renowned keyboard builder Fatar, so you can depend on them to offer a smooth playing experience. Eight parameter knobs - each with its own display and freely assignable by means of MIDI mapping - give you the necessary control over your instruments.

Ribbon controllers and browser section

Located on the left side of the keyboard you'll find two ribbon controllers. They have taken the place of the familiar modulation and pitch bend wheels because of their natural feel, and can be assigned to various functions. Native Map, which automatically maps all the main parameters for a Komplete 10 instrument, is included. A browser section on the right side of the keyboard allows you to easily browse Komplete 10's comprehensive library. Throw in a set of practical transport buttons, and you've got yourself an exceptionally comprehensive keyboard controller!

Native Kontrol Standard

The launch of the Komplete Kontrol S88 was a good reason for Native Instruments to create something especially sophisticated. As mentioned before, this USB/MIDI keyboard series has handy LED lights above the keys, which is particularly great when you're working with Kontakt libraries. Not every virtual instrument is a Kontakt library, however. This is where the new NKS technology comes in - a brand-new standard that other software developers are also utilising. This means other developers can profit from those LED lights, the Native Browser, the Native Map and the Smart Play functions. Naturally, those other developers will need to update their software to some extent, but many already are, such as  Arturia, U-He, Spitfire, ProjectSAM, Softube and Waldorf, for starters. The expectation is that this list will grow and that this integration might just be an important milestone in the history of music technology development!

• Make sure to also check out the bundle deals on this product page. They offer the S49 keyboard in combination with the Native Instruments software packages it was designed for.