Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 keyboard

General

With its 61 keys, the Komplete Kontrol S61 is the largest keyboard from Native Instruments’ S series. It enables you to keep a clear overview of the vast sample library of Komplete 10, and also allows you to control various parameters by means of its parameter knobs and ribbon controllers. A separate transport section lets you control your DAW, making the S61 ideal for multimedia producers who want to finish their productions quickly.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61: comfortable keys and a clear overview

To make the S series as comfortable as possible, Native Instruments have enlisted the renowned Fatar - known for their smooth keyboards with a natural feel - to manufacture the keys. Additionally, the various functions of the keys are indicated by a Light Guide system - particularly useful for key switches in orchestral samples. The Komplete Kontrol S61 is fitted with 8 endless rotary encoders that are automatically assigned to the obvious functions in Komplete 10. Each of these parameters knobs has its own display, which clearly shows its function and parameter value.

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 S61 keyboard in combination with the Native Instruments software packages it was designed for.