I can't believe how this video has only 1.9k likes ATM, I have just bought a S49 MK2 and haven't seen any other review so in depth like this one. A huge thumps up to the amazing work you did here.
Just brought a secondhand S49 MK 2 (trading in my MK 1). Just watched this video before even turning it on. Like reading the manual but a lot more enjoyable. Great video and has someone mentioned goes into a lot more functionality than other videos out there. Great job 👍🤘😊.
Great review. I’ve got Maschine studio and I’ve just bought an s49 mk2 , second hand, can’t wait to try it. One thing the Maschine does have is a great sampler , plus step sequence and you can input music from an iPhone.
Wow, incredible review! I didn't realise how effective this bit of kit could be until this video. The hands-on tweak-ability has really caught my attention - that hardware synth style knob twiddling is something that I've been wanting in a midi keyboard and now finally NI seem to have that aspect down
Fantastic review. Thank you for taking the time and effort to really get down to the deepest levels of this keyboard & software package and keeping it simple enough for most of us to understand. 10/10 for the review.
After watching a ton of videos, I still cannot decide whether or not to purchase the complete control S 49. Thanks to this video. I now know I want to order one. Thanks for all your help and hard work. I also subscribed because I really appreciate the way you present information and a basic yet non-boring way. Thank you for all your hard work.
Did a search for Kontrol S61 MK2 review and saw this. I really appreciate this review. Well thought out, profesional and most importantly very useful in helping me decide. Your approach is ..... well PROFESSIONAL. You have earned another subscriber. Im looking forward to going through your other videos.
Do you know how good the keybed is compared to the Arturia Essentials MK3 49?? I just got one and felt the keybed was a bit plasticky, but perhaps that's just how the keybeds for these keyboards are??
I really like the new Essentials Mk3 but I havent played the S49 Mk2 in years. There are both made of plastic and really if you want a good feel you have to pay a lot more for a good Fatar keybed. It's a very subjective thing.
@@MoltenMusicTech I see. Yeah, I'm completely new to all of this, so I was expecting a bit much I guess. I am considering getting "NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 MK2" though. There is a sale, normally it's 750$-900$ here, but for the next two days, I can get one for 600$. I was told the keybed is a tiny bit better there, and it says "Premium Fatar Keybed" so perhaps I should just go for it. And since Im getting Komplete 14 regardless, I can use the Komplete Select, upgrade it to Standard, and save 150$ that way. In turn making the upgrade only cost me 150$. Anyways, thank you for the reply:)
THANKS! This was the video I was searching for the whole day. I just wanted to know, what Mschine can do, what the keyboard can't and NO ONE just put it this precisely: Nothing. I found a way now to get the maschine software without buying the hardware, so I will buy this thingy now. Thanks again!
I just want to highlight your magnificent review of Komplete kontrol, I think it has been a total explanation and magnificent use reference, you have gone from the emotional, aesthetic to the end of use, for me it has been a tremendous experience to enjoy it.
Ugly surprisingly all reviews of this Komplete Kontroll Mk2 i saw were missing information on how this MIDI controller works with non NKS plugins! Thank you for providing this important information!!!
ⰔⰀⰞⰀⰎ̑ⰣⰁⰤⰛⰟⰋⰉⰀⰎⰎⰀⰘⰟ⋅ I found that any libraries I own that are .nki, can be re-saved in Kontankt to be able to use in KK under the User section. Many of my .nki libraries did NOT work out of the box, they failed saying corrupt or whatever, only can be opened in Edit view in KK. Re-saving in Kontakt corrected that issue. Just time consuming when you have many many libraries.
Thanks for this great video, just bought a used s49 Mk2 and it's incredible. This video is great, the touch screen you use for the tablet is great too!!
It's unique review. Very, very informative. I love to hear about glitches before buy, not only "wow this gear is aaaamazing!" I mean, not only "look this gear can do this or that" but also can it REALLY do this or that in practical way, in real world testing :D
Thanks for this! The details are really important, but most reviews gloss over them. Might be worth doing a follow-up for things that have changed since this was recorded. For example, according to the current S-Series mk2 manual, the Pattern view should allow you to select and edit notes in Maschine.
Great review, I watched quite a few videos on the S49 then ordered one, I should receive it tomorrow, then watched your video. Great suggestions for improvements, Native Instrument should take note, a lot of them could be free firmware and Komplete Kontrol updates, although NI might not see it like that. Thanks again for a a full and unbiased review.
Question - I am an improvisational pianist, I'm looking for the best midi controller to create film scores/instrumental beats/etc. I 've been producing for around 2 years and am looking to purchase a useful controller. I work with Logic Pro x, and from what i've dug around, the Komplete Kontrol 61key MK2 seems to be the best bet. Any thoughts/recommendations?
It felt good to me - you've seen my review. It's a hardware/software solution so if the software integration is less interesting then maybe you are paying for something you don't need. Some people say the keys are noisy. It is all plastic. As you're a player I would highly recommend going to a music shop and running your fingers over a few. Hope that helps!
I bought the S61 the other day for scoring specifically. The ability to whip through presets is quite incredible. Major speed increase in workflow. On thing I’ve noticed so far is intergrading my 3rd-party libraries, which I find are a must for scoring. I need my bells, chimes, harps, atmospheres, toy pianos, etc that I only had as .nki libraries. Many of these libraries don’t work directly with Kontrol. However, I learned you can open them in Kontakt and resave them and then they’ll work in KK. Meaning, then they’ll show up in the browser under User. I still have many libraries to fix, but so far it’s a perfect combo for me. I have a few documentaries coming up that I look forward to scoring with this keyboard.
thanks for such a comprehensive and honest review. You've really helped me wrap my head around the concept behind komplete kontrol..the good the bad as well as the ugly
I am watching this video in 2024 as I finally!!!! manage to buy it yesterday. I know I know we have mk3 but is only what I got at the moment and guess what? I am happy.
Hi Robin, thanks for the video! It helped me a lot. Would you go for a 49 or 61 key? I'm definitely buying one, and it's going to be my first and probably THE upgrade from a 25 key Akai MPK Mini. Today I use my piano knowledge only for producing, but I pretend to soon be taking a few classes to write & perform on it too, as a singer -piano player. Do you think the extra $100 for one more octave is worth it? Thanks again!
thanks for this amazing video!! so do you think the 49 is enough to control sample libraries (with their keyswitches) vs the 61? the 61 is quite huge so I am not sure
Hey there! Fantastic video, thx for this! One question: Have you found any way to deleate a loaded instrument? let's say I loaded an FX, but I'm not happy with it and I'd like to deleate it from the chain...anyway you can do that or do I have to load a totally new Komplete instance and start from scratch??? :) thx!
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS REVIEW IF YOU ARE BUYING Mk2..... WoW what an Aamazing Amount of Information covered in Here..... All You need to know about it Design Software and Capabilities along with the Down side..... Thanks For so much of Hard work... I shall Be buying this very soon now since i know all about it ... GREAT MAN ...
Such a great review. I liked & subbed. Thanks for taking the time to do this. Thinking of going for the 61 key version (it's all about how much bigger it is overall compared to the 49).
This video is almost 3 years old but I was just contemplating ordering this keyboard and found it. Quite literally the most in-depth and useful review I've ever seen, it made me so much more confident in my choice of a keyboard! Amazing job!
I am trying to find information on Komplete Kontrol vs. Arturia vs. Nektar options for integrated MIDI controllers and your articulate enthusiastic and engaging video was both informative objectively and demonstrative. I also enjoyed the verve by which you deliver this information. Kudos. And thumbs up on your personal style.
Hello MMT, thanks a lot for this lengthy video to explain so much and also give pros and cons and your point of view for different features and future features wish list. It must have been an enormous undertaking for recording and editing. Has there been whole lot of difference in third party plugin support in KK software after 6 years? Does KK software updates added to the accessibility of the DAW features and plugins through KK S mk2 MIDI keyboards? Do you see that your S49 mk2 is now more communicative, more animated with the display, buttons, etc. to show you more stuff, and added more control / opportunity for more hands-on involvement, or it has had just minor changes as far as related to KK S mk2 since you recorded this video?
Appreciate the walkthrough. I am the type of songwriter that is prone to freezing up creatively, when looking at too many knobs. Picture a deer in headlights frozen. With your tips, I realized how intuitive the hardware is, and how seamless it works with Logic Pro X 10.5. I currently use Live instruments, Guitar amp mics, vocal mics, and live drums into a UA apollo x8p, these controllers used with the mobile logic remote are SO IMMENSELY POWERFUL it is beyond words. No mapping, no bullshit, no system crashing. Ive never seen this level of ease when using my old Novation Impuse controller. Have you done any reviews of the Komplete 49 + Maschine controlling LIVE LOOPS in Logic? That would be cool.
This is sort of what i always thought a combination of hardware and software should be like, combine this with ableton and push, then it would be nearing the goal
Great video, very informative and entertaining. Learned a lot and had a good time at it. Completely share your criticism on the scarce use of the display and hope ni resolves this in a firmware update.
You didn't change shirts for 3 DAYS (40:10)? JK JK. no really this is the best review of a product i have ever seen. Native instruments really should watch this and take you observations seriously. Your suggestions would really make this a true intuitive instrument, not just a controller. did you "KONTAKT" them (see...see what i did there?) about it. Thanks again. Cheers man - Will
It's true - i had to go back and do some reshoots with this video and had to keep digging the shirt out of the wash for continuity purposes. Yes, i was in direct contact with NI about the review, i even sent them a draft before i shot the video, so they've seen it.
Such a comprehensive and well-informed insight. Best review I've seem for ages about any piece of kit. Your comments are so relevant to workflow. Many thanks.
I'm watching this video in small chunks, it's brilliant, in the VST section how do you get it to list all VSTs that you own? I have a lot that I use in Reaper but only two show and they are Synth Master 2 and Synth Master Player. Thanks.
That was a really great review that showed me everything I wanted to know. I got a really in depth idea of what it would be like to own and use one myself. I get the impression that it's really more of a device for spending endless hours preset surfing and preset tweaking rather than programming your own sounds - even though you can if you want i'm not sure it's a particularly good way to do it with endless pages and so few encoders. That's really what I want to get away from and what bores me about computer music. I liked your suggestions for adding encoder visuals to the screens and using the buttons above the screens to navigate pages. I assumed it would be like that already. The depth maschine integration was interesting to see. I wonder if they have made many improvements since the video was released. As a side note I think the keyboard lights could be useful for learning scales and a few music theory things. Thanks!
Great review! My questions (noob) : Can you load up multiple instances of Komplete Kontrol VST in your DAW and then control more than one instrument (one for each instance)? Is it a feasable workaround to the limitation you explained? I'm looking for replacing my Keystation Pro 88 (bad keyboard action) with the S88 MKII and I do pile up sounds in Cubase 10.5 pro. Thank you in advance for your help.
Oh, and just a heads-up. As of Oct 2018 The S (and A) series keyboards come with the Maschine Essentials, which despite it's name is actually the full version of Maschine, just with a smaller library. But if your buying an S49 you probably have some version of the Komplete library anyway, so I don't think it matters.
Yeah, it's true. You can read it direct from the horses mouth....Scroll down to the bottom www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s49-s61/included-software/ I imagine it's possible to download it and update previously bought keyboards somehow. Oh, and many thanks for the video. It must have been a lot of work, but you really help me make a decision. I've subscribed.
So, do you have to always have Komplete Kontrol software running? Or do you launch it from your DAW like you do Kontakt? I'm a little confused about how all the pieces fit together.
You are a truly awesome human being. I'm already sold on Komplete 11 but I think you have easily convenienced me this is worth trashing my worthless AxiomPro61. Thanks:) for a very good review!
Thanks for the detailed explanation of this keyboard! I have one question. Is it possible to store midi cc mapping info and use it without PC / mac ? I want to use it as a standalone midi controller. But if it can't store midi mapping info that we edited on PC before, I'm pretty afraid to buy one.
Dear Mr Molten. Thank you for the in depth review. I've set my alarm clock til tomorrow early. And will rush down to the nearest musicshop to purchase the little wonder.
Really enjoyed your review very professional, everything you explain came across clear and well thought out. Just a few questions i have to ask. Firstly was you using ableton 9? As I've just brought the komplete kontrol a49 and found out midi only integrates with ableton 10. So was thinking would it be worth me swapping for the s49 instead of upgrading to Ableton 10. Lastly would you recommend this over the push 2? I want to make my workflow as simple as possible. Thanks
Yes i recorded this video way before Live 10 came out - there's script or something you have to put into Live to make the Komplete Kontrol stuff work - im pretty sure i mentioned it in the video. There may be more integration with Live 10 - i havent looked into it. Push 2 is a bit more dedicated to Live workflow, only get the S49 if the whole Komplete Kontrol thing floats your boat - the Live integration is a bonus
May i ask what kind of a screen are you using? I find it particularly interesting as im fed up with the 'traditional' setup. Less clutter, more engagement.
wow, can't believe you actually responded, I feel honored. one of the things that struck me most about what you said, was how the s49 mk2 brings back the feel or joy, or since of discovery similar to using hardware, making the thousands of patches more "fun" and accessible. Does the surface tablet do the same for you? If so, how exactly? I'm considering purchasing the surface book 2, because i too seek the more hardware, or fun experience from my Daws and software...namely propellerhead reason (i currently use macs...logic). I also have gotten to the point that daw work and recording in general has gotten kind of dull or lifeless, making creating music less fun. Does touch computing help or is it just a slight step up from having a traditional laptop when in workflow? Also, I have kind of fat fingers so... sorry for all the questions. been checking out your other reviews...you really have a gift for this stuff. Cheers-Will
I talk to anybody - no need to feel special :D A touch interface does bring a sense of a new way of working and that can be very valuable. It's not quite like proper knobs and stuff but it breaks you out of the mouse zone, relaxes your shoulders and changes your position - that in itself is very helpful. To be playing a keyboard and then reach out with a finger to change something on screen is fabulous - you stay in the moment, and, i find, i'm more likely to continue playing with the synth, with the interface. Reason is a little small for touch - but it depends on what you're doing. I'm going to be going through all the DAWs on the Surface in the next batch of videos.
Thanks for this wonderful review! Watched the whole video I've got got a question I was hoping you could answer. In the video I see you make 3 midi CC templates. Were you able to store these? All templates I make are gone the next time I open Komplete Kontrol. It seems like the keyboard remembers template 1, since I map out the foot pedals there - and it sticks with the keyboard. However, if I open the MIDI assessment editor again even template 1 is missing and the foot pedal mapping is lost. The "save" and "save as.." buttons are greyed out. Cant seem to understand how this is supposed to work?
Hi, yes they were there when i came back to it. I don't have it setup at the moment so i can't check for you but i can certainly say that I was able to save it as a user preset. Sorry i cant be more help.
Ok, thanks. I'm pretty sure it isnt supposed to be like this. I cant access the hardware settings (like turning on/off light guide and velocity curve) either. Sometime the hardware tab i setting just isnt there at all. Must be some sort of compatibility or driver issue
I bought the MK2 s61 because of this video. It'll be here next week. I'll let you know if I share your enthusiasm after I've had a chance to mess around with it.
Hi! I wanted to congratulate you on your skill and clarity. One question: if you wanted to build a setup from scratch to play live, what would you choose? Consider that I would use a Macbook pro (on which I would then have to choose a software for managing patches with various splits/layers for each track... Like main stage, gig performer, etc. Any advice on this?). What kind of hardware+software solution would you choose for a setup that can cover a bit of all rock/pop rock sounds from the last 50 years? 😄 I saw that arturia supplies analog lab while native instruments supplies kontakt liberia... Could it be a solution to buy a "top" level 49 keys and put a more "simply" 88 (maybe used) next to it using the software and sounds provided by the 49 keys? Or is it better the other way around? Maybe invest in a 'top' level 88-key master to which a cheaper 49-key can be added, using the libraries provided by the 88-key? Consider that even if I like the piano keybed, for live use with the band I could also make do with a good semi-weighted one that is perhaps more versatile and on which I can play with less 'effort'. Consider that most of what I do will be on the 88 keys, while on the 49 I would divert all those more particular sounds, like pads, leads, brass... (For the organ I have a numa organ dedicated only to that on which I already use the BX3) I read that by taking a Native Instruments the internal software is more "closed", but what does that mean? That I can't use other libraries and other vst's using it as a master by managing it with mainstage for example? By mapping the various controllers according to the vst used and saved for patching a particular track? I'm a bit confused I admit! Another question: if I buy an used keyboard do you know if I will be able to download all the software included in the original bundle?
Thanks - gosh, big questions! No one can tell you what to buy or what you should be using. It depends on what you want to do. If it was me I'd sink a couple of grand into modular and spend the rest of your life fiddling with it on stage. Dump the laptop and go all in on hardware. But that's probably not what you're after. Another way would be to go with a proper performance keyboard like a Nord Stage 4 that will have all the sounds you need, again, without a laptop getting in the way. However, you seem set on the idea of a laptop and MIDI controller. Arturia Analog Lab and NI Komplete are good options. They come with a lot of sounds and great integration. Why not get the 88 keyed version of either? Alternatively just buy the software and key an 88-keyed keyboard that you like. Both the NI and Arturia can happily play other sounds and map to any MIDI controls. The Komplete software works best on its own as a self contained library, but you can also run it as a plugin - just takes a bit of setup. My overall advice really would be to keep it as simple as possible. Don't have two keyboards if you only one. Run the sounds in software and play them with one keyboard. If you are trying to fudge or hybrid your way to something confusing then you are definitely barking up the wrong tree. Choose one thing and see how you go. Second hand software - varies from company to company as to whether you can resell or reuse registered software. You'll need to check with the owner that they can unregister it and transfer it to you. Cheers!
Pretty amazing video!! I just ordered the MK2 61 key version to use with my Best Services and East West software loads. However, just diving into this technology. Maybe sell off half of my over 100 analog synths. This thing sound amazing!Thanks for the video, much help!! Rix:)
Teacher. Another query. In the part you show Maschine and how to record a pattern. I follow in your footsteps, in my case I load "Polyplex" instead of "Punch". I select a particular patch and how it sounds as you search, it's easy to choose. However, and despite the fact that the controller shows everything as you show it, it even turns on the LEDs of the keys that can be played, but it does not emit any sound and therefore it does not work for me. Do you know why my controller doesn't send a midi signal in this function? (Are there any settings I'm forgetting? As I mentioned, everything else works as is, all the buttons, except the part to record music notes) TY in advance
Ok - troublshooting questions: Where does the sound come from? Do you usually get sound from other synths? Do you have Maschine hardware? Does the Maschine software record notes or let you change things with the S49? Have you tried loading other synths/sound banks?
@@MoltenMusicTech I have no the Hardware but I solved the problem ( I pressed the SCALE key on the S49 controller, and the keyboard activated and thus began to play.). Today I should receive the Maschine controller but I was trying to learn while using the software.
Great review! I just beginning exploring the fascinating world of midi controllers, synthesizers and DAWs. I learned not only about Komplete Kontrol but about synths and DAWs in general. It seems to me that Native Instruments have a similar closed digital environment system and business model as Apple. It has advantages, but disadvantages also...
so should I spend the 1200 to get Komplete 12 Ultimate with the S61? I've been producing several different genres of music using cheap midi controller and software like FL Studio, Reason, Pro Tools etc. and I'm getting tired of the same old sound banks I've had for years and years.. wondering if something like this would be perfect for my needs?
Komplete 12 has loads of sounds so if you want to change what you're doing it's a great thing - but only you know if it would be perfect for your needs.
Thank you so much for all this info. So are you saying if I’m using Komplete software in Logic Pro X, I won’t be able to use the knobs to play with any effects I use?
No, i don't think I'm saying that. With the new version of Komplete Kontrol you can now also use effects that support NKS directly in the Komplete software. Otherwise you can use the keyboard knobs as a MIDI controller and map them to anything you like - just like any other MIDI controller. But if you're asking whether you can do both things at once then no, it's either using Komplete Kontrol or it's being a MIDI controller - it can't do both at once.
Hey ! Great review, thanks a lot ! What computer are you using ? How good is its performance ? I am looking for a touchscreen laptop for my production line. Thanks
Is the function of the Mk 1 basically the same? Or is the Mk 2 making much of this functionality possible? I bought an Mk 1 a couple years back and never dug into it so it's just sitting around. But I'm a couple months away from having my full studio setup and am hoping to make the controller a big part of my exploration. What are the big differences, and is it pretty much the same? Thanks so much
Great review Robin. I'm kind of curious if you have used the Kontrol s49 Mk2 as a standalone midi controller. How well does it work with other software and external hardware. And are you able to test it out with version 3.0 of the Akai VIP Software which now allows use with other midi controllers
Yeah, in the video i mapped it to controls on Ableton, and the D16 Lush. In MIDI mode it's just MIDI knobs and buttons sending out CC's - works like any other MIDI controller. I haven't tried the Akai software but i imagine you hit MIDI Learn, turn a knob and control the parameter - it's just MIDI :)
I use ableton the push 2 and the kk s49 mk2 and im very happy with it. The initial setup is kind of a pain and it seem like a lot of people have had some difficulty doing so but indeed you can run komplete as a vst in ableton and get all the benefits of the hi res display/interface.... i agree it could be improved. But its still a great piece of equiptment
Great review and thank you for your time. I just purchased the S49 and I was litte bit frustrated because my DAW (Studio One) does not support it, but....I already have the Maschine MK2 and when I opened my Maschine software, the S49 was flawless. So....you're right, you have to have the Maschine Software to get any real use of the Komplete Kontrol controller. Well...maybe that was NI's plan...LOL...to make people go and buy the Maschine MK3 so they can have the software they need in order to maximize the potential of the board. LOL.....I think they knew it was very limited without the Maschine software. It works fine as a controller in Studio One, but as a regular controller just like the Axiom or the Akai MPK Series without all the other features and benefits you only get with the Maschine Software. If you don't have the Maschine Software, don't purchase this board as it's a waste of money if you do. Just an FYI.
I don't know if this has been covered, but - can the Light Guides, Scale Mode, Arpeggiator etc be made to work with an external hardware synth? I'm thinking of getting this for my DSI OB-6 Module. Would primarily be interested in the Light Guide/Scale/Chord modes as I'm not the best keyboardist. Thanks!
I believe you can yes - support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/209558189-Sending-and-Recording-MIDI-from-the-KOMPLETE-KONTROL-Plug-in-in-Ableton-Live
If there was a standalone version it would be nice but I guess you'll better have a look at novation sl mk3 which is more aimed at controlling hardware synth than the kk. Same system as light guide, maybe better ableton live integration since you can launch clips from the keyboard
thanks for the video. have you had any problems with pitch bend wheel events and getting artifacts added to the recording that you didnt play and being off octave etc with version 2.6.10? ive contacted NI about it and it seems that they act like there isnt a problem. i went to another studio that has maschine jam and they are having the same problem using their pitch bend wheel.
Hi, is there a way you make your keyboard turn to Notes (or keys, or whatever the proper term is) of one sound without maschine? For instance, if I open up Komplete Kontrol in Logic using a S49 mk2 (without maschine), is there a way I could load a battery kit, and then hit the first piano key (lets say its a kick drum), and THEN SELECT ANOTHER BUTTON OR OPTION, which then turns the whole keybed into that note, which I can then play in different keys. Similar to how the keyboard works in Maschine? Hope this makes sense. Thank you.
That does make sense but you're after some sampling software - it's not a function of a keyboard, you need a plug-in that'll let you map samples across a keyboard. If you're in Logic then the EXS24 will let you do that. You might be able to do it in Battery but i don't know it that well. Ask around on the NI forums.
Great review as always. However I'm still confuse if you can control Ableton macros with Automaping (aka blue hand) and visualise the assigned names on the keyboards scren/knobs. Additionally, can I browse through the Ableton User Library from the keyboard? Thank you. Regards.
Hello and good evening, please, i have an question and maybe you can answer me... In the background in your video i can see some some hardware Synth (EuroRack, BassStation2). Now my question: Can i use the keyboard split function of the device (with an additional midiTHRU) to send midiNotes to the hardware synth? I hope you or anyone in the comments can give me an answer. Thanks and greetings,
Can you scan through your whole sound library including all VSTs just by instrument/sound type, or do you select a VST (or some sound bank) first and scan within it using filters? Akai advance scans through all what you have on the computer.
