Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 - Unboxing / Setup / Testing / First Impressions 

Thanks for watching!

Glad I was able to help, thanks!

Glad to hear and best of luck. Thanks for watching!

Surprised that it helped with the S61, thanks very much for watching!

That's a handy tip indeed. Thanks very much for watching!

Glad I was able to help, thanks very much for watching!

Appreciate the support man!

And why did you write that under a 5 months old comment

Glad to hear my video helped, thanks very much for watching! Would love to visit your country and city one day....

@@TsunamiRed 1 year later... how is this board? I'm looking at it(..I mean just about to get it) Are you satisfied with it still?

My stance hasn't changed - I think this keyboard controller is a solid product and did what I was looking for. It's still my main MIDI controller on my desk. Am I satisfied with it? At the time I was. Then a few months later they released the M32, and that seriously pissed me off, lol. If I didn't already own the A61, I'd jump on the M32 in a heartbeat.

@@TsunamiRed 👍👍👍Thanks

NOT because the A61 is inferior, but the form factor of the M32 is more suitable for what I'm looking for. Just to be clear....

Glad to hear it's working out for ya!

Glad I was able to help, thanks very much for watching!

Glad I could help, thanks very much for watching and the kind words! But out of curiousity, what specifically with the Keylab Essential isn't working for you? I've actually been considering one as I use Analog Lab quite a bit as well.

@@TsunamiRed Main issues are: The faders are imprecise, like if your value is at zero and you move the fader, you are never getting it back to zero, it moves in little chunks of values as opposed to smoothly and they just feel cheap. The sliders and knobs are all mapped clearly in the included software instruments, but you get very limited controls. They’re presets. There’s lots of them, but they’re still basically presets. Maybe not an issue if you own the full version already but what’s included is limited as is. The pads are stiff. You have to either strike hard, or keep your finger on it and press for each hit. You can’t change tracks using the daw controls. This was pretty big for me since that ability is found on many even smaller and cheaper midi keyboards and forces my hands off the controller for a basic and often used function. They include the ability to shift which set of tracks are controlled by the knobs/faders, but not which track itself is selected/active. Feels like a glaring and unnecessary omission. Changing tracks and higher fidelity sliders are available on the 2x priced and much larger arturia keylab mk2. I like Komplete Kontrol’s a and m series for providing all the essential daw controls plus some nice to haves like tap tempo and arp. And their included software instruments aren’t limited the way arturia’s are. And maybe it’s just because I’m not a finger drummer and the pads on the essential are what one would expect but I’m more comfortable drumming on the keyboard so lack of pads aren’t an issue for me. I’m actually eyeing the m32 now since it gives you everything from the a series in a smaller package, including software instruments with full controls. I can get that plus a 61 key board from nektar for the price of the essential. So I can keep the smaller m32 on my desk for music production and have the larger 61 key on a stand off my desk for piano practice and piece playing. Sorry for the long winded reply. I was just pretty disappointed to see what feel like unnecessary reductions in functionality and quality in the arturia lineup where competing brands offer parity. I went into owning the essential with optimism and excitement after doing a bunch of research (which might say something about the quality and depth of a lot of the gear review videos out there) but it just goes to show, you don’t really know until you try it for yourself. I hope this helped in some way. If you do decide to go with the essential I look forward to seeing your take on it in a future video!

Huh, those are some serious valid points you highlight with the Keylab Essential, especially with the DAW controls, cheap quality and inaccurate sliders. Those would probably annoy me as well. I originally thought the DAW controls on the A series controllers were limited and the Keylab's (at first glance) could be better. Almost makes me think getting a higher quality controller dedicated to DAW controls (like Presonus' Faderports) are the way to go. FWIW, the M32 was announced shortly after I got my A61. If I had waited just a few more months, I would have gotten the M32 in a heartbeat and gone with the setup you describe - use the M32 just for Komplete Kontrol, and use a different full sized MIDI controller as my main. So I'm in favour of your plan. Greatly appreciate the detailed reply - with all that you've noted, maybe you could do a video to highlight all this for everyone? Lol. Thanks very much, I'd give your comment two thumbs up if I could!

@@TsunamiRed hey just a quick update to say I returned the essential 61 and picked up the m32 while the impact 61 is on its way. Have only had the m32 less than a week but am blown away by the value, quality and sheer volume of options with the included software instruments/synths. Also really happy with the unity itself, the knobs are buttery smooth and pinpoint accurate and the daw controls are exactly what I was hoping for - I can actually switch between tracks now, with a device that’s nearly a third the cost and size of the essential 61, which lacked that simple yet (oddly enough) essential feature. The keys themselves being mini don’t hold a candle to the essential’s, but as far as mini keys go they are totally playable. I miss having the full 61 key room to play, but that’s where the impact will come in when it arrives. And I love that I got the impact 61 and m32 combined for less than the cost of the essential 61. I figure I’ll keep the 61 on my desk and have the m32 float around the house so I can noodle when I don’t feel like being stuck in the office/studio, take it out with me, etc. I liked your suggestion about making a video and actually thought about it, but knowing me I would have needlessly agonized over every little detail in making it and spent dozens of hours on it, which I just couldn’t find the time for. But maybe sometime in the future I’ll do one on this combo I’ve settled on and can make mention of the issues I had with the essential at that time. I’ll keep you posted!

This is awesome dude, glad to hear it's working out great for you! If you ever do do a video, I'll check it out for sure, I'm sure I could learn a trick or two with the NI controller!

Hard to say without seeing your computer setup but you don't need an audio interface to use the plugins. You might want to make sure the outputs on your DAW and the plugins (standalone) are set to whatever your output source is.

Thanks for watching! From reading the manual, there's no mention of velocity curve, so I presume there's only one on the A series keyboards. Would be nice to be able to choose from different ones for sure....

I should I also mention, I have a pretty light touch when it comes to playing keys, so for me to play a note with a high velocity, I have to hit the keys fairly hard. Not just on my A61, on any keyboard and pad controller. So YMMV...

Thanks very much! I covered that in the video, but basically the keys are soft for my liking. Smooth and a bit of heft, but soft. It's fine for inputting notes but I found it a bit challenging when playing piano type parts (also in the video).

Glad this helped, thanks for watching!

Between the A61 and my M-Audio Keystation 88 (MKI), I'd say neither has a good piano-like feel. I'd even go so far to say that I have yet to come across any MIDI controller that has good piano action. Some higher end 88-key controllers have the Fatar keybed which is suppose to be close, but I'm not a fan of that either. Best is to try them yourself, I'd say....

As mentioned previously, I'm using one similar to the Yamaha FC4A. Whenever my sustain pedal doesn't work the way I expect it to, I just unplug and plug it back in. Sometimes that does the trick.

The keys are average I'd say. Workflow will be different for everyone, but I didn't find it too convoluted. Never tried Arturia's Keylab but I do use Analog Lab as well so I'd imagine their controllers would be super useful with that. So I'd say get whichever controller would help you more with whichever program you use - Komplete Kontrol or Analog Lab. Thanks very much for watching!

Glad I was able to help. Thanks for watching!

Agreed, I would have loved it if they had a MIDI OUT as well. That said, I use a Roland UM-ONE for my MIDI applications for external gear. Thanks very much for watching!

@@TsunamiRed I got the Kenton usb MIDI host mk2 and got it working with anything midi now without a computer.

(thumbs up emoji)

I don't really use it, but does the 'Loop' button help?

@@TsunamiRed No, however if I'm able to map it within Ableton then yes :)

Both my audio interface and A61 connect to a USB hub.

I would create multiple tracks, assign different instruments to them, but use the same MIDI data. It's taxing on your computer resources but that's the easiest way I've found. Thanks for watching! Gracias!

Two simple Dells. One's connected by HDMI, the other by Thunderbolt.

It's a MIDI controller

I don't believe you need an audio interface - the A61 is a MIDI controller. Not sure about your second question but I personally have encountered more latency issues on PCs than Macs.

1. Some Komplete instruments/sounds are included (which you download via Native Access), but they're pretty limited. NI's expectation is that if you buy their hardware controllers (like the A49), you would use it with other Komplete instruments - which has many, many sounds. 2. The keyboard itself is USB powered, so no, you shouldn't need an external sound card/interface to make it work. You would primarily need an interface to record external audio sources, like a guitar. 3. Technically, yes, it's plug-and-play. You'd get the most out of this using other Komplete products, but you can still use this as a generic MIDI controller.

I don't know much about the Code, but what I can say is I personally have never had any issues with any M-Audio product. Though I've also heard many complain about hardware issues. It looks pretty cool and based on what's on the M-Audio site, it sounds like it includes software. If you're not big on Komplete, I wouldn't recommend any Komplete series keyboard. They're specifically tailored for Komplete users.

Tsunami Red紅嘯 Thank you so much I really appreciate the advice! Now I feel I can make the right decision

I have the Code61 and its great, no issues.

Glad to hear it's working out for ya!

Everything's explained in the video and answered in other comments. I didn't replace it.

Well, I did a video about that....=P

@@TsunamiRed I'll check it out

I believe you mean the 61 key version? Firmware updates and software (such as Komplete Kontrol) can all be downloaded via Native Access. You should look into downloading that.

@@TsunamiRed okey thnks )

You mean, is it possible to utilize sounds in your Maschine with this controller? I believe so. I'm able to use Maschine without owning the Maschine controller, so.... NI is usually good with cross-compatibility across their products, so I'm sure there are resources on their website that could answer your questions....

Google is your friend.

Komplete Kontrol? You get it from Native Access (along with all the other instruments), which is a separate download.

@@TsunamiRed I guess I'll just use my own VSTi. My internet is too slow to download that much. Great video and keyboard, imo.

Sounds good, best of luck. Thanks very much for watching!

Can't say for certain, sorry. The only plugin I use right now is Komplete.

need to load the VST inside komplete kontrol

Hard to say when I can't see what's on your computer, but just make sure you run native Access to install all the Komplete plugins, and make sure your Ableton libraries are set up correctly.

Both i believe

Both, i have it, but with the power adapter the lights get brighter and the lcd screen too (if you have the S series)

A-series keyboards don't have an adapter port. I would have liked to see that.

Thanks for watching! Hmmm doesn't it create its own folder by default? Maybe check with NI support....

I fixed it! Thank you for getting back to me (:

I'm using 10 now. I have thought about doing a follow up video that would cover this.

Screenflick

@@TsunamiRed thanks I’ll check it out

Answered below - something similar to the Yamaha FC4A.

These are USB powered, they don't take batteries

Tsunami Red紅嘯 You misunderstood, I meant battery as in Native Instruments Battery (The Drum Sampler). Thank you.

The NI website doesn't indicate that Battery is included, but I do know that Maschine Essentials includes some drum sounds.

Not possible on the A-series I believe. I re-read the manual, didn't say anything about a velocity curve - just fixed or non-fixed (my first guess is the default behaviour is linear).

@@TsunamiRed thanks

That's the way it's suppose to work. It alters the musical notes that are played back based on whatever scale you've chosen, regardless of the actual MIDI data entered.

If you don't use Komplete, the Launchkey is a more versatile controller for Ableton Live. But if you don't use Komplete or Ableton Live, I say pass on both. Just my two cents.

Don't believe it's possible unless there's some special kind of adapter to connect. Might be better off trying a wireless bluetooth MIDI controller for a mobile device. Hope this helps.

Ok thank you. Good idea

Mines was installed on a Mac. Not sure I'd be able to help, I think you'd have better luck asking NI Support.

According to the manual and shortcut sheet found on the NI site, yes they do. As I stated in my video, I wasn't able to test them as my version of Live isn't 10.0.

yeah i mean i tried googeling but i cant seem to find the soulution to have to make theme work :( i do have ableton 10 and it doesnt set up as default

Maybe it's the MIDI settings in Live that need to be set? There is one section on the NI site that shows an additional step for Live users (in the Preferences).

Covered in the video

press: "Shift" + "Octave Up/Down*

I'd imagine Komplete Kontrol should have a way of locating your Kontakt library, but if it still isn't working after ensuring everything is in the right place....I think you'd have better luck asking NI Support.

Thanks very much for watching!

2, love it

www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-a25-a49-a61/specifications/

Yes you have a version of ableton live lite included

For the A61, I can confirm there was no serial included.

they come with an ableton serial number. Its in an email that they send you. support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000647317-Where-Is-My-Serial-Number-for-Ableton-Live-Lite-

Maybe try NI support?

Some, details on the NI site

Much appreciated, thanks for watching!

I'd imagine you can use it as a generic controller, no idea if the transport controls would still work. Never used Reaper, sorry.

Thanks for watching!

Thanks very much for watching!

yea i just got one and its quite noisy, it can sometimes be distracting in my opinion. if you have the space id get the 61

The keys can be noisy, but this is a MIDI controller - the focus shouldn't be about performing acoustically, no? The microphone I spoke into was actually close to the keyboard, which is why it picked up so much sound. Generally speaking I always recommend getting a controller with more keys...

@@TsunamiRed yea I agree I just mean that if you play quite hard the clicking noise can make it feel abit fake , I mean it is but still haha. Just my opinion

If you want a whisper quiet controller, get a Seaboard =P

@@TsunamiRed hehe i wish, so expensive :D

Speakers/Monitors are good to have, but you'll definitely need a DAW of some sort, for sure. Although I do believe the keyboard comes with lite versions of Maschine and Ableton Live....?

@@TsunamiRed thanks for the reply. Anyway, just curious, I've been trying out on the various instruments and there's always the piano sound on the background acoompanying every note I press on. How do I remove it, any idea?

Sounds like you've got two sounds going on at the same time. That's my best guess, without seeing your setup

Haven't tried the Akai Advance Pro, but it seems like a solid controller if you don't use Komplete.

Akai is kind of high, to me. We're in the same boat. Komplete kontrol is right in my budget and it's not complicated to learn. I understand about the software. I don't know what else to tell you except maybe M Audio Keystation. ....how many keys? 25 49 or 61.

@@basslinephunk3441 Me too, same budget. But the keystation is worrying to me, whenever I search any of m audios budget or mid range devices i always find videos about hardware issues and failures. I wanted the keystation for 88 keys but I think I'll buy the A61.

@@hammy9800 I hear ya. You gotta go the absolute best board for the money.

@Hammy - FWIW, I've owned the M-Audio Keystation 49, 61, and 88. NEVER had any issues with either of them.

I don't plan to sell this anytime soon, so I don't think I'd be able to help you with that question. Sorry.

@@TsunamiRed I know that, but I wanted to see if it's also grayed out on your's if you go to the transfer license page.

If you mean from within your NI account, I was able to select the Transfer License option, but I didn't go too far into it. I'd say your best bet is to follow the instructions on their site.

@@TsunamiRed I did, but when I went to request NI's approval for the transfer, the white boxes were gone and said "Update not transferable". Thanks anyways. I wasn't sure if it was a A Series thing or just me. I'll have to contact NI

Their support is fairly responsive. They walked me through the process thoroughly when I de-registered my Maschine in the past. Good luck.

I'm using 9, as mentioned in the video.

Have you tried unplugging and replugging it back in? That did the trick for me in one instance I encountered.

Sure, I've been eating this cereal lately: www.google.com/search?q=vector+cereal&client=firefox-b-d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjTxPyc1a7zAhUJn-AKHTWVClkQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1600&bih=810&dpr=1.2

@@TsunamiRed hahahahahah

👍👍

If you can find a way, do tell as I would like to do that too. Thanks,

@@TsunamiRed It beats me, someone screwed up somewhere, its an easy thing to dop fore the softwear writers before its compiled..

"Someone screwed up somewhere" - the root cause of all the world's problems =P

Gigguk sounds far more animate (pun intended) than my monotone self, plus he's British =P

Believe me, if I had something to cue like a teleprompter, I wouldn't have stumbled after every freakin' sentence. =P

Mine works perfectly with Reaper. I don't use the transport controls, so I don't miss those.

@@richnewman Okey good to read I have reaper also but didn't use it much going to try.)

@@richnewman Did you have any trouble setting up? I have Reaper too. I've looked at a lot of videos on boards and I like this one.

@@basslinephunk3441 Nope. It was recognized immediately by my computer and Reaper.

@@richnewman cool... !!