Native Instruments Announces Komplete Kontrol MkII With Advanced DAW Control - Video

Native Instruments has announced the second generation of its Komplete Kontrol keyboard system, bringing serious hardware upgrades as well as much greater integration with third party software instruments and DAWs. While still recognisably a member of the Komplete Kontrol family, the new model comes in 49 or 61 key versions and extends the original keyboard’s workflow with 17 additional function buttons and two high-resolution color screens for browsing, previewing sounds and more including deep integration with MASCHINE software and hardware. 

The new Komplete Kontrol MkII

Additionally, it’s now possible to mix, navigate, and edit projects directly from the hardware. The Fatar keybeds and unique Light Guide are joined by new pitch and mod wheels - much requested by users - and a horizontal touch strip for additional expression. We visited NI's London HQ and had the privilege of a hands-on demonstration of the new controller from Komplete Kontrol product owner Tim Adnitt which you can see below. 

What really grabbed my attention was the much-enhanced integration with third party DAWs and instruments, for example the ability seen in the video to navigate and even control the mixer in Logic from the hardware, and also previews, which auto-play a sound as you browse if you wish. The ability to build quick favorites lists from the hardware will also save lots of time searching for sounds. The developers also hinted at more new features to be added in software in the near future. 

The new screens

Specs And Features

• Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments
• Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch – 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys
• Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, plus touch strip for expression control
• Pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from leading manufacturers
• Full VSTi support
• Tag-based preset browsing: Find sounds quickly and hear instant previews
• Two high-res color screens for browsing, tweaking, mixing, and more
• Light Guide: RGB lights above each key highlight drum cells, key switches, chords, scales, and more
• Smart Play: See scales and modes on the Light Guide, play chord progressions and arpeggios with single keys, or map any scale to white keys only
• Deep integration with MASCHINE software / hardware
• Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and GarageBand. Cubase and Nuendo integration coming soon after initial release

New physical wheels to go with the Touch Strips

• 4-directional push encoder for one-handed sound browsing and project navigation
• Two assignable pedal inputs
• MIDI in / out
• USB 2.0 bus powered
• Includes KOMPLETE 11 SELECT 

Pricing And Availability

The new KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 and KOMPLETE KONTROL S61 will be available at the NI Online Shop and retailers from October 5, 2017. Both units will be available to pre-order from September 7 at the NI Online Shop. Pricing remains the same as the previous versions in all markets.

Stay tuned for a hands-on review!