Today, Native Instruments unveiled its latest lineup of Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards, featuring the S49, S61, and S88 models. These controllers seamlessly merge hardware and software integration, offering creators a unique blend of expressive control and a striking industrial design.
The Kontrol S-Series keyboards are a cut above the rest, boasting powerful new features and control capabilities that keep creators in the creative zone with intuitive connections to instruments, effects, and DAWs, all displayed on a high-resolution screen. They come in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys.
A game-changing addition is the new polyphonic aftertouch functionality, allowing creators to elevate their expression by applying gentle pressure to individual keys. This grants control over parameters like cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and more without needing an additional encoder or dial. All three models sport polyphonic aftertouch on a keybed crafted in collaboration with the renowned Italian manufacturer, Fatar.
The Kontrol S-Series controllers breathe life into virtual instruments, delivering an immersive experience through extensive Kontakt integration and the cutting-edge Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) technology. NKS streamlines the workflow by seamlessly integrating software instruments, effects, loops, and samples across NI software, major DAWs, and numerous partner sounds, instruments, and effects. This integration allows creators to focus on their performance without being tied to a computer screen.
All three models feature a stunning industrial design with a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodized aluminum encoders, mod wheels, and redesigned tactile buttons. A visual lighting system, including an intelligent Light Guide, keeps users in the creative zone by illuminating switches, key zones, scales, and more.
The Kontrol S-Series controllers come bundled with a suite of software, allowing creators to dive into music-making right out of the box. This includes Komplete 14 Select, Komplete Kontrol software for instrument and effect organization, Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite.
Key features of the Kontrol S-Series include a refined industrial design for superior playability, a full-color glass display for intuitive navigation, a top-tier keybed with polyphonic aftertouch, illuminated pitch and modulation wheels, seamless hardware/software integration with direct Kontakt connectivity, extensive compatibility with major DAWs, precision sound tweaking mapped to instrument and effect parameters, a redesigned Light Guide for note pinpointing, and versatile connectivity options including USB, MIDI, and bus-powered USB-C with inputs for four pedals (sustain, expression, and two assignable pedals).