Native Instruments unveil Komplete Kontrol S-Series

The new line of keyboard controllers are tailored to the diverse range of soft synths available as part of the Komplete package.

While they have been pouring their development energy into DJ controllers for many years now, Native Instruments have taken their time in tackling the keyboard market. The three arms of their business model are now well defined, between the DJing focus of Traktor, the beat-making concerns of Maschine and the synthesis of Komplete. Recent developments in the hardware field have included the enticing, backlit LCD allure of the latest entries in the Kontrol series and the MPC-alike Maschine Studio, but it’s taken until now for a physical solution to managing the expansive Komplete collection to emerge.

The Komplete Kontrol S keyboards come in three variations, and between the 25, 49 and 61 key models, all deliver the same level of functionality. Although when lying dormant the features may seem stripped back, NI have worked hard to load an extensive amount of control and information into the design. The browse function allows speedy activation of any of the Komplete synths via a single plug-in, while the touch-sensitive controller pots automatically map to whichever NI synth has been engaged, this can save time on laborious MIDI mapping.

For those requiring a little guidance in the field of chords and scales, the subtle coloured downlights at the top of the keys provides an invaluable guide to broadening out the melodics in your music. There is also advanced arpeggiation functionality at your disposal as well as two touch strips for expressive edits and automations. The keyboards also comes packaged with Komplete Select, a choice range of the Komplete synth range.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S-Series is available to buy now – available from Juno.