Komplete Kontrol, the software, has a much narrower function than Kore did, at least in its first version. But the biggest indication that Komplete Kontrol isn’t Kore is actually the software. With eight encoders and displays, browsing functions, and the intent to provide hardware access to Komplete, it’s obvious that Komplete Kontrol has a lineage to NI’s discontinued hardware/software product Kore. Let’s get it over with and deal with comparisons to Kore. (I’ll cover Maschine/S25 combined workflow in a separate story.) Because I already own bigger keyboards, I wanted this very model to go on the road – and it seems it’ll be a perfect companion to Maschine and Ableton Live. I will say, though, the S25 form factor is great. It seems that may restrict some of the options for sound design down the road, or necessitate an additional controller. It’d be great to have toggles or push-button functions alongside those encoders. You really only get the eight endless encoders for parameter control. (More on that in a bit.)Īctually, my only concern as far as the hardware itself is that the minimal design means there aren’t a whole lot of controls. They’re perfectly responsive, and already NI has begun making use of the LED feedback along the sides. The other high-quality point is the touch strips. The displays look fantastic, visible from any angle, and clearly represent a lot of the cost of the unit. What’s new is the silky-smooth encoders, the razor-sharp displays underneath, and the touch strips. Those mock-ups of a Maschine browser put on a keyboard weren’t far off: transport and browsing functions are copied directly from Maschine. If you’ve worked with other NI hardware, you have the basic idea. Then again, you don’t need me to tell you this. As a result, the S-Series is solid, firm-feeling, but not too springy. Unlike another very nice-looking premium controller keyboard, the Nektar Panorama, NI had the sense to go with an established keybed maker rather than make their own. But it’s tough to convey in pictures: the top panel is really beautiful and subtle and neatly laid out, the encoders feel terrific, and the Fatar keyboard doesn’t disappoint. Of course, it had better be, at this price premium. (And yes, if you’re getting too much of a Guitar Hero / Rock Band game feeling from those LEDs above the keyboard, you can turn them off, leaving it all a tasteful, 2001/Kubrick black.) I’ll say this: this is hands-down, the nicest looking, nicest feeling MIDI controller I’ve ever used. ![]() (12V / 1.2A, surprisingly! I’m assuming that powers the displays and lights.) You also get a power adapter, because the S-Series requires external power. As with Maschine, the keyboard works only when connected via USB it doesn’t have any standalone MIDI functionality outside a connection to a computer host. You install the Komplete Kontrol software – specialized host software that communicates with the keyboard and includes a Mac/Windows driver. ![]() ![]() ![]() Installation of the keyboard is otherwise simple. This is a product for current or prospective Komplete owners. You might expect some sort of player software, as NI has done with Kontakt for other products, but – well, you don’t get that. The integration features require either Komplete 9 or Komplete 10 those users are able to download the separate Komplete Kontrol software. Let’s get started.įirst, here’s a surprise: Komplete Kontrol S25, despite the high sticker price (starting at $/€ 499), comes only with minimal software. It’s too soon for a full review, but I can offer some first hands-on impressions – and answer some likely questions. I’ve gotten a chance to talk to the folks at NI who developed Komplete Kontrol, and have an S25 keyboard here that I’ve begun testing. But when combined with NI’s own software, Komplete Kontrol magically inherits other functionality and an unparalleled degree of integration with sound parameters and library browsing. Connected to a computer, there’s no reason you can’t use it with other software via MIDI. The thinking is simple: computer software offers terrific versatility, but when it comes time to actually explore sounds and play, you want knobs and faders and buttons and pads.Īs with the Maschine and Traktor Kontrol hardware, Komplete Kontrol is on one hand a standard MIDI controller. And it developed Maschine, a software tool that from the beginning was built to facilitate hybrid hardware/software workflows. And not just because of numerous leaks – it’s the next logical step for the Berlin software developer.Īfter all, NI has an entire line of hardware that makes access to Traktor easier for DJing. That NI is making a keyboard to provide access to its Komplete line of production tools should surprise no one.
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