Native Instruments S-Series Komplete Kontrol S61 MK3 Keyboard Controller

Haven't written reviews prior, but due to there being so few on this keyboard, and with how great it's been so far, I thought why not? First on firmware (as people have complained about it): The keyboard shipped with old firmware (~0.2.1) which, in contrast to what it updated to, seems to have been a problem causer. In my specific situation, there was nothing wrong. With that said, I did have the native access software installed before plugging the keyboard board in, and had no problem updating the firmware. I am running Windows 11 as an OS on an X86 architecture (Intel CPU). I plugged the keyboard in via a USB-C connection on my motherboard (ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO). I Opened Native Access and proceeded to type in the registration serial from the keyboards LCD screen. Once unlocked I was prompted to update the firmware- which I did. After which I was able to load it into FL21 and Ableton. The keyboard has been amazing, it plays well with Ableton, FL Studio 21, As well as browser MIDI apis (In that order from most to least features). Within FL Studio 21 and Ableton, I set up the MIDI with the configuration shown in the attached screenshots. I was also able to test and parse MIDI information via Javascript (MIDI APIS in Browser), and I can confirm this keyboard sends nearly all relevant data. I have not tested returning MIDI information to the keyboard via the browser API, however, given how it integrates with Ableton and FL21, I'd imagine it is totally doable. With the tech testing/programmatic features aside, everything else on the physical keyboard seems great. In terms of feel- the keys are split into two zones, the initial trigger zone which is springy (in a good way). And a firm secondary zone which is extremely useful for creating controlled oscillation (by default it's mapped to the note velocity, but this value is configurable- and mappable at the very least in most software). Meaning you could emulate vibrato, (sidechain ratio, etc...) or other dynamic attributes of sound within your DAW. The buttons are all "clicky", which to me is satisfying considering it validates that the state has changed (click on, click off). The Mod wheel, as well as the 8 CC nobs, (potentiometer / variable resisters directly below the LCD screen), are consistently firm, which is absolutely great for detailed control. However, you're going to have a harder time (not impossible) with quick oscillation... you'd likely want to do that in the DAW regardless considering the nature of physical items being prone to wear and tear, especially at high rates of movement. The Pitch Bend is firm as well as springy, it returns to its default state when released in a fairly linear fashion. The touch capacitive slider (above the pitch bend and mod wheel), retains its state when released, and indicates said state with LEDs. The Selection wheel is an infinite stepper (while turning you get a click for each step, validating how many units you've scrolled). It is fairly firm and also doubles as a button (the button is as of writing this used to indicate you wish to select/load the selection derived from your stepped scrolling). The 8 CC Nobs are all touch capacitive, however from my experience, the state of the touch capacitors (touched, not touched) is not piped via midi, the values however (while the nobs are being turned) are. While on the topic, the controls that aren't piped directly through MIDI (some of which appear to be piped to a DAW in other ways), (firmware updates might be able to add them later, this is just as of writing): - Fixed Velocity Button - Octave/Semitone Down Button - Octave/Semitone Up Button - Metro Tempo Button - Auto Button - Shift Button - Undo Button - Quantize Button - Play Assist Button - Settings MIDI Button - Left Arrow Button - Right Arrow Button - Previous Button - Next Button - Browser Button - Plug-In Button - DAW Button - Pressed State of Selection Wheel - Keys past 127 With all this being said, the quality of the LCD is great, I have an image attached of a wide angle and close-up of the display. The LEDs are all multi-color and can achieve a decent brightness (color values/brightness are all configurable right from the keyboard). The onboard software also comes with some MIDI candy. Guided scales (the guided scales have a ton of possible configuration... super fun to check out), and an arpeggiator (also with quite a bit of fun config). All in all, the keyboard has been great so far, obviously niche preferences and use case or going to drive whether or not someone would enjoy it. But for music production, sound design, and basic DAW processes, this keyboard is awesome. Hope the review helps!

This is my first Native Instruments keyboard. I didn't know what to expect, but it's amazing. Super easy to use, and there are great tutorials on their YouTube channel. The build is really high-quality - the casing is one piece of plastic, and the keybed feels great as well, very professional. The knobs are touch-sensitive, so options appear as soon as you touch one of the knobs, letting you know what you can scroll to in the list. The polyphonic aftertouch is very cool as well - some instruments are configured for vibrato or other effects when you press the keys harder or wiggle them. Such a great purchase and I can't wait to learn more music production skills with this!

Great keyboard and great software. You can do almost anything with this. Setup is tricky and will take time. Lots of info on the NI website and there are FB user pages that help. I just play this in my home. I don't haul it around or play in a band. Files are large. I used an external hard drive for the Libraries and VST Plugins. The Download and Application files go on your laptop drive. I have a 20W 5V/9V USB PSU powering the S61. (The S61 would not run in stand alone mode with a standard 2.2A 5V USB PSU.) The S61 is connected via a long USB cable to a USB hub, then to my Windows 10 laptop. Mine came with Komplete 14 Select software. It included Vintage Organs, which has all the Hammond and transistor organ sounds. Massive can apparently sound like any synth. I purchased Kontact 7 Full to use with 3rd party instruments. (Wait until it goes on sale to buy it.) Alecia's Keys is my favorite piano sound. I bought it for $13 from Plugin Boutique. Shop around for instruments and deals. Lots of cheap and free stuff out there. The keybed is a Fatar TP/80SK, semi-weighted pro synth with polyphonic after touch. Very nice. The big screen, knobs, and buttons work great. You can select and edit instruments from the keyboard, so your laptop can be over on your desk. I could go on, but I won't. Lots of good reviews online.

After getting the keyboard I was amazed at the build quality and design. It's heavy and feels like a premium product. After trying to get it setup(installed drivers, troubleshooting updates etc.) The keyboard was not recognized by the firmware update. After hours of trying to get it to work. I returned it assuming that it was a bad board. So I ordered a replacement. I've had the same issues with the replacement board. It's not recognized by the PC dispute being plugged directly into the motherboard USBc port and getting plenty of power. All of my software and drivers are up to date and I followed all of the troubleshooting steps per the NI website. Still no success with the board. Maybe I received 2 faulty boards back to back. While unlikely it's still possible; but I'm not trying a third. It shouldn't be this troublesome to get a keyboard to work. Especially at this price point.

This keyboard is awesome. The keys feel great, the display is clear, the functionality is usually intuitive. Works perfectly standalone with Komplete Kontrol and its ability to control my DAW (Pro Tools) while still functioning as a midi instrument is awesome. My only gripe is that the pitch wheel sometimes acts a bit weird - it never acts up when I’m not using it and works properly 98% of the time, but every once in a while it’ll be a bit glitchy. Overall a great addition to my music workstation.

NI Hardware - perfekt für das Arbeiten mit einer DAW, sehr gute Verarbeitung, durchdachtes Konzept, optisch ein Highlight für jedes Studio. kleiner Wermutstropfen, die USB-Verbindung bricht gelegentlich ab, aber das wird NI sicher noch in den Griff bekommen (Firmwareupdate). insgesamt sehr empfehlenswert, auch deshalb, weil es sehr viele kompatible Instrumente gibt, und immer mehr Anbieter die Kompatibilität ihrer Instrumente ermöglichen. TOP - absolute Kaufempfehlung ***** update 2025/02 1. das Problem mit den USB-Verbindungsabbrüchen lässt sich durch zwischenschalten eines hochwertigen USb-Hubs lösen 2. mittlerweile gibt es die Möglichkeit Midi-Tamplates zur Steuerung anderer Midi-Geräte (z.B. Analog-Synths) einzuspielen, was unendlich neue Möglichkeiten schafft ..... 3. nach mehreren Firmware-Updates erscheint das Setup noch "aufgeräumter", und die Einführung von -KONTAKT 8- rundet die Sache komplett ab ... bin nach wie vor begeistert = the best MIDI Keyboard !!!

I bought this but found you will need to transpose the keyboard octave to see the key switch, so returned it and paid the extra for the 88 note version which is fantastic and have been playing it every day since it arrived. A big shout out to BopDJ the supplier for their help and advice.

文句なし！Amazing product💯 great job native instruments !!!

I wasn't sure if I should upgrade from the MK2 version, but I am happy I did. The build of this keyboard is better than the previous version with improvements on the mod wheels as well as moving the touch strip to a location above the mod wheels. The improved screen is brighter and easier to read, and the functionality of the knobs is much better, with adjustments to the plugin parameters done much more effectively. This version of the keyboard now includes polyphonic aftertouch, which is the primary reason for my purchase. The aftertouch provides a level of expression that can now be done when playing and not have to be done in post when recording. It should be noted that aftertouch only works on those plugins that support it. The keys feel great and are very responsive, as are the mod wheels and touch strip. There are also more jacks for adding expression pedals, with four compared to two on the previous version. There are many features on this keyboard that make it a great addition to any studio or for live playing. The only downside I would say about this keyboard is the power needed to run it. The previous version ran off the USB bus, but this version requires an additional USB C cable for power. I would have liked to see a dedicated power block, but this solution works fine if you have an extra USB port available for power. I would definitely recommend this keyboard/midi controller.

I bought this on sale last month, and I'm so glad I did! The accessibility on this keyboard is great now that Native Instruments has finally updated their firmware and made the keyboard much more accessible. I have better control over Kontakt instruments, and I can now control any plugin from Ableton. This is a game changer for blind musicians!