NATIVE INSTRUMENTS KONTROL S88 Mk3 88-note Keyboard Controller

KONTROL S88 MK3

A smart keyboard controller to bring virtual instruments to life

Kontrol is an advanced MIDI keyboard controller available in three size options. Stay in the flow with an intuitive connection to instruments, effects, and your DAW, plus immersive navigation on a high-res screen. Choose from 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys, all with polyphonic aftertouch as standard.

A direct connection with Kontakt

Kontrol brings virtual instruments to life in a genuinely immersive experience. Whatever you’re playing, get in-depth control with deep Kontakt integration and next-generation NKS technology. Find sounds quickly with intuitive on-screen navigation, then adjust and play them thanks to intelligent auto-mapping that understands the parameters. This unparalleled direct connection means no interruptions to your workflow with not just NI instruments but thousands of partner sounds, instruments, and effects.

Introducing polyphonic aftertouch

Take expression one step further with the slightest pressure on individual keys. Bring new layers of nuance to your playing with cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and much more, without reaching for an extra encoder or dial.

All three models come complete with polyphonic aftertouch on an industry-leading keybed developed in collaboration with Fatar. Plus, the S88 is the world’s first widely available controller keyboard to combine polyphonic aftertouch with weighted, hammer-action keys.

Deeper into your DAW

Smooth integration with all major DAWs means you can keep your eyes on your keyboard and away from your computer screen. Hit record, stop, and rewind on the keys, mix and edit, and see all your project’s channels on the display.

Keys that fit you

Choose between 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys with the S49 and S61, or get a full piano feel with 88 hammer-action weighted keys on the S88.

Highly visual

See switches, key zones, scales, and more lit up in front of you with the intelligent Light Guide. Chord Mode lets you create a progression by playing single keys, while Easy Mode maps the white keys to whichever scale you need.

Plug and play

Get connected to whatever you need with USB-C power and connectivity, MIDI in and out, and four assignable TRS pedal inputs including a default sustain and default expression.

Built to last

All three models are built from the same premium materials with a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodised aluminum encoders and modwheels, and redesigned tactile buttons.

Included software

With Komplete 14 Select and Komplete Kontrol software included, you’ll be ready to go from day one. Komplete 14 Select is the essential production suite, including powerful synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a load of customizable sounds. Komplete Kontrol unites and organizes all your instruments, effects, loops, and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.

Hit the ground running with polyphonic aftertouch presets in Hypha, a Kontakt instrument with an array of sounds inspired by nature. Plus get iZotope Elements Suite, Ableton Live Lite, Guitar Rig 7 LE, and more.

Specifications

• Kontrol S88
  • 88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys
  • Fatar keybed
  • Polyphonic aftertouch
  • Height: 120 mm
  • Width: 1353 mm
  • Depth: 347 mm
  • Weight: 13.5 kg
• Hardware
  • A high-resolution 1280 x 480 color screen with glass surface
  • CNC machined, bead blasted and anodized aluminum, 8 x encoder caps, 1 x 4D encoder cap, 2 x wheels (pitch and mod)
  • RGB illuminated pitch and mod wheels
  • New button-islands that form a continuous dustproof control surface and are grouped by function
• Inputs and outputs
  • Bus-powered USB-C
  • USB MIDI
  • USB-C port
  • 4 x assignable TRS pedal inputs including a default sustain and default expression
  • MIDI in and out
• DAW integration
  • Kontrol has advanced integration with the following programs, with further integrations currently in development:
    • Ableton Live
    • Bitwig
    • Cubase – support coming in late 2023
    • Digital Performer
    • FL Studio
    • Logic Pro
    • Pro Tools – support coming in late 2023
    • Studio One
• Compatible plug-in formats
  • macOS (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST, VST3, AU, AAX
  • Windows (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST, VST3, AAX

What’s included?

• USB-C cable
• Komplete Kontrol and Komplete 14 Select software, plus a load of instruments and effects
• Setup guide and documentation as downloads

Kontrol comes with a USB-C cable. It is bus-powered meaning the USB cable draws power directly from your computer, so there’s no need for an additional power supply. If your computer does not have a USB-C port, you can use your own USB adapter and power supply.

Use the adapter to connect the provided USB-C cable from the keyboard’s HOST port to your computer’s USB-A port. Then connect a USB-C power supply (5V, 7.5W or higher, 1.5A or higher) to the keyboard’s USB-C power supply port.

System requirements

• MIDI 2.0 compatible*
• Intel Core i5, Apple M1 (and equivalent or higher)
• macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher (*compatible with macOS 12 in MIDI 1.0 mode)
• Windows 10 or 11 (latest service pack) or higher
• 8 GB RAM

An internet connection and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher Direct 3D 11.1 (feature level 11_0) or higher are required to download and activate this product and associated content. Once installed and activated, the product can be used offline