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Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3

4.4 out of 5 stars from 22 customer ratings

USB Keyboard Controller

  • Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and 88 weighted keys with hammer action
  • Pre-configured mapping for all NI virtual instruments as well as thousands of Kontakt 7 and NKS-compatible instruments from leading third-party vendors such as Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire Audio and u-he
  • Operation via 8 touch-sensitive rotary controls and a high-resolution colour screen (1280 x 480 pixels), as well as a 4D controller
  • Tag-based preset browsing: find sounds quickly and preview them instantly
  • DAW integration for Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Digital Performer, Bitwig and Studio One
  • Direct integration with Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol
  • Light Guide: RGB lights above each key indicate drum cells, key switches, chords, keys and more
  • MIDI templates can be created, managed and switched directly on the keyboard
  • Standalone mode for direct control of synthesizers, drum machines and other MIDI devices
  • Pitch and Mod wheels
  • Transport buttons
  • Power supply via USB-C
  • USB-C MIDI interface, MIDI in/out
  • Sustain and Expression pedal input
  • 2 Additional freely assignable pedal inputs
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 1353 x 347 x 120 mm
  • Weight: 13.5 kg
  • Includes download software: Komplete Select, Komplete Kontrol, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, Izotope Elements Suite and Hypha
  • Includes a Kontakt instrument of your choice after registration
  • Suitable case: Art. 583521 (not included)
  • Includes USB-C to USB-C cable

Note: Use via USB-A only possible with optional cable (491488) and USB power supply (543021) with at least 1.5 A

  • Available since October 2023
  • Item number 570927
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Hammer Action Keys Yes
  • Aftertouch Yes
  • Split Zones 2
  • Layer function Yes
  • Pitch Bend / Modulation Yes
  • Rotary Encoder 8
  • Fader (Amount) 0
  • Pads 0
  • Display Yes
  • MIDI interface 1x In, 1x Out
  • Sustain Pedal Connection Yes
  • USB-port Yes
  • Mains Operation Yes
  • Bus-Powered No
  • Dimensions 1390 x 346 x 115 mm
  • Weight in kg 13,2 kg
  • Speacial Features NI Komplete Integration
B-Stock available from 959 €
1.099 €
All prices incl. VAT
In stock
1

The third generation of the KONTROL S series

The third generation of Native Instruments' Kontrol S series redefines the control centre for any DAW-based studio, combining powerful functionality with an unmatched user experience. Bundled with the most extensive software package on the market and featuring full Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) support, it offers seamless integration not only with other NI products but also with a wide range of third-party instruments and effects, unlocking an extraordinary palette of sounds. Enhanced visual feedback through the redesigned colour display and the innovative Light Guide elevates the creative process, making navigation and performance more intuitive than ever. Paired with a premium, full-weighted 88-key Fatar keyboard that feels as good as it sounds, the Kontrol S series transforms working with software instruments into a smooth, immersive experience.

Every detail at a glance

The Komplete Kontrol S88 MKIII is seamlessly tailored to the instruments and effects within the Native Instruments Komplete Suite, allowing effortless control over software instruments without the need for manual parameter assignments. Presets from both Komplete and NKS plugins can be previewed and selected directly on the keyboard, streamlining the creative process. With the addition of polyphonic aftertouch, expressive sound shaping is taken to a new level, offering individual control over each note. On top of this, a larger, redesigned colour display keeps all the essential parameters clearly visible and easily adjustable via responsive, touch-sensitive encoders, while the repositioned touch strip – now placed above newly enhanced pitch and mod wheels, which are now fitted with built-in LEDs – makes real-time control of multiple parameters more intuitive and fluid than ever.

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 Modulation wheels

Seamless integration

The Komplete Kontrol S88 MKIII isn't just an intuitive control hub for the instruments and effects within the Komplete package – it also supports the widely adopted Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), enabling seamless access to a vast array of third-party software instruments without the need for manual mapping. Its deep integration with all major DAWs additionally lets users control transport, mixing, and editing functions directly from the keyboard, minimising the need to grab a mouse or even glance at the screen. Fully compatible with Native Instruments' MASCHINE software as well, the S88 MKIII adapts effortlessly to any workflow, offering total control independent of the DAW or creative approach.

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 connectors

About Native Instruments

Native Instruments is a Berlin-based company, founded in 1996, which specialises in products for computer-assisted music production. The company develops a wide variety of products: software solutions such as Komplete, which hosts a huge range of virtual instruments that emulate both acoustic and electronic instruments in hi-fi quality, and Reaktor, which lets you create your own virtual instruments – through to hardware products such as beat-making and DJ controllers. Native Instruments' goal is to inspire and encourage musicians with its innovative products. To this end, more than 500 people are employed at the company's headquarters in Berlin and at other locations including Los Angeles, Toronto, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Shenzhen. Since 2023, the manufacturers Plugin Alliance, iZotope, and Brainworx have also been part of Native Instruments.

Unlimited configuration options

When used with Native Instruments Komplete or Maschine, as well as DAWs like Logic Pro, GarageBand, Studio One, Cubase, and Nuendo, the Komplete Kontrol S88 MKIII unlocks the full potential of deep hardware and software integration – yet it remains just as effective for controlling other software instruments and MIDI devices. Every control can be freely assigned and labelled, making it simple to create tailored presets for different setups. A new USB-C connection with MIDI 2.0 support allows direct connection to a laptop without needing an external power supply, streamlining the setup even further. With four pedal inputs, pitch and mod wheels, a responsive touch strip, and a total of 16 assignable buttons and dials, the S88 MKIII delivers comprehensive control for even the most demanding creative workflows.

Native Instruments Kontrol S88 MK3 USB Controller Keyboard

In the spotlight

22 Customer ratings

4.4 / 5

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features

quality

15 Reviews

F
Great keyboard!
FlipBit 26.07.2024
I don't have much piano/keys experience. Bought this only for the NI integration. I have used only cheap MIDI keyboards that disappointed me in any way before: Alesis VI61, Roli Lumi Keys, Akai MPK Mini and so on.

The keys are good. Especially if you have never used "weighted" keys before. Of course if you want light and synth action keys you may hate it. It was huge upgrade from semi-weighted and synth action keys for me. Like reviews of previous generations and similar products say, the keys start to make some noises and have something not feeling very well assembled. This does not affect them but you can notice it. I can see why people find this very annoying.

The build quality is good. The case feels like it's going to break but it's quite solid. I have some imperfections in some corners but I'm not sure if it was me damaging it. It's not affecting anything in anyway and it's not easily to spot it anyway.

Komplete Kontrol and Kontakt integration is great. DAW integration is much better now. The firmware issues at launch were resolved quickly by that NI forum user. Probably more firmware/features are going to be released with time but the product was exactly as it was advertised - with limited functionality outside Kontakt/KK that one day may be extended.

I honestly would put 4 stars. But with all the products that I really don't like have so many positive reviews I am giving it 5.
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M
Improved keys over the previous iteration
Marc78 28.03.2024
I found the overall keyboard to be improved over the MK2 version. My MK2 had a few clunky keys from playing over time.

My only rant is over the NI software which is unstable, plugins library links often get broken. The latest Komplete Kontrol at the time of writing this review is quite a downgrade from the older version. I used to be able to access the list of presets from an instrument quite easily whilst being within that particular instrument.
The favorite list is now only accessible from the instrument selection page, which makes going from one preset to another quite cumbersome and time wasting.
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R
Super Keyboard für NI, allerdings leider sehr empfindlicher Aftertouch
Rockhopper 15.11.2023
Das S88 Kontrol ist ein exzellentes Keyboard, was natürlich vor allem in die NI Instrumenten-Reihe perfekt integriert. Bedienung ist da einfach und intuitiv.

Die gewichtete Tastatur ist sehr gut, vergleichbar mit meinem Roland A88MKII. Spielt sich super.

Einziges Problem am Gerät: Der Aftertouch ist sehr empfindlich. Man kann quasi kaum normal spielen, ohne ihn auszulösen. Den größten Teil der Zeit habe ich daher Aftertouch ausgestellt. Ich habe das bereits an NI reported und hoffe, dass das über Software gelöst wird. Tatsächlich gibt es zwar eine Einstellung für die Empfindlichkeit, die tut aber so gut wie gar nichts.

Ansonsten nix zu meckern.
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H
Tastatur: Die Tasten haben unterschiedliche Abstände; DAW-Software stürzt ab.
HeThG 29.01.2024
Das Komplete-Kontrol Konzept läuft mit Garageband und Logic Pro nicht rund. Wenn man Kontrol 6 und 7 gleichzeitig installiert hat, stürzt z.B. Garageband reproduzierbar ab. Es gibt außerdem keine mir bekannten Presets, um die Software-Sampler von Logic ähnlich komfortabel wie die der NI-Welt bedienen zu können.
Gelegentlich bricht ein Ton beim Piano "Grandeur" direkt nach dem Anschlag ab, obwohl die Taste nicht gelöst worden ist. Ich konnte noch nicht reproduzieren, wann und unter welchen Umständen das pasiert. Würde aber bei Live-Auftritten schlecht ankommen. Einmal hatte ich sogar einen schicken Dauerton getriggert, den ich innerhalb des Instruments nicht mehr killen konnte. Nach einem Instrumentenwechsel mittels Browser lief es dann wieder. Evtl. liegt es auch am Apple Sonoma-OS, dass noch einige Kinken zu haben scheint.
Die LED-Leiste ist leicht 'krumm', d.h., in der Nähe der unteren Oktaven (Kontra) kann ein Bogen (horizontal) erkannt werden.
Das LED-Konzept ist selbst bei NI nicht durchgängig realisiert worden. Bei einigen Instrumenten werden alle Tasten-LED angezeigt, obwohl der Tonumfang beschränkt ist. Ich habe noch nicht rausgekriegt, wie man das umprogrammieren kann/könnte.
Die Tasten scheinen in Modulbauweise eingesetzt worden zu sein, man kann zwischen einigen Gruppen größere Abstände erkennen. Der Tastenhub könnte größer sein, ist vermutlich dem Poly-Aftertouch geschuldet. Sonst spielt sich die Tastatur gut und leise.
Die Mod-Wheels und der Touch-Strip funktionieren gut, allerdings scheint es kein durchgängiges Konzept für die Instrumente zu geben; z.B., für was sie eingesetzt werden.
Software Funktionen allgemein: Ich wünschte mir ein Mastervolumen-Preset in jedem(!) Instrument an möglichst prominenter Position (1. oder 2. Page) oder z.B. mittels des Multifunktionsrads (3D). Das würde vermeiden, dass man im Stand-Alone-Betrieb ständig auf dem Rechner die Lautstärke anpassen muss. Dem generellen Bedienkonzept merkt man an, dass einige Komponenten zugekauft wurden und nicht perfekt integriert sind.
Die Pianos (Giant, Maverick, Grandeur, etc.) sind wirklich toll. Allerdings verstehe ich nicht, warum die Lautstärke beim Wechsel nicht annähernd konstant bleiben kann.
Der Preis (1,3k€) scheint mir etwas überzogen zu sein, mal gespannt, ob NI das durchhält. Dafür wird noch noch mal eine Staubschutzhülle mitgeliefert, die mir nachträglich bestellt habe.
Insgesamt überwiegen für mich jedoch die positiven Eigenschaften, so dass ich das Ding wahrscheinlich behalten werde, in der Hoffnung, dass NI noch ein bisschen an der Software feilt.
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