Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol Review: Premium Integration

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol keyboards provide the deepest possible integration with NI’s vast instrument and effect libraries. The combination of quality Fatar keybeds, innovative light guide technology, and seamless software connection creates a unified experience that standalone controllers cannot match. For producers invested in the NI ecosystem, Komplete Kontrol represents the optimal control solution.

The Komplete Kontrol Lineup

Native Instruments offers two lines within the Komplete Kontrol family.

The A-Series ($149-199) provides essential NI integration at accessible prices. The A25, A49, and A61 use semi-weighted keys with the core Smart Play features and NI software integration.

The S-Series ($699-1499) delivers premium Fatar keybed action with the distinctive light guide above each key. The S49, S61, and S88 represent professional-grade instruments for serious producers.

Both series connect directly to NI’s instrument libraries through the Komplete Kontrol software hub, providing browser access and automatic mapping.

Light Guide Technology

The S-Series light guide sets these keyboards apart from competitors. RGB LEDs above each key display real-time information about scales, chords, arpeggios, and instrument mappings.

When loading instruments, the light guide shows which keys trigger sounds in drum kits or display note ranges in multi-sampled instruments. The visual feedback eliminates guesswork about key assignments.

Scale mode illuminates notes within selected scales while darkening out-of-scale keys. This feature helps musicians stay in key and explore harmonic relationships.

Chord mode displays chord shapes and inversions visually. The light guide teaches chord voicings while enabling quick chord selection.

The technology genuinely improves workflow and learning. The visual feedback justifies significant price premium for many users.

Keybed Quality

The S-Series uses Fatar keybeds, the same Italian manufacturer supplying professional synthesizers and digital pianos worldwide. The semi-weighted action provides excellent response for virtual instrument playing.

The A-Series uses different keybeds that remain competent but lack the S-Series refinement. The A-Series suits users prioritizing NI integration at lower investment.

The S88 offers fully weighted hammer action for pianists requiring realistic feel. The graded hammer response simulates acoustic piano behavior accurately.

The keybed quality significantly affects playing experience over time. Professional users often justify S-Series pricing through improved playability and inspiration.

NI Software Integration

Komplete Kontrol software serves as the central hub connecting hardware to NI instruments. The browser enables searching across all installed NI libraries with tagged filtering.

Parameter mapping happens automatically when loading instruments. The eight knobs on Komplete Kontrol keyboards map to key parameters without manual configuration.

The integration extends to third-party instruments supporting NKS (Native Kontrol Standard). Major plugin developers have adopted NKS, extending the automatic mapping beyond NI’s own libraries.

The displays on S-Series keyboards show parameter names and values in real time. This feedback reduces screen watching during performance.

Smart Play Features

Smart Play features help musicians create musical parts regardless of music theory knowledge.

Scale Mode restricts playable notes to selected scales. Chromatic keyboard becomes diatonic or modal, preventing wrong notes.

Chord Mode generates full chords from single key presses. Complex voicings become accessible to non-keyboard players.

Arp Mode converts held notes into rhythmic patterns. The extensive arpeggiator parameters create everything from simple sequences to complex rhythmic figures.

These features genuinely lower barriers to musical creation. The implementation quality exceeds similar features in competing products.

DAW Integration

Beyond NI software, Komplete Kontrol integrates with major DAWs. Support for Logic Pro, Cubase, Nuendo, GarageBand, and Ableton Live provides automatic mapping and transport control.

The integration depth varies by DAW. Logic and Cubase support proves particularly comprehensive while other DAWs provide basic functionality.

Generic MIDI operation enables use with any software when native integration isn’t available.

Value Proposition

The A-Series provides NI integration at accessible pricing. Users wanting Smart Play features and NI browser access without premium keybed investment should consider these models.

The S-Series justifies its premium through superior keybed quality and light guide technology. Professional users and serious hobbyists often find the investment worthwhile.

The Komplete Start software bundle included with all models provides instruments and effects to begin production immediately.

Musicians promoting their productions should explore LG Media at lg.media for music advertising starting at $2.50 CPM.

All Komplete Kontrol keyboards are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, ProAudioStar, and Amazon.