As an electronic music producer, my quest for innovation and creativity never ends. I stumbled upon the Native Instruments Kontrol S series keyboard when NI released the MK1 back in 2014, and since then it has become an integral part of my creative process. This remarkable piece of music technology has helped breathe new life into my music as it helps me search for, manage and navigate all the many virtual software instruments that I have collected over time. In this video, I provide a tutorial as to how I use the Kontrol S49 MK3 with Ableton Live and a host of plugins.
Here are some of the features I love about the S49 Mk3:
Unleashing Creative Freedom
One of the key aspects that drew me to the Kontrol S MK3 is its ability to unleash creative freedom. With its intuitive design, customizable touch-sensitive controls, and extensive integration with popular music production software like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Native Instruments’ own MASCHINE software, this keyboard is a great way to manage my music projects.
MIDI Integration
With its seamless integration with DAWs and plugins, I can easily control virtual instruments, synthesizers, and effects. The dedicated knobs and buttons provide a hands-on experience that speeds up my workflow, allowing me to focus on the music rather than getting bogged down in technical details.
World of Sounds
One of the features I like most is the extensive sound library offered through the Native Instruments Komplete software suite. With an extensive array of instruments and effects, sounds and samples, my sonic palette is virtually limitless. Something in many scenarios, I find myself overwhelmed when searching for a sound that I need for a track, the Kontrol S keyboard helps me refine my search, and audition the patch directly from the high-resolution screen. These speed up my workflow, keeping the inspiration rolling.
Play Assist and Polyphonic Aftertouch
Play Assist is a powerful feature that integrates with the light scale on the keys themselves. It’s used to keep you in-key whilst performing music arrangements, chord progressions and melodies. It’s a go-to feature for me as at its core, it serves as a tool for inspiration. The keyboard also has polyphonic aftertouch, whereby each key can independently add new levels of expression to your performance and arrangements.
Permanent Studio Fixture
The Kontrol S MK3 strikes a perfect balance between design aesthetics and durability. Its sleek, lightweight form factor makes it easy to take on the road or set up in a compact home studio. The keyboard’s sturdy construction gives me confidence that it can withstand the rigours of frequent use.
The Native Instruments Kontrol S MK3 keyboard has redefined my approach to music production. It’s not just a controller; it’s a creative instrument. From easily unleashing my artistic ideas with Play Assist mode to exploring a vast world of sounds through Komplete, this keyboard has become an indispensable tool in my musical journey.
Whether you’re an electronic producer, a sound designer, or a live performer, the Kontrol S MK3 offers a wealth of features and flexibility that can take your music to new heights. It has certainly become my trusted companion in the studio and on stage, and I can’t wait to see where its boundless potential will lead me next. If you’re ready to elevate your musical journey, the Kontrol S MK3 is a fantastic choice that promises to inspire and invigorate your creative process.
