Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer ................................................................................................................. 1
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL .............................................................................. 2
2.1. Document Conventions ....................................................................................... 2
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.6.0 ......................................................... 2
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.3.0 ......................................................... 3
2.4. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.6 ......................................................... 3
2.5. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3 ......................................................... 4
2.6. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0 ......................................................... 4
2.7. Box Contents ...................................................................................................... 5
2.8. System Requirements ......................................................................................... 5
2.9. Accessibility ....................................................................................................... 5
2.9.1. Keyboard Overview ..................................................................................... 6
2.9.2. Activating Accessibility Features .................................................................. 7
2.9.3. Training Mode ............................................................................................ 7
2.9.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts ................................................... 8
3. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflows ........................................................................ 10
4. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................... 12
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer .......................................................... 12
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ............................................................... 13
4.3. Setting up Host Integration ................................................................................ 14
4.3.1. Setting up Ableton Live ............................................................................. 15
4.3.2. Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ............................................ 15
4.3.3. Setting up Avid Pro Tools .......................................................................... 16
4.3.4. Setting up Bitwig Studio ............................................................................ 16
4.3.5. Setting up PreSonus Studio One ................................................................ 17
4.3.6. Setting up Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo ................................................... 17
4.4. Connecting a Sustain Pedal to the Keyboard ....................................................... 18
5. Software Overview .................................................................................................... 19
5.1. Header ............................................................................................................. 19
5.2. Browser ........................................................................................................... 20
5.2.1. Library Pane ............................................................................................. 20
5.2.2. Product Selector ....................................................................................... 22
5.2.3. Files Pane ................................................................................................ 23
5.3. Perform Panel ................................................................................................... 24
5.4. Plug-in Panel ..................................................................................................... 24
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel ........................................................................................... 25
5.6. MIDI Assignment Editor ..................................................................................... 25
5.7. Plug-in Area ...................................................................................................... 26
5.8. Sampler Plug-In ................................................................................................ 27
5.8.1. Envelopes ................................................................................................ 28
5.9. Audio Plug-In .................................................................................................... 30
6. Keyboard Overview ................................................................................................... 32
6.1. Perform and Edit Section ................................................................................... 33
6.2. Transport Section ............................................................................................. 34
6.3. Navigation and Mode Buttons ............................................................................ 34
6.4. Transpose Buttons ............................................................................................ 35
7. Global Controls and Preferences ................................................................................ 37
7.1. Instrument Views .............................................................................................. 37
7.1.1. Default View ............................................................................................. 37
7.1.2. Additional View ........................................................................................ 38
7.1.3. Edit View ................................................................................................. 39
7.2. Switching Instances .......................................................................................... 40
7.3. Transport and Tempo ........................................................................................ 40
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock ................................................................................... 41
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo ...................................................................................... 42
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume ................................................................................... 42
7.5. Preferences ...................................................................................................... 42
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page ......................................................................... 43
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page .......................................................................... 44
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page ...................................................................... 45
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page ....................................................................... 46
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page ...................................................................... 49
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page ...................................................................... 51
7.6. Loading a Plug-in in Default State ....................................................................... 51
8. MIDI Communication ................................................................................................ 53
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers ................................................ 53
8.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller ............................................................. 56
8.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller ................................................ 57
8.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller .............................................. 57
8.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode ........................................................................... 57
8.1.5. Hardware Conguration for MIDI Mapping .................................................. 59
8.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances ............................................................... 59
8.2. Host Automation ............................................................................................... 59
8.2.1. Recording Automation .............................................................................. 60
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel ........................................................ 60
9. Using the MIDI Assignment Editor ............................................................................. 62
9.1. The Mapping System ........................................................................................ 63
9.2. Opening the MIDI Assignment Editor ................................................................... 64
9.3. Assigning MIDI Messages to Control Elements .................................................... 65
9.4. Renaming Control Elements ............................................................................... 66
9.5. Creating a New MIDI Template ........................................................................... 66
9.6. Renaming MIDI Templates ................................................................................. 67
9.7. MIDI Message Types and Assignments ............................................................... 68
9.7.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu ............................................................ 68
9.7.2. Assignments for Knobs ............................................................................. 69
9.7.3. Assignments for Switch Pedals ................................................................. 69
9.7.4. Assignments for Continuous Pedals .......................................................... 70
10. Host Integration ...................................................................................................... 71
10.1. Integration with MASCHINE ............................................................................. 71
10.1.1. Basic Control Functions .......................................................................... 71
10.1.2. Advanced Integration Control Functions ................................................... 72
10.2. Integration with Ableton Live ............................................................................ 74
10.3. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ........................................... 75
10.4. Integration with Avid Pro Tools ......................................................................... 77
10.5. Integration with Bitwig Studio ........................................................................... 78
10.6. Integration with PreSonus Studio One ............................................................... 80
10.7. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo ................................................. 80
11. Browsing the Library ............................................................................................... 82
11.1. Browser Basics ............................................................................................... 82
11.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ........................ 82
11.1.2. Loops and One-shots .............................................................................. 82
11.1.3. About the Library and Meta-Information ................................................... 83
11.1.4. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................... 83
11.2. Opening the Browser ....................................................................................... 84
11.3. Loading Preset Files ........................................................................................ 84
11.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content ........................................ 85
11.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product ....................................................................... 86
11.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank ............................................................................ 89
11.7. Resetting the Product Selection ........................................................................ 90
11.8. Types and Characters Tags .............................................................................. 90
11.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters .......................................... 92
11.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ............................................ 94
11.9. Working with Favorites .................................................................................... 94
11.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ......................................................... 95
11.9.2. Displaying Favorites in the Results List ..................................................... 96
11.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites ................................................. 96
11.10. Performing a Text Search ............................................................................... 97
11.11. Displaying Preset File Information ................................................................... 98
11.12. Auditioning your Preset Files .......................................................................... 98
12. Working with Effects ............................................................................................... 99
12.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel ....................................................................... 99
12.2. Adding Effects ................................................................................................ 99
12.3. Selecting Plug-in Slots ................................................................................... 102
12.4. Reordering Effects ......................................................................................... 102
12.5. Scrolling the Plug-in Chain ............................................................................. 103
12.6. Bypassing Effects ......................................................................................... 103
12.7. Removing Effects .......................................................................................... 104
13. Working with Loops and One-Shot Samples ........................................................... 105
13.1. Sampler Plug-In and Audio Plug-In Use Cases .................................................. 105
13.2. Loading One-Shot Samples and Loops ............................................................ 105
13.3. Opening the Audio Plug-In or Sampler Plug-In .................................................. 106
13.4. Switching between the Audio Plug-In and the Sampler Plug-In .......................... 106
13.5. Playback Behavior of Audio Plug-In in Host Software ........................................ 107
14. Managing the Library ............................................................................................ 108
14.1. Saving Preset Files to the User Library ............................................................ 108
14.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ............................................... 110
14.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files ......................................... 111
14.4. Syncing Multiple Instances ............................................................................ 113
14.5. Working with the Files Pane ........................................................................... 114
14.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane .............................. 114
14.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar ................................... 115
14.5.3. Navigating to Recent File Locations ....................................................... 115
14.5.4. Working with File Location Favorites ...................................................... 115
14.6. Loading VST Plug-ins ..................................................................................... 116
14.7. Installing NKS Instruments ............................................................................ 117
14.8. Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ................................... 119
15. Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters ................................ 121
15.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ......................... 121
15.2. Adjusting Parameters .................................................................................... 121
15.3. Switching Parameter Pages ........................................................................... 121
15.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel ................................ 121
16. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords .............................................. 124
16.1. A Note about Music Theory ............................................................................ 124
16.2. Activating the Scale Engine ............................................................................ 125
16.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale ......................................................................... 125
16.4. Playing Chords .............................................................................................. 126
16.5. Editing Scales and Chords .............................................................................. 126
16.6. Setting the SCALE Parameters ....................................................................... 127
16.6.1. SCALE Root Note .................................................................................. 127
16.6.2. SCALE Bank and Type ........................................................................... 128
16.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter ................................................................... 132
16.8. Setting the CHORD Parameters ...................................................................... 133
16.8.1. CHORD Mode ....................................................................................... 133
16.8.2. CHORD Type ........................................................................................ 134
16.8.3. CHORD Position ................................................................................... 136
17. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences ....................................... 138
17.1. Playing Arpeggiator Sequences ...................................................................... 138
17.2. Editing the Arpeggiator .................................................................................. 139
17.3. MAIN Parameters .......................................................................................... 140
17.3.1. MAIN Mode .......................................................................................... 140
17.3.2. MAIN Type ........................................................................................... 140
17.4. RHYTHM Parameters .................................................................................... 140
17.4.1. RHYTHM Rate ...................................................................................... 141
17.4.2. RHYTHM Sequence .............................................................................. 142
17.4.3. RHYTHM Swing .................................................................................... 142
17.5. OTHER Parameters ....................................................................................... 142
17.5.1. OTHER Octaves .................................................................................... 143
17.5.2. OTHER Dynamic ................................................................................... 143
17.5.3. OTHER Gate ......................................................................................... 143
17.6. ADVANCED Parameters ................................................................................. 144
17.6.1. ADVANCED Retrigger ............................................................................ 144
17.6.2. ADVANCED Repeat ............................................................................... 144
17.6.3. ADVANCED Offset ................................................................................ 144
17.6.4. ADVANCED Inversion ............................................................................ 145
17.7. RANGE Parameters ....................................................................................... 145
17.7.1. RANGE Min. Key ................................................................................... 145
17.7.2. RANGE Max. Key .................................................................................. 145
17.8. HOLD Parameter ........................................................................................... 146
DISC LA I MER 1
1. Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document
is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any afliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 2.7.0 (03/2022)
Hardware version: A-Series
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL ASeries—form a tightly integrated music production and performance system that brings all the
sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the heart of your workflow.
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers advanced integration with a number of hosts and provides full
control of any Instruments supporting NKS, both from Native Instruments and partners. The
keyboard lets you browse your Instruments, Loops, One-Shots and Effects in an intuitive way and
play them creatively with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s unique Scale engine and Arpeggiator.
We hope you enjoy this instrument as much as we do.
— The team at Native Instruments
2.1. Document Conventions
In this document the following formatting is used to highlight useful information:
Italics Indicates paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices
Bold Highlights important names, concepts, software interface elements, and
hardware controls.
[Brackets] References keys on a computer’s keyboard.
Single item instructions are represented by a bullet icon.
Results in procedures are represented by an arrow icon.
The following three icons represent different types of information:
The light bulb icon indicates a useful tip, suggestion, or interesting fact.
The information icon highlights important information that is essential for the given
context.
The warning icon alerts you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
Naming Conventions
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (or just
keyboard) as the hardware controller and KOMPLETE KONTROL software as the software installed
on your computer.
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.6.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 3
Audible Indicator During Background Scanning
• When Accessibility is activated, the start and end of a Background Content Scan are
announced via an audible indicator.
Big Sur compatibility on Intel-based Macs
• KOMPLETE KONTROL is now supported on macOS Big Sur when running as a VST, AAX or
standalone.
• KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE are not yet supported on Apple Silicon based Macs.
Even though they can be installed from Native Access on these computers, there is a
small possibility of data loss within KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE between sessions,
meaning that Project settings, loaded Instruments, and Amp parameters may intermittently be
lost when re-opening a saved project in Logic. We are working with Apple to resolve the issue.
Please see this article for updates.
Background Scanning Improvements
• Background Content Scan now occurs when KOMPLETE KONTROL is hosted as a plug-in.
• UI and performance improvements whilst the Background Content Scan is running.
Additional Bug Fixes
• Super 8 R2 UI appears blank when loaded inside of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
• User edited tags were not saved.
• Dragging an item from the Browser shows one more item than what is dragged.
• Saved items are not shown in the Browser if a scan is running in the background.
• Samples with special unicode characters were not recognised on Windows.
• Browsing tags on the Hardware was slow when a Character tag was selected.
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.3.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
MIDI Mode Assignments for KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series and M32
Congure knobs, keybed and pedals via the MIDI Assignment editor in the KOMPLETE KONTROL
Standalone software.
For more information, refer to MIDI Assignment Editor.
2.4. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.6
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
PreSonus Studio One Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL
• KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards now support integration in PreSonus Studio One.
For more information, refer to Integration with PreSonus Studio One.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 4
Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
and M32
• KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series and M32 keyboards now support integration in PreSonus
Studio One.
For more information, refer to Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo.
2.5. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
Audio Plug-in
• The new Audio plug-in specializes in keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the project in
your host software and has the optional ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop.
Furthermore, you can transpose the loop while it plays so that it ts the key of your song. For
more information on the Audio plug-in, refer to Audio Plug-In. For more information on using
the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot Samples.
MIDI Control Takeover Mode for Third-Party Controllers
• When using third-party controllers, you can now enable Takeover mode to prevent potential
parameter jumps caused by mismatching knob positions between software and hardware. For
more information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
Improvements to Host Integration
• Previously, you had to start KOMPLETE KONTROL as a stand-alone application to scan your
library for Instruments, Samples, and Effects before using the plug-in in your host. This step is
now no longer necessary. Instead, when using KOMPLETE KONTROL in your host directly after
installation, a dialog is presented allowing you to scan your library.
2.6. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
MIDI Mapping for Third-Party Controllers
• It is now possible to control some of KOMPLETE KONTROL's parameters via a third-party MIDI
controller. For more information, refer to MIDI Communication.
Sounds.com Integration
• Browse on Sounds.com, create your own collections of loops and one-shots and send them
directly to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Improvements to the Browser
• Samples are now cataloged in separate Loops and One-shots tabs in the Browser. For more
information, refer to Loops and One-shots.
• Previews of Loops selected in the Browser will be played in sync with the current project. When
a loop is selected with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync with the
project if transport is running. For more information, refer to Loops and One-shots
• Filters and product selections will be remembered when switching between Content types and
Factory/User Libraries in the Browser.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 5
• Browser content synchronization between multiple running instances. When running multiple
instances of KOMPLETE KONTROL, either as Standalone and/or as a plug-in, updates to the
Library will be synced across the instances. For example, if you delete a sample from your User
Library in one instance, the sample will no longer be present in the other instances. Similarly, if
you save a preset in one instance, that preset will then be available in the other instances also.
Improved Support for A-Series Keyboards
• When Browsing with A-Series keyboards, you can now jump quickly to the Results list by
holding SHIFT and pushing right on the 4-D Encoder.
• When Browsing with A-Series keyboards, you can fast scroll through the Browser Results list
by holding SHIFT and twisting the 4-D Encoder.
• Automatic Plug-in Focus and device auto-connect for A-Series keyboards when used with
Ableton Live.
• It is now possible to enter PLUG-IN from MIDI on A-Series keyboards.
• Accessibility for A-Series keyboards.
2.7. Box Contents
The box contains the following items:
• KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• USB cable
• Information flyer providing:
• the hardware serial number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• a web link for downloading the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and the
KOMPLETE SELECT software bundle
• Safety Instructions flyer
2.8. System Requirements
For KOMPLETE KONTROL to fully function as indented, your system needs to meet
certain requirements. The latest KOMPLETE KONTROL system requirements and compatibility
information is available here:
https://www.native-instruments.com//komplete-kontrol-a25-a49-a61/specifications/
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE KONTROL is optimized for use with KOMPLETE SELECT, KOMPLETE and
KOMPLETE ULTIMATE.
The latest KOMPLETE system requirements and compatibility information is available here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/
2.9. Accessibility
Komplete Kontrol offers a set of accessibility features for visually-impaired users. These are
focused exclusively on the keyboard itself and include speech output via your computer for the
following features:
• Perform, Transpose, Page left / right, and key navigation buttons.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 6
• All Browser functions.
• The current edit mode, including the Plug-in Panel and the Perform panel (Scale, Arp).
• Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit modes.
The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with Komplete
Kontrol’s host integration and Apple VoiceOver in Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
2.9.1. Keyboard Overview
The buttons and knobs on the Komplete Kontrol keyboard are organized in the following groups:
• Perform and Edit section
• Transport section
• Solo and Mute buttons
• Preset and Page buttons
• Control section
• Navigation and Mode buttons
• 4-Directional Push Encoder (referred to as the 4-D encoder)
• Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons
The Perform and Edit section is located at the top left of the keyboard. It contains six buttons that
are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the rst row are (from left to right):
• SHIFT
• SCALE (Edit)
• ARP (Edit)
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• UNDO (Redo)
• QUANTIZE
• AUTO
The Transport section is located directly below the Perform and Edit section. It contains six
buttons that are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the rst row are (from left to right):
• LOOP
• METRO
• TEMPO
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• PLAY (Restart)
• REC (Count-In)
• STOP
The Solo and Mute buttons are located to the right of the Transport section. The two buttons are
arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 7
• Mute
• Solo
The Preset buttons are located to the bottom right of the Perform and Edit section, above the Solo
and Mute buttons. The four buttons are arranged in a column.
The buttons are (from top to bottom):
• PRESET Up
• PRESET Down
The Control section is located in the center of the Komplete Kontrol keyboard. It contains eight
knobs. The knobs are arranged in a row directly above the keybed.
The Navigation buttons are on the top right of the Komplete Kontrol keyboard. The three buttons
are arranged in one row, (from left to right):
• BROWSER
• PLUG-IN
• TRACK
The 4-D encoder is located directly below the Navigation buttons.
The Transpose buttons are located at the far left of the keyboard next to the keybed and directly
above the Pitch and Modulation wheels. The two buttons are arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
• OCT Down / FIXED VEL (TS Mode)
• OCT Up
2.9.2. Activating Accessibility Features
In order to activate or deactivate the accessibility features from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard while the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running:
1. Press and hold the SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard.
2. While holding SHIFT, press the IDEAS button, located third to the right, in the second row on
the keyboard.
→ The speech output conrms that the accessibility features have been activated or deactivated.
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
plug-in. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened
after initial installation and after installing additional Instruments and Effects. This will
ensure that all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects are displayed correctly in
the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
2.9.3. Training Mode
KOMPLETE KONTROL Training Mode makes it easy to locate a specic button or parameter
without accidentally triggering an action. When Training Mode is activated, all button presses and
parameter names are announced but the corresponding action is not triggered.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 8
Activating Training Mode
To activate or deactivate Training Mode from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard while the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running:
▶ Double-press the SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard.
Training Mode is only available when the accessibility features have been activated.
2.9.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts
The following overview outlines the availability of accessibility features for different
aspects of KOMPLETE KONTROL from both the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software. In the table you also can nd the relevant keyboard shortcut.
Feature Accessible
Keyboard Shortcut
from
Keyboard
Accessibility
Mode
Browser Browse for Factory and User
Instrument
control
Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord
Tempo Adjust BPM Yes TEMPO + Knob 1
Enable or disable Accessibility
mode
Enable or disable speech
output for names of Preset
les
Preset les
Switch between Category and
Vendor sorting
Set Preset le Favorites Yes SHIFT + Knob 4
Sort by Favorites SHIFT + Knob 3
Save and edit User Preset les No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from
other vendors
Adjust key Instrument
parameters
Custom map Instrument
parameters
Parameters
Adjust Scale & Chord
parameters
Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit
Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8
Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page
Yes SHIFT + IDEAS
SHIFT + Button 5
Yes Page left button or
Page right button
Yes SHIFT + Knob 1
Yes Supported by default
Yes Knob 1 – 8
No
Yes SHIFT + SCALE Edit
Knob 1 – 8
right
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 9
Feature Accessible
Keyboard Shortcut
from
Keyboard
Training mode Find a control without
accidentally triggering actions
Enabling or disabling Training
mode
Preferences Adjust software & hardware
preferences
Software
dialog
Be notied if a dialog box
opens in the software (dialog
content is not available for
speech output)
Yes
Yes Double-press SHIFT
No
Yes Supported by default
Accessibility for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration is only available when
using Apple VoiceOver in Logic Pro X and GarageBand. For more information about
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration features, refer to Host Integration.
THE KO M PLETE KONTR OL WORK FL O WS 10
3. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflows
KOMPLETE KONTROL brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard
(NKS) to the center of your workflows, the stand-alone workflow and the host integration
workflow.
Stand-alone Workflow
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL in stand-alone mode, the workflow is the following:
1. Find Preset les you like from any of the Instruments, Loops, One-Shots and Effects by
browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s lters.
2. Use the keyboard’s Control section to adjust the loaded Instrument and Effect(s) and create
your own unique sound.
3. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your playing
with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
Host Integration Workflow
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced integration in a number of hosts enables you to quickly capture
ideas, with immediate access to the sounds you need, all directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL host integration workflow is streamlined to remove any obstacles
when sketching out a new song in a supported host:
1. Select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in with the navigation controls on the
keyboard. This is made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host integration.
2. Find Preset les you like from any of the Instruments and Effects in your KOMPLETE KONTROL
Library by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s lters.
3. Use the keyboard’s Control section to adjust the loaded Instrument and Effect(s) and create
your own unique sound.
4. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your playing
with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
5. Record a new clip in the host, conveniently controlling transport and loop functions
directly from the keyboard. Again, made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host
integration.
6. If you need to start over, undo and redo functions are right at your ngertips. To further
rene your recording, you can apply quantization and automation to a clip by pressing the
corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
→ You have quickly captured a musical idea and can continue sketching out a new song by
repeating the process and layering more tracks.
Key Features
The following key features facilitate the KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow:
• Browser: The Browser is your interface for nding, loading and organizing Instruments,
Loops, One-Shots, Effects, and Preset les from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. For more
information, refer to Browsing the Library, Working with Effects and Managing the Library.
• Instrument and Effect control: The knobs on the keyboard are pre-mapped to all KOMPLETE
and NKS Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects for immediate control. For more
information, refer to Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters.
THE KO M PLETE KONTR OL WORK FL O WS 1 1
• Smart Play: The Scale engine and the Arpeggiator let you play and generate scales, chords,
and arpeggiator sequences. For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords and Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
• Host integration: Advanced integration in a number of hosts allows you control core
functionality directly from the keyboard. For more information, refer to Setting up Host
Integration and Host Integration.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 12
4. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
This section provides basic setup information for using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone
software, and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL in supported
hosts.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is installed both as a stand-alone application as well as a VST,
VST3, Audio Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and
MIDI interfaces, which you can congure in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences. When
KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a plug-in within a host, the communication with your audio
and MIDI interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI conguration of the host, and how to load
plug-ins, please refer to its documentation.
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
To connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to your computer:
1. Attach the device end of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard.
2. Attach the computer end of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on your
computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the keyboard to switch it on.
→ The keyboard is now detected by the operating system.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 13
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as a
stand-alone application independently from a host.
By default, the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use
another audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need to congure the
application in the Preferences.
Configuring Audio Interface
1. In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu click on Edit > Preferences to open the Preferences.
2. Click on Audio to display the Audio page.
3. Select the hardware driver supported by your audio interface from the Driver drop-down menu.
4. Select the audio interface from the Device drop-down menu.
5. Under Routings, select the left and right output channels of your audio interface you want
to use for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s master output in the Komplete Kontrol Out 1 L and
Komplete Kontrol Out 1 R drop-down menus.
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Enabling MIDI Control
1. Click on MIDI to display the MIDI page.
2. Click on Input to display the available devices for incoming MIDI signals.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 14
3. Click the checkbox representing your keyboard, for example, Komplete KontrolA25 MIDI to
activate incoming MIDI signals from the keyboard.
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
→ The software is congured and ready to be controlled with the keyboard.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play
features with other MIDI instruments.
4.3. Setting up Host Integration
KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for
performing and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Ableton Live 10
• Apple GarageBand
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Avid Pro Tools
• Bitwig Studio
• PreSonus Studio One 4.5
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 15
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 8/9/10
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, you need to set up
your host using the following instructions.
4.3.1. Setting up Ableton Live
Before you can load KOMPLETE KONTROL instances into Ableton Live, you must congure
Ableton Live for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Configuring Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL
To add KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences:
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Ableton Live.
3. In Ableton Live, go to the Preferences and open the Link / MIDI tab.
4. In a free control surface slot select Komplete Kontrol A from the Control Surface drop-down
menu.
5. For the control surface input select Komplete Kontrol A DAW in the Input drop-down menu.
6. For the control surface output select Komplete Kontrol A DAW in the Output drop-down menu.
Loading KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live
To load KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected to your computer.
2. In Ableton Live, select the Plug-ins folder in the Browser to display the installed plug-ins.
3. Drag the KOMPLETE KONTROL entry from the Browser list to an empty MIDI track.
→ You are now ready to use KOMPLETE KONTROL within Ableton Live.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Ableton Live, refer to
Integration with Ableton Live.
4.3.2. Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand are automatically congured for advanced integration with
KOMPLETE KONTROL once you launch the respective application for the rst time after installing
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on
before launching the application.
A dialog asks you to conrm this after launching the application:
▶ When the message OSC app “KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series” wants to connect to Logic Pro
X / GarageBand appears on screen, click OK.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 16
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Apple Logic Pro and
GarageBand, refer to Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
4.3.3. Setting up Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Avid Pro Tools.
3. In Avid Pro Tools, open Setup in the menu bar and select Peripherals....
4. In the Peripherals window, go to the MIDI Controllers tab.
5. Select Komplete Kontrol in any of the drop-down menus in the Type column to add the
keyboard. The ports and MIDI channel will be set automatically.
6. Click OK to conrm the settings and close the Peripherals window.
→ Avid Pro Tools is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
The following modes, settings, and workflows in Pro Tools are recommended when using
KOMPLETE KONTROL host integration:
• Using Dynamic Transport mode: In this transport mode, the playback start location is
independent of the timeline selection. Therefore, you can move the playback start location
while retaining the current loop boundaries. You can set the transport mode by right-clicking on
the Play button.
• Inserting KOMPLETE KONTROL: The KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in needs to be inserted in
Insert A of an Instrument track to ensure full host integration functionality.
• Enabling Transport Record Lock: Depending on your workflow, you might benet from
activating Transport Record Lock in the Preferences. When this option is active, recording
continues after the rst pass is completed, enabling you to record multiple passes.
• Selecting single tracks: The KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow relies on selecting a single track.
Therefore, selecting multiple tracks is not possible from the keyboard. Selections of multiple
tracks cannot be displayed correctly on the keyboard.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Avid Pro Tools, refer to
Integration with Avid Pro Tools.
4.3.4. Setting up Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 17
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Bitwig Studio.
3. In Bitwig, open the Device Setup from the Devices menu.
4. Click the + button in the upper left corner of the Device Setup and select Komplete Kontrol
A-Series from the drop-down menu.
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol A-Series to the ports named Komplete
Kontrol A DAW.
→ Bitwig is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Bitwig Studio, refer to
Integration with Bitwig Studio.
4.3.5. Setting up PreSonus Studio One
PreSonus Studio One must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch PreSonus Studio One.
3. In Studio One, open the Preferences menu, then select External Devices.
4. Press Add and select Komplete Kontrol A-Series from the drop-down menu.
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol A-Series to the ports named
Komplete Kontrol DAW (macOS) / KOMPLETE KONTROL (Windows).
→ PreSonus Studio One is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Presonus Studio One, refer to
Integration with PreSonus Studio One.
4.3.6. Setting up Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo must be congured for advanced integration with
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo.
3. In Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, open the Device Setup. from the Devices menu (Steinberg
Cubase 9.5: Studio Setup from the Studio menu).
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 18
4. Click the + button in the upper left corner of the Device Setup and select Komplete Kontrol A-
Series from the drop-down menu.
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol A-Series to the ports named
Komplete Kontrol DAW (macOS) / KOMPLETE KONTROL (not KOMPLETE KONTROL EXT,
Windows).
→ Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo,
refer to Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo.
4.4. Connecting a Sustain Pedal to the Keyboard
The keyboard provides you with a pedal input on its rear panel: FOOT PEDAL. This input allows you
to connect a sustain pedal or footswitch to control sustain of the notes you play.
To connect the sustain pedal to the keyboard:
▶ Connect the sustain pedal to the FOOT PEDAL input at the rear panel of the keyboard.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 19
5. Software Overview
This following section provides an overview of the areas and controls of the KOMPLETE KONTROL
software.
Overview of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
1. Header: Provides access to general functions like the Main menu, the Preset display, the
Transport and Master Volume controls, as well as options to show and hide user interface
areas. For more information, refer to Header.
2. Plug-in area: Shows your loaded Instrument, Loop, One-shot or Effect and enables you control
it directly in the software. For more information, refer to Plug-in Area.
3. Browser: Provides access to your Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects. It also enables
you to add, edit, and manage your Preset les. For more information, refer to Browser.
5.1. Header
The header is where you nd general settings that affect KOMPLETE KONTROL globally. It also
lets you access additional user interface areas.
The header.
1. KOMPLETE KONTROL logo: Opens the About screen, which shows the version number of the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
2. Browser button: Shows or hides the Browser. For more information, refer to Browser.
3. KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: Opens the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, which contains a
number of general functions and settings, including the Preferences.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 20
4. Preset display: Displays the name of the loaded Preset le or KONTAKT key switch. The arrow
buttons on the right skip to the next Preset le in the Browser’s Results list.
5. Perform panel button: Shows or hides the Perform panel, which gives you access to the
parameters of the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator. The Perform panel button lights up blue
when the Scale engine and/or the Arpeggiator are activated. For more information, refer to
Perform Panel.
6. Plug-in panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in panel, which allows you to customize the
parameter mapping for the Control section on the keyboard for every Preset le. For more
information, refer to Plug-in Panel.
7. Plug-in chain panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in chain panel and lights up white when
activated. For more information, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel.
8. View button: Switches between Default view and Additional view of the loaded Instrument.
The View button only appears if the loaded Instrument contains an Additional view. The View
button is not available when an Effect is selected.
9. Keyboard button: Shows the currently connected keyboard, A25, A49, or A61. If multiple
instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (for example in a host), clicking
the button connects the keyboard to this instance. This indicator only appears if at least one
compatible device is connected. When a third-party keyboard is used, the MIDI button will be
displayed instead of the Keyboard. Use the MIDI button to assign third-party controllers to
Native Map. For more information, refer to Switching Instances.
10.Transport controls: Lets you start, stop, and reset the internal clock. When
KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in in a host, the transport automatically follows
the host transport and this feature is greyed out. For more information, refer to Transport and
Tempo.
11.Tempo control: Lets you adjust the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). For more information,
refer to Transport and Tempo.
12.Master Volume control: Lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
The meter shows the current peak level of the output signal. For more information, refer to
Adjusting Master Volume.
13.CPU meter: Represents the current load on your computer’s processor; it should not go above
70% to avoid clicks and interruptions.
14.NI logo: The NI logo opens the About screen, which shows the version number of the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
5.2. Browser
The Browser provides you access to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and lets you add, edit, and
organize Preset les. It consists of the Library pane together with the Product selector, and of the
Files pane which are explained in the following overviews.
For more information on using the Browser and managing your Preset les, refer to Browsing the
Library, Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
5.2.1. Library Pane
The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Loops, One-shots, Effects, and Preset les.
It consists of the following elements:
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
11
10
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 21
The Library pane.
(1) Library: Displays the Library pane.
(2) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops or One-shots,
or Effects. This is dependant on which Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain is selected. For more
information on switching between Product Types, refer to Product Types: Instruments, Loops,
One-shots and Effects.
(3) Content selector: The Globe icon selects factory content and the User icon selects user
content. Only Preset les of the selected content type are displayed in the Results list (8). For more
information, refer to Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content.
(4) Product selector: Selects a particular Product or Effect, Product category, and Bank of the
selected Product. Only Preset les matching your selection are displayed in the Results list (8). For
more information, refer to Product Selector.
(5) TYPES: Browse for Preset les based on Type and Sub-Type tags that have been applied to
them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to TYPES. For more
information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(6) CHARACTERS: Lets you browse for Preset les based on Characters tags that have been
applied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to
CHARACTERS. For more information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(7) Favorites: When the icon is activated, only favorite Preset les are displayed in the Results list
(8). For more information, refer to Working with Favorites.
(8) Results list: Displays all Preset les that match your entered search criteria. For more
information, refer to Loading Preset Files.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 22
(9) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing and editing the KOMPLETE KONTROL
Library:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information for the selected Preset le(s).
• The EDIT button opens the Attribute editor for displaying and editing the tags and properties of
the selected Preset le(s).
For more information, refer to Displaying Preset File Information.
(10) Prehear controls: Lets you audition Preset les. For more information, refer to Auditioning
your Preset Files.
(11) Search field: Lets you perform a text search. For more information, refer to Performing a Text
Search.
5.2.2. Product Selector
When browsing for Instruments, Loops, One-shots or Effects, the Product selector enables you to
limit your search to a specic Category/Vendor, Product, and Bank. Only Preset les matching your
selection are displayed in the Results list.
The Product selector.
(1) Product selector header: The header displays the selected Product. If there is no selection it
shows a generic label (All Instruments or All Effects). A click on the header opens or closes the
Product selector.
(2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or Vendor.
(3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 23
If Category is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the following
categories:
• DRUMS & PERCUSSION
• SAMPLED INSTRUMENTS
• SYNTHESIZERS
• NO CATEGORY
If Vendor is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the names of
the manufacturers.
For more information, refer to Filtering Preset Files by Product and Filtering Preset Files by Bank.
5.2.3. Files Pane
The Files pane contains following elements:
The Files pane in the Browser.
(1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to Working with the Files Pane.
(2) Favorite bar: Displays all your favorite folders. A click on any favorite folder lets you jump
directly to that particular path and display its content in the Result list (5). For more information,
refer to Working with File Location Favorites.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 24
(3) Location bar: Displays the selected path. The Location bar provides various tools to quickly
navigate your le system. For more information, refer to Navigating to File Locations with the
Location Bar.
(4) Recent Locations button: Opens a list of the last visited locations for quickly jumping to any of
them. For more information, refer to Navigating to Recent File Locations.
(5) Results list: Displays the content (les and folders) of the folder shown in the Location bar.
Only les compatible with KOMPLETE KONTROL are displayed. For more information, refer to
Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane.
(6) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing your le system:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information about the selected les.
• The IMPORT button lets you import the content of the selected folder to the
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. Before any les are imported, you can choose which tags will be
assigned to the les in the Attribute editor.
For more information, refer to Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files and Importing
KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files.
5.3. Perform Panel
The Perform panel.
1. SCALE: Clicking the round button left of SCALE switches the Scale engine on or off. Clicking
the SCALE label displays the Scale engine’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords for details.
2. ARP: Clicking the round button left of ARP switches the Arpeggiator on or off. Clicking the
ARP label displays the Arpeggiator’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Arpeggiator Sequences for details.
3. Parameter pages: If multiple pages of parameters are available, you can switch between them
here.
For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords.
5.4. Plug-in Panel
The Plug-in Panel lets you view and customize the parameters mapped to the Control section
on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard for individual Preset les. The amount of pages and
parameters vary depending on the loaded Instrument or Effect.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 25
The Plug-in panel.
For more information, refer to Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel
The Plug-in chain panel is situated at the top of the Plug-in area. The Plug-in chain is the place
where you can directly load Instrument Plug-ins and Samples (Plug-in slot 1), and Effect Plug-ins
(Plug-in slot 2 onwards) and arrange them in horizontal series. Each Plug-in is loaded into a Plug-in
slot to create the Plug-in chain. The arrangement of the Plug-ins is customizable, but only an
Instrument or a Sample can be loaded in to the rst Plug-in slot. For more information, refer to
Working with Effects.
Overview of the Plug-in Chain panel.
1. Plug-in chain: Displays the loaded Instrument or Sample, and Effects.
2. Plug-in slot: Each Plug-in slot represents a Plug-in and displays the Product’s name and
image. Use the Plug-in slots to directly load Plug-ins, bypass Effects and customize the order.
5.6. MIDI Assignment Editor
The MIDI Assignment editor allows you to dene what kind of MIDI messages are assigned to the
controls on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard in MIDI mode. This way you can use the keyboard
with MIDI applications or MIDI devices that require specic MIDI messages to be sent in order
to control certain parameters or functions. Multiple templates can be congured for quick recall,
allowing you to prepare controller assignments for different applications and/or devices. The MIDI
Assignment editor lets you change the assignments for the knobs, keys, and a connected pedal.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 26
Overview of the MIDI Assignment editor.
(1) Templates Pane: Allows you to create and manage your Templates for MIDI assignments.
(2) Templates Pane button: Shows/hides the Templates pane.
(3) KNOBS, KEYS, PEDAL Tabs: Select the type of control element to which you can make MIDI
assignments.
(4) Pages / Pedal: For the knobs, you can have multiple assignments organized in pages. In this
section, you can manage up to four pages. Pedal assignments are global and not distinct per
Template. For the pedal, it is not possible to have multiple assignments.
(5) Control Elements: Select the control element for a MIDI assignment.
(6) Definition Area: Denes the MIDI assignment properties for the selected control element.
For more information, refer to Using the MIDI Assignment Editor.
5.7. Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is where your Instruments, Loops, Oneshots and Effects are displayed once you have loaded them from the Browser. Each Product offers
a different set of controls and parameters that are all easily controlled directly on the computer
screen or from the keyboard. Parameter changes are mutually reflected by both the displays on
the keyboard and the Instrument’s user interface in the Plug-in area.
For most Instruments, additional views are available that give you access to another
set of controls. See Instrument Views for details.
The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 27
5.8. Sampler Plug-In
When loading a sample from the One-shots tab in the Browser, the sample will be automatically
loaded into the Sampler plug-in so it can be played immediately. Important parameters can be
accessed via the GUI, but all parameters for the Sampler plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in
Panel or a connected keyboard.
For more information on using the Sampler plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot
Samples.
Sampler plug-in.
1. Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the Sample.
2. Start: Determines the Start point of the sample. When Loop is active, the Loop Point
determines the start of the loop.
3. PITCH: Denes the pitch of your sample and adjusts the pitch within three octaves up or down.
As this is a traditional sampler.
4. ENVELOPE: Selects one of three envelope types (One-shot, AHD and ADSR). For more
information, refer to Envelopes.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 28
5. Loop Point: Sets the point at which the loop will start playing. The Loop Point can be set
independently of the Start Point.
6. LOOP: When the ON button is activated, the sample will loop at a length determined by the
Loop Point and End Point.
7. X FADE: Determines the type of fade between the loop points.
8. End Point: Sets the End point of the sample. When Loop is active, the End Point determines the
length of the loop.
9. Timeline: Shows the time scale in seconds.
5.8.1. Envelopes
An envelope allows you to modify the shape and timing of your sample, so you can create more
expressive and dynamic sounds. There are three Envelope types available in the Sampler plug-in;
One Shot, AHD and ADSR. Each Envelope will affect the playback and behavior of the sample.
One-shot
One-shot operates like a typical vintage drum machine; the sample is played in its entirety from
beginning to end, with no envelope. When this type is selected, no parameters are displayed.
The One-shot Envelope.
AHD
AHD disables the Sustain and Release controls of the ADSR envelope and replaces them with the
Hold parameter. AHD mode is ideal for triggering a sample for a certain amount of time, regardless
of how long the pad is held.
The AHD Envelope.
• ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
• HOLD: Hold determines how long the envelope will stay at its maximum level.
• DECAY: Decay is used to adjust how fast the sample takes to fade to out.
ADSR
The ADSR Envelope is generally used for longer, sustained samples that require complex dynamic
control.
The ADSR Envelope.
• ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
• DECAY: Decay determines how fast the envelope drops to the Sustain level.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 29
• SUSTAIN: Sustain determines the constant level being kept after Decay until the note ends.
• RELEASE: Release determines how long the sound takes to fade out after the note has ended.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 30
5.9. Audio Plug-In
When you load a sample of content type Loop from the Browser, the sample is automatically
loaded into the Audio plug-in so you can play it immediately. The Audio plug-in specializes in
keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the project in your host software and has the optional
ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop. Furthermore, you can transpose the loop
while it plays so that it ts the key of your song. Important parameters can be accessed via the
GUI, but all parameters for the Audio plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in panel or a connected
keyboard. As for any Instrument or the Sampler plug-in, the Audio plug-in uses the rst Plug-in slot
in the Plug-in chain.
For more information on using the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot
Samples.
The Audio plug-in provides you with the following elements and parameters:
Audio plug-in.
1. Timeline: Shows the timeline of the loop in musical units, including bars and beats.
2. Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the loaded loop. When a sample is played back, a
playhead is shown in the waveform display. With the scroll wheel of your mouse, you can zoom
in and out the waveform display. Right-clicking on the waveform display opens a context menu
for nding the loop on your computer.
3. Start Marker: Determines the start point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust
the Start Marker only from within the software.
4. End Marker: Determines the end point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust the
End Marker only from within the software.
5. Fade: Sets a simple fade-in/fade-out amount to avoid pops or clicks that may occur when
playing loops with the Audio Plug-in.
6. Tune: Transposes the tune of the loop within the range of -36 to +36 semitones. You can use
this control to set the playback pitch of the loop to 'C', and then the loop's pitch will match the
pitch of notes programmed into the host sequencer. This parameter is only available in Stretch
and Formant Engine mode (8).
7. Pitchbend: Sets the Pitchbend range of the loop from -12 to +12 which is relative to the Tune
parameter. This parameter controls the effect of the Pitch Wheel/Slider on your MIDI controller.
This parameter is only available in Stretch and Formant Engine mode (8).
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 31
8. Engine: Here you can choose from three different playback engine modes from the drop-down
menu:
• Re-pitch: This playback engine mode matches the tempo of the loop to the host
sequencer's tempo by changing the playback rate of the loop, and playback rate changes
will result in pitch changes to the loop. Like a vinyl record, playing it faster will also cause
the pitch of the loop to rise, whereas slowing it down causes the overall pitch to drop. This
mode is therefore more suitable for non-pitched material, like drums and percussion, and
has the benet that the transients of sounds remain sharp and also uses signicantly less
CPU than the other Engine modes. Since tempo and pitch are not independently adjustable
with this Engine, any pitch automation you may have done via Events entered will be
ignored, only the rhythm of the Events will be used to gate the Loop on and off.
• Stretch: This playback engine mode provides complete independence between tempo
and pitch. With this engine, you can change the tempo of a loop without changing its
pitch, you can change its pitch without changing its tempo, or you can change both the
tempo and pitch simultaneously. This mode even allows you to automate pitch changes by
entering notes into the host sequencer. As this mode provides complete tempo and pitch
independence, and also works on polyphonic material, it requires more CPU power than
other Engines.
• Formant: This playback engine mode is best suited to pitched (tonal) audio as it preserves
the formant of the sound. By preserving the formant, it retains the intrinsic character and
avoids any shifts in pitch that would normally result in the undesirable cartoon-like effects
on vocals when they are pitched upwards or downwards.
9. Tempo: Sets the original tempo of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play
it in sync, no matter what tempo you choose in your host sequencer. This is useful if your
host software has miscalculated the tempo while importing the loop. However, be aware that
changing Tempo during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
10.Length: Sets the original length of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play
it in sync, no matter what tempo you choose in your host sequencer. This is useful if your
host software has miscalculated the length while importing the loop. However, be aware that
changing Length during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
All parameters of the Audio plug-in can be adjusted by clicking the parameter and dragging
the mouse upwards or downwards. Pressing the [SHIFT] key on your computer keyboard while
dragging sets ner increments.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 32
6. Keyboard Overview
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is tightly integrated into the software and can be used to
browse, control and play your Products as well as to control supported hosts.
The keyboard is available in three sizes: The A25, A49, and A61 are equipped with the same
top-quality semi-weighted keybed. Beyond the keybed, all keyboards come with identical features.
The keyboard is equipped with the following sections:
Top View
KOMPLETE KONTROL A25 top view.
(1) Perform and Edit section: Lets you edit and control the Smart Play features, e.g., playing
scales, chords, and arpeggiator sequences. The settings made in the Perform and Edit section are
reflected in the display (2). For more information, refer to Perform and Edit Section.
(2) Display: The two lines display provides you information about current context of, e.g., the
Browser, the parameter assigned to a knob in the Control section, and the settings of the Perform
and Edit section.
(3) Preset buttons: The PRESET up / down buttons let you skip to the next or previous Preset le
of the loaded Product.
(4) Control section: The eight knobs dynamically adapt their assignment to the selected mode,
allowing for direct access to the available parameters. As the knobs are touch-sensitive, you can
tap them to see the current assignment in the display.
(5) Navigation and Mode buttons: Lets you browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and
navigate in your DAW with the 4-D encoder, as well as switch between BROWSER and PLUG-IN
mode. For more information, refer to Navigation and Mode Buttons.
(6) Keybed: Lets you play the loaded Instrument.
(7) Pitch and Modulation Wheels: The Pitch Wheel on the left lets you adjust the pitch of the
loaded Instrument. The Modulation Wheel on the right lets you adjust the default modulation
parameter of the loaded Instrument.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 33
(8) Transpose buttons: Transpose the keybed up or down by an octave, or set the note velocity for
all keys to a xed value of 127. When KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as plug-in in MASCHINE, you
can switch between playing a single sound chromatically, and playing a Group across 16 keys. For
more information, refer to Transpose Buttons.
(8) Page Left (M) and Page Right (S) buttons: The Page Left (M) and Page Right (S) buttons let
you skip to the next parameter page and thus remap the knobs to another set of parameters.
Using SHIFT, these buttons let you instantly solo or mute any Sound or Group in supported hosts.
For more information, refer to Host Integration.
(10) Transport section: Controls the transport of supported hosts when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
used as a plug-in. For more information, refer to Transport Section.
Rear View
KOMPLETE KONTROL A25 rear view.
1. Kensington Lock slot: Allows you to attach a Kensington Lock to secure your device from
theft.
2. Foot Pedal socket: Connects a sustain pedal.
3. USB connector: Connects the keyboard to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
6.1. Perform and Edit Section
The buttons in the Perform and Edit section on the far left of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
activate the Scale engine, the Arpeggiator, and also access their parameters for editing purposes.
The parameters are visible in the display and can be adjusted using the knobs in the Control
section.
Perform and Edit section.
1. SHIFT: Accesses the secondary functions of buttons labeled as such, for example, the Edit
functions of the SCALE (Edit) and ARP (Edit) buttons.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 34
2. SCALE (Edit): Switches the Scale engine on or off, and allows you to edit the Scale engine
parameters. For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and
Chords.
3. ARP (Edit): Switches the Arpeggiator on or off, and allows you to edit the Arp parameters. For
more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
4. IDEAS: Opens the Ideas view in MASCHINE when used as a plug-in. For more information, refer
to Host Integration.
5. QUANTIZE (AUTO): Enables you to quantize events to the step grid and lets you activate or
deactivate automation in supported hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
6. UNDO (Redo): Lets you undo or redo your last action in supported hosts. For more information,
refer to Host Integration.
6.2. Transport Section
In supported hosts, the TRANSPORT section at the far left on the keyboard provides you quick and
easy access to functions like play, record, loop, etc.
Transport section.
1. LOOP: Switches between standard and loop playback.
2. METRO: Switches the metronome on or off.
3. TEMPO: Enables you to tap in the tempo.
4. STOP: Stops playback.
5. REC(Count-in): Switches record on or off. SHIFT + REC(Count-in) switches the count-in on or
off.
6. PLAY(Restart): Starts playback. SHIFT + PLAY(Restart) starts playback from the beginning.
6.3. Navigation and Mode Buttons
The Navigation and Mode buttons enable you to browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and
navigate in your DAW with the 4-D encoder, as well as directly access Plug-in controls and Track
controls.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 35
Navigation and Mode buttons overview.
(1) BROWSER: Activates Browser control functions. For more information, refer to Browsing the
Library.
(2) PLUG-IN (MIDI): Accesses plug-in control functions for the selected plug-in. For more
information, refer to Working with Effects. Using SHIFT + PLUG-IN (MIDI) accesses MIDI mode
that allows you to use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard as a MIDI controller.
(3) TRACK (Instance): When using KOMPLETE KONTROL in a host with advanced integration
features, pressing TRACK (Instance) provides you with Track control functions. For more
information, refer to Host Integration. When using KOMPLETE KONTROL in a host without
advanced integration, this button lets you switch between KOMPLETE KONTROL instances.
(4) 4-D encoder: The 4-Directional Push encoder (referred to as the 4-D encoder) combines the
functionalities of a conventional joystick, of a button, and of a continuous encoder. These aspects
make it a multi-functional control element that can be used for navigation, adjusting values of
parameters, and controlling Products. Hence, it can be pushed in four directions: up, down, left,
and right, as well as being pressed and rotated.
Depending on the menu or context, the available actions differ:
• The display is navigated by pushing the 4-D encoder in a direction.
• Entries in a list are browsed by turning the 4-D encoder.
• The value of a highlighted parameter is adjusted by turning the 4-D encoder.
• A selection is conrmed by pressing the 4-D encoder.
For more information, refer to Browsing the Library, Working with Effects, and Controlling
Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters.
6.4. Transpose Buttons
Transpose buttons.
The OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) down button transposes the entire keyboard one octave down. Using
SHIFT + OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) sets the note velocity for all keys to a xed value of 127. By
default, the keys are sensitive to velocity: The harder you hit them, the louder the Sound will be.
With Fixed Velocity activated, your keys play at the same volume no matter how hard you hit them.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 36
The OCTAVE (Key Mode) up button transposes the entire keybed one octave up. Using SHIFT +
OCTAVE (Key Mode) switches between playing a single Sound chromatically, and playing a Group
across 16 keys, when used with MASCHINE.
Pressing both buttons simultaneously resets the keybed to the central octave.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 3 7
7. Global Controls and Preferences
This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header of
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
7.1. Instrument Views
Once you have loaded an Instrument from the Browser, it appears in the Plug-in area of the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Most KOMPLETE Instruments come equipped with more than
one view, giving you access to another set of controls or letting you edit certain features in ner
detail. The three possible Instrument views are Default View, Additional View, and Edit View
which can be selected directly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
Instrument views in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
▶ Alternatively, you can switch between Default View and Additional View by clicking on the View
button in the Header (+ icon).
All Instrument parameters can be controlled at all time from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard,
regardless of the selected Instrument view in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
The available views may vary with the loaded Instrument.
7.1.1. Default View
The Default View is the view that rst appears when you load an Instrument from the Browser.
It gives you access to some of the most important features of each NKS Instrument with an
easy-to-use interface.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 3 8
POLYPLEX in Default view.
7.1.2. Additional View
Most NKS Instruments have more parameters that can be displayed at once in small surface
and therefore come with a second, Additional View. The Additional View can give you access to
detailed edit controls or to a completely different set of controls altogether depending on the
loaded Instrument.
POLYPLEX in Additional view.
Besides of selecting Additional View via the KOMPLETE KONTROL Menu and the application
menu, you can also do this by clicking the + button in the KOMPLETE KONTROL header. Clicking it
again will return to the Default View.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 3 9
The + button opens and closes the Additional view.
7.1.3. Edit View
Edit view is only available for Instruments powered by KONTAKT or REAKTOR.
In the Edit View you have also the possibility to open any KOMPLETE Instrument that can be
loaded or played by either the KONTAKT PLAYER or REAKTOR PLAYER. This gives you access to
all the flexible controls and features you would normally have when using KONTAKT or REAKTOR
in stand-alone mode.
POLYPLEX in Edit View.
Edit view enables you to access les that cannot be loaded from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, e.g., KONTAKT Multis which can be loaded from the
KONTAKT Browser in edit view.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 40
7.2. Switching Instances
When two or more instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (e.g., as a plug-in
on different tracks of the host), you can choose which instance you want to control from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
Switching to an Instance from the Software
▶ To switch the keyboard to a particular instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click the
Connect button (keyboard icon) in the header of that instance.
Automatic Switching in a Host
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host with advanced integration, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode,
depending on the content of the selected track.
• If you select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard automatically
switches to this instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. This allows you to
immediately control all of your Product’s parameters from the keyboard.
• If you select a track that does not host the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard
automatically switches to MIDI mode. This allows you to assign the available controls on
the keyboard to parameters in the host or in an inserted plug-in via MIDI learn (if supported).
Switching to an Instance from the Keyboard
If you use KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host without advanced integration, you cannot
rely on automatic switching between instances. However, you can still select a particular instance
of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from the keyboard using its display and 4-D encoder.
To display and switch between KOMPLETE KONTROL instances from the keyboard, follow the
instructions below:
1. Press SHIFT + INSTANCE to show all active instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software
on the keyboard display.
2. Use the 4-D encoder to select an instance.
3. Press the 4-D encoder to switch to the selected instance.
→ You can now control the selected instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from the
keyboard.
7.3. Transport and Tempo
If KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a stand-alone application, it features its own Transport and
Tempo controls. They are used by sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments as well as
the Arpeggiator. Additionally, the tempo is used by all Instruments that allow you to set timing
parameters in relation to the musical tempo (e.g., rhythmic modulation, delay effects).
You can nd the Transport and Tempo controls in the Header:
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 1
Transport and tempo controls in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
(1) Play button: Starts and stops the internal clock. This can be used to control the playback of
sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments.
(2) Reset button: Resets the internal clock to its start position. Consequently, sequencers in
KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments will start their playback from the beginning. The same
applies to the Arpeggiator.
(3) Tempo control: Sets the tempo in BPM (beats per minute).
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to the
host. Therefore the Transport and Tempo controls are grayed out and inactive.
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock
You can reset the clock in the software and from the keyboard.
Resetting the Clock in the Software
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock.
2. Click the Play button to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
▶ Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the beginning.
Resetting the Clock from the Keyboard
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Press STOP to reset the internal clock.
2. Press PLAY (Restart) to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is stopped:
▶ Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to start playback from the
beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
▶ Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the
beginning.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 2
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo
You can adjust the tempo in the software and from the keyboard.
Adjusting Tempo in the Software
The Tempo control allows you to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
1. Click the display and drag the mouse up or down.
2. Alternatively, double-click the display and enter a value numerically.
→ The tempo adjusts in increments of one.
Adjusting Tempo from the Keyboard
You can also use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
▶ Hold TEMPO and turn Knob 1 in the Control section.
→ The tempo adjusts in increments of 1 BPM.
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume
The Master Volume slider lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KONTROL. The
Volume meter shows the current peak level of the output signal.
Master Volume controls.
In order to adjust the output volume:
▶ Click and drag the slider to the left or to the right.
→ This will adjust the output volume in 0.5 dB increments from -30 dB to +10 dB. Below -30 dB,
the keyboard’s volume control is exponentially scaled and quickly lowers the output signal to
complete silence.
7.5. Preferences
In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL.
To open the Preferences:
▶ Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 3
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page
The Audio page holds settings related to your audio interface when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the audio conguration is managed
by the host, and the Audio page is not available.
The Routings section allows you to congure the connections between the virtual outputs of
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the physical outputs of your audio interface.
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Setting Description
Driver Here you can select the audio driver.
Device This allows you to choose from the available devices if you have connected
more than one audio interface.
Status This shows you whether your audio interface is currently running.
Sample
Rate
This displays the selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart
KOMPLETE KONTROL after changing the sample rate.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 4
Setting Description
Buffer Size macOS: This slider allows you to adjust the buffer size of your audio interface
in samples. Lower values result in a more immediate playing response but
increase the CPU load, and may result in audible clicks and pops. Larger values
decrease the CPU load but introduce a larger latency (a small delay between
hitting a pad and hearing it). It is recommended to nd the lowest value that
does not cause clicks and pops even when playing more demanding Products.
Windows: When using an ASIO driver, the Audio page shows an ASIO Config
button instead of the Buffer Size slider. Click this button to open the settings
window of the selected ASIO driver.
Latency This shows the delays introduced by the current Buffer Size setting.
Routings Under Routings, you will be presented with a list of the 16 stereo outputs from
KOMPLETE KONTROL: In the right column, you can assign them to the outputs
of your audio interface. Click the elds in the right column to select the desired
outputs via a drop-down menu.
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page
The MIDI page allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports that you want to use when
KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the MIDI conguration is managed by
the host, and the MIDI page is not available.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 5
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
Element Description
Input Clicking Input displays a list of all the available MIDI inputs of your system.
You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its
name.
Output Clicking Output displays a list of all the available MIDI outputs of your system.
You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its
name.
Takeover
Mode
When using third-party controllers, you can select Pickup from the Takeover
mode drop-down menu to prevent potential parameter jumps caused by
mismatching knob positions between software and hardware. For more
information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features with
other MIDI instruments.
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page
The General page holds Usage Data Tracking settings. Usage Data Tracking technology enables
KOMPLETE KONTROL to automatically track anonymous usage data that you can choose to share
with us.
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Usage Data Tracking can be activated or deactivated in the General page of the Preferences
in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. However, we encourage all users to keep Data Tracking
activated as it provides a valuable tool for understanding the performance of Native Instruments
applications when they are used in real life situations. The data sent to Native Instruments is one
hundred percent anonymous and will not affect performance.
For more detailed information about Usage Data Tracking, please refer to the following Knowledge
Base article on the Native Instruments website: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-
us/articles/209545029
Usage Data Tracking in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences.
Enabling or Disabling Usage Data Tracking
To enable or disable Usage Data Tracking:
1. Open the General page of the Preferences by clicking Preferences… in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
2. Click the Allow usage data tracking checkbox to enable or disable user data tracking.
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page
The Library page allows you to edit the locations of all KOMPLETE KONTROL Library les (both
Factory and User) that appear in the Library pane of the Browser.
At the top of the page, the Factory and User buttons allow you to switch between the Factory
pane and the User pane.
Factory Pane
The Factory pane shows all factory libraries available. These libraries will appear in the Factory
view of the Browser’s Library pane.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 7
Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another
location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library
and select its new path.
Product column Shows the name of each product. These names cannot be edited.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., changed its location),
select it in the list and click the Rescan button to rescan that library.
User Pane
The User pane shows all user libraries currently used. These include KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
standard user directory as well as any other user directory you might have dened. These libraries
will appear in the User view of the Browser’s Library pane.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 8
Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane.
Element Description
Location
column
Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another
location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library and
select its new path.
Alias column Shows the alias stored for each library. Click an alias to edit it. Dening
aliases for your user folders is not mandatory, but it can be of great help
when working on different computers (see description below). After adding
a location (see Add below), click the eld in the new row and in the Alias
column to set the alias for that new location. The alias of the default user
folder, Native Instruments User Directory, cannot be edited — this is the
location where all your user les will be stored by default.
Scan user
content for
Enabled by default, this option automatically detects any new added user
content when starting KOMPLETE KONTROL.
changes at
start-up
Add button Click Add to manually add directories to the user library. See below for more
details.
Remove
button
Click Remove to remove the selected user library. Files will only be removed
from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, not from your hard disk.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., added/removed les), select
it in the list and click the Rescan button to rescan that library.
You can resize the Preferences panel at your convenience using the usual method on
your operating system. You can also resize each column by clicking and dragging the
limit between both column headers.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 9
Adding Folders to the User Library
In the User pane of the Library page, you can add other folders to the user content of your
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. To do this:
1. Click Add at the bottom of the pane. A folder selection dialog opens up.
2. In the dialog, navigate to the desired folder on your computer and click OK (Choose on macOS).
→ All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible les found in the selected folder are added to your user
content in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible les include ens, rkplr, nrkt, nksn, nfm8, nabs, nki,
nmsv, nbkt, nis.
Furthermore, the attributes (Instrument/Bank/Sub-Bank, Type/Sub-Type/Characters tags, as well
as properties) of all imported les will be retained.
By adding a folder to the user content of your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you make their les
available in the Browser’s Library pane for quick searching and loading.
Paths to folders added via the IMPORT button in the Browser’s Files pane will also
show up here. The only difference between adding folders via the Add button in
Preferences panel described here, and via the IMPORT button in the Files pane of the
Browser is that the latter allows you to directly tag the les as they are imported.
Note that the selected folder cannot contain, or be contained within, a folder already listed in the
User or Factory pane. If KOMPLETE KONTROL detects such a folder as you press OK (Choose on
macOS) in the folder selection dialog, a Duplicate Location message appears: Click OK to return to
the folder selection dialog and select another folder on your computer.
Removing Folders from the User Library
You can also remove any user folder from your library—except the default user content directory
Native Instruments User Content.
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page
The Plug-ins page allows you to manage your VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
At the top of the page, the Manager and Locations buttons allow you to switch between the
Manager pane and the Locations pane.
Manager Pane
The Manager Pane allows you to view and manage all VST plug-ins available
in KOMPLETE KONTROL. By default, all available plug-ins are activated for use in
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
▶ To deactivate a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL, click on the checkbox icon next to its
name so it is unchecked.
The option to Always use latest version of NI Plug-ins selects whether or not your Library content
is always loaded with the latest version of the associated plug-in. If this option is deactivated, your
Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the associated plug-in found on the
computer.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 50
For example, this option is required if you have installed both the full version of
REAKTOR 5 as well as a KOMPLETE Instrument that came with REAKTOR 6 Player.
By disabling the option, the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library will be loaded with the full
version of REAKTOR 5, while the KOMPLETE Instrument will be loaded with REAKTOR
6 Player. This is necessary since the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library is not authorized for
use with REAKTOR 6 Player.
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Manager pane.
Element Description
Checkbox column Activates or deactivates a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Plug-in column Lists all available VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Always use latest
version of NI Plugins
If this option is activated (default), Library content is loaded with the
latest version of the associated plug-in.
If this option is deactivated, Library content is loaded with the lowest
required version of the associated plug-in.
Locations Pane
The Locations pane allows you manage the folders containing your plug-ins on the hard drive.
KOMPLETE KONTROL scans these folders for VST plug-ins and adds them to the Manager pane.
You can Add and Remove folders from the list, as well as use the Rescan function to update the
available plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL according to any changes made to the folders or their
contents.
▶ To display the Locations pane, click the Locations button at the top of the Plug-ins page.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 1
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Locations pane.
Setting Description
Plug-in column Lists all folders that KOMPLETE KONTROL scans for VST plug-ins.
Add Opens a le dialogue that lets you add another folder to the list.
Remove Removes the selected folder from the list.
Rescan Scans all folders in the list for compatible plug-ins and updates the
Manager pane accordingly.
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page
Using the Features page, you can enable different congurations of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Whenever a feature toggle is activated or deactivated, the software must be restarted for the
changes to take effect.
Element Description
Auto-Scan of Sounds.com
Content
Browser Tag Remapping Remaps the tags found in the Browser
Automatically scans the software for content from
Sounds.com
7.6. Loading a Plug-in in Default State
You can load a Plug-in in default state directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 2
▶ In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu select e.g., Instruments > Native Instruments > Massive.
→ The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values.
Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 53
8. MIDI Communication
KOMPLETE KONTROL provides you with host automation capabilities for easy integration with
your MIDI environment. In this section you are provided with overall information about MIDI
communication and Host automation.
Incoming MIDI
Instruments, Loops and One-shots loaded inside KOMPLETE KONTROL can be controlled via MIDI
and the host (when KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in):
• Triggering Instruments via MIDI notes: By default, incoming MIDI notes trigger the loaded
Instrument.
• Controlling parameters via host automation: You can control parameters of both
KOMPLETE KONTROL and your loaded Instruments via host automation (when
KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in).
For more information on Host Automation, refer to Host Automation.
Receiving MIDI Clock
KOMPLETE KONTROL does not receive MIDI Clock. However, when using KOMPLETE KONTROL
as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to the host tempo. The tempo display in
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s header is grayed out and tempo is adjusted in the host.
Outgoing MIDI
You can send MIDI data from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard:
• Triggering MIDI instruments and recording MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI
Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) messages to the host and to any MIDI
application or device.
You can also send MIDI data from the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in:
• Routing and recording processed MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL outputs the MIDI notes
generated by the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator through the MIDI outputs of the stand-alone
application as well as the plug-in. You can route the MIDI notes to other MIDI instruments or
record them as a MIDI pattern in the host.
MIDI output is only supported by the stand-alone application as well as the VST, VST3
and AAX versions of the plug-in. The AU (Audio Unit) version of the plug-in does not
support MIDI output.
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers
MIDI Mapping enhances the user experience and provides more control over sound, workflows
and performance. KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards are ready-mapped to the software. Third-party
keyboards and controllers can also be used to control some of the parameters in the KOMPLETE
KONTROL software. These parameters include the eight knobs of the Native Map, parameter page
switching, preset switching and plug-in switching.
Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 54
1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab.
4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller.
→ The third-party controller is now ready to be used.
Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to
select another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign
MIDI CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to
your keyboard:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
Enabling Takeover Mode Pickup for Knobs to prevent Parameter Jumps
When switching parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software do not match
with the knob positions on your third party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps,
you can enable the Takeover mode Pickup in the Preferences page MIDI.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 55
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When Pickup is activated, turning the knobs on your third party MIDI controller will only change
the value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up) the respective
value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the knob positions
using white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates the knob
position in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 56
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be congured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode.
A MIDI button can also be congured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to
the two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must congure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
8.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 57
3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab.
4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller.
→ The third-party controller is now ready to be used.
8.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third-party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
8.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to
select another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign
MIDI CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to
your keyboard:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
8.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode
When you switch parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software mismatch
with the knob positions on your third-party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps
when turning the knobs, you can enable Takeover mode by selecting Pickup in the Preferences
page MIDI.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 58
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When the Takeover mode is activated, turning the knobs on your third-party MIDI controller will
only change the value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up)
the respective value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the
knob positions with white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates
the knob position in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 59
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
8.1.5. Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be congured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode.
A MIDI button can also be congured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to
the two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must congure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
8.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
8.2. Host Automation
When you load KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host, the parameters of the loaded
Instrument, the Scale parameters, and the Arpeggiator parameters can be automated from the
host.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 60
8.2.1. Recording Automation
Once your host is set up to record automation you can perform the following actions in the
software as well as from the keyboard:
• You can enable or disable Scale and Arpeggiator functions by clicking individual buttons in the
software or by pressing the corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
• You can select values of parameters by turning individual knobs in the software or on the
keyboard.
For detailed information about recording automation in your host, refer to the
documentation of your host software.
Some hosts allow you to handle automation by using automation IDs that are mapped to specic
parameters of the plug-in. KOMPLETE KONTROL comes with a predened list of automation IDs
which allows the host nd them automatically.
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel
The following automation IDs are reserved for parameters in KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Perform
panel:
Automation ID Parameter
000 Reserved for Instance Recognition and Automatic Focus Follow
001 Scale On / Off
002 Root Note (Scale)
003 Scale Type (Scale)
004 Key Mode (Scale)
006 Chord Mode (Scale)
007 Chord Type (Scale)
026 Arp On / Off
027 Mode (Arp)
028 Type (Arp)
029 Rate (Arp)
030 Sequence (Arp)
031 Swing (Arp)
032 Octaves (Arp)
033 Dynamic (Arp)
034 Gate (Arp)
035 Retrigger (Arp)
036 Repeat (Arp)
037 Offset (Arp)
038 Inversion (Arp)
039 Min. Key (Arp)
040 Max. Key (Arp)
Automation ID Parameter
041 Hold (Arp)
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 61
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 2
9. Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
The MIDI Assignment editor enables you to create and customize MIDI templates for your
keyboard. The MIDI Assignment editor is only congurable from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
standalone application, and is not accessible from the plug-in version of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
However, templates you create in the standalone application can be loaded in the plug-in version
when you switch your keyboard to MIDI mode (SHIFT + MIDI).
Before you can access the MIDI Assignment editor, the following steps must be completed to
setup your keyboard:
Update Firmware
Your A-Series keyboard must be running Firmware version 0.3.9.
You can update your rmware by following the steps in this
article: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/360005158197-Accessing-
the-MIDI-Assignment-Editor-for-KOMPLETE-KONTROL-A-Series-M32-Keyboards
Setup MIDI Ports (Windows only)
Your MIDI templates are synchronised with your keyboard via the Komplete Kontrol A25/A49/A61
MIDI port. The Windows operating system only allows a single application to control a MIDI port
at any one time, so it is important to ensure that this port is not activated as a MIDI Output in any
other application. If using a Windows computer, follow the steps below:
1. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL in standalone mode.
2. Open Edit > Preferences > MIDI > Input.
3. Ensure that only the KOMPLETE KONTROL A25/A49/A61 MIDI port is activated.
4. Now, navigate to MIDI > Output. Ensure that all ports are deactivated.
If this port is activated as a MIDI Output in your application, MIDI templates may not synchronise
with your keyboard. Your keyboard will still operate as intended when this output port is
deactivated. The MIDI Input port must be activated.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 3
DAW Setup
If you want to use your MIDI templates in a DAW, you will also need to deactivate the MIDI Output
ports in the DAW's MIDI settings:
1. Open your DAW.
2. Navigate to the MIDI Preferences.
3. Ensure the MIDI Output ports are set to Off.
4. Ensure that the MIDI Inputs for your keyboard are set to On.
The following section guides you through the process of assigning MIDI messages to control
elements using the MIDI Assignment editor. It also makes you familiar with the mapping system
and gives you the reference information of MIDI message types and assignments.
When using the MIDI Assignment editor, all keyboard controls (i.e. navigation,
transport, etc.) are blocked.
9.1. The Mapping System
Whatever you do on the keyboard, the MIDI Assignment editor translates it into a MIDI message
that is then sent to your computer via USB connection. This is what the MIDI Assignment editor is
all about: mapping human actions to MIDI events.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 4
The MIDI Assignment editor’s mapping system is structured in a way that allows you to efciently
organize your assignments. This makes the entire mapping process a lot easier and informs
you about what will happen whenever you actuate a control element on the keyboard. The next
paragraphs will introduce you to some basic concepts.
Assignable Controls Elements
Assignable control elements are knobs, keys, and pedal. All other controls and buttons are not
assignable.
Assignments
An assignment denes which MIDI event is triggered by a particular control element. Available
MIDI event types are MIDI messages such as Control Change and Program Change. Every action
on a control element is translated into one MIDI event, the corresponding assignment denes the
rules of that translation.
Depending on the type of control element (knobs, keys, pedal), the available assignments differ.
For more information, refer to MIDI Message Types and Assignments.
Pages
You can have multiple assignments, organized within Pages. A Page contains eight knobs and
eight buttons, and corresponds to the hardware. One Page can be selected and loaded at a time.
You can have up to four Pages which can be directly selected in the MIDI Assignment editor and
from the keyboard.
When you select another Page, all assignments for the control elements in the Page area are
updated accordingly.
MIDI Templates
A MIDI template holds a mapping conguration for knobs and keys on the keyboard, including all
Pages that might exist. One MIDI template can be selected at a time. Switching between different
MIDI templates can be used, for example, to address different applications on your computer or
different MIDI instruments.
MIDI templates exist on your computer without KOMPLETE KONTROL running, and you can
switch between them using the Preset Up / Down buttons when the keyboard is in MIDI mode.
The conguration of the Pedal is saved globally and not per Template. This means all
settings made under PEDAL remain the same when switching between Templates.
9.2. Opening the MIDI Assignment Editor
You can open the MIDI Assignment editor with the MIDI Assignment editor button.
▶ Click on the MIDI Assignment editor button in the Header.
→ The MIDI Assignment editor opens. Now you have access to all the settings related to the
keyboard’s MIDI mode.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 5
The MIDI Assignment editor button is only visible when the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard is connected to your computer and switched on.
9.3. Assigning MIDI Messages to Control Elements
This tutorial covers the workflow of assigning MIDI messages to the knobs and pedals. If you
intend to create new Key Zones, refer to Creating Key Zones.
In order to assign MIDI messages to control elements:
1. Click on the MIDI Assignment editor button to open the MIDI Assignment editor.
2. Select a MIDI Template in the Templates pane.
3. Select the type of control element.
4. Select the control element you want to assign a MIDI message to.
5. Select the MIDI message using the drop-down menus and options in the Denition area.
→ The available drop-down menus and options in the Denition area vary depending on the
selected type of control element as well as from the selections in the Denition area itself.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 6
6. If required, select or create another page for making multiple assignments.
7. When you have nished assigning MIDI messages, close the MIDI Assignment editor.
→ Your edits are saved to the MIDI Template.
For more information on MIDI message types and assignments, refer to MIDI Message Types and
Assignments.
9.4. Renaming Control Elements
As the default names do not reveal which parameters they are assigned to, you can rename them:
1. Double-click the name of the control element.
2. Enter the desired name with a maximum length of seven characters.
3. Press the enter key to conrm.
→ The name of the control element has changed.
9.5. Creating a New MIDI Template
When using the keyboard in different situations, e.g., in a studio or live on stage, you can create a
different MIDI Template for each setup.
To create a new Template:
1. In the Templates pane click the + icon.
→ The Add Template dialog appears.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 7
2. Enter a name for the new MIDI Template.
3. Click Add.
→ The new MIDI Template is created. The MIDI Templates are arranged in alphabetical order.
9.6. Renaming MIDI Templates
If you want to change the name of an existing MIDI Template, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the MIDI Template and select Rename from the context menu.
→ The Rename Template dialog with the current MIDI Template name appears.
2. Enter the desired MIDI Template name.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 8
3. Click Rename to conrm.
→ The MIDI Template name has changed.
9.7. MIDI Message Types and Assignments
In this section you nd reference information about the MIDI message types provided in the Type
menu and about the several assignments for control elements and for Key Zones.
9.7.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu
For all control elements, the assignment denition starts with the same menu: the Type menu.
The Type drop-down menu species the type of MIDI message that has to be sent upon action on
this control element. Depending on the type of control element, the entries in this menu will differ
(for example, sending a “play” command from a knob wouldn’t make much sense).
All other parameters displayed in the Denition area depend both on the type of control element
that you are working on, and on the type of MIDI message selected in this Type menu.
Below is a list of all possible MIDI message types to be found in the Type menu.
• Control Change: Sends MIDI Control Change messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the
Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the value of a
specic continuous controller of the MIDI destination — controlling for example some effect’s
depth in your music application. The continuous controller (CC) number is specied via the
Number parameter (range from 0 to 127). The values to be sent for that controller are specied
in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next sections).
• Program Change: Sends MIDI Program Change messages on a specic MIDI channel set by
the Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message switches to another
program (or patch, preset…) of the MIDI destination. The program number to be sent can be
specied in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next
sections).
• Note: Sends MIDI Note On/Off messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the Channel
parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). These messages start and stop MIDI notes
specied by the Note parameter (range from C-2 to G8), at a velocity set by the Value
parameter (range from 0-127).
• Pitchbend: Sends MIDI pitchbend messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the Channel
parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the pitch of the MIDI
notes sent on the same MIDI channel. Depending on the MIDI destination, it can also be used
to control other parameters.
• Off: Deactivates MIDI for the control element. Select this entry to disable the control element
or action. The control element/action does not send any MIDI message, hence no parameter is
displayed.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 6 9
9.7.2. Assignments for Knobs
For the knobs, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and Program Change. Depending
on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
Type Mode RANGE Number Step
Control Change Absolute From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Relative -32 to 31
Relative (Offset) -32 to 31
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
Mode Menu Values for Knobs
For the type Control Change, a Mode menu allows you to select between three operating modes:
• Absolute: In this mode the control element sends absolute values. The From, To, and
Resolution parameters are the same as for the other message types (refer to above).
• Relative: In this mode the sent message is in a +1/-1 fashion — actually 1/127, which is then
understood by the target software as +1/-1 in that case. This allows the control element to set
the new Control Change value relative to its current value. Two parameters are available:
• Step: Denes the increment to use. Increase the Step value to trigger greater jumps in the
target parameter value. If you choose a negative value for Step, the control will be inverted.
• Resolution: Adjusts the sensitivity of the control element to your actions. At high
Resolution values, a little movement of the control element will be enough to trigger the
message. At lower Resolution values, you will have to move it more frankly to trigger the
message.
• Relative (Offset): This mode is similar to the Relative mode explained above, with the
difference that here the values sent for the “+1” and “-1” messages are 65 and 63, respectively
— in other terms, they are centered around 64 instead of 0. This is well suited for some
particular software implementations. As in Relative mode, a Step parameter denes the
increment to use, and a Resolution parameter adjusts the sensitivity of the control element
to your actions.
9.7.3. Assignments for Switch Pedals
For Pedals used as switch, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and Program
Change. Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
Type Value Mode
Value
Control
Change
Toggle/
Gate
Trigger 0 - 127 0-127
Inc Min/Max
Range Value Number Step Wrap
Off/On
0-127
(0-127)
0-127
-128 to
127
On/Off
Program
Change
Toggle/
Gate
Trigger 0 - 127
Off/On
0-127
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 70
Type Value Mode
Value
Inc Min/Max
Range Value Number Step Wrap
0-127
-128 to
127
On/Off
Mode Menu Values for Pedals (Switch)
For the button-like control elements listed in the above table, and only for some of the MIDI
message types available for these control elements, you can choose from different behaviors for
the way the data is sent. This is controlled by the Mode menu. This menu can have up to four
entries, depending on the message type that you have selected in the Type menu. Here is the list
of all possible entries:
• Toggle: In this mode, the control element has two states, On and Off. If you press once, it
switches to the On state — if you press again, it switches to the Off state. This can be useful for
example for activating some effect, then deactivating it later. This is usually the default mode.
In this mode, you nd two numeric elds: Off Value denes the value for the Off state (from 0
to 127, 0 by default), and On Value denes the value for the On state (0 to 127, 127 by default).
For the Note message type, since the Off state is predened (it’s the MIDI Note Off message),
you nd instead a single Value parameter dening the velocity of the MIDI Note On message.
• Gate: This mode is equal to Toggle with the difference that the state is active for the time the
Pedal is held depressed. In Toggle mode the state is activated until the next time the Pedal is
pressed again.
• Trigger: In this mode, only one message is sent when you hit the control element. There are
no On or Off states. For example, this can be useful for switching to another program (preset,
patch…) or for triggering one-shot samples (e.g., drum sounds or any other envelope-controlled
sounds). In this mode, you thus nd only one numeric eld called Value, dening the value to
be sent when you hit the control element. It goes from 0 to 127 (127 by default).
• Inc: In this mode you can congure the press of a pedal to step through a list of values by
choosing the size of the jump (e.g., 1-2-3-4-5, 2-4-6-8-10 or 3-6-9-12-15), and whether or not
the values wrap around back to the beginning, or stop when they reach their minimum or
maximum.
9.7.4. Assignments for Continuous Pedals
For Pedals used as continuous control, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and
Program Change. Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is
available:
Type Mode Range Number
Control Change From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
For Control Change, you can set the Range of values that is sent when pressing the pedal, and the
Number of the Control Change message. For Program Change, you can set the Range of values
that is sent when pressing the pedal.
HOST I N TEGRA T ION 7 1
10. Host Integration
When using advanced host integration, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard becomes the
centerpiece of your studio setup. You can use it to control not only the Instrument, Sample or
Effect loaded in KOMPLETE KONTROL but also core functionality of supported hosts.
Before you can make use of advanced host integration you need to set it up rst. For
more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Ableton Live 10
• Apple GarageBand
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Avid Pro Tools
• Bitwig Studio
• PreSonus Studio One 4.5
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 8/9/10
10.1. Integration with MASCHINE
If you own MASCHINE, you can control many of MASCHINE’s functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. This section provides you an overview of the basic controls
functions as well as of the advanced integration controls.
In order to connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to the MASCHINE software:
▶ Click on the Keyboard icon in the Header.
Connect to MASCHINE using the Keyboard
1. Press SHIFT + TRACK (Instance) on the keyboard.
2. Select the MASCHINE instance shown in the dialog.
3. Press the 4-D Encoder to connect the keyboard to MASCHINE.
10.1.1. Basic Control Functions
The available basic control functions of MASCHINE mapped to the keyboard’s controls are
grouped in the tables below.
TRANSPORT Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Start/stop playback PLAY (Restart)
Restart playback at the beginning of the Loop
Range
Enable/disable recording REC (Count-In)
Record with count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording STOP (Clear)
Enable/disable the metronome METRO
Adjust Tempo 1. Press TEMPO.
Enable/disable Loop LOOP
SHIFT + PLAY (Restart)
2. Turn 4-D encoder.
EDIT Control
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Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to grid value QUANTIZE (Auto)
Enable/disable automation SHIFT + QUANTIZE (Auto)
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Edit Scale engine for selected Group SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Edit Arpeggiator for selected Group SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Mode Buttons
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Access Browser control BROWSER
Access Plug-in control PLUG-IN (MIDI)
Switch between MASCHINE and
KOMPLETE KONTROL instances
Enter MIDI mode SHIFT + PLUG-IN (MIDI)
SHIFT + Track (Instance)
10.1.2. Advanced Integration Control Functions
The advanced integration controls are listed below.
IDEAS Control
When you press IDEAS on the KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series keyboard, you have instant control
over Scenes and Patterns.
The following actions are available:
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Action in
MASCHINE
Select Group Push 4-D encoder left or right
Select Scene SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left or right
Create new Scene 1. Hold SHIFT + push 4-D encoder to the right until New Scene
Create is displayed.
2. Press 4-D encoder to create a new Scene.
Select Pattern Push 4-D encoder up or down
Create new Pattern 1. Push 4-D encoder down until New Pattern Create is displayed.
2. Press 4-D encoder to create a new Pattern.
Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
TRACK Control
When you press TRACK (Instance) on the keyboard, you are able to select Groups and Sounds.
The following actions are available:
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select Group Push 4-D encoder left or right
Select another Sound of
that Group
Create new Group 1. Push 4-D encoder to the right until New Group Create is
Push 4-D encoder up or down
displayed.
2. Press 4-D encoder to create a new Group.
PLUG-IN Control
When you press PLUG-IN on the keyboard, you have instant control over Plug-in parameters and
you can navigate the Plug-in chain.
The following actions are available:
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Control Instrument and Effect parameters Knob 1–8
Select next or previous Plug-in in Plug-in chain Push 4-D encoder left or right
Add FX Plug-in on empty Plug-in slot BROWSER
Move selected FX Plug-in left or right in Plug-in
chain
Select previous or next Preset PRESET up / PRESET down
Select next or previous parameter page Page Left (M) / Page Right (S)
Bypass selected Plug-in in Plug-in chain SHIFT + press 4-D encoder
Remove selected Plug-in from Plug-in chain SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left or right
Key Mode
When you press SHIFT + KEY MODE on the keyboard, you enable the Key mode. When the Key
mode is activated the keyboard reflects the pads behavior of the MASCHINE controller.
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10.2. Integration with Ableton Live
If you own Ableton Live, you can control many of its functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Transport Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Restart playback/recording PLAY (Restart)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
Relocate playhead position to song start when
stopped
Start Arranger recording together with playback SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Tap tempo TEMPO
STOP
Edit Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to grid value QUANTIZE
Toggle automation for selected Track on/off AUTO
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Change Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Change Arpeggiator parameters SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Browser Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select Browser elds Push 4-D encoder left/right
Search Browser tags and Preset les Turn 4-D encoder
Select Browser tags Press 4-D encoder
Load the selected Preset in the Results list Press 4-D encoder
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Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Clear Browser Filters SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left
Set Preset as Favorite in Results List SHIFT + press 4-D encoder
Filtering by Favorites in Results List SHIFT + BROWSER
Toggle between User Content and Factory
Content
Page Left (M) / Page Right (S)
Track Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Select previous/next Clip Slot in track Push 4-D encoder down/up
Start/stop selected Clip Press 4-D encoder
Mute/unmute selected track SHIFT + Page Left (M)
Solo/unsolo selected track SHIFT + Page Right (S)
Adjust panorama for selected track SHIFT + Knob 1–8
Switching Instance 1. Press SHIFT + TRACK (Instance).
2. Turn the 4-D encoder to select the instance.
3. Press 4-D encoder to conrm.
Plug-in Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Control Instrument and Effect parameters Knob 1–8
Navigate Plug-in Chain Push 4-D encoder left/right
Add FX Plug-in on empty Plug-in slot BROWSER
Move selected FX Plug-in left or right in the
Plug-in chain
Bypass selected Plug-in in Plug-in chain SHIFT + press 4-D encoder
Remove selected Plug-in from Plug-in chain SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
Navigate Parameter Pages Page Left (M) / Page Right (S)
SHIFT + Push 4-D encoder left/right
10.3. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
If you own Apple Logic Pro X or GarageBand, you can control many of their functions directly
from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the
keyboard are listed below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
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Transport Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Restart playback SHIFT + PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Punch out when recording PLAY (Restart)
Punch in when playing REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
Relocate playhead position to song start when
stopped
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move Loop by its own length LOOP + turn 4-D encoder
Tap tempo TEMPO
STOP
Edit Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to grid value QUANTIZE (Auto)
Toggle automation between Read mode and
Touch mode
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Change Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
SHIFT + QUANTIZE (Auto)
Browser Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select Browser elds Push 4-D encoder left/right
Search Browser tags and Preset les Turn 4-D encoder
Select Browser tags Press 4-D encoder
Load the selected Preset in the Results list Press 4-D encoder
Clear Browser Filters SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left
Set Preset as Favorite in Results List SHIFT + press 4-D encoder
Filtering by Favorites in Results List SHIFT + BROWSER
Toggle between User Content and Factory
Content
Page Left (M) / Page Right (S)
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Plug-in Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Control Instrument and Plug-in parameters Knob 1–8
Navigate Plug-in Chain Push 4-D encoder left/right
Add FX Plug-in on empty Plug-in slot BROWSER
Move selected FX Plug-in left or right in the
Plug-in chain
Bypass selected Plug-in in Plug-in chain SHIFT + press 4-D encoder
Remove selected Plug-in from Plug-in chain SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
Navigate Parameter Pages Page Left (M) / Page Right (S)
SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left/right
Track Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Select previous/next Region Push 4-D encoder up/down
Mute/unmute selected track SHIFT + Page Left (M)
Solo/unsolo selected track SHIFT + Page Right (S)
Adjust volume for selected track Turn 4-D encoder
Adjust panorama for selected track SHIFT + Knob 1–8
10.4. Integration with Avid Pro Tools
If you own Avid Pro Tools, you can control many of its functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Transport Control
Action in Pro Tools Control on Keyboard
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Stop playback STOP (Clear)
Activate/deactivate recording REC (Count-In)
Move playback start point Turn 4-D Encoder
Move timeline selection LOOP + turn 4-D Encoder
Activate/deactivate loop playback LOOP
Activate/deactivate click METRO
Activate/deactivate count off SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
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You need to create a Click Track in your Pro Tools session before using METRO to
activate the click.
Editing
Action in Pro Tools Control on Keyboard
Undo UNDO (Redo)
Redo SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Track Navigation and Control
Action in Pro Tools Control on Keyboard
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right or up/down
Mute SHIFT+<(M)
Solo SHIFT+>(S)
Mixer Mode
Action in Pro Tools Control on Keyboard
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Move mixer bank <(M) / >(S)
Set knobs 1–8 to control volume SHIFT + Push 4-D encoder up
Set knobs 1–8 to control pan SHIFT + Push 4-D encoder down
Adjust volume/pan for selected track Knob 1–8
10.5. Integration with Bitwig Studio
If you own Bitwig Studio, you can control many of their functions directly from the KOMPLETE
KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard are listed
below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Transport Control
Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Punch out while recording PLAY (Restart)
Punch in while playing REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
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Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Relocate playhead position to song start when stopped STOP
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Activate/deactivate count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Activate/deactivate metronome METRO
Activate/deactivate loop mode LOOP
Move loop by its own length LOOP + Turn 4-D encoder
Tap tempo TEMPO
Editing
Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Set quantize to grid value QUANTIZE(AUTO)
Activate/deactivate automation write SHIFT +QUANTIZE(AUTO)
Activate/deactivate scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Edit scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Activate/deactivate arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Edit arpeggiator parameters SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Mute and Solo
Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Mute/unmute selected track SHIFT+<(M)
Solo/unsolo selected track SHIFT+>(S)
Track Navigation
Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder up/down
Select previous/next clip slot Push 4-D encoder left/right
Mixer control
Action in Bitwig Control on Keyboard
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Switch bank <(M) / >(S)
Set knobs 1–8 to control pan SHIFT + Push 4-D encoder up
Set knobs 1–8 to control volume SHIFT + Push 4-D encoder down
Coarse adjust pan/volume Knobs 1–8
Fine adjust pan/volume SHIFT + Knob 1–8
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10.6. Integration with PreSonus Studio One
If you own PreSonus Studio One, you can control many of its functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Track Mode: Navigation and Levels
Action in Studio One Control on KOMPLETE KONTROL Keyboard
Adjust track volume Knobs 1–8
Adjust track pan SHIFT + Knobs 1–8
Play from loop section start Press 4-D encoder
Set selection as loop area SHIFT + Press 4-D encoder
Select previous/next clip Push 4-D encoder up/down
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Move in timeline Turn 4-D encoder left/right
MIDI Mode
Action in Studio One Control on KOMPLETE KONTROL Keyboard
32 assignable knobs Turn knobs
10.7. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
If you own Steinberg Cubase or Nuendo, you can control many of their functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
Your host needs to be set up for host integration before you can use this functionality.
For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Transport Control
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Punch out while recording PLAY (Restart)
Punch in while playing REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
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Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Relocate playhead position to song start when
stopped
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move loop in one bar increments LOOP + Turn 4-D encoder
STOP
Editing
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to the quantize preset value QUANTIZE (Auto)
Enable/disable automation write SHIFT + QUANTIZE (Auto)
Mute and Solo
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Mute/unmute selected track SHIFT + < (M)
Solo/unsolo selected track SHIFT + > (S)
Track Mode: Navigation and Levels
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Control on KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder up/down
Select previous/next region Push 4-D encoder left/right
Adjust volume with knobs 1–8 Knobs 1–8
Adjust pan with knobs 1–8 SHIFT + Knobs 1–8
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11. Browsing the Library
The Browser is where you access your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library with all its Instruments,
Loops, One-shots and Effects. You can search, lter, and load Instrument, Loop, One-shot and
Effect Preset les as well as add them to your personal Favorites from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
software. You can also use your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, or a third-party controller, to
access the Browser, enabling you to search for Presets using only the hardware controls.
You can also save Preset les and tag them in KOMPLETE KONTROL to further add to your
personal user content and build your personal sound library. They are automatically added to the
User section of the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library pane. Adding and editing tags can only be done
using the software. For more information refer to section Saving Preset Files to the User Library
and Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files.
Browsing for Instruments or Effects
Since the same workflows apply to Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, this section refers
to all product types as Products. The Browser automatically switches the product type to either
Effects or Instruments, Loops, and One-shots, depending on the selected slot in the Plug-in chain.
For more information on Product Types and about switching between Product Types, refer to
Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects.
For a detailed overview of the Browser elements, refer to Browser.
11.1. Browser Basics
This section describes general concepts related to the Browser.
11.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects
Although the Library contains Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, it is not possible to
browse for these four Product Types at the same time. Depending on the selected Plug-in slot the,
Product Type in the Browser switches to “Instrument” or “Effect”:
• When you start KOMPLETE KONTROL or when you select the rst Plug-in slot in the Plug-in
chain, the Product Type is set to Instruments and is represented by the respective icon in the
Browser.
• When the rst Plug-in Slot is selected, you can choose between Instruments, Loops and
One-shots. The Product Type icon will be highlighted accordingly. Instruments is selected as
the default Product Type.
• When you select any other Plug-in slot, the Product Type is set to Effects, which is reflected by
the respective icon in the Browser.
These icons also appear in the display on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
For more information on the Plug-in chain and usage, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel and Working
with Effects.
11.1.2. Loops and One-shots
The Browser divides samples into Loops and One-Shots. One-shots are typically sampled
instruments or vocals, while loops are usually sections of music. Both letypes can come from
existing expansion packs and sounds.com.
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When a Loop is selected in the Browser with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately
in-sync with the host if transport is running. If a Loop preview begins part-way through, the Loop
will play once more in full length to ensure you hear the entire Loop in context with your project.
Loops and One-shots can also be dragged directly from the Browser and dropped onto an audio
track within your host DAW.
11.1.3. About the Library and Meta-Information
To organize, nd, keep track of, and provide you thousands of Preset les at any time ready for
loading, KOMPLETE KONTROL makes use of a Library. The Library contains the factory content
of your KOMPLETE Instruments, Loops, and One-shots, NKS Instruments, Effects, as well as your
own user content.
Tags
To help you nd the right Preset le quickly and efciently, the Library implements various
techniques that go far beyond the classic folder structure of your operating system—the usage of
tags. For example, each Preset le included in the Library contains tags which describe the Preset
le according to following aspects:
• The content type of the Preset le, i.e. whether it originates from a Product’s factory library or if
it was created by a user.
• The Product where the Preset le come from—this can include, e.g., a hierarchical structure
with a Product category, a particular Product, and possibly a Bank of a Product.
• A variable amount of tags used to describe various characteristics of the Preset le, for
example, the type of effect, the sonic character, the context in which it is used—in a word,
anything that might help you nd the le.
Included Preset Files in the Library
The Preset les included in the Library are all KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant les found in the
folders whose paths are listed in the Library page of the Preferences panel.
You can also save the sounds you created in KOMPLETE KONTROL to the User content section of
the Library pane.
11.1.4. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks
Besides of browsing KOMPLETE KONTROL Library the Browser also allows you to navigate your
le system in a classic way. For each way the Browser provides a single pane with its own tools:
• The Library pane allows you to browse the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. This is the preferred
way to search for les meeting particular musical requirements. This pane also allows you to
tag your own Preset les to your liking.
• The Files pane allows you to browse your hard disks by using the hierarchical folder structure
of your operating system. For example, you can use it to navigate KOMPLETE KONTROLrelevant les that have not been imported into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library—and you can
import them from there.
The Library pane and the Files pane can be accessed by clicking the corresponding tab at the top
of the Browser.
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Click the desired tab to show the corresponding pane of the Browser.
Browsing and loading les from the le system using the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard is not possible. The Browser called up from the keyboard can only load les
that have already been added to the Library. It is best to always import all your les to
the Library and tag them using the software Browser before use.
11.2. Opening the Browser
To open the Browser:
▶ Click on the Browser button (the magnier symbol) in the header.
Alternatively you can also open the Browser by selecting View > Browser in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
In stand-alone mode, you can also open/close the Browser from your computer
keyboard via the [B] key.
Accessing the Browse Controls on the Keyboard
When the Plug-in chain is entirely empty the display shows Press BROWSER.
In order to access the Browser controls on the keyboard:
▶ Press the BROWSER button.
11.3. Loading Preset Files
When the Browser is open, you can directly load any of the Preset les shown in the Results list.
When loading a Preset le the corresponding product automatically opens in the Plug-in area.
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▶ To load a Preset le, double click the corresponding entry in the Results list.
→ The Preset le and the corresponding Product opens in the Plug-in area.
Loading a Preset File Using the Keyboard
To load a Preset le using the keyboard you need navigate to the Results list in the Browser:
1. Access the Browser controls by pressing the BROWSER button.
2. Skip directly to the Results list by holding SHIFT and pushing the 4-D encoder to the right.
3. Select a Preset le in the Results list by turning the 4-D encoder. To quickly scroll through the
Results list, hold SHIFT while turning the 4-D encoder.
4. Load the selected Preset le by pressing the 4-D encoder.
→ The Preset le together with the product is loaded and the keyboard switches to PLUG-IN
mode.
11.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content
As a default setting, Factory content is selected in the Browser. The Content selector shows the
User content icon, which is used to switch between Factory and User Libraries. When switching
between Factory and User Libraries in the Browser, all tags and product selections will be
remembered.
The Content selector.
▶ Click the User icon to search for User content in the Browser. The User Library is activated
when the icon lights up. To switch back to Factory content, click the User icon again to
deselect it.
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Choosing Between Factory and User Content on the Keyboard
In order to choose between Factory and User content on the keyboard:
▶ Press the Page Left (M) or Page Right (S) button to choose between FACTORY content and
USER content. By default, the FACTORY content is selected.
11.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product
The Product selector allows you to lter Preset les according to a certain Product.
By default the Product selector header displays All Instruments or All Effects. This means that no
certain Product is selected. In order to lter the Preset les in the Results list by a certain Product
you need to select that Product in the Product selector:
1. Click on the arrow in Product selector header.
→ The Product selector expands, showing you the Product list with all the Instruments, Loops,
One-shots or Effects available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
2. Select either Category or Vendor in the Category / Vendor selector to lter the Products
accordingly.
3. Scroll through the Product groups to nd the Product you are looking for.
4. Click on the Product image to select it.
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→ The Product selector header shows the Product name. You can now browse for all Preset les
associated with the selected Product in the Results list.
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Loading a Product with its Default Preset File
You can also directly load a Product with its default Preset le:
1. Hover the mouse over the Product entry in the Product selector.
2. Click on the arrow symbol that appears in the upper right corner of the Product entry.
→ The Product with its default Preset le is loaded.
Filtering Preset Files by Product using the Keyboard
On the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard the Products list provides you with all Products in
alphabetical order. Filtering Products by Category or Vendor is not supported.
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11.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank
Banks can be additional Libraries (for example Expansions), different versions of the original
Factory Library, or any other content categorization specic to a particular Product.
When you select specic Products in the Product list, an additional Bank drop-down menu
appears under the closed Product selector. The Bank drop-down menu allows you to select a
particular Bank of Preset les for the selected Product if available.
The Bank menu showing All Banks for POLYPLEX
To select a particular Bank of Preset les for the selected Product:
1. Click the arrow in the Banks menu to expand it.
2. Choose a Bank from the available entries.
→ Upon your selection the Bank menu closes and displays the selected Bank. The Results list
further narrow its content accordingly.
You can remove the selected Bank by clicking the little cross in the closed Bank menu.
Filtering by Bank is not supported
Filtering Preset les by Bank using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is not supported. The
Results list always provides you with all Preset les of the Product.
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11.7. Resetting the Product Selection
In order to select another Product, or show Preset les for all Products in your
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you have to reset the selection.
To reset the selection in the Product selector:
▶ Click the little cross at the right of the Product name.
→ The selection is reset. The Product selector displays the generic label All Instruments, All
Loops, All One-shots or All Effects. The TYPES and CHARACTERS tags and the Results list
below the Product selector now includes Preset les for all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and
Effects.
Products are only shown in the Product selector if the Library contains les for them.
If a particular Instrument does not show up, make sure it is installed correctly and has
been updated to the latest available version.
Resetting the Instrument selection on the Keyboard
To reset the Product selection:
1. Skip directly to the Products Filter by pushing the 4-D encoder to the left until PRODUCTS is
shown in the rst display line.
2. Turn the 4-D encoder counterclockwise until ALL is shown in the second display line.
→ The Product selection is reset.
11.8. Types and Characters Tags
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
The TYPES and CHARACTERS tags menus enable you to search for Preset les according
to particular characteristics of a sound. Recommended but not mandatorily the TYPES and
CHARACTERS tags bring best results in combination with a selected Instrument.
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TYPES and CHARACTERS tags for MASSIVE
As soon the desired tags are selected, the search is limited to the Preset les with corresponding
tags. Tags can also be deselected to broaden the search.
TYPES
TYPES tags are structured into two hierarchical levels—top-level tags and sub-level tags.
• At rst the TYPES menu displays the available top-level tags only.
• As soon as a tag in the top level is selected, the second level appears underneath with sub-tags
of the selected top-tag.
• The hierarchical structure means that the sets of sub-tags are specic to each tag of the level
above.
CHARACTERS
The CHARACTERS tags provides an additional level that is independent of the TYPES levels:
• In general, CHARACTERS tags refer to technical terms (e.g., Arpeggiated, Percussive,
Synthetic).
• The CHARACTERS tags are always displayed. You can start your search with the
CHARACTERS menu before, or even without, using the TYPES tags.
• However, the list of tags available in the CHARACTERS menu will vary depending on the
selected TYPES tags. If no le contains both the Types and Characters tags that you have
selected, the Type tags will prevail and the Characters tags will be deselected.
If you don’t select any tag in the TYPES or the CHARACTERS menus, the Result list will include all
available les for the selected Instrument.
Both the Types as well as the Characters tags menus can be collapsed and expanded by clicking
on the arrows to allow for a larger Results list display.
Expanded TYPES and CHARACTERS menus.
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Collapsed TYPES and CHARACTERS menus.
11.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
In this tutorial you will learn how to nd a bass line Preset le for the MONARK Instrument using
the Types tags. To start, select the MONARK Instrument in the Product selector. The TYPES
section currently shows only top-level tags:
The MONARK Instrument is selected in the Product selector.
To nd a bass sound:
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1. Under TYPES, select the Bass tag.
→ Once selected, the second level of tags will appear underneath with Sub-Types like Fingered,
Picked, etc.
2. Select the Sub-Type matching the desired characteristic for your bass sound. By selecting
any of these tags, e.g., Synth, you will narrow your search to this particular Sub-Type of bass
sounds.
3. Select the Analog tag from the CHARACTERS tags.
→ The Results list is ltered according to the selected Types and Characters tags.
This method allows you to quickly nd Preset les for an Instrument with similar characteristics.
Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters Using the Keyboard
In order to nd a bass sound:
1. Skip to the TYPES lter by pushing the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right until TYPES is
shown in the rst display line.
2. Turn the 4-D encoder to select the Bass tag from the Types section.
3. Press the 4-D encoder or push it to the right to move to the CHARACTERS tags.
4. Turn the 4-D encoder to select a CHARACTERS tag that matches the desired characteristic for
your bass sound, e.g., Dry.
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5. Press the 4-D encoder or push it to the right to move to the Results list (RESULTS).
→ The Results list is ltered according to the selected Types and Characters tags.
11.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
In both TYPES and CHARACTERS menus, you can select multiple tags from the same level:
1. Hold [Shift] on your computer keyboard and click two tags at a particular level to select these
tags and all tags in-between.
2. Hold [Ctrl] ([Cmd] on macOS) on your computer keyboard and click any number of tags at a
particular level to select these tags.
→ The result list will include all les that correspond to at least one of the selected tags.
Selecting multiple tags from the same level using the keyboard is not possible.
Nevertheless, the display on the keyboard will show a * when multiple tags are
selected in the software.
11.9. Working with Favorites
Favorites in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser allow you to quickly view and browse your most
frequently used Preset les. Any Preset le can be assigned to be a Favorite. The Favorites serve
as an additional lter in the Library pane. When activated, the Results list will only show Preset
les that have been assigned to be a Favorite, and also match all other selected lters, including
the search query entered into the search eld.
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The KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser showing all Favorites tagged with the Type Bass.
11.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites
To add a Preset le to the Favorites:
1. Place the mouse cursor over any selected or unselected entry in the Results list.
→ The entry is highlighted and the Set Favorite icon on right appears.
2. Click on the Set Favorite icon to add the corresponding Preset le to the Favorites.
→ The Preset le is added to the Favorites, indicated by the lit Set Favorite icon next to its name.
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