MANUAL
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.
Ableton is a trademark of Ableton AG.
VST, HALion, Cubase, and Nuendo are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH. ASIO is a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows, Windows Vista 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 affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Disclaimer
Document authored by: Jan Ola Korte, Christian Schulz, Gustav Sto. Tomas, David Gover, and
Nicolas Sidi
Software version: 2.0.4 (10/2018)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS FRANCE SARL
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75011 Paris
France
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
SHENZHEN NATIVE INSTRUMENTS COMPANY Limited
5F, Shenzhen Zimao Center
111 Taizi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen,
Guangdong
China
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2018. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL ...............................................................................
1.1 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Box Contents .............................................................................................................................. 12
1.3 System Requirements ................................................................................................................. 12
2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.0.4 ................................................................
3 Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ..................................................................................
3.1 Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer .................................................................................. 15
3.2 Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ...................................................................................... 16
3.3 Setting up Host Integration ........................................................................................................ 18
3.3.1 Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand .......................................................... 19
3.3.2 Setting up Ableton Live (macOS) ............................................................................... 19
3.3.3 Setting up Ableton Live (Windows) ............................................................................ 21
4 Software Overview .....................................................................................................
4.1 Header ........................................................................................................................................ 25
4.2 Browser ...................................................................................................................................... 27
4.3 Perform Panel ............................................................................................................................. 34
4.4 Plug-in Panel ..............................................................................................................................34
4.5 Plug-in Chain Panel ................................................................................................................... 36
4.6 Plug-in Area ............................................................................................................................... 37
4.2.1 Library Pane .............................................................................................................. 28
4.2.2 Product Selector ........................................................................................................ 30
4.2.3 Files Pane .................................................................................................................. 32
5 Keyboard Overview ....................................................................................................
10
13
14
24
38
5.1 Perform and Edit Section ............................................................................................................ 41
5.2 Transport Section ....................................................................................................................... 42
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 4
5.3 Navigation and Mode Buttons .................................................................................................... 43
5.4 Transpose Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 44
6 Global Controls and Preferences ................................................................................
6.1 Instrument Views ........................................................................................................................ 45
6.2 Switching Instances ................................................................................................................... 49
6.3 Transport and Tempo .................................................................................................................. 51
6.4 Adjusting Master Volume ............................................................................................................ 53
6.5 Preferences .................................................................................................................................54
6.6 Loading a Plug-in in Default State ............................................................................................. 68
6.1.1 Default View .............................................................................................................. 46
6.1.2 Additional View .......................................................................................................... 46
6.1.3 Edit View ................................................................................................................... 48
6.3.1 Resetting the Clock ................................................................................................... 52
6.3.2 Adjusting Tempo ........................................................................................................ 52
6.5.1 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 54
6.5.2 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 57
6.5.3 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 58
6.5.4 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 60
6.5.5 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 65
7 Browsing the Library ..................................................................................................
Table of Contents
45
70
7.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 71
7.2 Opening the Browser .................................................................................................................. 74
7.3 Loading Preset Files ................................................................................................................... 74
7.1.1 Product Types: Instrument and Effect ........................................................................ 71
7.1.2 About the Library and Meta-Information .................................................................... 71
7.1.3 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 72
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 5
7.4 Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content ................................................................ 76
7.5 Filtering Preset Files by Product ................................................................................................. 76
7.6 Filtering Product Preset Files by Bank ........................................................................................ 80
7.7 Resetting the Product Selection .................................................................................................. 82
7.8 Types and Modes Tag Filters ....................................................................................................... 83
7.9 Working with Favorites ............................................................................................................... 89
7.10 Performing a Text Search ............................................................................................................ 93
7.11 Displaying Preset File Information .............................................................................................. 93
7.12 Auditioning your Preset Files ...................................................................................................... 94
7.8.1 Filtering Preset Files by Types and Modes .................................................................. 85
7.8.2 Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ............................................................ 88
7.9.1 Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ........................................................................... 89
7.9.2 Displaying Favorites in the Results List ..................................................................... 91
7.9.3 Removing Preset Files from the Favorites .................................................................. 92
8 Working with Effects .................................................................................................
Table of Contents
95
8.1 Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel ............................................................................................... 95
8.2 Adding Effects ............................................................................................................................ 96
8.3 Selecting Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................................... 99
8.4 Reordering Effects ...................................................................................................................... 99
8.5 Scrolling the Plug-in Chain ........................................................................................................ 100
8.6 Bypassing Effects .......................................................................................................................101
8.7 Removing Effects ....................................................................................................................... 102
9 Controlling Instrument and Effect Parameters ..............................................................
9.1 About Pre-Mapped Instruments and Effects ............................................................................... 103
9.2 Adjusting Parameters ................................................................................................................. 103
9.3 Switching Parameter Pages ........................................................................................................ 104
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 6
103
9.4 Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel ........................................................ 104
10 Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords ...................................................
10.1 A Note about Music Theory .......................................................................................................... 107
10.2 Activating the Scale Engine ........................................................................................................109
10.3 Selecting and Playing a Scale .................................................................................................... 110
10.4 Playing Chords ........................................................................................................................... 110
10.5 Editing Scales and Chords ......................................................................................................... 111
10.6 Setting the SCALE Parameters .................................................................................................... 112
10.7 Setting the KEY MODE Parameter ............................................................................................... 120
10.8 Setting the CHORD Parameters .................................................................................................. 122
10.6.1 SCALE Root Note ........................................................................................................ 112
10.6.2 SCALE Bank and Type ................................................................................................ 113
10.8.1 CHORD Mode ............................................................................................................. 122
10.8.2 CHORD Type ............................................................................................................... 124
10.8.3 CHORD Position ......................................................................................................... 128
11 Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences ............................................
Table of Contents
107
129
11.1 Playing Arpeggiator Sequences .................................................................................................. 130
11.2 Editing the Arpeggiator .............................................................................................................. 131
11.3 MAIN Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 132
11.4 RHYTHM Parameters ................................................................................................................... 133
11.5 OTHER Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 136
11.3.1 MAIN Mode ................................................................................................................. 132
11.3.2 MAIN Type .................................................................................................................. 133
11.4.1 RHYTHM Rate ............................................................................................................ 134
11.4.2 RHYTHM Sequence ..................................................................................................... 135
11.4.3 RHYTHM Swing .......................................................................................................... 136
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 7
Table of Contents
11.6 ADVANCED Parameters ............................................................................................................... 138
11.7 RANGE Parameters ..................................................................................................................... 140
11.8 HOLD Parameter ......................................................................................................................... 142
11.5.1 OTHER Octaves .......................................................................................................... 137
11.5.2 OTHER Dynamic ......................................................................................................... 138
11.5.3 OTHER Gate ............................................................................................................... 138
11.6.1 ADVANCED Retrigger ................................................................................................. 139
11.6.2 ADVANCED Repeat ..................................................................................................... 139
11.6.3 ADVANCED Offset ...................................................................................................... 140
11.6.4 ADVANCED Inversion .................................................................................................. 140
11.7.1 RANGE Min. Key ......................................................................................................... 141
11.7.2 RANGE Max. Key ......................................................................................................... 141
12 Managing the Library .................................................................................................
12.1 Saving Preset Files to the User Library ....................................................................................... 143
12.2 Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ......................................................................... 145
12.3 Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files .................................................................. 146
12.4 Working with the Files Pane ........................................................................................................ 149
12.5 Loading VST Plug-ins ................................................................................................................. 154
12.6 Installing NKS Instruments ......................................................................................................... 155
12.7 Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ............................................................... 158
12.4.1 Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane .............................................. 150
12.4.2 Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar .................................................... 151
12.4.3 Navigating to Recent File Locations .......................................................................... 152
12.4.4 Working with File Location Favorites .......................................................................... 153
13 MIDI Communication .................................................................................................
143
160
13.1 Host Automation ......................................................................................................................... 161
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
13.1.1 Recording Automation ............................................................................................... 161
13.1.2 Automation IDs for the Perform Panel ........................................................................ 163
14 Host Integration ........................................................................................................
14.1 Integration with MASCHINE ........................................................................................................ 165
14.2 Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand .................................................................. 166
14.3 Integration with Ableton Live ...................................................................................................... 170
Index ........................................................................................................................
165
174
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 9
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Document Conventions
1 Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL
A-Series—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 and Effects in an intuitive way and play them creatively with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s unique Scale engine and Arpeggiator.
We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do.
—The team at Native Instruments
1.1 Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 10
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Document Conventions
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (or just keyboard)
as the hardware controller and KOMPLETE KONTROL software as the software installed on your
computer.
Unlabeled Buttons on the Keyboard
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
do not have labels.
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons above the displays are written Button 1 to
Button 8, while the knobs under the displays are written Knob 1 to Knob 8.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 11
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
1.2 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
1.3 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:
Box Contents
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/
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 12
New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.0.4
2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.0.4
The release of KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.0.4 brings the following new features, improvements,
and changes:
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series Keyboards now Available
The KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series keyboardsare now available and fully supported by the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
Creating local copies of Preset Files
You can now create local copies of Instrument and Effect Presets by dragging and dropping the
Preset from the KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Browser to the desktop.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 13
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
3 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, Audio Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in
within your DAW for the first time, and after installing new Instruments and Effects.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and
MIDI interfaces, which you can configure 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 configuration of the host, and how to load plug-ins, please
refer to its documentation.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 14
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
3.1 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.
→ The keyboard is now detected by the operating system.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 15
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
3.2 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 configure 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.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 16
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
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.
3. Click the checkbox representing your keyboard, e.g., Komplete KontrolA25 MIDI to activate incoming MIDI signals from the keyboard.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 17
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer)
→ The software is configured 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.
3.3 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.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 18
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
▪ MASCHINE 2
▪ Apple Logic Pro X
▪ Apple GarageBand
▪ Ableton Live
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, a few configuration steps are required:
3.3.1 Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand are automatically configured for advanced integration with
KOMPLETE KONTROL once you launch the respective application for the first 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 confirm 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.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in
within your DAW for the first time, and after installing new Instruments and Effects.
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Logic Pro X / GarageBand refer to ↑14.2, In-
tegration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
3.3.2 Setting up Ableton Live (macOS)
Ableton Live must be configured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Installing the MIDI Remote Script
The MIDI Remote Script allows Ableton Live to recognize KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control
surface. It must be copied into Live’s MIDI Remote Scripts directory:
1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 19
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
2. Navigate to the following folder: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Native Instru-
ments/Host Integration/Ableton Live/
3. Copy the _NativeInstruments folder, as well as the Komplete_Kontrol_Mk2 folder to the
clipboard.
4. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Ableton Live application symbol. In the
context menu, click Show Package Contents.
5. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Re-
mote Scripts.
6. Paste the folders you have copied to the clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder.
Installing the KOMPLETE KONTROL Instrument Racks
KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded into Ableton Live in the form of an Instrument Rack. In order
to make the required Instrument Rack available in Ableton Live’s browser, it must be added to
your Ableton Live User Library:
1. Navigate to the following folder: Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Native Instru-
ments/Host Integration/Ableton Live/.
2. Copy the KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg file to the clipboard.
3. Paste the file you have copied to the clipboard into your Ableton Live Instrument Rack
folder. By default this folder is located here: Macintosh HD/Users/*Username*/Music/
Ableton/User Library/Presets/Instruments/Instrument Rack/.
Configuring Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL
Once the MIDI Remote Script and the Instrument Rack file are installed in the correct location, you need to add KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences.
1. Launch Ableton Live.
2. In Ableton Live, go to the Preferences and open the MIDI / Sync tab.
3. Assign a free Control Surface slot to KOMPLETE KONTROL by selecting KOM-
PLETE KONTROL MK2 from the drop-down menu.
4. Leave both the Input and the Output for the KOMPLETE KONTROL control surface set to
None.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 20
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
Loading KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in
within your DAW for the first time, and after installing new Instruments and Effects.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on.
2. To load KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live, drag the KOMPLETE KONTROL Instrument Rack from the browser to an empty MIDI track. You can find it here in the Ableton
Live browser: Instruments/Instrument Rack/KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg.
→ You are now ready to use KOMPLETE KONTROL within Ableton Live.
You must use the KOMPLETE KONTROL Instrument Rack (KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg) to ensure a reliable connection with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Ableton Live refer to ↑14.3, Integration with
Ableton Live.
3.3.3 Setting up Ableton Live (Windows)
Ableton Live must be configured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Installing the MIDI Remote Script
The MIDI Remote Script allows Ableton Live to recognize KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control
surface. It must be copied into Live’s MIDI Remote Scripts directory:
1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
2. Navigate to the following folder: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Native Instruments\Host
Integration\Ableton Live\
3. Copy the _NativeInstruments folder, as well as the Komplete_Kontrol_Mk2 folder to the
clipboard.
4. Navigate to the MIDI Remote Scripts folder in Ableton Live’s installation directory: C:\Pro-
gramData\Ableton\Live 9\Resources\MIDI Remote Scripts
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 21
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
5. Paste the folders you have copied to the clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder.
Installing the KOMPLETE KONTROL Instrument Racks
KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded into Ableton Live in the form of an Instrument Rack. In order
to make the required Instrument Rack available in Ableton Live’s browser, it must be added to
your Ableton Live User Library:
1. Navigate to the following folder: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Native Instruments\Host
Integration\Ableton Live\
2. Copy the KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg file to the clipboard.
3. Paste the file you have copied to the clipboard into your Ableton Live Instrument Rack
folder. By default this folder is located here: C:\Users\*Username*\Documents\Ableton
\User Library\Presets\Instruments\Instrument Rack\
Configuring Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL
Once the MIDI Remote Script and the Instrument Rack file are installed in the correct location, you need to add KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences.
1. Launch Ableton Live.
2. In Ableton Live, go to the Preferences and open the MIDI / Sync tab.
3. Assign a free Control Surface slot to KOMPLETE KONTROL by selecting it from the dropdown menu.
4. Leave both the Input and the Output for the KOMPLETE KONTROL control surface set to
None.
Loading KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in
within your DAW for the first time, and after installing new Instruments and Effects.
► To load KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live, drag the KOMPLETE KONTROL Instru-
ment Rack (KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg) from the browser to an empty MIDI track.
You can find it here in the Ableton Live browser: Instruments/Instrument Rack/KOM-
PLETE KONTROL VST.adg
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 22
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Ableton Live refer to ↑14.3, Integration with
Ableton Live.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 23
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Software Overview
4 Software Overview
This section gives 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 ↑4.1, Header.
(2) Plug-in area: Shows your loaded Instrument or Effect and lets you control it directly in the
software. For more information, refer to ↑4.6, Plug-in Area.
(3) Browser: Lets you browse for Instruments and Effects, and manage all your Preset files. For
more information, refer to ↑4.2, Browser.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 24
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8
9 11
12
13
10 14
Software Overview
4.1 Header
The header is where you find 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 ↑4.2, Browser.
(3) KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: Opens the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, which contains a number of general functions and settings, including the Preferences.
(4) Preset display: Displays the name of the loaded Preset file or KONTAKT key switch. The arrow buttons on the right skip to the next Preset file in the Browser’s Results list.
Header
(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 enabled. For more information, refer to ↑4.3,
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 file. For more information, refer to ↑4.4, Plug-in Panel.
(7) Plug-in chain panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in chain panel and lights up white when
enabled. For more information, refer to ↑4.5, 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.
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Software Overview
(9) Keyboard button: Shows the currently connected keyboard, S25, S49, S61, or S88. 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. For more information, refer to ↑6.2, 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 ↑6.3, Transport and
Tempo.
(11) Tempo control: Lets you adjust the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). For more information, refer to ↑6.3, 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 ↑6.4, 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.
Header
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Software Overview
4.2 Browser
The Browser provides you access to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and lets you add, edit,
and organize Preset files. 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 files, refer to ↑7, Brows-
ing the Library, ↑8, Working with Effects, respectively ↑12, Managing the Library.
Browser
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Software Overview
4.2.1 Library Pane
The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Effects, and Preset files. It consists of
the following elements:
Browser
The Library pane.
(1) Library: Displays the Library pane.
(2) Product Type icon: Displays the current context either of browsing for Instruments or browsing for Effects. This is determined automatically by the currently selected Plug-in slot in the
Plug-in chain. For more information on switching between Product Types, refer to ↑7.1.1,
Product Types: Instrument and Effect.
(3) Content selector: The Globe icon selects factory content and the User icon selects user content. Only Preset files of the selected content type are displayed in the Results list (8). For
more information, refer to ↑7.4, Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content.
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Software Overview
(4) Product selector: Selects a particular Instrument or Effect, Instrument category, and Bank
of the selected Product. Only Preset files matching your selection are displayed in the Results
list (8). For more information, refer to ↑4.2.2, Product Selector.
(5) TYPES: Lets you browse for Preset files based on Type and Sub-Type tags that have been
applied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the little arrow next to
TYPES. For more information, refer to ↑7.8, Types and Modes Tag Filters.
(6) MODES: Lets you browse for Preset files based on Mode tags that have been applied to
them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the little arrow next to MODES.
For more information, refer to ↑7.8, Types and Modes Tag Filters.
(7) Favorites: Lets you filter the search results by Favorites. When enabled, only favorite Preset
files are displayed in the Results list (8). For more information, refer to ↑7.9, Working with Fa-
vorites.
(8) Results list: Displays all Preset files that match your entered search criteria. For more information, refer to ↑7.3, Loading Preset Files.
(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 file(s).
Browser
▪ The EDIT button opens the Attribute editor for displaying and editing the tags and properties
of the selected Preset file(s).
For more information, refer to ↑7.11, Displaying Preset File Information
(10) Prehear controls: Lets you audition Preset Files. For more information, refer to ↑7.12, Au-
ditioning your Preset Files
(11) Search field: Lets you perform a text search. For more information, refer to ↑7.10, Per-
forming a Text Search.
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Software Overview
4.2.2 Product Selector
When browsing for Instruments or Effects the Product selector allows you to limit your search
to a certain category, a particular Product, and Banks of Instruments.
Browser
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.
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Software Overview
(2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or by Vendor.
(3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
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 ↑7.5, Filtering Preset Files by Product and ↑7.6, Filtering Prod-
uct Preset Files by Bank.
Browser
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4.2.3 Files Pane
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The Files pane contains following elements:
Software Overview
Browser
The Files pane in the Browser.
(1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to ↑12.4, Working with the Files
Pane.
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Software Overview
(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 ↑12.4.4, Working with File Location Favorites.
(3) Location bar: Displays the selected path. The Location bar provides various tools to quickly
navigate your file system. For more information, refer to ↑12.4.2, 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 ↑12.4.3, Navigating to Recent File Locations.
(5) Results list: Displays the content (files and folders) of the folder shown in the Location bar.
Only files compatible with KOMPLETE KONTROL are displayed. For more information, refer to
↑12.4.1, Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane.
(6) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing your file system:
▪ The Information button (i) displays additional information about the selected files.
▪ The IMPORT button lets you import the content of the selected folder to the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL Library. Before any files are imported, you can choose which tags will be
assigned to the files in the Attribute editor.
For more information, refer to ↑12.3, Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files and
↑12.7, Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files.
Browser
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Software Overview
4.3 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 ↑10, Smart Play – Playing
and Editing Scales and Chords for details.
Perform Panel
(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 ↑11, 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 ↑10, Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords.
4.4 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 files. The amount of pages and
parameters vary depending on the loaded Instrument or Effect.
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Software Overview
The Plug-in Panel.
For more information, refer to ↑9.4, Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
Plug-in Panel
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Plug-in Chain Panel
4.5 Plug-in Chain Panel
At the top of the Plug-in area there is situated the Plug-in chain panel with the Plug-in chain.
The Plug-in chain is the place where you can directly load Instrument Plug-ins (Plug-in slot 1)
and Effect Plug-ins (Plug-in slot 2 onwards) and arrange them in horizontal series. Each Plugin is loaded into a Plug-in slot which create the Plug-in chain. The arrangement of the Plug-ins
is customizable, but the first Plug-in slot always has to have an Instrument loaded.
Overview of the Plug-in Chain Panel
(1) Plug-in chain: Displays the loaded Instrument 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.
For more information, refer to ↑8, Working with Effects.
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Software Overview
4.6 Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is where your Instruments and Effects
are displayed once you have loaded them from the Browser. Each Instrument 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 ↑6.1, Instrument Views for details.
Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form.
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Keyboard Overview
5 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 Fatar keybed. Beyond the keybed, all KOMPLETE KONTROL 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 ↑5.1, Perform and Edit Section.
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Keyboard Overview
(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
file 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 ↑5.3, Navigation and Mode Buttons.
(6) Keybed: Lets you play the loaded Instrument.
(7) Pitch and Modulation Wheels: The two Modulation Wheels let you control pitch and modulation parameters of the loaded Instrument. The left Modulation Wheel, called Pitch Wheel, lets
you adjust the pitch of the loaded Instrument. The right Modulation Wheel, called Modulation
Wheel, lets you adjust the default modulation parameter of the loaded Instrument.
(8) Transpose buttons: Transpose the keybed up or down by an octave, or set the note velocity
for all keys to a fixed 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 ↑5.4, 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 ↑14, 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 ↑5.2, Transport Section.
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Keyboard Overview
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 or expression pedal.
(3) USB connector: Connects the keyboard to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
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Keyboard Overview
Perform and Edit Section
5.1 Perform and Edit Section
The buttons in the Perform and Edit section on the far left of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard let you switch the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator on or off and access their parameter
for editing. The parameters are visible in the display and editable with the knobs in the Control
section.
Perform and Edit section.
(1) SHIFT: Lets you access the secondary functions of buttons labeled as such, for example
the Edit functions of the SCALE (Edit) and ARP (Edit) buttons.
(2) SCALE (Edit): Switches the Scale engine on or off, and lets you edit the Scale engine parameters. For more information, refer to ↑10, Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and
Chords.
(3) ARP (Edit): Switches the Arpeggiator on or off, and lets you edit the Arp parameters. For
more information, refer to ↑11, 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 ↑14, Host Integration.
(5) QUANTIZE (AUTO): Lets you quantize events to the step grid and lets you activate or deactivate automation in supported hosts. For more information, refer to ↑14, Host Integration.
(6) UNDO (Redo): Lets you undo or redo your last action in supported hosts. For more information, refer to ↑14, Host Integration.
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Keyboard Overview
Transport Section
5.2 Transport Section
The TRANSPORT section at the far left on the keyboard provides you quick and easy access to
functions like play, record, loop, etc. in supported hosts.
Transport section.
(1) LOOP: Switches between standard and loop playback.
(2) METRO: Switches the metronome on or off.
(3) TEMPO: Lets you tap in the tempo.
(4) STOP: Stops playback.
(5) REC (Count-in): REC (Count-in) switches record on or off. SHIFT + REC (Count-in) switches
the count-in on or off.
(6) PLAY (Restart): PLAY (Restart) starts playback. SHIFT + PLAY (Restart) starts playback
from the beginning.
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Keyboard Overview
Navigation and Mode Buttons
5.3 Navigation and Mode Buttons
The Navigation and Mode buttons let you browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and navigate in your DAW with the 4-D encoder, as well as directly access functions like the Plug-in
view and Track view.
Navigation and Mode buttons overview
(1) BROWSER: Opens the Browser. For more information, refer to ↑7, Browsing the Library.
(2) PLUG-IN (MIDI): Displays the Plug-in Chain and the selected plug-in the Control section.
Accesses MIDI mode that allows you to use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard as a MIDI
controller. For more information, refer to ↑8, Working with Effects.
(3) TRACK (Instance): When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in MASCHINE, holding
TRACK presents you with the Track view in the displays. When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as
a plug-in in a host without advanced integration, this button lets you switch between KOMPLETE KONTROL instances and MIDI Mode. For more information, refer to ↑14.1, Integration
with MASCHINE.
(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, for adjusting
values of parameters, and for controlling Products. Hence, it can be moved to the four directions: up, down, left, and right, as well as being pushed and rotated.
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Keyboard Overview
Transpose Buttons
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 confirmed by pressing the 4-D encoder.
For more information, refer to ↑7, Browsing the Library, ↑8, Working with Effects, and ↑9, Con-
trolling Instrument and Effect Parameters.
5.4 Transpose Buttons
Transpose Buttons.
The OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) down button transposes the entire keybed one octave down. Using SHIFT + OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) sets the note velocity for all keys to a fixed value of 127.
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Instrument Views
6 Global Controls and Preferences
This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header
of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
6.1 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 finer 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Instrument Views
6.1.1 Default View
The Default View is the view that first 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.
POLYPLEX in Default View.
6.1.2 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Instrument Views
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.
The + button opens and closes the Additional View.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Instrument Views
6.1.3 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 files that cannot be loaded from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, e.g., KONTAKT Multis which can be loaded from the KONTAKT Browser in edit view.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Switching Instances
6.2 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 automati-
cally 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).
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Global Controls and Preferences
Switching Instances
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 displays 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 displays.
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Transport and Tempo
6.3 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 find the Transport and Tempo controls in the Header:
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Transport and Tempo
6.3.1 Resetting the Clock
Resetting the Clock in the Software
▪ When the internal clock is stopped, clicking the Reset button allows you to reset the inter-
nal clock. Clicking the Play button will start playback from the beginning.
▪ When the internal clock is running, clicking the Reset button allows you to reset the inter-
nal clock and resume playback from the beginning.
Resetting the Clock from the Keyboard
▪ When the internal clock is stopped, pressing STOP allows you to reset the internal clock.
Pressing PLAY (Restart) will start playback from the beginning.
▪ When the internal clock is stopped, pressing SHIFT + PLAY (Restart) allows you to reset
the internal clock and start playback from the beginning.
▪ When the internal clock is running, pressing SHIFT + PLAY (Restart) allows you to reset
the internal clock and resume playback from the beginning.
6.3.2 Adjusting Tempo
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 up / down.
2. Alternatively, you can double-click the display and enter a value numerically.
→ The tempo adjusts in increments of one.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Adjusting Master Volume
Adjusting Tempo from the Keyboard
You can also use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
► Hold TEMPO turn Knob 1 in the Control section.
→ The tempo is adjusted in increments of 1 BPM.
6.4 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 0.5dB increments from -30dB to +10dB. Below
-30dB, the keyboard’s volume control is exponentially scaled and quickly lowers the output signal to complete silence.
Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard
To to adjust the output volume on the keyboard:
► Press and hold SHIFT + turn the Knob 1.
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Global Controls and Preferences
6.5 Preferences
In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL.
To open the Preferences:
► Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
6.5.1 Preferences – Audio Page
The Audio page holds settings related to your audio interface when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
running as a stand-alone application.
Preferences
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the audio configuration is managed by the host,
and the Audio page is not available.
The Routings section allows you to configure the connections between the virtual outputs of
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the physical outputs of your audio interface.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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 find
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.
Preferences
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 fields in the right column to select the desired outputs
via a drop-down menu.
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Global Controls and Preferences
6.5.2 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 configuration is managed by the host,
and the MIDI page is not available.
Preferences
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer)
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Global Controls and Preferences
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.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features
with other MIDI instruments.
6.5.3 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.
Usage Data Tracking can be enabled or disabled in the General page of the Preferences in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software. However, we encourage all users to keep Data Tracking enabled 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.
Preferences
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
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 58
Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
6.5.4 Preferences – Library Page
The Library page allows you to edit the locations of all KOMPLETE KONTROL Library files
(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.
Preferences
Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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.
Preferences
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Global Controls and Preferences
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 defined. These libraries will appear in the User view of the Browser’s Library pane.
Preferences
Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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.
Defining 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 field 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 files will be stored by
default.
Preferences
Scan user content
for changes at start-
Enabled by default, this option automatically detects any new
added user content when starting KOMPLETE KONTROL.
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
files), 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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 files found in the selected folder are added to your
user content in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files include ens, rkplr, nrkt, nksn, nfm8, nabs, nki, nmsv, nbkt,
nis.
Furthermore, the attributes (Instrument/Bank/Sub-Bank, Type/Sub-Type/Mode tags, as well as
properties) of all imported files will be retained.
By adding a folder to the user content of your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you make their
files available in the Browser’s Library pane for quick searching and loading.
Preferences
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 files as they are imported.
Please 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
6.5.5 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 disabled,
your Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the associated plug-in found
on the computer.
Preferences
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences
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 enabled (default), Library content is loaded
with the latest version of the associated plug-in.
If this option is disabled, Library content is loaded with the
lowest required version of the associated plug-in.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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.
Preferences
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Locations pane.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Loading a Plug-in in Default State
Setting Description
Plug-in column Lists all folders that KOMPLETE KONTROL scans for VST
plug-ins.
Add Opens a file dialogue that lets you add another folder to the
list.
Remove Removes the currently selected folder from the list.
Rescan Scans all folders in the list for compatible plug-ins and
updates the Manager pane accordingly.
6.6 Loading a Plug-in in Default State
You can load a Plug-in in default state directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
► In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu select e.g., Plug-ins > Native Instruments > Massive.
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→ The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values.
Global Controls and Preferences
Loading a Plug-in in Default State
Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
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Browsing the Library
7 Browsing the Library
The Browser is where you access your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library with all its Instruments
and Effects. You can search, filter, and load Instrument and Effect Preset files as well as add
them to your personal Favorites from the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, but also use your
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to access the Browser. This way you can browse your Preset
files using only the hardware controls.
You can also save Preset files 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 ↑12.1, Saving Preset Files to
the User Library and ↑12.3, Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files.
Browsing for Products instead of Browsing for Instruments or Effects
Since the same workflows apply to Instruments and Effects, this section refers to both product
types as Products. The Browser automatically switches the product type to either Instrument or
Effect depending on the selected slot in the Plug-in chain. For more information on Product
Types and about switching between Product Types, refer to ↑7.1.1, Product Types: Instrument
and Effect.
For a detailed overview of the Browser elements, refer to ↑4.2, Browser.
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Browsing the Library
7.1 Browser Basics
This section describes general concepts related to the Browser.
7.1.1 Product Types: Instrument and Effect
Although the Library contains Instruments and Effects, it is not possible to browse for these
two Product Types at the same time. Depending on the selected Plug-in slot the Product Type
in the Browser switches either to “Instrument” or “Effect”:
▪ When you start KOMPLETE KONTROL or when you select the first Plug-in Slot in the Plug-
in chain, the Product Type is set to Instrument which is reflected by the respective icon in
the Browser.
▪ Consequently, when you select any other Plug-in slot, the Product Type is set to Effect
which is reflected by the respective icon in the Browser.
Browser Basics
These icons also appear in the display on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
For more information on the Plug-in chain and usage, refer to ↑4.5, Plug-in Chain Panel respectively ↑8, Working with Effects.
7.1.2 About the Library and Meta-Information
To organize, find, keep track of, and provide you thousands of Preset files at any time ready for
loading, KOMPLETE KONTROL makes use of a Library. The Library contains the factory content of your KOMPLETE Instruments and NKS Instruments, Effects, as well as your own user
content.
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Browsing the Library
Tags
To help you find the right Preset file quickly and efficiently, 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 file included in the Library contains tags which describe the
Preset file according to following aspects:
▪ The content type of the Preset file, i.e. whether it originates from a Product’s factory library
or if it was created by a user.
▪ The Product where the Preset file come from—this can include, e.g., a hierarchical struc-
ture 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 file, for ex-
ample, the type of effect, the sonic character, the context in which it is used—in a word,
anything that might help you find the file.
Included Preset Files in the Library
The Preset files included in the Library are all KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant files 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.
Browser Basics
7.1.3 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks
Besides of browsing KOMPLETE KONTROL Library the Browser also allows you to navigate
your file 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 pre-
ferred way to search for files meeting particular musical requirements. This pane also allows you to tag your own Preset files to your liking.
▪ The Files pane allows you to browse your hard disks by using the hierarchical folder struc-
ture of your operating system. For example, you can use it to navigate KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant files that have not been imported into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library—
and you can import them from there!
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Browsing the Library
The Library pane respectively the Files pane can be accessed by clicking the corresponding tab
at the top of the Browser.
Click the desired tab to show the corresponding pane of the Browser.
Browsing and loading files from the file system using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is not
possible. The Browser called up from the keyboard can only load files that have already been added
to the Library. This is why you should always import all your files to the Library and tag them using
the software Browser beforehand.
Browser Basics
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Browsing the Library
Opening the Browser
7.2 Opening the Browser
To open the Browser:
► Click on the Browser button (the magnifier 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.
Calling up the Browser on the Keyboard
When the Plug-in chain is entirely empty the displays show PRESS BROWSE.
In order to call up the Browser on the keyboard’s displays:
► Press the BROWSER button.
7.3 Loading Preset Files
When the Browser is open, you can directly load any of the Preset files shown in the Results
list. When loading a Preset file the corresponding product automatically opens in the Plug-in
area.
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► To load a Preset file, double click the corresponding entry in the Results list.
→ The Preset file and the corresponding Product is opens in the Plug-in area.
Browsing the Library
Loading Preset Files
Loading a Preset File Using the Keyboard
To load a Preset file using the Keyboard you need navigate to the Results list in the Browser:
1. Open the Browser by pressing the BROWSER button.
2. Skip directly to the Results list by moving the 4-D encoder to the right until RESULTS is
shown in the display.
3. Select a Preset file in the Results list by turning the 4-D encoder.
4. Load the selected Preset file by pressing the 4-D encoder.
→ The Preset file together with the product is loaded and the keyboard switches to PLUG-IN
mode.
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Browsing the Library
Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content
7.4 Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content
The Content selector shows two icons, one representing the factory content on the left, and one
representing the user content on the right:
The Content selector.
► Click the NI icon to search the factory content, or click the User icon to search the user
content.
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.
7.5 Filtering Preset Files by Product
The Product selector allows you to filter Preset files 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 filter the Preset files in the Results list by a certain
Product you need to select that Product in the Product selector:
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Browsing the Library
Filtering Preset Files by Product
1. Click on the arrow in Product selector header.
⇨ The Product selector expands, showing you the Product list with all the Instruments or Ef-
fects available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
2. Select either Category or Vendor in the Category / Vendor selector to filter the Products accordingly.
3. Scroll through the Product groups to find the Product you are looking for.
KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series - Manual - 77
4. Click on the Product image to select it.
Browsing the Library
Filtering Preset Files by Product
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Browsing the Library
Filtering Preset Files by Product
→ The Product selector header shows the Product name. You can now browse for all Preset
files associated with the selected Product in the Results list.
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Browsing the Library
Filtering Product Preset Files by Bank
Loading a Product with its Default Preset File
You can also directly load a Product with its default Preset File:
1. Hover the mouse over the Instrument entry in the Product selector
2. Click on the arrow symbol that appears in the upper right corner of the Instrument entry.
→ The Product with its default Preset file is loaded.
Filtering Preset Files by Product using the Keyboard
On the KOMPLETE KONTRL A-Series keyboard the Products list provides you with all Products
in alphabetical order. Filtering Products and so their Preset files by Category or Vendor is not
supported.
7.6 Filtering Product Preset Files by Bank
Banks can be additional Libraries (for example Expansions), different versions of the original
Factory Library, or any other content categorization specific to a particular Product.
When you select specific 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 files for the selected Product if available.
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The Bank menu showing All Banks for POLYPLEX
To select a particular Bank of Preset files for the selected Product:
1. Click the arrow in the Banks menu to expand it.
2. Choose a Bank from the available entries.
Browsing the Library
Filtering Product Preset Files by Bank
→ 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 Product Preset Files by Bank using the Keyboard
Filtering Product Preset Files by Bank using the KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series Keyboard is
not supported. The Results list always provides you with all Preset Files of the Product.
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Browsing the Library
Resetting the Product Selection
7.7 Resetting the Product Selection
In order to select another Product, or show Preset files for all Products in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you have to reset the selection.
To reset the selection 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 or
→
All Effects. The TYPES and MODES filters and the Results list below the Product selector
now includes Preset files for all Instruments respectively Effects.
Products are shown in the Product selector only if the Library contains files for them. If a particular
Instrument does not show up, make sure that it is installed correctly and has been updated to the
latest available version.
Resetting the Product Selection on the Keyboard
To reset the Product selection:
1. Skip directly to the Products Filter by moving the 4-D encoder to the left until PRODCUTS
is shown in the first display line.
2. Turn the 4-D encoder anti-clockwise until ALL is shown in the second display line.
→ The Product selection is reset.
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Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
7.8 Types and Modes Tag Filters
The MODES tag filter is not available when browsing Effects.
The TYPES and MODES tag filter menus appear under the Product selector allow you to search
for Preset files according to particular characteristics of a sound. Recommended but not mandatorily the TYPES and MODES tag filters bring best results in combination with a selected
Product.
TYPES and MODES filters for MASSIVE
As soon the desired tags in the tag filters are selected the search is limited to the Preset files
that are tagged correspondingly. Tags can also be deselected to broaden the search.
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Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
TYPES
The tags of the TYPE filter are structured into two hierarchical levels—top-level tags and sublevel tags.
▪ At first the TYPES filter displays the available top-level tags only.
▪ As soon as a tag in the top level 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 specific to each tag of the
level above.
MODES
The MODES filter provides an additional level that is independent of the Type levels:
▪ In general, Mode tags will rather refer to technical terms (e.g., Arpeggiated, Percussive,
Synthetic, etc.).
▪ The MODES filter is always displayed. You can start your search with the MODES filter be-
fore (or even without) using the TYPES filter.
▪ However, the list of tags available in the MODES filter will vary depending on the tags se-
lected in the TYPES filter. If no file contains both the Type and Mode tags that you have
selected, the Type tags will prevail and the Mode tags will be deselected.
If you don’t select any tag in the TYPES or the MODES filter, the Result list will include all
available files for the selected Product.
Both the Types as well as the Modes filter menus can be collapsed and expanded with a click
on the arrows to allow for a larger Results list.
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Expanded TYPES and MODES tag filter menus.
Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
Collapsed TYPES and MODES tag filter menus.
7.8.1 Filtering Preset Files by Types and Modes
The MODES tag filter is not available when browsing Effects.
In this tutorial you will learn how to filter find a bass line Preset file exemplary from the MONARK Instrument using the Types filter. We assume here you have already selected the MON-
ARK Instrument in the Product selector. For now the TYPES filter shows only top-level tags:
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Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
The MONARK Instrument is selected in the Product selector.
In order to find a bass sound:
1. Select the Bass tag from the TYPES filter.
⇨ Upon your selection the second level of tags appears underneath with Sub-Types like Ana-
log Bass, Fingered Bass, etc.
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Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
2. Select the Sub-Type matching the desired characteristic for your bass line. By selecting
any of these tags, e.g., Distorted Bass, you will narrow your search to this particular SubType of bass sounds.
3. Select the Synthetic tag from the MODES filter.
→ The Results list is filtered accordingly to the Types and Modes filters.
This method allows you to quickly find various Preset files for an Instrument with similar characteristics.
Filtering Preset Files by Types and Modes Using the Keyboard
In order to find a bass sound:
1. Skip to the TYPES filter by moving the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right until TYPES
is shown in the first display line.
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Browsing the Library
Types and Modes Tag Filters
2. Turn the 4-D encoder to select the Bass tag from the Types filter.
3. Press the 4D encoder or push it to the right to select the MODES filter.
4. Turn the 4-D encoder to select a MODE tag matching the desired characteristic for your
bass line, e.g., Dry.
5. Press the 4-D encoder or push it to the right to select the Results list (RESULTS).
→ The Results list is filtered accordingly to the Types and Modes filters.
7.8.2 Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level
The MODES tag filter is not available when browsing Effects.
In both TYPES and MODES filter 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 particular tags.
→ The result list will include all files satisfying 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.
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Browsing the Library
Working with Favorites
7.9 Working with Favorites
Favorites in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser allow you to quickly view and browse your most
frequently used Preset files. Any Preset file can be assigned to be a Favorite. The Favorites
serve as an additional filter in the Library pane. When activated, the Results list will only show
Preset files that have been assigned to be a Favorite, and also match all other selected filters,
including the search query entered into the search field.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser showing all Favorites tagged with the Type Bass
7.9.1 Adding Preset Files to the Favorites
To add a Preset File to the Favorites:
1. Place the mouse cursor over any selected or unselected entry in the Results list.
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Browsing the Library
Working with Favorites
⇨ The entry is highlighted and the Set Favorite icon on right appears.
2. Click on the Set Favorite icon to add the corresponding Preset file to the Favorites.
→ The Preset file is added to the Favorites, indicated by the lit Set Favorite icon next to its
name.
You can add any Preset File in the Results list to the Favorites, no matter if it is selected or
not.
Adding Preset Files to the Favorites on the Keyboard
In order to add a Preset File to the Favorites on the keyboard:
1. Select the Preset File you want to add to the Favorites in the Results list.
2. Press and hold SHIFT+ press the 4-D encoder.
→ The Preset File is added to the Favorites. A star icon is at the Preset File entry indicates
that it is a favorite.
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7.9.2 Displaying Favorites in the Results List
To activate the Favorites filter:
► Click on the Favorites icon next to the search field to activate the Favorites filter.
→ The Favorites icon is now lit and the Results list shows all favorite Preset Files.
Browsing the Library
Working with Favorites
Displaying all favorite Preset Files on the Keyboard
In order to display all Favorites in the Results list on the keyboard:
► Press and hold SHIFT + BROWSER.
→ The Results list now shows all favorite Preset Files.
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Browsing the Library
Working with Favorites
7.9.3 Removing Preset Files from the Favorites
To remove a Preset file from the Favorites:
► Click on the lit Set Favorite icon to remove the corresponding Preset file from the Favor-
ites.
→ The Preset file is removed from the Favorites, indicated by the hidden Set Favorite icon.
The next time you select the Favorites filter, the Preset file will not be shown in the Results list.
You can also remove a Preset file from the Favorites when the Results list is not filtered by
Favorites.
Removing Preset Files from the Favorites on the Keyboard
In order to remove a Preset File from the Favorites on the keyboard:
1. Select a favorite Preset File.
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Browsing the Library
Performing a Text Search
2. Press and hold SHIFT+ press the 4-D encoder to remove the corresponding Preset file
from the Favorites.
→ The Preset File has been removed from the Favorites.
7.10 Performing a Text Search
In the search field you can enter your search query. The search considers all properties such as
Preset file names, Instruments, Banks, Type and Mode tags, directly as you type.
The search field.
1. Click in the search field.
2. Type the desired text to limit the Results to files containing this text.
→ As you start typing, the list of matches will start narrowing in the result list below.
You can also limit the search by selecting Types and Mode tags.
In order to reset both text search tag search, use the Reset button (showing a little cross) on the
right side of the search field. The Instrument selection is not affected.
7.11 Displaying Preset File Information
► Click the Information button (showing a little “i”) next to the EDIT button in the right part
of the Control bar to display information on the file(s) selected in the result list.
→ A box appears above with various information on the selected file(s): File Format, Date
modified, File Size, Type, as well as the Author and Manufacturer properties, if any.
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Browsing the Library
Auditioning your Preset Files
The Information box provides various information on the selected file(s).
If the selected files have different characteristics, the corresponding fields in the Information
box will read multi.
7.12 Auditioning your Preset Files
When you are browsing Preset Files, you can audition Preset Files by using the Prehear feature
at the bottom of the Browser. For this you need to enable the Prehear feature.
The Prehear controls.
1. Click the Prehear button (showing a little speaker icon) to enable/disable Prehear.
⇨ When Prehear is enabled, you can directly hear Preset Files as you select them in the Re-
sult list of the Library pane or Files pane.
2. Drag the Prehear Volume slider next to the Prehear button to adjust the volume of the
Preset Files you are pre-listening to.
3. Click on any entry in the Results list.
In order to hear audio of the Prehear feature it is mandatory to configure the audio interface in the
Preferences of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
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Working with Effects
Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel
8 Working with Effects
In this section you learn how to work with the Plug-in chain in terms of adding Effects, and
organizing the Plug-in chain. Also, this section assumes you are familiar using the Browser and
already loaded an Instrument.
For more information on using the Browser, refer to ↑7, Browsing the Library.
8.1 Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel
In order to work with the Plug-in chain in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software you need to
make sure the Plug-in chain panel is displayed.
If this is not the case you can display the Plug-in chain panel by the following action:
► Click on the Plug-in chain panel button in the Header.
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Working with Effects
→ The Plug-in chain panel and the loaded Instrument are displayed. You can now add Ef-
fects to the Plug-in chain.
Adding Effects
8.2 Adding Effects
Assuming an Instrument has already been loaded into the first Plug-in slot you can then add
Effects to the Plug-in chain.
In order to add an Effect to the Plug-in chain:
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1. Click on the empty Plug-in slot to select it.
2. Browse for an Effect to your liking.
Working with Effects
Adding Effects
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Working with Effects
→ The Effect is loaded. Its image (or a generic icon for non-NKS Plug-ins) and name are
shown in the second Plug-in slot. To add more Effects to the Plug-in chain, repeat the
aforementioned steps.
Adding Effects
Adding Effects using the Keyboard
Assuming an Instrument has already been loaded into the first Plug-in slot perform the following actions in order to add an Effect to the Plug-in chain:
1. Push the right 4-D encoder to the right until you select the rightmost Plug-in slot which is
empty.
⇨ The display shows Press BROWSE Empty Slot.
2. Press the BROWSER button to open the Browser.
3. Select an Effect and its Preset file to your liking in the Results list.
4. Press the 4-D encoder to load the selection.
→ The Effect is now added to the Plug-in chain. To add more Effects to the Plug-in chain,
repeat the aforementioned steps.
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Working with Effects
Selecting Plug-in Slots
8.3 Selecting Plug-in Slots
When you have several Effects added to the Plug-in chain you can directly jump to a Plug-in
slot in order for adjusting the included Effect.
In order to jump to another Plug-in slot and display the Effect’s controls:
► Click on the Plug-in slot you want to select.
Selecting another Plug-in Slot using the Keyboard
In order to select another Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain using the keyboard:
► Push the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right to select the previous or next Plug-in slot
in the Plug-in chain.
→ The Plug-in controls are mapped to the Control section accordingly.
8.4 Reordering Effects
If you want to reorder your Effects in the Plug-in chain you can easily move them by drag and
drop.
In order to move an Effect in the Plug-in chain:
1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot you want to move.
2. Click and hold the left mouse button and move the mouse pointer to the desired position
in the Plug-in chain.
⇨ The white line between the borders of the Plug-in slots is the current position for dropping
the Plug-in slot.
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Working with Effects
Scrolling the Plug-in Chain
3. Drop the Effect into a new position in the effects chain.
→ The Plug-in slot now sits at another position in the Plug-in chain and the other Plug-in
slots have moved accordingly.
Reordering Effects on the Keyboard
In order to move an Effect in the Plug-in chain:
1. Press the PLUG-IN button.
2. Push the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right to select the Plug-in slot with the Effect
you want to move.
3. Press and hold SHIFT + push the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right in order to move
the selected Effect in the Plug-in chain.
8.5 Scrolling the Plug-in Chain
Theoretically, it is possible to add an unlimited amount of Effects to the Plug-in chain. If the
Plug-in chain exceeds the space on the GUI due to numerous Effects loaded, big scroll arrows
appear on the left and/or on the right border.
Right scroll arrow
In order to scroll through the Plug-in chain:
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