Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S25, Komplete Kontrol S88 User Manual
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: 1.9.2 (12/2017)
Hardware version: KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK1
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
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www.native-instruments.de
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www.native-instruments.com
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www.native-instruments.com
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www.native-instruments.co.uk
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© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2017. 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
1.4 Accessibility ............................................................................................................................... 14
1.4.1 Keyboard Overview ..................................................................................................... 14
1.4.2 Activating Accessibility Features ............................................................................... 16
1.4.3 Training Mode ............................................................................................................ 16
1.4.4 Feature Overview ....................................................................................................... 17
2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9 ...................................................................
3 The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow ............................................................................
4 Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ..................................................................................
4.1 Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer .................................................................................. 23
4.2 Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ...................................................................................... 24
4.3 Setting up Host Integration ........................................................................................................ 26
4.4 Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard ............................................................................................ 28
4.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard ................................................................ 29
5 Software Overview .....................................................................................................
10
19
20
22
31
5.1 Header ........................................................................................................................................ 32
5.2 Browser ...................................................................................................................................... 34
5.3 Perform Panel ............................................................................................................................. 40
5.4 Plug-in Panel ..............................................................................................................................41
5.2.1 Library Pane .............................................................................................................. 35
5.2.2 Instrument Selector ................................................................................................... 37
5.2.3 Files Pane .................................................................................................................. 39
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 4
5.5 Instrument Area ..........................................................................................................................41
6 Keyboard Overview ....................................................................................................
6.1 Transport Section ....................................................................................................................... 45
6.2 Perform Section .......................................................................................................................... 46
6.3 Control Section ........................................................................................................................... 47
6.4 Light Guide ................................................................................................................................. 49
6.5 Touch Strips ............................................................................................................................... 50
6.6 Transpose Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 50
7 Global Controls and Preferences ................................................................................
7.1 Instrument Views ........................................................................................................................ 51
7.2 Switching Instances ................................................................................................................... 55
7.3 Transport and Tempo .................................................................................................................. 57
7.4 Adjusting Master Volume ............................................................................................................ 59
7.5 Preferences .................................................................................................................................59
7.1.1 Default View .............................................................................................................. 52
7.1.2 Additional View .......................................................................................................... 52
7.1.3 Edit View ................................................................................................................... 54
7.3.1 Resetting the Clock ................................................................................................... 58
7.3.2 Adjusting Tempo ........................................................................................................ 58
7.5.1 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 60
7.5.2 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 63
7.5.3 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 64
7.5.4 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 66
7.5.5 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 71
7.5.6 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 74
Table of Contents
43
51
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 5
Table of Contents
8 MIDI Communication .................................................................................................
8.1 Host Automation ......................................................................................................................... 78
8.2 Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode ............................................................................................... 82
8.3 Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller ................................................................... 83
8.1.1 Automation IDs for the Perform Panel ........................................................................ 78
8.1.2 Recording Automation ............................................................................................... 79
9 Host Integration ........................................................................................................
9.1 Integration with MASCHINE ........................................................................................................ 84
9.2 Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand .................................................................. 90
9.3 Integration with Steinberg Cubase / Nuendo .............................................................................. 91
9.4 Integration with Ableton Live ...................................................................................................... 92
10 Browsing the Library ..................................................................................................
10.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 93
10.2 Selecting Browse Mode Keyboard ................................................................................................ 96
10.3 Opening the Browser .................................................................................................................. 96
10.4 Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content ................................................................ 97
10.5 Loading an Instrument with its default Preset File ..................................................................... 99
10.6 Filtering Preset Files by Bank ..................................................................................................... 102
10.7 Resetting the Instrument Selection ............................................................................................ 104
10.8 Types and Modes Filters ............................................................................................................. 105
10.9 Working with Favorites ............................................................................................................... 110
10.1.1 Browse Modes ............................................................................................................ 93
10.1.2 About the Library and Meta-Information .................................................................... 94
10.1.3 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 95
10.8.1 Filtering Preset Files by Types and Modes .................................................................. 107
10.8.2 Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ............................................................ 110
77
84
93
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
10.10 Performing a Text Search ............................................................................................................ 115
10.11 Displaying Preset File Information .............................................................................................. 115
10.12 Auditioning your Preset Files ...................................................................................................... 116
10.13 Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay ........................................................................................... 118
10.9.1 Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ........................................................................... 111
10.9.2 Displaying Favorites in the Results List ..................................................................... 112
10.9.3 Removing Preset Files from the Favorites .................................................................. 113
11 Managing the Library .................................................................................................
11.1 Saving Preset Files to the User Library ....................................................................................... 120
11.2 Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ......................................................................... 122
11.3 Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files .................................................................. 123
11.4 Working with the Files Pane ........................................................................................................ 126
11.5 Loading VST Plug-ins ................................................................................................................. 131
11.6 Installing NKS Instruments ......................................................................................................... 133
11.7 Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ............................................................... 136
11.4.1 Additional Features in the Results List in the Files Pane ........................................... 127
11.4.2 Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar .................................................... 128
11.4.3 Navigating to Recent File Locations .......................................................................... 129
11.4.4 Working with File Location Favorites .......................................................................... 129
12 Controlling Instrument Parameters .............................................................................
120
138
12.1 Pre-Mapped Instruments ............................................................................................................ 138
12.2 Adjusting Parameters ................................................................................................................. 138
12.3 Switching Parameter Pages ........................................................................................................ 139
12.4 Customizing Parameter Mappings .............................................................................................. 139
13 Playing and Editing Scales and Chords .......................................................................
13.1 A Note about Music Theory .......................................................................................................... 143
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 7
142
13.2 Playing a Scale ........................................................................................................................... 144
13.3 Playing Chords ........................................................................................................................... 145
13.4 Editing Scales and Chords ......................................................................................................... 145
13.5 Setting the Scale Parameters ..................................................................................................... 146
13.6 Setting the Key Mode Parameter ................................................................................................. 154
13.7 Setting the Chord Parameters .................................................................................................... 156
13.5.1 Scale Root Note ......................................................................................................... 147
13.5.2 Scale Bank and Type ................................................................................................. 148
13.7.1 Chord Mode ............................................................................................................... 156
13.7.2 Chord Type ................................................................................................................. 158
13.7.3 Chord Position ........................................................................................................... 161
14 Playing and Editing the Arpeggiator ............................................................................
14.1 Playing Arpeggiator Sequences .................................................................................................. 164
14.2 Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator ....................................................................... 165
14.3 Editing the Arpeggiator .............................................................................................................. 165
14.4 Setting the Main Parameters ...................................................................................................... 166
14.5 Setting the Rhythm Parameters .................................................................................................. 168
14.6 Setting the Other Parameters ..................................................................................................... 171
14.4.1 Main Mode ................................................................................................................. 167
14.4.2 Main Type .................................................................................................................. 167
14.5.1 Rhythm Rate .............................................................................................................. 168
14.5.2 Rhythm Sequence ...................................................................................................... 169
14.5.3 Rhythm Swing ........................................................................................................... 170
14.6.1 Other Octaves ............................................................................................................ 171
14.6.2 Other Dynamic ........................................................................................................... 172
14.6.3 Other Gate ................................................................................................................. 172
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163
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 8
14.7 Setting the Advanced Parameters .............................................................................................. 173
14.8 Setting the Range Parameters .................................................................................................... 175
14.9 Setting the Hold Parameter ........................................................................................................ 176
14.7.1 Advanced Retrigger ................................................................................................... 173
14.7.2 Advanced Repeat ....................................................................................................... 174
14.7.3 Advanced Offset ........................................................................................................ 174
14.7.4 Advanced Inversion ................................................................................................... 174
14.8.1 Range Min. Key .......................................................................................................... 175
14.8.2 Range Max. Key ......................................................................................................... 175
15 Configuring the Touch Strips ......................................................................................
15.1 Accessing the Touch Strip Settings ............................................................................................ 177
15.2 Configuring the Pitch Strip ......................................................................................................... 180
15.3 Configuring the Modulation Strip ............................................................................................... 183
15.2.1 Adjusting Absolute Mode ........................................................................................... 180
15.2.2 Enabling Relative Mode ............................................................................................. 181
15.3.1 Modulation Strip Modes ............................................................................................. 183
15.3.2 Selecting and Editing a Modulation Strip Mode ......................................................... 186
16 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
Table of Contents
177
188
Index ........................................................................................................................
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 9
190
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
S-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 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 S-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.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
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 S-Series - Manual - 11
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
1.2 Box Contents
The box contains the following items:
▪ Information flyer providing:
▪ the hardware serial number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
▪ a web link for downloading the KOMPLETE SELECT software bundle (including KOM-
PLETE KONTROL)
▪ KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
▪ Safety Instructions flyer
▪ USB cable
The included 3 meter USB cable only works in conjunction with the KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 keyboard.
▪ Power supply
Box Contents
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:
www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s-series/specifications/
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE KONTROL is optimized for use with KOMPLETE 11 SELECT, KOMPLETE 11 and
KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE.
The latest KOMPLETE system requirements and compatibility information is available here:
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 12
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-11/specifications/
System Requirements
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 13
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
1.4 Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers a set of accessibility features for visually-impaired users. These
are focused exclusively on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard itself and include speech output via your computer for the following features:
▪ Perform, Transpose, Page left / right, and key navigation buttons
▪ All Browser functions
▪ Instance switching
▪ The current edit mode, including the Plug-in Panel and the Perform panel (Scale, Arp,
Touch Strip)
▪ Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit
modes
The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration and Apple VoiceOver in Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
Accessibility
1.4.1 Keyboard Overview
► The buttons and knobs on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard are organized in the fol-
lowing groups:
▪ Transpose
▪ Perform
▪ Transport
▪ Control section
▪ Navigate
The Transpose section is located at the far left of the keyboard next to the keybed and directly
above the two Touch Strips. It contains two buttons that are arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 14
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
▪ OCT –
▪ OCT +
The Perform section is located at the top left of the keyboard. It contains three buttons that
are arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
▪ SHIFT
▪ SCALE
▪ ARP
The Transport section is located directly below the Perform section. It contains six buttons that
are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the first row are (from left to right):
▪ LOOP
▪ RWD
▪ FFW
Accessibility
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
▪ PLAY
▪ REC
▪ STOP
The Control section is located in the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. It contains
eight knobs that are arranged in a row at the top of the keyboard. Directly to the left of these
are two small buttons to switch the parameter pages left and right.
The Navigate section is located at the top right of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. It contains ten buttons and a large click encoder. These are arranged as follows:
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 15
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
BROWSE Control encoder PRESET Up
INSTANCE PRESET Down
BACK Up Enter
Left Down Right
1.4.2 Activating Accessibility Features
In order to activate or deactivate the accessibility features from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard while the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running:
1. Press and hold the SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard.
2. While holding SHIFT press the PRESET Up button on the top right of the keyboard.
→ The speech output confirms that the accessibility features have been activated or deacti-
vated.
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL plugin. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened after
initial installation and after installing additional Instruments. This will ensure that all Instruments are displayed correctly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Accessibility
Activating the accessibility features automatically switches KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
Browse Mode to Hardware.
1.4.3 Training Mode
KOMPLETE KONTROL Training Mode makes it easy to locate a specific button or parameter
without accidentally triggering an action. When Training Mode is activated, all button presses
and parameter names are announced but the corresponding action is not triggered.
► To activate or deactivate Training Mode from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard while
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running, double-press the SHIFT button on the top
left of the keyboard.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 16
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Training Mode is only available when the accessibility features have been activated.
1.4.4 Feature Overview
The following table outlines the availability of accessibility features for different aspects of
KOMPLETE KONTROL from both the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
Feature Accessible
from Keyboard
Accessibility Enable and disable Accessibility mode Yes
Browser Browse for Factory and User Preset files Yes
Switch between Category and Vendor sorting Yes
Set or sort by Favorites Yes
Accessibility
Save and edit User Preset files No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from other vendors Yes
Instrument control Adjust key Instrument parameters Yes
Custom map Instrument parameters No
Smart Play Adjust Scale & Chord parameters Yes
Adjust Arp parameters Yes
Touch Strips Adjust Touch Strip parameters Yes
Training mode Find a control without accidentally triggering actions Yes
Preferences Adjust software & hardware preferences No
Software dialog Be notified if a dialog box opens in the software
Yes
(dialog content is not available for speech output)
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 17
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration is only available when using
Apple VoiceOver in Logic Pro X and GarageBand. For more information about KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration features, refer to ↑9, Host Integration.
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 18
New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9
2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9
KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9 adds support for the next generation of KOMPLETE KONTROL S49
and S61 keyboards. Additionally, it introduces the comprehensive Preview function to the
Browser. Now you can preview sounds when browsing Factory Preset files for all KOMPLETE
and NKS Instruments.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 19
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
3 The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
KOMPLETE KONTROL brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard
(NKS) to the heart of your workflow. Its advanced integration in a number of hosts enables you
to quickly capture ideas, with immediate access to the sounds you need—all directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow is streamlined to remove any obstacles when sketching
out a new song in a supported host:
1. Select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in with the navigation controls
on the keyboard. This is made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host integration.
2. Find a Preset file you like from any of the Instruments in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s filters and Preview functions.
3. Use the keyboard’s Control section to adjust the loaded Instrument and create your own
unique sound.
4. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your
playing with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
5. Record a new clip in the host, conveniently controlling transport and loop functions directly from the keyboard. Again, made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host
integration.
6. If you need to start over, undo and redo functions are right at your fingertips. To further
refine your recording, you can apply quantization and automation to a clip by pressing the
corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
→ You have quickly captured a musical idea, and can continue sketching out a new song by
repeating the process and layering more tracks.
Key Features
The following key features facilitate the KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow:
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 20
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
▪ Host integration: Advanced integration in a number of hosts allows you control core func-
tionality directly from the keyboard. For more information, refer to ↑4.3, Setting up Host
Integration and ↑9, Host Integration.
▪ Browser: The Browser is your interface for finding, loading and organizing Instruments and
Preset files from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. For more information, refer to ↑10,
Browsing the Library and ↑11, Managing the Library.
▪ Instrument control: The Touch Strips and knobs on the keyboard are pre-mapped to all
KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments for immediate control. For more information, refer to
↑12, Controlling Instrument Parameters and ↑15, Configuring the Touch Strips.
▪ Smart Play: The Scale engine and the Arpeggiator let you play and generate scales, chords,
and arpeggiator sequences. For more information, refer to ↑13, Playing and Editing Scales
and Chords and ↑14, Playing and Editing the Arpeggiator.
See also
2 Configuring the Touch Strips [➙ 177]
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 21
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
4 Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
This section provides basic setup information and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL with 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.
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 plugins, please refer to its documentation.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 22
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
4.1 Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
This section assumes that you have assembled and connected the power supply according to the instructions printed on the Safety Instructions flyer found in the product box.
To connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to your computer:
1. Attach the device end of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel of
the keyboard.
2. Attach the computer end of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on your
computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the keyboard to switch it on.
→ The keyboard is now detected by the operating system.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 23
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
4.2 Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as
a stand-alone application independently from a host.
By default the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use
another audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need configure the application in its Preferences.
1. In the Main 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. 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 Kon-
trol Out 1 R drop-down menus under Routings.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 24
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
Preferences panel — Audio page
6. Click on MIDI to display the MIDI page.
7. Click on Input to display the available devices for incoming MIDI signals.
8. Click the Komplete Kontrol checkboxes to activate incoming MIDI signals from the keyboard.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 25
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.
4.3 Setting up Host Integration
KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for performing and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 26
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Setting up Host Integration
▪ MASCHINE 2
▪ Apple Logic Pro X
▪ Apple GarageBand
▪ Ableton Live 9
▪ Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5
▪ Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5
▪ Steinberg Nuendo 7/8
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, a few configuration steps are required:
Configuring Your Host for Use with the Keyboard
For some of KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced integration features to function as intended,
the host must support these features. For an overview of which features that are supported by
which host, refer to the following Knowledge Base article: https://support.native-instru-
ments.com/hc/articles/210280325.
For detailed instructions about setting up supported hosts for use with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, refer to these Knowledge Base articles:
▪ Setting Up Apple Logic Pro X for KOMPLETE KONTROL:
https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/articles/210279905
▪ Setting Up Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL:
https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/articles/209557689
▪ Setting Up Apple GarageBand for KOMPLETE KONTROL:
https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/articles/210844489
▪ Setting Up Steinberg Cubase / Nuendo for KOMPLETE KONTROL:
https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/articles/209557849
You can also find instructions about configuring Ableton Live for use with KOMPLETE KONTROL in the Ableton Live Setup document available as a PDF file in the
Host Integration Files subfolder of the KOMPLETE KONTROL installation folder on your
hard drive.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 27
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard
4.4 Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard provides you two pedal inputs (in the form of 1/4" sockets) on its rear panel: SUSTAIN and EXPRESSION.
The pedal inputs on the rear panel of the keyboard.
These inputs allow you to connect sustain and expression pedals in order to further refine your
performance.
▪ SUSTAIN: Lets you connect a footswitch to control sustain of the notes you play. This is an
on/off switch.
▪ EXPRESSION: Lets you connect an expression pedal to control e.g. velocity. This is a con-
tinuous control.
You can define the MIDI messages assigned to the pedal inputs in the Controller Editor
application. For more information, refer to the Controller Editor Manual.
Connecting Pedals
1. Connect the sustain pedal to the SUSTAIN input at the rear panel of the keyboard.
2. Connect the expression pedal to the EXPRESSION input at the rear panel of the keyboard.
Setting the Polarity for the Sustain Pedal
The keyboard automatically configures the polarity for the connected sustain pedal when you
switch on the keyboard.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 28
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard
► Set your sustain pedal to the ‘off’ or ‘non-pressed’ state when switching on the keyboard
to ensure the polarity is configured correctly.
If the sustain pedal acts inversely, you can correct the polarity by following the steps below:
1. Switch off the keyboard.
2. Set your sustain pedal to the ‘off’ or ‘non-pressed’ state.
3. Switch on the keyboard.
→ The correct polarity for your sustain pedal is set.
4.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard has dedicated MIDI sockets that allow you to directly
connect other MIDI devices using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable and integrate the keyboard into your
MIDI setup.
The MIDI sockets on the rear panel of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
To connect your external MIDI equipment:
1. Connect the device receiving MIDI signals to the MIDI OUT socket on the rear panel of
the keyboard using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
2. Connect the device sending MIDI signals to the MIDI IN socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
→ The MIDI equipment is connected.
Depending on your use case, additional configuration is required in the software:
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 29
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard
▪ If KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application, you need to activate the
corresponding MIDI inputs and outputs of the keyboard on the MIDI page of the Preferen-
ces.
▪ If KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a plug-in in a host, the MIDI configuration is man-
aged by the host.
▪ If you are using the keyboard as MIDI controller without a USB connection, MIDI data is
directly sent and received via the keyboard’s MIDI IN and MIDI OUT sockets.
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series - Manual - 30
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