NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 KOMPLETE_KONTROL_S-Series_2.10_MK2_Manual_English.pdf
Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 1
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................ 2
2.1. Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 2
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0 ................................................... 3
2.3. Box Contents ................................................................................................... 4
2.4. System Requirements ....................................................................................... 4
2.5. Accessibility ..................................................................................................... 5
2.5.1. Keyboard Overview ................................................................................ 5
2.5.2. Activating Accessibility Features .............................................................. 7
2.5.3. Training Mode ........................................................................................ 8
2.5.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts .............................................. 8
3. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow ........................................................................ 11
4. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................ 12
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer ....................................................... 12
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ............................................................ 13
4.3. Setting up Host Integration .............................................................................. 14
4.3.1. Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ...................................... 15
4.3.2. Setting up Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo .................................................... 15
4.3.3. Setting up Ableton Live (macOS) ........................................................... 16
4.3.4. Setting up Ableton Live (Windows) ........................................................ 17
4.4. Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard ................................................................. 18
4.5. Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard ...................................... 21
5. Software Overview .................................................................................................... 22
5.1. Header .......................................................................................................... 22
5.2. Browser ......................................................................................................... 23
5.2.1. Library Pane ........................................................................................ 24
5.2.2. Product Selector ................................................................................... 25
5.2.3. Files Pane ............................................................................................ 26
5.2.4. Browser on the Keyboard ...................................................................... 28
5.3. Perform Panel ................................................................................................ 28
5.4. Plug-in Panel .................................................................................................. 29
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel ........................................................................................ 29
5.6. MIDI Assignment Editor .................................................................................. 30
5.7. Plug-in Area ................................................................................................... 30
5.8. Sampler ......................................................................................................... 31
5.8.1. Envelopes ............................................................................................ 32
6. Keyboard Overview .................................................................................................. 34
6.1. Perform and Edit Section ................................................................................ 35
6.2. Transport Section ........................................................................................... 36
6.3. Control Section ............................................................................................... 37
6.4. Mode Buttons ................................................................................................. 37
6.5. 4-D Encoder ................................................................................................... 38
6.6. Keybed and Light Guide .................................................................................. 39
6.7. Touch Strip ..................................................................................................... 39
6.8. Transpose and Fixed Velocity Buttons .............................................................. 40
7. Global Controls and Preferences ............................................................................... 41
7.1. Instrument Views ............................................................................................ 41
7.1.1. Default View ......................................................................................... 42
7.1.2. Additional View ..................................................................................... 42
7.1.3. Edit View ............................................................................................. 43
7.2. Switching Instances ........................................................................................ 44
7.3. Transport and Tempo ...................................................................................... 45
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock .............................................................................. 45
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo ................................................................................... 46
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume ................................................................................. 46
7.5. Preferences ................................................................................................... 47
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page .................................................................... 47
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page ...................................................................... 48
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page ................................................................. 49
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page ................................................................... 50
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page ................................................................. 53
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page ................................................................. 55
7.6. Keyboard Settings .......................................................................................... 56
7.7. Loading a Plug-in in Default State .................................................................... 56
8. MIDI Communication ................................................................................................ 58
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers ............................................. 59
8.2. Host Automation ............................................................................................. 60
8.2.1. Recording Automation .......................................................................... 60
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel .................................................... 61
8.3. Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode ................................................................... 61
8.4. Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller ......................................... 62
9. Using the MIDI Assignment Editor .............................................................................. 64
9.1. The Mapping System ...................................................................................... 64
9.2. Opening the MIDI Assignment Editor ............................................................... 65
9.3. Assigning MIDI Messages to Control Elements ................................................. 65
9.4. Renaming Control Elements ............................................................................ 66
9.5. Creating a New MIDI Template ........................................................................ 67
9.6. Renaming MIDI Templates .............................................................................. 67
9.7. Creating Key Zones ........................................................................................ 68
9.7.1. About Key Zones .................................................................................. 68
9.7.2. Splitting Key Zones ............................................................................... 69
9.7.3. Selecting MIDI Channels for Key Zones ................................................. 70
9.7.4. Recoloring Key Zones ........................................................................... 70
9.7.5. Resizing Key Zones .............................................................................. 71
9.7.6. Disabling Key Zones ............................................................................. 72
9.7.7. Deleting a Key Zone ............................................................................. 73
9.7.8. Transposing Key Zones ........................................................................ 74
9.8. MIDI Message Types and Assignments ............................................................ 75
9.8.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu ........................................................ 75
9.8.2. Assignments for Knobs ......................................................................... 76
9.8.3. Assignments for Buttons ....................................................................... 76
9.8.4. Assignments for Key Zones ................................................................... 77
9.8.5. Assignments for the Touch Strip ............................................................ 78
9.8.6. Assignments for Switch Pedals .............................................................. 79
9.8.7. Assignments for Continuous Pedals ....................................................... 79
10. Host Integration ...................................................................................................... 81
10.1. Integration with MASCHINE .......................................................................... 81
10.1.1. Basic Control Functions ...................................................................... 82
10.1.2. Advanced Integration Control Functions ............................................... 83
10.2. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ....................................... 86
10.3. Integration with Ableton Live .......................................................................... 88
10.4. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo .............................................. 89
11. Browsing the Library ................................................................................................ 91
11.1. Browser Basics ............................................................................................. 91
11.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ................... 91
11.1.2. Loops and One-shots .......................................................................... 92
11.1.3. About the Library and Meta-Information ................................................ 92
11.1.4. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ............................... 92
11.2. Opening the Browser ..................................................................................... 93
11.3. Loading Preset Files ..................................................................................... 94
11.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content .................................... 95
11.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product ..................................................................... 95
11.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank ........................................................................ 98
11.7. Resetting the Product Selection .................................................................... 100
11.8. Types and Characters Tags .......................................................................... 101
11.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters .................................... 102
11.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ....................................... 104
11.9. Working with Favorites ................................................................................. 105
11.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites .................................................... 105
11.9.2. Displaying Favorites in the Results List ............................................... 107
11.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites ........................................... 108
11.10. Performing a Text Search ........................................................................... 108
11.11. Displaying Preset File Information ............................................................... 109
11.12. Auditioning your Preset Files ....................................................................... 109
12. Working with Effects ............................................................................................... 111
12.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel .................................................................. 111
12.2. Adding Effects ............................................................................................. 111
12.3. Selecting Plug-in Slots ................................................................................. 114
12.4. Reordering Effects ....................................................................................... 114
12.5. Scrolling the Plug-in Chain ........................................................................... 115
12.6. Bypassing Effects ........................................................................................ 115
12.7. Removing Effects ......................................................................................... 116
13. Managing the Library ............................................................................................. 118
13.1. Saving Preset Files to the User Library .......................................................... 118
13.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ............................................ 120
13.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files ...................................... 120
13.4. Syncing Multiple Instances ........................................................................... 123
13.5. Working with the Files Pane ......................................................................... 124
13.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane .......................... 124
13.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar ............................... 125
13.5.3. Navigating to Recent File Locations .................................................... 125
13.5.4. Working with File Location Favorites ................................................... 125
13.6. Loading VST Plug-ins .................................................................................. 126
13.7. Installing NKS Instruments ........................................................................... 127
13.8. Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ............................... 129
14. Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters ................................. 131
14.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ....................... 131
14.2. Adjusting Parameters ................................................................................... 131
14.3. Switching Parameter Pages ......................................................................... 131
14.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel ............................. 132
15. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords ............................................... 134
15.1. A Note about Music Theory .......................................................................... 134
15.2. Activating the Scale Engine .......................................................................... 135
15.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale ...................................................................... 136
15.4. Playing Chords ............................................................................................ 136
15.5. Editing Scales and Chords ........................................................................... 137
15.6. Setting the SCALE Parameters ..................................................................... 137
15.6.1. SCALE Root Note .............................................................................. 138
15.6.2. SCALE Bank and Type ...................................................................... 138
15.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter ................................................................ 142
15.8. Setting the CHORD Parameters ................................................................... 143
15.8.1. CHORD Mode ................................................................................... 143
15.8.2. CHORD Type .................................................................................... 145
15.8.3. CHORD Position ............................................................................... 147
16. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences ........................................ 148
16.1. Playing Arpeggiator Sequences .................................................................... 148
16.2. Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator ........................................... 149
16.3. Using Arpeggiator Snapshots on the Keyboard .............................................. 149
16.4. Editing the Arpeggiator ................................................................................. 150
16.5. MAIN Parameters ........................................................................................ 150
16.5.1. MAIN Mode ....................................................................................... 151
16.5.2. MAIN Type ........................................................................................ 151
16.6. RHYTHM Parameters .................................................................................. 151
16.6.1. RHYTHM Rate .................................................................................. 152
16.6.2. RHYTHM Sequence .......................................................................... 153
16.6.3. RHYTHM Swing ................................................................................ 153
16.7. OTHER Parameters ..................................................................................... 154
16.7.1. OTHER Octaves ................................................................................ 154
16.7.2. OTHER Dynamic ............................................................................... 154
16.7.3. OTHER Gate ..................................................................................... 155
16.8. ADVANCED Parameters .............................................................................. 155
16.8.1. ADVANCED Retrigger ........................................................................ 155
16.8.2. ADVANCED Repeat ........................................................................... 156
16.8.3. ADVANCED Offset ............................................................................ 156
16.8.4. ADVANCED Inversion ........................................................................ 156
16.9. RANGE Parameters ..................................................................................... 156
16.9.1. RANGE Min. Key ............................................................................... 157
16.9.2. RANGE Max. Key .............................................................................. 157
16.10. HOLD Parameter ....................................................................................... 157
Disclaimer
1. DISCLAIMER
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Ableton Live™ and LINK™ are a trademarks of Ableton AG.
ASIO and VST are a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 2.1 (02/2019)
Hardware version: KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but in
making this a better product.
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
2. WELCOME TO KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL SSeries—form a tightly integrated music production and performance system that brings all the
sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the heart of your workflow.
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers advanced integration with a number of hosts and provides full control of any Instruments supporting NKS, both from Native Instruments and partners. The keyboard
lets you browse your Instruments, Loops, One-Shots and Effects in an intuitive way and play them
creatively with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s unique Scale engine and Arpeggiator.
We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do.
—The team at Native Instruments
2.1. 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:
• 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.
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
• 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.
The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
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.
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
MIDI Mapping for Third-Party Controllers
• It is now possible to control some of KOMPLETE KONTROL's parameters via a third-party
MIDI controller. For more information, refer to MIDI Communication.
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Sounds.com Integration
• Browse on Sounds.com, create your own collections of loops and one-shots and send them directly to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Improvements to the Browser
• Samples are now cataloged in separate Loops and One-shots tabs in the Browser. For more
information, refer to Loops and One-shots.
• Previews of Loops selected in the Browser will be played in sync with the current project. When
a loop is selected with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync with the
project if transport is running. For more information, refer to Loops and One-shots
• Filters and product selections will be remembered when switching between Content types and
Factory/User Libraries in the Browser.
• Browser content synchronization between multiple running instances. When running multiple
instances of KOMPLETE KONTROL, either as Standalone and/or as a plug-in, updates to the
Library will be synced across the instances. For example, if you delete a sample from your
User Library in one instance, the sample will no longer be present in the other instances. Similarly, if you save a preset in one instance, that preset will then be available in the other instances also.
2.3. Box Contents
The box contains the following items:
• KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• USB cable
The included 3 meter USB cable only works in conjunction with the KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 keyboard.
• Power supply (only included in the KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 box)
• Information flyer providing:
• the hardware serial number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• a web link for downloading the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and the KOMPLETE SE-
LECT software bundle
• Safety Instructions flyer
2.4. 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:
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
http://www.native-instruments.com/komplete-kontrol-s-series/specifications/
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE KONTROL is optimized for use with KOMPLETE SELECT, KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE.
The latest KOMPLETE system requirements and compatibility information is available here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/
2.5. 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 buttons
• All Browser functions
• Instance switching
• The current edit mode, including the Plug-in panel and the Perform panel (Scale, Arp)
• Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit modes
• Tempo (KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application only)
The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration and Apple VoiceOver in Apple Logic Pro X and
GarageBand.
2.5.1. Keyboard Overview
The buttons and knobs on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard are organized in the following
groups:
• Perform and Edit section
• Transport section
• Solo and Mute buttons
• Preset and Page buttons
• Arrange buttons (only functional in MASCHINE)
• Control section
• Navigation and Mode buttons
• 4-Directional Push Encoder (referred to as the 4-D encoder)
• Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons
The Perform and Edit section is located at the top left of the keyboard. It contains six buttons that
are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the first row are (from left to right):
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
• SHIFT
• SCALE (Edit)
• ARP (Edit)
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• UNDO (Redo)
• QUANTIZE
• AUTO
The Transport section is located directly below the Perform and Edit section. It contains six buttons
that are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the first row are (from left to right):
• LOOP
• METRO
• TEMPO
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• PLAY (Restart)
• REC (Count-In)
• STOP
The Solo and Mute buttons are located to the top right of the Perform and Edit section. The two
buttons are arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
• Mute
• Solo
The Preset and Page buttons are located to the bottom right of the Perform and Edit section, below the Solo and Mute buttons. The four buttons are arranged in a column.
The buttons are (from top to bottom):
• PRESET Up
• PRESET Down
• Page Left and Page Right (next to each other)
The Arrange buttons, which are only functional in MASCHINE, are located to the right of the Solo
and Mute buttons and the Preset and Page buttons. The five buttons are arranged in a column.
The buttons are (from top to bottom):
• SCENE
• PATTERN
• TRACK
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
• KEY MODE
• CLEAR
The Control section is located in the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. It contains
eight buttons and eight knobs. The buttons are arranged in a row at the very top of the keyboard.
The knobs are arranged in a row directly above the keybed.
The Navigation and Mode buttons are on the top right of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
The six buttons are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the first row are (from left to right):
• BROWSER
• PLUG-IN
• MIXER
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• INSTANCE
• MIDI
• SETUP
The 4-D encoder is located directly below the Navigation and Mode buttons.
The Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons are located at the far left of the keyboard next to the
keybed and directly above the Pitch and Modulation wheels. The three buttons are arranged in a
row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
• FIXED VEL (TS Mode)
• OCT Down
• OCT Up
2.5.2. 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 MIXER button on the top right of the keyboard.
The accessibility features are activated or deactivated.
When the accessibility features are activated, you can choose whether or not speech output
should be enabled for names of Preset files while browsing:
1. Press and hold the SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard.
2. While holding SHIFT, press Button 5 in the Control section.
Speech output for names of Preset files while browsing is enabled or disabled.
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
plug-in. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be
opened after initial installation and after installing additional Instruments and Effects.
This will ensure that all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects are displayed
correctly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
2.5.3. 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.
Activating Training Mode
• To activate or deactivate Training Mode from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard while the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running, double-press the SHIFT button on the top left of
the keyboard.
Training Mode is only available when the accessibility features have been activated.
2.5.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts
The following overview outlines the availability of accessibility features for different aspects of
KOMPLETE KONTROL from both the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. In the table you also can find the relevant keyboard shortcut.
Feature Accessi-
ble from
Keyboard
Accessibility
Mode
Browser Browse for Factory and User Preset files Yes Page left button or Page
Instrument
control
Enable or disable Accessibility mode Yes SHIFT + MIXER
Enable or disable speech output for names of Preset
files
Switch between Category and Vendor sorting Yes SHIFT + Knob 1
Set Preset file Favorites Yes SHIFT + Knob 4
Sort by Favorites SHIFT + Knob 3
Save and edit User Preset files No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from other vendors Yes Supported by default
Adjust key Instrument parameters Yes Knob 1 – 8
Custom map Instrument parameters No
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT + Button 5
right button
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Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Feature Accessi-
ble from
Keyboard
Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord Parameters Yes SHIFT + SCALE Edit
Adjust Scale & Chord parameters Knob 1 – 8
Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit
Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8
Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page right
Touch Strips Adjust Touch Strip parameters No
Tempo Adjust BPM Yes TEMPO + Knob 1
Training
mode
Preferences Adjust software & hardware preferences No
Software dialog
Accessibility
Mode
Browser Browse for Factory and User Preset files Yes Page left button or Page
Instrument
control
Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord Parameters Yes SHIFT + SCALE Edit
Tempo Adjust BPM Yes TEMPO + Knob 1
Training
mode
Preferences Adjust software & hardware preferences No
Software dialog
Find a control without accidentally triggering actions Yes
Enabling or disabling Training mode Yes Double-press SHIFT
Be notified if a dialog box opens in the software (dialog
content is not available for speech output)
Feature Accessi-
Enable or disable Accessibility mode Yes SHIFT + IDEAS
Enable or disable speech output for names of Preset
files
Switch between Category and Vendor sorting Yes SHIFT + Knob 1
Set Preset file Favorites Yes SHIFT + Knob 4
Sort by Favorites SHIFT + Knob 3
Save and edit User Preset files No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from other vendors Yes Supported by default
Adjust key Instrument parameters Yes Knob 1 – 8
Custom map Instrument parameters No
Adjust Scale & Chord parameters Knob 1 – 8
Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit
Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8
Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page right
Find a control without accidentally triggering actions Yes
Enabling or disabling Training mode Yes Double-press SHIFT
Be notified if a dialog box opens in the software (dialog
content is not available for speech output)
Yes Supported by default
ble from
Keyboard
Yes Supported by default
Keyboard Shortcut
Keyboard Shortcut
SHIFT + Button 5
right button
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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 Host Integration.
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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 center 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 Preset files you like from any of the Instruments and Effects in your KOMPLETE KON-
TROL 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 Effect(s) and create
your own unique sound.
4. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your play-
ing 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:
• Browser: The Browser is your interface for finding, loading and organizing Instruments, Loops,
One-Shots, Effects, and Preset files from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. For more information, refer to Browsing the Library,Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
• Instrument and Effect control: The Touch Strip and knobs on the keyboard are pre-mapped
to all KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects for immediate control.
For more information, refer to Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters
and Assignments for the Touch Strip.
• Smart Play: The Scale engine and the Arpeggiator let you play and generate scales, chords,
and arpeggiator sequences. For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords and Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
• Host integration: Advanced integration in a number of hosts allows you control core functionality directly from the keyboard. For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration and
Host Integration.
11
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
4. SETTING UP KOMPLETE KONTROL
This section provides basic setup information for using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone
software, and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL in supported
hosts.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is installed both as a stand-alone application as well as a
VST, 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 plugins, please refer to its documentation.
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
To connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to your computer:
1. Attach the device end of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard.
2. Attach the computer end of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on your
computer.
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Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
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.
Non-powered USB hubs are not supported. The keyboard should always be connected directly to the USB port of the computer, or be used with a powered USB hub.
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as a
stand-alone application independently from a host.
By default, the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use another audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need to 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 Kom-
plete Kontrol Out 1 R drop-down menus.
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Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
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 Komplete Kontrol checkboxes to activate incoming MIDI signals from the key-
board.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart
Play features with other MIDI instruments.
4.3. Setting up Host Integration
KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for performing and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• 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
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Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, a few configuration
steps are required:
4.3.1. 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 S-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 Integration
with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
4.3.2. Setting up Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo
Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo must be configured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo.
3. In Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, open the Device Setup. from the Devices menu (Steinberg
Cubase 9.5: Studio Setup from the Studio menu).
4. Click the + button in the upper left corner of the Device Setup and select Komplete Kon-
trol S-Series from the drop-down menu.
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol S-Series to the ports named Kom-
plete Kontrol DAW (macOS) / KOMPLETE KONTROL (not KOMPLETE KONTROL EXT,
Windows).
Steinberg Cubase Nuendo is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
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.
15
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Steinberg/Nuendo refer to Integration with Stein-
berg Cubase and Nuendo.
4.3.3. 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.
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.
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Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
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 KON-
TROL VST.adg) to ensure a reliable connection with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard.
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Ableton Live refer to Integration with Ableton
Live.
4.3.4. 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 Instru-
ments\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
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:
17
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
1. Navigate to the following folder: C:\Program Files\Common Files\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: 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 drop-
down 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 Instrument
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/
KOMPLETE KONTROL VST.adg
For a detailed overview of Integration controls for Ableton Live refer to Integration with Ableton
Live.
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: PEDAL A and PEDAL B.
The pedal inputs on the rear panel of the keyboard.
These inputs both allow you to connect either a continuous or a switch pedal in order to further
refine your performance. They can be freely configured for sustain or expression behavior.
18
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
You can define the MIDI messages assigned to the pedal inputs in KOMPLETE KONTROL’s MIDI Assignment editor. For more information, refer to Using
the MIDI Assignment Editor.
Connecting Pedals
• Connect a continuous or switch pedal to the PEDAL A or PEDAL B inputs on the rear panel
of the keyboard.
Configuring the Pedal Input for a Sustain Pedal
When a switch pedal is connected:
1. Click the MIDI Assignment editor button in the Header to open the MIDI Assignment editor.
2. Select the control element type PEDALS.
3. Select the pedal input you want to configure, either Pedal A or Pedal B.
4. Select Switch from the Mode drop-down menu.
5. Depending on inverted tip/ring connectivity of the pedal, select either Tip or Ring.
The pedal input is configured for a switch pedal with sustain behavior. If you need to change
the MIDI Control Change message assigned to the pedal input, refer to Using the MIDI As-
signment Editor.
Configuring the Pedal Input for an Expression Pedal
When a continuous pedal is connected:
19
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
1. Click the MIDI Assignment editor button in the Header to open the MIDI Assignment editor.
2. Select the control element type PEDALS.
3. Select the pedal input you want to configure, either Pedal A or Pedal B.
4. Select Continuous from the Mode drop-down menu.
The pedal input is configured for a continuous pedal with expression behavior. If you need to
change the MIDI Control Change message assigned to the pedal input, refer to Using the
MIDI Assignment Editor.
Depending on the type of pedal, you need to make further adjustments by using the provided options. The following table gives you an overview of these options:
Option Description
Invert toggle switch Some continuous pedals internally support the inverted pedal range but cannot be configured
on the pedal directly. The Invert Range function allows you to invert the range of the pedal
connected to the keyboard.
Swap T/R toggle switch Allows you to use pedals with inverted tip/ring connectivity.
Recalibrate button Allows you to recalibrate the input.
When using the MIDI Assignment editor, all keyboard controls (i.e. navigation, transport, etc.) are blocked.
20
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
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 key-
board using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
The MIDI equipment is connected.
Depending on your use case, additional configuration is required in the software:
• 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 Preferences. For
more information refer to Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller.
• If KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a plug-in in a host, the MIDI configuration is managed
by the host. For more information refer to Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode.
• 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. For detailed information
on MIDI mapping refer to Using the MIDI Assignment Editor.
21
Software Overview
5. 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 Header.
(2) Plug-in area: Shows your loaded Instrument, Loop, One-shot or Effect and enables you control
it directly in the software. For more information, refer to Plug-in Area.
(3) Browser: Provides access to your Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects. It also enables
you to add, edit, and manage your Preset files. For more information, refer to Browser.
5.1. 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 Browser.
(3) KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: Opens the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, which contains a
number of general functions and settings, including the Preferences.
22
Software Overview
(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.
(5) Perform panelbutton: 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 Perform Pan-
el.
(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 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 Plug-in Chain Panel.
(8) View button: Switches between Default view and Additional view of the loaded Instrument.
The View button only appears if the loaded Instrument contains an Additional view. The View button is not available when an Effect is selected.
(9) Keyboard button: Shows the currently connected keyboard, 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. When a third-party keyboard is used, the MIDI button will be displayed
instead of the Keyboard. Use the MIDI button to assign third-party controllers to Native Map. For
more information, refer to Switching Instances.
(10) Transport controls: Lets you start, stop, and reset the internal clock. When KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in in a host, the transport automatically follows the host
transport and this feature is greyed out. For more information, refer to Transport and Tempo.
(11) Tempo control: Lets you adjust the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). For more information,
refer to Transport and Tempo.
(12) Master Volume control: Lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KON-
TROL. The meter shows the current peak level of the output signal. For more information, refer to
Adjusting Master Volume.
(13) CPU meter: Represents the current load on your computer’s processor; it should not go
above 70% to avoid clicks and interruptions.
(14) MIDI Assignment editor button: Lets you to access all the settings related to the keyboard’s
MIDI mode, as well as pedals. This button only appears in the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone
application. For more information, refer to Using the MIDI Assignment Editor.
(15) NI logo: The NI logo opens the About screen, which shows the version number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
5.2. Browser
The Browser provides you access to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and lets you add, edit,
and organize Preset 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 Browsing the
Library, Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
23
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
11
10
Software Overview
5.2.1. Library Pane
The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Loops, One-shots, Effects, and Preset
files. It consists of the following elements:
The Library pane.
(1) Library: Displays the Library pane.
(2) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops or One-
shots, or Effects. This is dependant on which Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain is selected. For more
information on switching between Product Types, refer to Product Types: Instruments, Loops,
One-shots and Effects.
(3) Content selector: The Globe icon selects factory content and the User icon selects user content. Only Preset files of the selected content type are displayed in the Results list (8). For more
information, refer to Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content.
(4) Product selector: Selects a particular Product or Effect, Product category, and Bank of the selected Product. Only Preset files matching your selection are displayed in the Results list (8). For
more information, refer to Product Selector.
(5) TYPES: 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 arrow next to TYPES. For more
information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
24
Software Overview
(6) CHARACTERS: Lets you browse for Preset files based on Characters tags that have been applied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to CHARAC-
TERS. For more information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(7) Favorites: When the icon is enabled, only favorite Preset files are displayed in the Results list
(8). For more information, refer to Working with Favorites.
(8) Results list: Displays all Preset files that match your entered search criteria. For more information, refer to 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).
• 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 Displaying Preset File Information.
(10) Prehear controls: Lets you audition Preset files. For more information, refer to Auditioning
your Preset Files.
(11) Search field: Lets you perform a text search. For more information, refer to Performing a Text
Search.
5.2.2. Product Selector
When browsing for Instruments, Loops, One-shots or Effects, the Product selector enables you to
limit your search to a specific Category/Vendor, Product, and Bank. Only Preset files matching
your selection are displayed in the Results list.
25
Software Overview
The Product selector.
(1) Product selector header: The header displays the selected Product. If there is no selection it
shows a generic label (All Instruments or All Effects). A click on the header opens or closes the
Product selector.
(2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or Vendor.
(3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
If Category is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the following categories:
• DRUMS & PERCUSSION
• SAMPLED INSTRUMENTS
• SYNTHESIZERS
• NO CATEGORY
If Vendor is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the names of
the manufacturers.
For more information, refer to Filtering Preset Files by Product and Filtering Preset Files by Bank.
5.2.3. Files Pane
The Files pane contains following elements:
26
Software Overview
The Files pane in the Browser.
(1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to Working with the Files Pane.
(2) Favorite bar: Displays all your favorite folders. A click on any favorite folder lets you jump directly to that particular path and display its content in the Result list (5). For more information, refer
to Working with File Location Favorites.
(3) Location bar: Displays the selected path. The Location bar provides various tools to quickly
navigate your file system. For more information, refer to Navigating to File Locations with the Loca-
tion Bar.
(4) Recent Locations button: Opens a list of the last visited locations for quickly jumping to any
of them. For more information, refer to Navigating to Recent File Locations.
(5) Results list: Displays the content (files and folders) of the folder shown in the Location bar.
Only files compatible with KOMPLETE KONTROL are displayed. For more information, refer to
Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane.
(6) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing your 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 KOMPLETE 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 Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files and Importing
KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files.
27
Software Overview
5.2.4. Browser on the Keyboard
On the keyboard displays, the Browser is organized as follows:
The Browser on the keyboard displays.
• The left display shows the Product selector parameters which allow you to narrow your search
by selecting the content type (factory or user content), as well as a Product category, a Product, a BANK, and a SUB-BANK.
• The right display shows the parameters to further refine your search by selecting the desired
TYPES and CHARACTERS tags. It also shows you the corresponding Results list.
5.3. Perform Panel
The Perform panel lets you access all the parameters related to the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
The Perform panel.
(1) SCALE: Clicking the round button left of SCALE switches the Scale engine on or off. Clicking
the SCALE label displays the Scale engine’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords for details.
(2) ARP: Clicking the round button left of ARP switches the Arpeggiator on or off. Clicking the ARP
label displays the Arpeggiator’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences for details.
(3) Parameter pages: If multiple pages of parameters are available, you can switch between them
here.
For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords.
28
Software Overview
5.4. Plug-in Panel
The Plug-in Panel lets you view and customize the parameters mapped to the Control section on
the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard for individual Preset files. The amount of pages and parameters vary depending on the loaded Instrument or Effect.
The Plug-in panel.
For more information, refer to Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel
The Plug-in chain panel is situated at the top of the Plug-in area. The Plug-in chain is the place
where you can directly load Instrument Plug-ins (Plug-in slot 1) and Effect Plug-ins (Plug-in slot 2
onwards) and arrange them in horizontal series. Each Plug-in is loaded into a Plug-in slot to create
the Plug-in chain. The arrangement of the Plug-ins is customizable, but only an Instrument can be
loaded in to the first Plug-in slot.
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 Working with Effects.
29
Software Overview
5.6. MIDI Assignment Editor
The MIDI Assignment editor allows you to define what kind of MIDI messages are assigned to the
controls on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard in MIDI mode. This way you can use the keyboard with MIDI applications or MIDI devices that require specific MIDI messages to be sent in order to control certain parameters or functions. Multiple templates can be configured for quick recall, allowing you to prepare controller assignments for different applications and/or devices. The
MIDI Assignment editor lets you change the assignments for the knobs, buttons, the Touch Strip in
the keyboard’s Control section, as well as for connected pedals.
Overview of the MIDI Assignment editor.
(1) Templates pane: Allows you to create and manage your Templates for MIDI assignments.
(2) Templates pane button: Shows/hides the Templates pane.
(3) KNOBS, BUTTONS, PEDALS, TOUCHSTRIP: Here you can select the type of control element
to which you can make MIDI assignments.
(4) Pages / Pedal A and Pedal B: For the knobs and buttons you can have multiple assignments,
organized in pages. Here you can select and manage up to four pages. Pedal Assignments
are global and not distinct per Template. Pedals A and B can be independently configured.
For the pedals it is not possible to have multiple assignments.
(5) Control elements: Here you can select the control element for a MIDI assignment.
(6) Definition area: Defines the MIDI assignment properties for the selected control element.
For more information, refer to MIDI Assignment Editor.
5.7. Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is where your Instruments, Loops, Oneshots and Effects are displayed once you have loaded them from the Browser. Each Product offers
a different set of controls and parameters that are all easily controlled directly on the computer
screen or from the keyboard. Parameter changes are mutually reflected by both the displays on
the keyboard and the Instrument’s user interface in the Plug-in area.
For most Instruments, additional views are available that give you access to another
set of controls. See Instrument Views for details.
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The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form.
5.8. Sampler
Software Overview
When loading a sample from the Loops and One-shots tab in the Browser, the sample will be automatically loaded into the Sampler so it can be played immediately. Important parameters can be
accessed via the GUI, but all parameters for the Sampler can be accessed via the Plug-in Panel or
a connected keyboard.
Sampler.
(1) Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the Sample.
(2) Start: Determines the Start point of the sample. When Loop is active, the Loop Point determines the start of the loop.
(3) PITCH: Defines the pitch of your sample and adjusts the pitch within three octaves up or down.
As this is a traditional sampler.
(4) ENVELOPE: Selects one of three envelope types (One-shot, AHD and ADSR). For more information, refer to Envelopes.
(5) Loop Point: Sets the point at which the loop will start playing. The Loop Point can be set independently of the Start Point.
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Software Overview
(6) LOOP: When the ON button is enabled, the sample will loop at a length determined by the
Loop Point and End Point.
(7) X FADE: Determines the type of fade between the loop points.
(8) End Point: Sets the End point of the sample. When Loop is active, the End Point determines
the length of the loop.
(9) Timeline: Shows the time scale in seconds.
5.8.1. Envelopes
An envelope allows you to modify the shape and timing of your sample, so you can create more
expressive and dynamic sounds. There are three Envelope types available in the Sampler; One
Shot, AHD and ADSR. Each Envelope will affect the playback and behavior of the sample.
One-shot
One-shot operates like a typical vintage drum machine; the sample is played in its entirety from
beginning to end, with no envelope. When this type is selected, no parameters are displayed.
The One-shot Envelope.
AHD
AHD disables the Sustain and Release controls of the ADSR envelope and replaces them with the
Hold parameter. AHD mode is ideal for triggering a sample for a certain amount of time, regardless
of how long the pad is held.
The AHD Envelope.
ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
HOLD: Hold determines how long the envelope will stay at its maximum level.
DECAY: Decay is used to adjust how fast the sample takes to fade to out.
ADSR
The ADSR Envelope is generally used for longer, sustained samples that require complex dynamic
control.
The ADSR Envelope.
ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
DECAY: Decay determines how fast the envelope drops to the Sustain level.
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Software Overview
SUSTAIN: Sustain determines the constant level being kept after Decay until the note ends.
RELEASE: Release determines how long the sound takes to fade out after the note has ended.
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Keyboard Overview
6. KEYBOARD OVERVIEW
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is tightly integrated into the software and can be used to
browse, control and play your Products as well as to control supported hosts.
The keyboard is available in three sizes: The S49, and S61 are equipped with the same top-quality
semi-weighted Fatar keybed with aftertouch. The S88 comes with professional, fully-weighted,
hammer-action keys, also made by Fatar. Beyond the keybed, all keyboards come with identical
features.
The keyboard is equipped with the following sections:
Top View
KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 top view.
(1) Transport section: Controls the transport of supported hosts when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
used as a plug-in. For more information, refer to Transport Section.
(2) 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
displayed in the Control section (5) and are reflected by the Light Guide and keybed (7). For more
information, refer to Perform and Edit Section.
(3) Solo and Mute buttons: Let you instantly solo and mute any Sound or Group in supported
hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
(4) Arrange buttons: Let you switch between the different arrangement views and modes in supported hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
(5) Control section: The knobs and displays are automatically assigned to parameters of the loaded Product or selected mode. For more information, refer to Control Section.
(6) Navigation and Mode buttons: Lets you browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and
navigate in your DAW with the 4-D encoder, as well as directly access functions like the Mixer and
MIDI mode. For more information, refer to 4-D Encoder and Mode Buttons.
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Keyboard Overview
(7) Keybed and Light Guide: Reflect the Smart Play functions by switching LEDs on or off to indicate active and inactive keys. The Light Guide also reflects the settings of the loaded Instrument
and can be very helpful to illustrate e.g., BATTERY or KONTAKT mappings. For more information,
refer to Keybed and Light Guide.
(8)Touch Strip: The Touch Strip can be assigned to parameters via the MIDI learn function of the
loaded Instrument. For more information, refer to Touch Strip.
(9) Pitch and Modulation Wheels: The Pitch Wheel on the left lets you adjust the pitch of the loaded Instrument. The Modulation Wheel on the right lets you adjust the default modulation parameter of the loaded Instrument.
(10) Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons: The FIXED VEL (TS Mode) button sets the note ve-
locity for all keys to a fixed value of 127. The OCTAVE (Semi) down / up buttons transpose the
entire keybed an octave down / up. Pressing SHIFT + OCTAVE (Semi) down / up transposes the
entire keybed a semitone down / up. For more information, refer to Transpose and Fixed Velocity
Buttons.
(11) Preset and Page buttons: The PRESET up / down buttons let you skip to the next or previous Preset file of the loaded Product. The Page left / right buttons let you skip to the next parameter page and thus remap the knobs and displays to another set of parameters.
Rear View
KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 rear view.
(1) Kensington Lock: Allows you to attach a Kensington Lock to secure your device from theft.
(2) MIDI IN/OUTsocket: Connect devices for MIDI control. For more information, refer to Connect-
ing External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard.
(3) Pedal A and Pedal B sockets: Connects sustain and expression pedals. For more information, refer to Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard.
(4) PSU socket (15V - 1.2A): Connects the optional power supply which can be purchased separately in the Native Instruments online shop.
(5) USB connector: Connects the keyboard to your computer with the supplied USB cable.
(6) Power button: Switches the keyboard on and off.
6.1. Perform and Edit Section
The buttons in the Perform and Edit section on the far left of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
allow you to activate the Scale engine, the Arpeggiator, and also access their parameters. The parameters are visible in the display and can be adjusted using the knobs in the Control section.
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Keyboard Overview
The 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 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 Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
(4) AUTO: Lets you activate or deactivate automation in supported hosts. For more information,
refer to Host Integration.
(5) QUANTIZE: Lets you quantize events to the step grid in supported hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
(6) UNDO (Redo): Lets you undo or redo your last action in supported hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
6.2. Transport Section
In supported hosts, the TRANSPORT section at the far left on the keyboard provides you quick
and easy access to functions like play, record, loop, etc.
Transport section.
(1) LOOP: Switches between standard and loop playback.
(2) METRO: Switches the metronome on or off.
(3) TEMPO: Tapping this button lets you set the tempo.
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Keyboard Overview
(4) STOP: Ends 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.
6.3. Control Section
The Control section is located at the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The knobs,
buttons, and displays are automatically assigned to parameters of the loaded Product or selected
mode. They provide immediate control and allow for deep editing of various aspects of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Control section overview.
(1) Buttons 1-8: The eight buttons dynamically adapt their assignment to the selected mode, allowing for direct access to the most important functions and sub-sections. The displays show the
current assignment below each button.
(2) Displays: The displays give you information related to the shown Product or selected mode,
and show the functions and parameters assigned to the buttons and knobs.
(3) Knobs 1-8: The eight knobs dynamically adapt their assignment to the selected mode, allowing
for direct access to the available parameters. The displays show the current assignment above
each knob. As the knobs are touch-sensitive, you can tap them to see additional information.
6.4. Mode Buttons
The Mode buttons let you browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library as well as directly access
functions like the Mixer and MIDI mode.
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Keyboard Overview
Mode buttons.
(1) BROWSER: Displays the Browser in the Control section. For more information, refer to Brows-
ing the Library.
(2) PLUG-IN: Displays the Plug-in Chain and the selected plug-in the Control section. For more
information, refer to Working with Effects.
(3) MIXER: Displays the mixer of supported hosts in the Control section. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
(4) SETUP: Displays the hardware serial number and the firmware version, and lets you change
the display brightness. For more information, refer to Keyboard Settings.
(5) MIDI: Accesses MIDI mode that allows you to use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard as a
MIDI controller. For more information, refer to MIDI Communication.
(6) INSTANCE: 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 Switching Instances and Host Integration.
6.5. 4-D Encoder
The 4-Directional Push Encoder (referred to as the 4-D encoder) combines the functionalities of a
conventional joystick, a button, and 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 pushed to the four directions: up, down, left, and right, as well
as being pressed and rotated.
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Keyboard Overview
The 4-D encoder situated below the Mode buttons.
Depending on the menu or context, the available actions differ:
• The displays are navigated by pushing the 4-D encoder in a direction indicated by the four
LEDs.
• 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 Browsing the Library, Working with Effects, and Controlling Instru-
ment and Effect Parameters.
6.6. Keybed and Light Guide
The keybed enables you to play the loaded Instrument, Loop or One-shot. The Light Guide above
the keybed visualizes the key mapping of loaded Instruments and samples by color coding. Active
and inactive keys respectively sample based Instruments are indicated by the LEDs. The
Light Guide also reflects the Smart Play settings. This means when you select e.g., a scale or
chord, the LEDs corresponding to the keys contained in that scale or chord will light up, whereas
inactive keys remain unlit. The Light Guide also gives you visual feedback when you play back incoming MIDI note patterns from the host.
The Keybed and the Light Guide.
For more information, refer to Controlling Instrument and Effect Parameters, Smart Play – Playing
and Editing Scales and Chords, and Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
6.7. Touch Strip
The Touch Strip is an intuitive control element that gives you immediate control over Instrument
parameters. It can send MIDI pitch bend or control change messages and can be configured in the
MIDI Assignment editor.
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The Touch Strip.
For more information, refer to .
6.8. Transpose and Fixed Velocity Buttons
Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons.
Keyboard Overview
(1) FIXED VEL (TS Mode): Sets the note velocity for all keys to a fixed value of 127. By default,
the keys are sensitive to velocity: The harder you hit them, the louder the sound will be. With Fixed
Velocity enabled, your pads play at the same volume no matter how hard you hit them.
(2 - 3) OCTAVE (Semi) down and OCTAVE (Semi) up: Transpose the entire keybed one octave
down / up. Pressing SHIFT + OCTAVE (Semi) down / up transposes the entire keybed a semitone
down / up. Pressing both buttons simultaneously resets the keybed to the central octave.
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Global Controls and Preferences
7. GLOBAL CONTROLS AND PREFERENCES
This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header of
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
7.1. Instrument Views
Once you have loaded an Instrument from the Browser, it appears in the Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Most KOMPLETE Instruments come equipped with more than one
view, giving you access to another set of controls or letting you edit certain features in 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
7.1.1. 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-touse interface.
POLYPLEX in Default view.
7.1.2. Additional View
Most NKS Instruments have more parameters that can be displayed at once in small surface and
therefore come with a second, Additional View. The Additional View can give you access to detailed edit controls or to a completely different set of controls altogether depending on the loaded
Instrument.
POLYPLEX in Additional view.
Besides of selecting Additional View via the KOMPLETE KONTROL Menu and the application
menu, you can also do this by clicking the + button in the KOMPLETE KONTROL header. Clicking
it again will return to the Default View.
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Global Controls and Preferences
The + button opens and closes the Additional view.
7.1.3. Edit View
Edit view is only available for Instruments powered by KONTAKT or REAKTOR.
In the Edit View you have also the possibility to open any KOMPLETE Instrument that can be loaded or played by either the KONTAKT PLAYER or REAKTOR PLAYER. This gives you access to
all the flexible controls and features you would normally have when using KONTAKT or REAKTOR
in stand-alone mode.
POLYPLEX in Edit View.
Edit view enables you to access 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
7.2. Switching Instances
When two or more instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (e.g., as a plugin on different tracks of the host), you can choose which instance you want to control from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
Switching to an Instance from the Software
• To switch the keyboard to a particular instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click
the Connect button (keyboard icon) in the header of that instance.
Automatic Switching in a Host
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host with advanced integration, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode,
depending on the content of the selected track.
• If you select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard automatically
switches to this instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. This allows you to immediately control all of your Product’s parameters from the keyboard.
• If you select a track that does not host the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard automatically switches to MIDI mode. This allows you to assign the available controls on the keyboard to parameters in the host or in an inserted plug-in via MIDI learn (if supported).
• To select a track in a supported host from the keyboard, push the 4-D encoder up or down
until the track is highlighted.
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 the INSTANCE button to show all active instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL soft-
ware 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
7.3. Transport and Tempo
If KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a stand-alone application, it features its own Transport and
Tempo controls. They are used by sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments as well as
the Arpeggiator. Additionally, the tempo is used by all Instruments that allow you to set timing parameters in relation to the musical tempo (e.g., rhythmic modulation, delay effects).
You can 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.
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock
You can reset the clock in the software and from the keyboard.
Resetting the Clock in the Software
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock.
2. Click the Play button to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
• Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the beginning.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Resetting the Clock from the Keyboard
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Press STOP to reset the internal clock.
2. Press PLAY (Restart) to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is stopped:
• Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to start playback from the
beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
• Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the
beginning.
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo
You can adjust the tempo in the software and from the keyboard.
Adjusting Tempo in the Software
The Tempo control allows you to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
1. Click the display and drag the mouse up or down.
2. Alternatively, double-click the display and enter a value numerically.
The tempo adjusts in increments of one.
Adjusting Tempo from the Keyboard
You can also use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
• Hold TEMPO and turn Knob 1 in the Control section.
The tempo adjusts in increments of 1 BPM.
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume
The Master Volume slider lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
The Volume meter shows the current peak level of the output signal.
Master Volume controls.
In order to adjust the output volume:
• Click and drag the slider to the left or to the right.
This will adjust the output volume in 0.5 dB increments from -30 dB to +10 dB. Below -30 dB,
the keyboard’s volume control is exponentially scaled and quickly lowers the output signal to
complete silence.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard
To adjust the output volume on the keyboard:
• Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Control encoder.
Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard
To adjust the output volume on the keyboard:
• Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Knob 1.
7.5. Preferences
In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL.
To open the Preferences:
• Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page
The Audio page holds settings related to your audio interface when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the audio 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 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
Buffer
Size
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
This displays the selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart KOMPLETE KONTROL after
changing the sample rate.
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.
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.
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page
The MIDI page allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports that you want to use when
KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the MIDI configuration is managed
by the host, and the MIDI page is not available.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
Element Description
Input Clicking Input displays a list of all the available MIDI inputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate each
input by clicking the checkbox next to its name.
Output Clicking Output displays a list of all the available MIDI outputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate
each input by clicking the checkbox next to its name.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features with
other MIDI instruments.
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page
The General page holds Usage Data Tracking settings. Usage Data Tracking technology enables
KOMPLETE KONTROL to automatically track anonymous usage data that you can choose to
share with us.
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.
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
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Global Controls and 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 KOM-
PLETE KONTROL menu.
2. Click the Allow usage data tracking checkbox to enable or disable user data tracking.
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page
The Library page allows you to edit the locations of all KOMPLETE KONTROL Library 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer,
click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path.
Product column Shows the name of each product. These names cannot be edited.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., changed its location), select it in the list and click the
Rescan button to rescan that library.
User Pane
The User pane shows all user libraries currently used. These include KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
standard user directory as well as any other user directory you might have defined. These libraries
will appear in the User view of the Browser’s Library pane.
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Global Controls and Preferences
Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer,
click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path.
Alias column Shows the alias stored for each library. Click an alias to edit it. 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.
Scan user content for changes
at start-up
Add button Click Add to manually add directories to the user library. See below for more details.
Remove button Click Remove to remove the selected user library. Files will only be removed from the KOM-
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., added/removed files), select it in the list and click the
Enabled by default, this option automatically detects any new added user content when starting
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
PLETE KONTROL Browser, not from your hard disk.
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.
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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
2. In the dialog, navigate to the desired folder on your computer and click OK (Choose on ma-
cOS).
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/Characters 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.
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.
Note that the selected folder cannot contain, or be contained within, a folder already listed in the
User or Factory pane. If KOMPLETE KONTROL detects such a folder as you press OK (Choose
on macOS) in the folder selection dialog, a Duplicate Location message appears: Click OK to
return to the folder selection dialog and select another folder on your computer.
Removing Folders from the User Library
You can also remove any user folder from your library—except the default user content directory
Native Instruments User Content.
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page
The Plug-ins page allows you to manage your VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
At the top of the page, the Manager and Locations buttons allow you to switch between the Man-
ager 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.
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Global Controls and Preferences
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.
For example, this option is required if you have installed both the full version of REAKTOR 5 as well as a KOMPLETE Instrument that came with REAKTOR 6 Player.
By disabling the option, the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library will be loaded with the full
version of REAKTOR 5, while the KOMPLETE Instrument will be loaded with REAKTOR 6 Player. This is necessary since the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library is not authorized for use with REAKTOR 6 Player.
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Manager pane.
Element Description
Checkbox column Activates or deactivates a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Plug-in column Lists all available VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Always use latest version of NI Plug-ins
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 panel — the Plug-ins page's Locations pane.
Setting Description
Plug-in column Lists all folders that KOMPLETE KONTROL scans for VST plug-ins.
Add Opens a file dialogue that lets you add another folder to the list.
Remove Removes the selected folder from the list.
Rescan Scans all folders in the list for compatible plug-ins and updates the Manager pane accordingly.
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page
Using the Features page, you can enable different configurations of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Whenever a feature toggle is activated or deactivated, the software must be restarted for the
changes to take effect.
Element Description
Auto-Scan of Sounds.com Content Automatically scans the software for content from Sounds.com
Browser Tag Remapping Remaps the tags found in the Browser
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Global Controls and Preferences
7.6. Keyboard Settings
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard’s SETUP page gives you access to information and settings related to the hardware.
• To open the SETUP page, press the SETUP button on the keyboard.
The following information and settings are available:
• Firmware: The version number of the firmware installed on the keyboard.
• Serial Nr.: The hardware serial number of the keyboard.
• Velocity / SCALING: Lets you adjust the velocity response curve of the keybed. Use the
Soft 3, Soft 2, Soft 1 settings to compensate for gentle playing (velocity response is more sensitive), and the Hard 1, Hard 2, Hard 3 settings to compensate for strong playing (velocity response is insensitive).
• Displays / BRIGHTNESS: Lets you adjust the brightness of the keyboard’s displays.
7.7. 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., Instruments > Native Instruments > Mas-
sive.
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Global Controls and Preferences
The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values.
Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
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MIDI Communication
8. MIDI COMMUNICATION
KOMPLETE KONTROL provides you with flexible MIDI control and host automation capabilities for
easy integration with your MIDI environment. In this section you are provided with overall information about MIDI communication and Host automation and you learn how to use the keyboard in
MIDI mode and as stand-alone MIDI controller.
Incoming MIDI
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the Instruments you load inside it can be controlled via MIDI and the
host (when KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in):
• Triggering Instruments via MIDI notes: By default, incoming MIDI notes trigger the loaded Instrument and will also be visually reflected by the Light Guide.
• Controlling parameters via host automation: You can control parameters of both KOMPLETE KONTROL and your loaded Instruments via host automation (when KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in).
Receiving MIDI Clock
KOMPLETE KONTROL does not receive MIDI Clock. However, when using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to the host tempo. The tempo display in KOMPLETE KONTROL’s header is grayed out and tempo is adjusted in the host.
Outgoing MIDI
You can also send MIDI data from KOMPLETE KONTROL:
• Triggering MIDI instruments and recording MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI
Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) messages to the host and to any MIDI
application or device.
• Controlling MIDI applications and devices: KOMPLETE KONTROL’s MIDI mode allows you
to send Control Change and Program Change messages to any MIDI application or device.
• Routing and recording processed MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL outputs the MIDI
notes generated by the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator through the MIDI outputs of the
stand-alone application as well as the plug-in. You can route the MIDI notes to other MIDI instruments or record them as a MIDI pattern in the host.
MIDI output is only supported by the stand-alone application as well as the VST and
AAX versions of the plug-in. The AU (Audio Unit) version of the plug-in does not
support MIDI output.
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MIDI Communication
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers
MIDI Mapping enhances the user experience and provides more control over sound, workflows
and performance. KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards are ready-mapped to the software. Thirdparty keyboards and controllers can also be used to control some of the parameters in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. These parameters include the eight knobs of the Native Map, parameter page switching, preset switching and plug-in switching.
Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab.
4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller.
The third-party controller is now ready to be used.
Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to select
another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign MIDI
CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to your keyboard:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
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MIDI Communication
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be configured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode. A
MIDI button can also be configured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to the
two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must configure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
8.2. Host Automation
When you load KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host, the parameters of the loaded Instrument, the Scale parameters, and the Arpeggiator parameters can be automated from the host.
8.2.1. Recording Automation
Once your host is set up to record automation you can perform the following actions in the software as well as from the keyboard:
• You can enable or disable Scale and Arpeggiator functions by clicking individual buttons in the
software or by pressing the corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
• You can select values of parameters by turning individual knobs in the software or on the keyboard.
For detailed information about recording automation in your host, refer to the documentation of your host software.
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MIDI Communication
Some hosts allow you to handle automation by using automation IDs that are mapped to specific
parameters of the plug-in. KOMPLETE KONTROL comes with a predefined list of automation IDs
which allows the host find them automatically.
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel
The following automation IDs are reserved for parameters in KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Perform
panel:
Automation ID Parameter
000 Reserved for Instance Recognition and Automatic Focus Follow
001 Scale On / Off
002 Root Note (Scale)
003 Scale Type (Scale)
004 Key Mode (Scale)
006 Chord Mode (Scale)
007 Chord Type (Scale)
026 Arp On / Off
027 Mode (Arp)
028 Type (Arp)
029 Rate (Arp)
030 Sequence (Arp)
031 Swing (Arp)
032 Octaves (Arp)
033 Dynamic (Arp)
034 Gate (Arp)
035 Retrigger (Arp)
036 Repeat (Arp)
037 Offset (Arp)
038 Inversion (Arp)
039 Min. Key (Arp)
040 Max. Key (Arp)
041 Hold (Arp)
8.3. Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode
Besides using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard in combination with the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, you can also use it in MIDI mode as a versatile MIDI controller to pilot MIDI applications or devices, both via USB or via 5-pin DIN MIDI connections.
KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) messages to trigger MIDI instruments, as well as Control Change and Program Change messages to
control any MIDI application or device.
• When you switch on the keyboard and the displays show the message PRESS BROWSE, you
are controlling an instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
• When you switch on the keyboard and the displays show various MIDI CC numbers, the keyboard is in MIDI mode. The keyboard directly launches into MIDI mode when the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is not running.
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MIDI Communication
Switching to MIDI Mode
To switch the keyboard between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode:
1. Press MIDI on the keyboard.
2. To leave MIDI mode, press any button switching to another mode.
When using the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in in a supported host, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and
MIDI mode, depending on the content of the selected track.
MIDI Assignment
The MIDI mode’s versatility is made possible by the MIDI Assignment editor, which allows you to
freely define MIDI assignments for the controls on the keyboard. For more information, refer to
Using the MIDI Assignment Editor.
1. Use the Page left / right buttons on the keyboard to switch between Pages you created in the
MIDI Assignment editor.
2. Use the PRESET up/down buttons on the keyboard to switch between Templates you cre-
ated in the MIDI Assignment editor.
8.4. Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller
If you power up the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard without a USB connection (while the power
supply is connected), you can use it as a stand-alone MIDI controller by connecting MIDI devices
to the 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets on the keyboard’s rear panel.
The keybed and the controls on the keyboard send out the following MIDI messages:
Control Element Message
Type
Pedal A Controller Tip 64
Pedal B Controller 11 - 0-127 Expression Control-
Pitch Wheel Pitch Bend - - 0-16384 Pitch Bend
Modulation Wheel Controller 1 - 0-127 Modulation Wheel or
Touch Strip Controller 11 Mode: Standard
CC# Mode / Type Range /
Values
Gate 0-127 Damper Pedal On /
Ring 65
0-127 Expression Control-
Display: Unipolar
Control Function
Off (Sustain)
ler
Lever
ler
LED Mode: Bar
Knob 1 Controller 14 Absolute 0-127 Undefined
Knob 2 Controller 15 Absolute 0-127 Undefined
Knob 3 Controller 16 Absolute 0-127 General Purpose
Controller 1
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MIDI Communication
Control Element Message
Type
Knob 4 Controller 17 Absolute 0-127 General Purpose
Knob 5 Controller 18 Absolute 0-127 General Purpose
Knob 6 Controller 19 Absolute 0-127 General Purpose
Knob 7 Controller 20 Absolute 0-127 Undefined
Knob 8 Controller 21 Absolute 0-127 Undefined
Button 1 Controller 112 Toggle (Action on
Button 2 Controller 113 Toggle (Action on
Button 3 Controller 114 Toggle (Action on
Button 4 Controller 115 Toggle (Action on
Button 5 Controller 116 Toggle (Action on
Button 6 Controller 117 Toggle (Action on
Button 7 Controller 118 Toggle (Action on
Button 8 Controller 119 Toggle (Action on
CC# Mode / Type Range /
Values
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Off 0 / On 127 Undefined
Down)
Control Function
Controller 2
Controller 3
Controller 4
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
9. USING THE MIDI ASSIGNMENT EDITOR
This section guides you through the process of assigning MIDI messages to control elements and
creating Key Zones using the MIDI Assignment editor. It also makes you familiar with the mapping
system and gives you the reference information of MIDI message types and assignments.
When using the MIDI Assignment editor, all keyboard controls (i.e. navigation, transport, etc.) are blocked.
9.1. The Mapping System
Whatever you do on the keyboard, the MIDI Assignment editor translates it into a MIDI message
that is then sent to your computer via USB connection. This is what the MIDI Assignment editor is
all about: mapping human actions to MIDI events.
The MIDI Assignment editor’s mapping system is structured in a way that allows you to efficiently
organize your assignments. This makes the entire mapping process a lot easier and informs you
about what will happen whenever you actuate a control element on the keyboard. The next paragraphs will introduce you to some basic concepts.
Assignable Controls Elements
Assignable control elements are knobs, buttons, keys, pedals, and the Touch Strip. All other controls and buttons are not assignable.
Assignments
An assignment defines which MIDI event is triggered by a particular control element. Available
MIDI event types are MIDI messages such as Control Change and Program Change. Every action
on a control element is translated into one MIDI event, the corresponding assignment defines the
rules of that translation.
Depending on the type of control element (buttons, knobs, keys, pedals, and Touch Strip), the
available assignments differ. For more information, refer to MIDI Message Types and Assign-
ments.
Pages
You can have multiple assignments, organized within Pages. A Page contains eight knobs and
eight buttons, and corresponds to the hardware. One Page can be selected and loaded at a time.
You can have up to four Pages which can be directly selected in the MIDI Assignment editor and
from the keyboard.
When you select another Page, all assignments for the control elements in the Page area are updated accordingly.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
MIDI Templates
A MIDI Template holds a mapping configuration for knobs, buttons, and keys on the keyboard, including all Pages that might exist. One MIDI Template can be selected at a time. Switching between different MIDI Templates can be used, for example, to address different applications on your
computer or different MIDI instruments.
The configuration of the Touch Strips and the Pedals are saved globally and not per
Template. This means all settings made under TOUCHSTRIP and PEDALS remain
the same when switching between Templates.
9.2. Opening the MIDI Assignment Editor
You can open the MIDI Assignment editor with the MIDI Assignment editor button.
• Click on the MIDI Assignment editor button in the Header.
The MIDI Assignment editor opens. Now you have access to all the settings related to the
keyboard’s MIDI mode.
The MIDI Assignment editor button is only visible when the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard is connected to your computer and switched on.
9.3. Assigning MIDI Messages to Control Elements
This tutorial covers the workflow of assigning MIDI messages to the knobs, buttons, pedals, and
the Touch Strip. If you intend to create new Key Zones, refer to section Creating Key Zones.
In order to assign MIDI messages to control elements:
1. Click on the MIDI Assignment editor button to open the MIDI Assignment editor.
2. Select a MIDI Template in the Templates pane.
3. Select the type of control element.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
4. Select the control element you want to assign a MIDI message to.
5. Select the MIDI message using the drop-down menus and options in the Definition area.
The available drop-down menus and options in the Definition area vary depending on the selected type of control element as well as from the selections in the Definition area itself.
6. If required select or create another page for making multiple assignments.
7. When you have finished assigning MIDI messages, close the MIDI Assignment editor.
Your edits are saved to the MIDI Template.
For more information on MIDI message types and assignments, refer to MIDI Message Types and
Assignments.
9.4. Renaming Control Elements
As the default names do not reveal which parameters they are assigned to, you can rename them:
1. Double-click the name of the control element.
2. Enter the desired name with a maximum length of seven characters.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
3. Press the enter key to confirm.
The name of the control element has changed.
9.5. Creating a New MIDI Template
When using the keyboard in different situations, e.g., in a studio or live on stage, you can create a
different MIDI Template for each setup.
To create a new Template:
1. In the Templates pane click the + icon.
The Add Template dialog appears.
2. Enter a name for the new MIDI Template.
3. Click Add.
The new MIDI Template is created. The MIDI Templates are arranged in alphabetical order.
9.6. Renaming MIDI Templates
If you want to change the name of an existing MIDI Template, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the MIDI Template and select Rename from the context menu.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
The Rename Template dialog with the current MIDI Template name appears.
2. Enter the desired MIDI Template name.
3. Click Rename to confirm.
The MIDI Template name has changed.
9.7. Creating Key Zones
The MIDI Assignment editor allows you to manage Key Zones. Key Zones can be used to assign
different MIDI channels to certain keys. In this section you learn about Key Zones, how you can
create them, how you select another MIDI channel and set the Light Guide color, and how you
transpose key pitches.
9.7.1. About Key Zones
A Key Zone is a group of contiguous keys to which you can assign a particular MIDI channel. Key
Zones are a flexible and handy tool that allows you to quickly set up advanced key mappings.
• You do not have to assign each key individually. Instead, assigning a key range to the Key
Zone will automatically set the correct assignments to all included keys.
• Each Key Zone can have its own MIDI channel, and color setting. These settings are applied to
all of the keys in a Key Zone.
• Key Zones span the entire range of MIDI notes. You can have between 1 and 16 Key Zones.
Key Zones cannot overlap (i.e. each key can only belong to one single Key Zone), and they
cannot have gaps between them (i.e. each key must belong to a Key Zone). You can disable
particular Key Zones: in this case their keys will not send any MIDI Note message (dead keys).
• Key Zone assignments are valid per MIDI Template.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
Key Zones in the KEYS Tab
At the top of the KEYS tab, the depicted Keybed area allows you to define and manage your Key
Zones over the full range of notes:
The Keybed area lets you easily create and modify your Key Zones.
The Keybed area shows 128 keys along with a few additional elements:
• Each existing Key Zone is shown with its color and borders on the keybed.
• The octave markers under the keybed indicates the beginning of each octave.
• The white frame indicates the selected Key Zone.
• Disabled Key Zones are grayed out.
9.7.2. Splitting Key Zones
The process of creating a new Key Zone is straight-forward, and can be achieved by selecting and
splitting an existing Key Zone.
In order to split a Key Zone:
1. Select an existing Key Zone. If there is only one Key Zone it is always selected by default.
2. Click the +Split button to the right above the keybed area.
The Key Zone is split into two halves. The right half appears in a different color but has the
same MIDI channel of the left half.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
If you already have 16 Key Zones, the +Split button is disabled.
If the selected Key Zone is only one-key-wide, the +Split button is disabled.
9.7.3. Selecting MIDI Channels for Key Zones
After creating a new Key Zone you can select another MIDI channel for the Key Zone so that it can
be used to control another instrument.
To select another MIDI channel for a Key Zone:
1. Select the Key Zone for which you want to select another MIDI channel.
2. Select a MIDI channel from the Channel drop-down menu.
The Key Zone’s MIDI channel has changed.
9.7.4. Recoloring Key Zones
When splitting Key Zones the newly created Key Zone automatically gets one of 16 different colors
assigned. If you want to recolor a Key Zone, proceed as follows:
1. Select the Key Zone you want to recolor.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
2. Select a color from the Color drop-down menu.
The Key Zone’s color has changed and is reflected by the Light Guide. Repeat the aforementioned steps if you want to change the colors for other Key Zones.
9.7.5. Resizing Key Zones
To resize a Key Zone:
1. Select the Key Zone you want to resize.
2. Hover the mouse over the selected Key Zone’s lower or upper border.
3. Click and drag your mouse horizontally to the position of your liking and release.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
The Key Zone is resized. Since Key Zones cannot overlap, dragging the border of a Key
Zone simultaneously resizes the neighboring Key Zone so that both Key Zones stay “in contact”.
When resizing Key Zones the lower border of the leftmost Key Zone as well as the upper border of
the rightmost Key Zone are fixed and cannot be dragged. You cannot resize a Key Zone to less
than one key, this is also true for the neighboring Key Zone that is simultaneously resized.
9.7.6. Disabling Key Zones
Disabling a Key Zone disables the assignments for all included keys: from then on, these keys will
no longer trigger any notes. For example, this can be useful when you want to avoid triggering unwanted MIDI messages by mistake as you play keys in the neighboring Key Zones, or simply to
have a clean, better organized keybed.
To disable a Key Zone:
1. Select the Key Zone you want to disable.
2. Select the value Off from the Type drop-down menu.
The Key Zone and its MIDI assignment are disabled and grayed out in the Keybed area. Repeat the aforementioned steps if you want to disable other Key Zones.
On the Light Guide of your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, a disabled Key Zone
will be indicated by unlit LEDs for the corresponding keys.
72
You can re-enable a Key Zone at any time.
To re-enable a Key Zone:
1. Select the Key Zone you want to re-enable.
2. Select the value Note from the Type drop-down menu.
Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
The Key Zone with its MIDI assignment is re-enabled. Repeat the aforementioned steps if
you want to re-enable other Key Zones.
9.7.7. Deleting a Key Zone
You can delete a Key Zone as follows:
1. Hover the mouse over the Key Zone you want to delete.
2. Click the little cross icon that appears when hovering the mouse over a Key Zone.
The Key Zone is deleted and its keys are incorporated into the next Key Zone to the left. If
you delete the leftmost Key Zone, its keys are incorporated into the next Key Zone to its
right.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
If you only have one Key Zone set up, the cross icon is not available when hovering
the mouse the Key Zone.
9.7.8. Transposing Key Zones
By transposing a Key Zone you raise or lower the MIDI notes assigned to all keys included in a
Key Zone by the same interval, for example, this is useful if you want the keys in separate Key
Zones to trigger the same MIDI notes. Using the Transpose knob you can transpose any Key
Zone within the range from -127 to 127 MIDI notes. The Transpose knob is set to the default value 0 if a Key Zone is not transposed.
To transpose a Key Zone, proceed as follows:
1. Select the Key Zone you want to transpose.
2. Turn the Transpose knob to raise or lower the MIDI notes by the desired value.
The Key Zone is transposed.
When splitting a transposed Key Zone, the original transpose value is also applied to the newly
created Key Zone.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
The original transpose value also is applied to the newly created Key Zone.
If you transpose one-key wide Key Zones, you can specify the pitch for one-shot
samples.
9.8. MIDI Message Types and Assignments
In this section you find reference information about the MIDI message types provided in the Type
menu and about the several assignments for control elements and for Key Zones.
9.8.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu
For all control elements, the assignment definition starts with the same menu: the Type menu.
The Type drop-down menu specifies the type of MIDI message that has to be sent upon action on
this control element. Depending on the type of control element, the entries in this menu will differ
(for example, sending a “play” command from a knob wouldn’t make much sense).
All other parameters displayed in the Definition area depend both on the type of control element
that you are working on, and on the type of MIDI message selected in this Type menu.
Below is a list of all possible MIDI message types to be found in the Type menu.
• Control Change: Sends MIDI Control Change messages on a specific MIDI channel set by the
Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the value of a
specific continuous controller of the MIDI destination — controlling for example some effect’s
depth in your music application. The continuous controller (CC) number is specified via the
Number parameter (range from 0 to 127). The values to be sent for that controller are specified
in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next sections).
• Program Change: Sends MIDI Program Change messages on a specific MIDI channel set by
the Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message switches to another
program (or patch, preset…) of the MIDI destination. The program number to be sent can be
specified in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next sections).
• Note: Sends MIDI Note On/Off messages on a specific MIDI channel set by the Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). These messages start and stop MIDI notes specified
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
by the Note parameter (range from C-2 to G8), at a velocity set by the Value parameter (range
from 0-127).
• Pitchbend: Sends MIDI pitchbend messages on a specific MIDI channel set by the Channel
parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the pitch of the MIDI
notes sent on the same MIDI channel. Depending on the MIDI destination, it can also be used
to control other parameters.
• Off: Deactivates MIDI for the control element. Select this entry to disable the control element or
action. The control element/action does not send any MIDI message, hence no parameter is
displayed.
9.8.2. Assignments for Knobs
For the knobs, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and Program Change. Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
Type Mode RANGE Number Step
Control Change Absolute From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Relative -32 to 31
Relative (Offset) -32 to 31
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
Mode Menu Values for Knobs
For the type Control Change, a Mode menu allows you to select between three operating modes:
• Absolute: In this mode the control element sends absolute values. The From, To, and Reso-
lution parameters are the same as for the other message types (see above).
• Relative: In this mode the sent message is in a +1/-1 fashion — actually 1/127, which is then
understood by the target software as +1/-1 in that case. This allows the control element to set
the new Control Change value relative to its current value. Two parameters are available:
• Step: Defines the increment to use. Increase the Step value to trigger greater jumps in the
target parameter value. If you choose a negative value for Step, the control will be inverted.
• Resolution: Adjusts the sensitivity of the control element to your actions. At high Resolu-
tion values, a little movement of the control element will be enough to trigger the message.
At lower Resolution values, you will have to move it more frankly to trigger the message.
• Relative (Offset): This mode is similar to the Relative mode explained above, with the difference that here the values sent for the “+1” and “-1” messages are 65 and 63, respectively — in
other terms, they are centered around 64 instead of 0. This is well suited for some particular
software implementations. As in Relative mode, a Step parameter defines the increment to
use, and a Resolution parameter adjusts the sensitivity of the control element to your actions.
9.8.3. Assignments for Buttons
For the buttons, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change, Program Change, and Note.
Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
Type Mode Value Number Note
Control Change Toggle Off/On 0-127 0-127
Trigger 0 - 127
Program Change Toggle Off/On 0-127
Trigger 0 - 127
Note Toggle 0 - 127 C-2 – G8
Gate 0 - 127 C-2 – G8
Mode Menu Values for Buttons
For the buttons control elements listed in the above table, and only for some of the MIDI message
types available for these control elements, you can choose from different behaviors for the way the
data is sent. This is controlled by the Mode menu. This menu can have up to four entries, depending on the message type that you have selected in the Type menu. Here is the list of all possible
entries:
• Toggle: In this mode, the control element has two states, on and off. When you press once, it
switches to the on state — when you press again, it switches to the off state. This can be useful for enabling and disabling an effect to check how it affects the original sound. In this mode,
there are two VALUE settings: Off defines the value for the off state (from 0 to 127, 0 by default), and On defines the value for the on state (0 to 127, 127 by default). For the Note message type, since the off state is predefined (it’s the MIDI Note Off message), you find instead a
single VALUE setting defining the velocity of the MIDI Note On message.
• Trigger: In this mode, only one message is sent when you hit the control element. For instance, this can be useful for switching to another program (preset, patch…) or for triggering
one-shot samples (e.g., drum sounds or any other envelope-controlled sounds). In this mode,
you thus find only one VALUE setting, defining the value to be sent when you hit the control
element. It goes from 0 to 127 (127 by default).
• Gate: In this mode, which is only available for the Note message type, the control element
sends MIDI Note messages. When you press a control element, it sends a MIDI Note On message — when you release the control element, it sends a MIDI Note Off message. For instance, this can be useful to temporarily enable an effect while playing. Since the off state is
predefined (it’s the MIDI Note Off message), you find instead a single VALUE setting defining
the velocity of the MIDI Note On message.
9.8.4. Assignments for Key Zones
The assignments described here are valid for the Key Zones.
Type
For Key Zones, the Type menu offers the following entries: Note and Off.
• Note: Sends MIDI Note On/Off messages. These messages are sent over a specific MIDI
channel set by the Channel parameter. It tells your target to play/stop the note corresponding
to the key you press/release on your keyboard.
• Off: Disables a Key Zone including the MIDI assignment. When a Key Zone gets re-enabled
the previous MIDI assignment is recalled.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
Channel
The selected value in the Channel menu determines the MIDI channel for the selected Key Zone.
• Values range from 1 to 16.
• Value 1 is always set by default.
Color
The Color setting defines which color should be used in the Light Guide (the LEDs above the keys
on your keyboard) for the selected Key Zone:
• Red, Orange, Light Orange, Warm Yellow, Yellow, Lime, Green, Mint, Turquoise, Cyan, Blue,
Plum, Violet, Purple, Magenta, and Fuchsia.
Transpose
The Transpose knob lowers or raises MIDI notes of a Key Zone.
• Value range from -127 to 127.
• Value 0 is always set by default.
9.8.5. Assignments for the Touch Strip
For the Touch Strip, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and Pitchbend. Depending
on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
Type Range Number Strength
Control Change From 0-126/To 1-127 0-127
Pitchbend 0-100%
Selecting a Type also changes the behavior of Touch Strip. When Control Change
is selected, the Touch Strip can be used like a fader that retains its position even after you have removed your finger. When Pitchbend is selected, the Touch Strip behaves like a spring that returns to zero position after you have removed your finger.
For Control Change, you can set the Range of values that is sent when swiping the Touch Strip,
and the Number of the Control Change message. For Pitchbend, you can set the Strength of the
Touch Strip’s spring behavior. As you increase this value, the Touch Strip returns to the zero position more quickly.
The configuration of the Touch Strips and the Pedals are saved globally and not per
Template. This means all settings made under TOUCHSTRIP and PEDALS remain
the same when switching between Templates.
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
9.8.6. Assignments for Switch Pedals
For Pedals used as switch, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and Program
Change. Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is available:
Type Value Mode Value Range Value Number Step Wrap
Control Change Toggle/Gate Off/On 0-127 0-127
Trigger 0 - 127 0-127
Inc Min/Max (0-127) -128 to 127 On/Off
Program Change Toggle/Gate Off/On 0-127
Trigger 0 - 127
Inc Min/Max 0-127 -128 to 127 On/Off
Mode Menu Values for Pedals (Switch)
For the button-like control elements listed in the above table, and only for some of the MIDI message types available for these control elements, you can choose from different behaviors for the
way the data is sent. This is controlled by the Mode menu. This menu can have up to four entries,
depending on the message type that you have selected in the Type menu. Here is the list of all
possible entries:
• Toggle: In this mode, the control element has two states, On and Off. If you press once, it
switches to the On state — if you press again, it switches to the Off state. This can be useful
for example for activating some effect, then deactivating it later. This is usually the default
mode. In this mode, you find two numeric fields: Off Value defines the value for the Off state
(from 0 to 127, 0 by default), and On Value defines the value for the On state (0 to 127, 127 by
default). For the Note message type, since the Off state is predefined (it’s the MIDI Note Off
message), you find instead a single Value parameter defining the velocity of the MIDI Note On
message.
• Gate: This mode is equal to Toggle with the difference that the state is active for the time the
Pedal is held depressed. In Toggle mode the state is activated until the next time the Pedal is
pressed again.
• Trigger: In this mode, only one message is sent when you hit the control element. There are
no On or Off states. For example, this can be useful for switching to another program (preset,
patch…) or for triggering one-shot samples (e.g., drum sounds or any other envelope-controlled sounds). In this mode, you thus find only one numeric field called Value, defining the value
to be sent when you hit the control element. It goes from 0 to 127 (127 by default).
• Inc: In this mode you can configure the press of a pedal to step through a list of values by
choosing the size of the jump (e.g., 1-2-3-4-5, 2-4-6-8-10 or 3-6-9-12-15), and whether or not
the values wrap around back to the beginning, or stop when they reach their minimum or maximum.
9.8.7. Assignments for Continuous Pedals
For Pedals used as continuous control, the Type menu offers the entries Control Change and
Program Change. Depending on the selected entry, a different set of additional parameters is
available:
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Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
Type Mode Range Number
Control Change From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
For Control Change, you can set the Range of values that is sent when pressing the pedal, and
the Number of the Control Change message. For Program Change, you can set the Range of
values that is sent when pressing the pedal.
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Host Integration
10. HOST INTEGRATION
When using advanced host integration, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard becomes the centerpiece of your studio setup. You can use it to control not only the Instrument or Effect loaded in
KOMPLETE KONTROL but also core functionality of supported hosts.
Before you can make use of advanced host integration you need to set it up first. For
more information, refer to 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 9
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5
• Steinberg Nuendo 7/8
For more information on the integration of the supported hosts, refer to the section for the respective host:
• Integration with MASCHINE
• Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
• Integration with Ableton Live
• Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
10.1. Integration with MASCHINE
If you own MASCHINE, you can control many of MASCHINE’s functions directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. Furthermore, the Arrange buttons located at the left of the keyboard’s displays give you access to certain modes and views of the MASCHINE software that
makes the integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL into MASCHINE straight-forward. This section
gives you an overview of the basic controls functions as well as of the advanced integration controls using the Arrange buttons.
Connect to MASCHINE using the Keyboard
1. Press INSTANCE on the keyboard.
2. Select the MASCHINE instance shown in the display.
3. Press Button 8 (SELECT) to connect the keyboard to MASCHINE.
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Host Integration
10.1.1. Basic Control Functions
The available basic control functions of MASCHINE mapped to the keyboard’s controls are grouped in the tables below.
TRANSPORT Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start/stop playback PLAY
Restart playback at the beginning of the Loop Range SHIFT + PLAY (RESTART)
Enable/disable recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Record with count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Enable/disable the metronome METRO
Adjust Tempo TEMPO + Knob 1
Enable/disable Loop LOOP
PERFORM Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Enable/disable Scale engine for selected Group SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator for selected Group ARP (Edit)
Edit Scale engine for selected Group SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Edit Arpeggiator for selected Group SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Display quantization settings QUANTIZE
Enable/disable quantization grid QUANTIZE + Knob 1
Adjust quantization value QUANTIZE + Knob 2
Enable/disable automation AUTO
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Navigation
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select previous Preset file PRESET Up
Select next Preset file PRESET Down
Select previous Plug-in page Page Left
Select next Plug-in page Page Right
Mode Buttons
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Open Browser BROWSER
Open Plug-in view PLUG-IN
Open Mix mode MIXER
Switch between MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL instances INSTANCE
Enter MIDI Mode MIDI
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Series
Host Integration
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Series
Display hardware serial number and firmware version, and change display
brightness
SETUP
10.1.2. Advanced Integration Control Functions
The advanced integration controls using the Arrange buttons located to the left of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard’s displays and the MIXER button are listed below.
Ideas View
When you press SCENE on the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series, you are presented with the
Ideas view in the displays. This view is identical to the Ideas view of the MASCHINE software and
gives you instant control over Scenes and Patterns.
MASCHINE’s Ideas view on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
In the Ideas view you can perform the following actions:
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select Scene or create new Scene Button 1–8
Select another Pattern in Scene and select the corresponding Group in
touch
Insert copy of selected Scene SHIFT + Button 4 (DUPLICATE)
Insert empty Scene SHIFT + Button 5 (INSERT)
Delete selected Scene SHIFT + Button 6 (DELETE)
When enabled, the next Scene that is selected will be forced to play from
start
Delete selected Pattern CLEAR
Knob 1–8
SHIFT + Button 8 (RETRIGGER)
Pattern View
When you press PATTERN on the keyboard, you are presented with the Pattern view in the dis-
plays. The Pattern view is the recommended view for recording.
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Host Integration
MASCHINE’s Pattern view on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select Pattern or create new Pattern for the selected Scene Button 1–8
Select another Sound in Pattern Knob 1
Select another event (note) in the Pattern Turn 4-D encoder
Move the selected event up or down Push 4-D encoder up or down
Move the selected event up or down by octave SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up or down
Nudge the selected event Push 4-D encoder left or right
Change length of the selected event Press and hold + turn the 4-D encoder
Select another Group Push 4-D encoder to the left or to the right
Double Pattern length SHIFT + Button 3 (DOUBLE)
Insert copy of selected Pattern SHIFT + Button 4 (DUPLICATE)
Insert empty Pattern SHIFT + Button 5 (INSERT)
Delete selected Pattern SHIFT + Button 6 (DELETE)
Adjust Pattern length Knob 4
Zoom in or zoom out the Pattern view Knob 5
Horizontally move visible area in the displays Knob 6
Vertically move the visible area of the Pattern in the displays, if notes are
residing out of the visible area
Delete Pattern content CLEAR
Knob 7
TRACK View
When you press and hold TRACK on the keyboard, you are presented with the Track view in the
displays. The Track view is available from every view and can be used for quickly selecting Groups
and Sounds. In other words, it works like a shortcut page. The Track view stays visible as long as
the TRACK button is depressed.
Track view on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
In the Track view you can perform the following actions:
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Host Integration
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Jump to another Group TRACK + Button 1–8
Select another Sound of that Group TRACK + Knob 1–8
Select the Group in the previous/next Scene TRACK + push 4-D encoder to the left or to the right
Browse and select another Sound in selected Group TRACK + turn 4-D encoder
Delete selected Group CLEAR
Mix Mode
When you press MIXER on the keyboard, you are presented with the Mix mode in the displays.
The Mix mode displays eight of 16 channel strips with Sounds and Groups. The further eight
Sounds can be displayed by pressing the Page buttons.
Mix mode on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
In Mix mode you can perform the following actions:
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Toggle between volume and panorama control for Knob 1–8 Press 4-D encoder
Set Button 1–8 to control Group mode Push 4-D encoder up
Set Button 1–8 to control Sound mode Push 4-D encoder down
Jump to another Group in Group mode Button 1–8
Jump to another Sound in Sound mode Button 1–8
Coarse adjust output volume of the respective Group or Sound Knob 1-8
Fine adjust output volume of the respective Group or Sound SHIFT + Knob 1–8
Select previous or next Sound or another Group Push 4-D encoder to the left or to the right
Coarse adjust output volume of selected Group or Sound Turn 4-D encoder
Fine adjust output volume of selected Group or Sound SHIFT + Turn 4-D encoder
Plug-In View
When you press PLUG-IN on the keyboard, you are presented with the Plug-in view in the displays. The Page buttons give access to other pages containing further functions to control the selected Plug-in with the keyboard.
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Plug-in view on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
In the Plug-in view you can perform the following actions:
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select MASTER channel Button 1 (MASTER)
Select GROUP channel Button 2 (GROUP)
Select SOUND channel Button 3 (SOUND)
Select next or previous Plug-in in Plug-in chain or in Plug-in Browser Button 5 and 6
Quick browse Preset files for selected Plug-in Button 8
Select Preset files in Quick browse Push 4-D encoder
Select next or previous parameter page Page Left/Page Right
Adjust parameter values Knob 1–8
Select another Plug-in in Plug-in chain Push 4-D encoder left/right
Open Plug-in Browser Push 4-D encoder
Select Plug-in Turn 4-D encoder
Insert Plug-in Push 4-D encoder
Delete Plug-in from Plug-in chain CLEAR
Host Integration
Key Mode
When you press KEY MODE on the keyboard, you are presented with the Key mode in the displays. When the Key mode is active the Keybed and Light Guide reflect the PADs behavior and
PADs colors as of the MASCHINE controller.
Key mode on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
10.2. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
If you own Apple Logic Pro X or GarageBand, you can control many of their functions directly from
the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard are listed below.
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Host Integration
For more information on how to set up Host Integration with Apple Logic Pro X or GarageBand,
refer to Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
Transport Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Restart playback SHIFT + PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Punch out when recording PLAY (Restart)
Punch in when playing REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
Relocate playhead position to song start when stopped STOP
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move Loop by its own length LOOP + turn 4-D encoder
Tap tempo TEMPO
Edit Control
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to grid value QUANTIZE
Toggle automation between Read mode and Touch mode AUTO
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Change Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Mute and Solo
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Mute/unmute selected Track M
Solo/unsolo selected Track S
Track Navigation
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Select previous/next Region Push 4-D encoder up/down
Mixer Controls
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Mute/unmute track M + Button 1–8
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Host Integration
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Solo/unsolo track S + Button 1–8
Jump to track Button 1–8
Switch Bank Page Left/Page Right
Set Knob 1–8 to control panorama SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
Set Knob 1–8 to control volume SHIFT + push 4-D encoder down
Select previous Track Push 4-D encoder left
Select next Track Push 4-D encoder right
Coarse adjust panorama/volume for selected track Knob 1–8
Fine adjust panorama/volume for selected track SHIFT + Knob 1–8
10.3. Integration with Ableton Live
If you own Ableton Live, you can control many of its functions directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard are listed below.
For more information on how to set up Host Integration with Ableton Live, refer to Setting up Able-
ton Live (macOS) or Setting up Ableton Live (Windows).
The following functionality descriptions apply to the default Ableton Live setup. If
e.g., different playback settings have been selected the functionality will respect
those settings.
Transport Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Restart playback/recording PLAY (Restart)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
Relocate playhead position to song start when stopped STOP
Start Arranger recording SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Tap tempo TEMPO
Edit Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Quantize to grid value QUANTIZE
Toggle automation for selected Track on/off AUTO
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
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Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Change Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Change Arpeggiator parameters SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Arranger Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select previous/next Track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Select previous/next Clip Slot in Track 4-D encoder down/up
Start/stop selected Clip Push 4-D encoder
Mute/unmute selected Track M
Solo/unsolo selected Track S
Mixer Control
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Mute/unmute Channel M + Button 1–8
Solo/unsolo Channel S + Button 1–8
Jump to Track Button 1–8
Select previous/next Track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Switch Bank Page Left/Page Right
Set Knob 1–8 to control panorama SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
Set Knob 1–8 to control volume SHIFT + push 4-D encoder down
Show master output volume channel SHIFT + Page Left/Page Right button
Coarse adjust panorama/volume of selected Track Knob 1–8
Fine adjust panorama/volume for selected Track SHIFT + Knob 1–8
Host Integration
10.4. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
If you own Steinberg Cubase or Nuendo, you can control many of their functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
For more information on how to set up Host Integration with Cubase/Nuendo, refer to Setting up
Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo.
Transport Control
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (Restart)
Start recording REC (Count-In)
Punch out while recording PLAY (Restart)
Punch in while playing REC (Count-In)
Stop playback/recording at current position STOP
Relocate playhead position to song start when stopped STOP
Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (Count-In)
89
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Enable/disable metronome METRO
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move loop by its own length LOOP + turn 4-D encoder
Tap tempo TEMPO
Editing
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
Set quantize to grid value QUANTIZE
Enable/disable automation write AUTO
Enable/disable Scale engine SCALE (Edit)
Edit Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit)
Edit Arpeggiator parameters SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Host Integration
Mute and Solo
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Mute/unmute selected Track M
Solo/unsolo selected Track S
Track Navigation
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder up/down
Select previous/next Region Push 4-D encoder left/right
Mixer control
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Mute/unmute track M + Button 1–8
Solo/unsolo track S + Button 1–8
Jump to track Button 1–8
Select previous/next track Push 4-D encoder left/right
Switch Bank Page Left/Page Right
Set Knob 1–8 to control panorama SHIFT + push 4-D encoder up
Set Knob 1–8 to control volume SHIFT + push 4-D encoder down
Coarse adjust Panorama/Volume for selected Track Knob 1–8
Fine adjust Panorama/Volume for selected Track SHIFT + Knob 1–8
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Browsing the Library
11. BROWSING THE LIBRARY
The Browser is where you access your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library with all its Instruments,
Loops, One-shots and Effects. You can search, filter, and load Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Preset files as well as add them to your personal Favorites from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
software. You can also use your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, or a third-party controller, to
access the Browser, enabling you to search for Presets using only the hardware controls.
You can also save Preset 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 Saving Preset Files to the User Library and
Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files.
Browsing for Instruments or Effects
Since the same workflows apply to Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, this section refers
to all product types as Products. The Browser automatically switches the product type to either Effects or Instruments, Loops, and One-shots, depending on the selected slot in the Plug-in chain.
For more information on Product Types and about switching between Product Types, refer to Prod-
uct Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects.
For a detailed overview of the Browser elements, refer to Browser.
11.1. Browser Basics
This section describes general concepts related to the Browser.
11.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects
Although the Library contains Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, it is not possible to
browse for these four Product Types at the same time. Depending on the selected Plug-in slot the,
Product Type in the Browser switches to “Instrument” or “Effect”:
• When you start KOMPLETE KONTROL or when you select the first Plug-in slot in the Plug-in
chain, the Product Type is set to Instruments and is represented by the respective icon in the
Browser.
• When the first Plug-in Slot is selected, you can choose between Instruments, Loops and Oneshots. The Product Type icon will be highlighted accordingly. Instruments is selected as the default Product Type.
• When you select any other Plug-in slot, the Product Type is set to Effects, which is reflected by
the respective icon in the Browser.
For more information on the Plug-in chain and usage, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel [29] and Work-
ing with Effects [111].
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Browsing the Library
11.1.2. Loops and One-shots
The Browser divides samples into Loops and One-Shots. One-shots are typically sampled instruments or vocals, while loops are usually sections of music. Both filetypes can come from existing
expansion packs and sounds.com.
When a Loop is selected in the Browser with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately
in-sync with the host if transport is running. If a Loop preview begins part-way through, the Loop
will play once more in full length to ensure you hear the entire Loop in context with your project.
Loops and One-shots can also be dragged directly from the Browser and dropped onto an audio
track within your host DAW.
11.1.3. About the Library and Meta-Information
To organize, 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, Loops, and One-shots, NKS Instruments, Effects, as well as your
own user content.
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 structure
with a Product category, a particular Product, and possibly a Bank of a Product.
• A variable amount of tags used to describe various characteristics of the Preset file, for example, 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.
11.1.4. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks
Besides of browsing KOMPLETE KONTROL Library the Browser also allows you to navigate your
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 preferred way to search for files meeting particular musical requirements. This pane also allows you
to tag your own Preset files to your liking.
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Browsing the Library
• The Files pane allows you to browse your hard disks by using the hierarchical folder structure
of your operating system. For example, you can use it to navigate KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant files that have not been imported into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library—and you can
import them from there.
The Library pane and the Files pane can be accessed by clicking the corresponding tab at the top
of the Browser.
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. It is best to always import all your
files to the Library and tag them using the software Browser before use.
11.2. Opening the Browser
To open the Browser:
• Click on the Browser button (the 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
On the Plug-in page when the Plug-in chain is entirely empty the displays show No INSTRUMENT
Loaded.
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Browsing the Library
No Instrument loaded.
To call up the Browser on the keyboard’s displays:
• Press the BROWSE button.
11.3. 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.
• To load a Preset file, double click the corresponding entry in the Results list.
The Preset file and the corresponding Product opens in the Plug-in area.
Loading a Preset File using the Keyboard
To load a Preset file using the Keyboard:
1. Open the Browser by pressing the BROWSER button.
2. Select a Preset file in the Results list by turning Knob 8 in the Control section or by turning
the 4-D encoder.
3. Load the selected Preset file by pressing Button 8 in the Control section (LOAD) or by press-
ing the 4-D encoder.
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