Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer ................................................................................................................. 1
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL .............................................................................. 2
2.1. Document Conventions ....................................................................................... 3
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.6.0 ......................................................... 4
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.6 ......................................................... 4
2.4. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3 ......................................................... 5
2.5. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0 ......................................................... 5
2.6. Box Contents ...................................................................................................... 6
2.7. System Requirements ......................................................................................... 6
3. Accessibility .............................................................................................................. 7
3.1. Keyboard Overview .............................................................................................. 7
3.2. Activating Accessibility Features .......................................................................... 9
3.3. Training Mode ..................................................................................................... 9
3.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts .......................................................... 10
3.5. Maschine Accessibility ...................................................................................... 11
3.5.1. Maschine Software Overview .................................................................... 11
3.5.2. Known Issues .......................................................................................... 11
3.5.3. Maschine Keyboard Overview .................................................................... 12
3.5.4. Maschine Workflows ................................................................................ 13
4. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow .......................................................................... 16
5. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................... 17
5.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer .......................................................... 17
5.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ............................................................... 18
5.3. Setting up Host Integration ................................................................................ 19
5.3.1. Setting up Ableton Live ............................................................................. 20
5.3.2. Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ............................................ 20
5.3.3. Setting up Avid Pro Tools .......................................................................... 21
5.3.4. Setting up Bitwig Studio ............................................................................ 21
5.3.5. Setting up PreSonus Studio One ................................................................ 22
5.3.6. Setting up Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo ................................................... 22
5.4. Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard .................................................................... 23
5.5. Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard .......................................... 25
6. Software Overview .................................................................................................... 27
6.1. Header ............................................................................................................. 27
6.2. Browser ........................................................................................................... 28
6.2.1. Library Pane ............................................................................................. 28
6.2.2. Product Selector ....................................................................................... 30
6.2.3. Files Pane ................................................................................................ 31
6.2.4. Browser on the Keyboard .......................................................................... 32
6.3. Perform Panel ................................................................................................... 32
6.4. Plug-in Panel ..................................................................................................... 33
6.5. Plug-in Chain Panel ........................................................................................... 33
6.6. MIDI Assignment Editor ..................................................................................... 34
6.7. Plug-in Area ...................................................................................................... 35
6.8. Sampler Plug-In ................................................................................................ 35
6.8.1. Envelopes ................................................................................................ 36
6.9. Audio Plug-In .................................................................................................... 38
7. Keyboard Overview ................................................................................................... 40
7.1. Perform and Edit Section ................................................................................... 41
7.2. Transport Section ............................................................................................. 42
7.3. Control Section ................................................................................................. 43
7.4. Mode Buttons ................................................................................................... 43
7.5. 4-D Encoder ...................................................................................................... 44
7.6. Keybed and Light Guide ..................................................................................... 45
7.7. Touch Strip ....................................................................................................... 45
7.8. Transpose and Fixed Velocity Buttons ................................................................ 46
8. Global Controls and Preferences ................................................................................ 47
8.1. Instrument Views .............................................................................................. 47
8.1.1. Default View ............................................................................................. 47
8.1.2. Additional View ........................................................................................ 48
8.1.3. Edit View ................................................................................................. 49
8.2. Switching Instances .......................................................................................... 50
8.3. Transport and Tempo ........................................................................................ 50
8.3.1. Resetting the Clock ................................................................................... 51
8.3.2. Adjusting Tempo ...................................................................................... 52
8.4. Adjusting Master Volume ................................................................................... 52
8.5. Preferences ...................................................................................................... 52
8.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page ......................................................................... 53
8.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page .......................................................................... 54
8.5.3. Preferences – General Page ...................................................................... 55
8.5.4. Preferences – Library Page ....................................................................... 56
8.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page ...................................................................... 59
8.5.6. Preferences - Features Page ...................................................................... 61
8.6. Keyboard Settings ............................................................................................. 61
8.7. Loading a Plug-in in Default State ....................................................................... 62
9. MIDI Communication ................................................................................................ 64
9.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers ................................................ 64
9.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller ............................................................. 67
9.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller ................................................ 68
9.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller .............................................. 68
9.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode ........................................................................... 68
9.1.5. Hardware Conguration for MIDI Mapping .................................................. 70
9.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances ............................................................... 70
9.2. Host Automation ............................................................................................... 70
9.2.1. Recording Automation .............................................................................. 71
9.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel ........................................................ 71
9.3. Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode ....................................................................... 72
9.4. Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller ............................................. 72
10. Using the MIDI Assignment Editor ........................................................................... 75
10.1. The Mapping System ....................................................................................... 75
10.2. Opening the MIDI Assignment Editor ................................................................. 76
10.3. Assigning MIDI Messages to Control Elements .................................................. 76
10.4. Renaming Control Elements ............................................................................. 77
10.5. Creating a New MIDI Template ......................................................................... 77
10.6. Renaming MIDI Templates ............................................................................... 78
10.7. Creating Key Zones ......................................................................................... 79
10.7.1. About Key Zones .................................................................................... 79
10.7.2. Splitting Key Zones ................................................................................. 80
10.7.3. Selecting MIDI Channels for Key Zones .................................................... 81
10.7.4. Recoloring Key Zones ............................................................................. 81
10.7.5. Resizing Key Zones ................................................................................ 82
10.7.6. Disabling Key Zones ............................................................................... 83
10.7.7. Deleting a Key Zone ................................................................................ 84
10.7.8. Transposing Key Zones ........................................................................... 85
10.8. MIDI Message Types and Assignments ............................................................. 86
10.8.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu .......................................................... 86
10.8.2. Assignments for Knobs ........................................................................... 86
10.8.3. Assignments for Buttons ......................................................................... 87
10.8.4. Assignments for Key Zones ..................................................................... 88
10.8.5. Assignments for the Touch Strip .............................................................. 89
10.8.6. Assignments for Switch Pedals ............................................................... 89
10.8.7. Assignments for Continuous Pedals ......................................................... 90
11. Host Integration ...................................................................................................... 91
11.1. Integration with MASCHINE ............................................................................. 91
11.1.1. Basic Control Functions .......................................................................... 91
11.1.2. Advanced Integration Control Functions ................................................... 93
11.2. Integration with Ableton Live ............................................................................ 97
11.3. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ........................................... 98
11.4. Integration with Avid Pro Tools ....................................................................... 100
11.5. Integration with Bitwig Studio ......................................................................... 101
11.6. Integration with PreSonus Studio One ............................................................. 103
11.7. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo ............................................... 104
11.8. Integration with Hosts using MCU Protocol ..................................................... 106
12. Browsing the Library ............................................................................................. 108
12.1. Browser Basics ............................................................................................. 108
12.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ...................... 108
12.1.2. Loops and One-shots ............................................................................ 108
12.1.3. About the Library and Meta-Information ................................................. 109
12.1.4. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................. 109
12.2. Opening the Browser ..................................................................................... 110
12.3. Loading Preset Files ...................................................................................... 111
12.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content ...................................... 111
12.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product ..................................................................... 112
12.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank .......................................................................... 116
12.7. Resetting the Product Selection ...................................................................... 118
12.8. Types and Characters Tags ............................................................................ 119
12.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters ........................................ 120
12.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level .......................................... 123
12.9. Working with Favorites .................................................................................. 123
12.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ....................................................... 124
12.9.2. Displaying Favorites in the Results List ................................................... 125
12.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites ............................................... 126
12.10. Performing a Text Search ............................................................................. 127
12.11. Displaying Preset File Information ................................................................. 128
12.12. Auditioning your Preset Files ........................................................................ 128
13. Working with Effects ............................................................................................. 130
13.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel ..................................................................... 130
13.2. Adding Effects .............................................................................................. 130
13.3. Selecting Plug-in Slots ................................................................................... 133
13.4. Reordering Effects ......................................................................................... 134
13.5. Scrolling the Plug-in Chain ............................................................................. 135
13.6. Bypassing Effects ......................................................................................... 135
13.7. Removing Effects .......................................................................................... 136
14. Working with Loops and One-Shot Samples ........................................................... 138
14.1. Sampler Plug-In and Audio Plug-In Use Cases .................................................. 138
14.2. Loading One-Shot Samples and Loops ............................................................ 138
14.3. Opening the Audio Plug-In or Sampler Plug-In .................................................. 139
14.4. Switching between the Audio Plug-In and the Sampler Plug-In .......................... 139
14.5. Playback Behavior of Audio Plug-In in Host Software ........................................ 140
15. Managing the Library ............................................................................................ 141
15.1. Saving Preset Files to the User Library ............................................................ 141
15.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ............................................... 143
15.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files ......................................... 144
15.4. Syncing Multiple Instances ............................................................................ 146
15.5. Working with the Files Pane ........................................................................... 147
15.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane .............................. 147
15.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar ................................... 148
15.5.3. Navigating to Recent File Locations ....................................................... 148
15.5.4. Working with File Location Favorites ...................................................... 148
15.6. Loading VST Plug-ins ..................................................................................... 149
15.7. Installing NKS Instruments ............................................................................ 150
15.8. Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ................................... 152
16. Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters ................................ 154
16.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ......................... 154
16.2. Adjusting Parameters .................................................................................... 154
16.3. Switching Parameter Pages ........................................................................... 154
16.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel ................................ 154
17. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords .............................................. 157
17.1. A Note about Music Theory ............................................................................ 157
17.2. Activating the Scale Engine ............................................................................ 158
17.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale ......................................................................... 158
17.4. Playing Chords .............................................................................................. 159
17.5. Editing Scales and Chords .............................................................................. 159
17.6. Setting the SCALE Parameters ....................................................................... 160
17.6.1. SCALE Root Note .................................................................................. 160
17.6.2. SCALE Bank and Type ........................................................................... 161
17.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter ................................................................... 165
17.8. Setting the CHORD Parameters ...................................................................... 166
17.8.1. CHORD Mode ....................................................................................... 166
17.8.2. CHORD Type ........................................................................................ 167
17.8.3. CHORD Position ................................................................................... 169
18. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences ....................................... 171
18.1. Playing Arpeggiator Sequences ...................................................................... 171
18.2. Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator ............................................. 172
18.3. Using Arpeggiator Snapshots on the Keyboard ................................................ 172
18.4. Editing the Arpeggiator .................................................................................. 173
18.5. MAIN Parameters .......................................................................................... 173
18.5.1. MAIN Mode .......................................................................................... 174
18.5.2. MAIN Type ........................................................................................... 174
18.6. RHYTHM Parameters .................................................................................... 174
18.6.1. RHYTHM Rate ...................................................................................... 174
18.6.2. RHYTHM Sequence .............................................................................. 175
18.6.3. RHYTHM Swing .................................................................................... 176
18.7. OTHER Parameters ....................................................................................... 176
18.7.1. OTHER Octaves .................................................................................... 176
18.7.2. OTHER Dynamic ................................................................................... 177
18.7.3. OTHER Gate ......................................................................................... 177
18.8. ADVANCED Parameters ................................................................................. 177
18.8.1. ADVANCED Retrigger ............................................................................ 178
18.8.2. ADVANCED Repeat ............................................................................... 178
18.8.3. ADVANCED Offset ................................................................................ 178
18.8.4. ADVANCED Inversion ............................................................................ 178
18.9. RANGE Parameters ....................................................................................... 179
18.9.1. RANGE Min. Key ................................................................................... 179
18.9.2. RANGE Max. Key .................................................................................. 179
18.10. HOLD Parameter ......................................................................................... 179
DISC LA I MER 1
1. Disclaimer
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document
is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in
the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any afliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 2.7.0 (03/2022)
Hardware version: S-Series Mk2
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL 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 instrument as much as we do.
— The team at Native Instruments
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 3
2.1. Document Conventions
In this document the following formatting is used to highlight useful information:
Italics Indicates paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices
Bold Highlights important names, concepts, software interface elements, and
hardware controls.
[Brackets] References keys on a computer’s keyboard.
Single item instructions are represented by a bullet icon.
Results in procedures are represented by an arrow icon.
The following three icons represent different types of information:
The light bulb icon indicates a useful tip, suggestion, or interesting fact.
The information icon highlights important information that is essential for the given
context.
The warning icon alerts you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
Naming Conventions
Throughout the documentation, we will refer to the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (or just
keyboard) as the hardware controller and KOMPLETE KONTROL software as the software installed
on your computer.
Unlabelled Buttons on the Keyboard
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard do
not have labels.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 4
The unlabelled buttons and knobs on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
For better reference, we applied 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 2.6.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
Accessibility from S-Series MK2 to MASCHINE
• Accessibility for visually-impaired users has been added when using KOMPLETE KONTROL
S-Series MK2 keyboards to control MASCHINE software. For more information, refer to
Maschine Accessibility.
Audible Indicator During Background Scanning
• When Accessibility is activated, the start and end of a Background Content Scan are
announced via an audible indicator.
Big Sur compatibility on Intel-based Macs
• KOMPLETE KONTROL is now supported on macOS Big Sur when running as a VST, AAX or
standalone.
• KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE are not yet supported on Apple Silicon based Macs.
Even though they can be installed from Native Access on these computers, there is a
small possibility of data loss within KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE between sessions,
meaning that Project settings, loaded Instruments, and Amp parameters may intermittently be
lost when re-opening a saved project in Logic. We are working with Apple to resolve the issue.
Please see this article for updates.
Background Scanning Improvements
• Background Content Scan now occurs when KOMPLETE KONTROL is hosted as a plug-in.
• UI and performance improvements whilst the Background Content Scan is running.
Additional Bug Fixes
• Super 8 R2 UI appears blank when loaded inside of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
• User edited tags were not saved.
• Dragging an item from the Browser shows one more item than what is dragged.
• Saved items are not shown in the Browser if a scan is running in the background.
• Samples with special unicode characters were not recognised on Windows.
• Browsing tags on the Hardware was slow when a Character tag was selected.
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.6
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
PreSonus Studio One Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL
• KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards now support integration in PreSonus Studio One.
For more information, refer to Integration with PreSonus Studio One.
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 5
Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series
and M32
• KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series and M32 keyboards now support integration in PreSonus
Studio One.
2.4. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
Audio Plug-in
• The new Audio plug-in specializes in keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the project in
your host software and has the optional ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop.
Furthermore, you can transpose the loop while it plays so that it ts the key of your song. For
more information on the Audio plug-in, refer to Audio Plug-In. For more information on using
the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot Samples.
MCU Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2
• KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2 now supports integration in hosts with MCU control. For
more information, refer to Integration with Hosts using MCU Protocol.
MIDI Control Takeover Mode for Third-Party Controllers
• When using third-party controllers, you can now enable Takeover mode to prevent potential
parameter jumps caused by mismatching knob positions between software and hardware. For
more information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
Improvements to Host Integration
• Previously, you had to start KOMPLETE KONTROL as a stand-alone application to scan your
library for Instruments, Samples, and Effects before using the plug-in in your host. This step is
now no longer necessary. Instead, when using KOMPLETE KONTROL in your host directly after
installation, a dialog is presented allowing you to scan your library.
2.5. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
MIDI Mapping for Third-Party Controllers
• It is now possible to control some of KOMPLETE KONTROL's parameters via a third-party MIDI
controller. For more information, refer to MIDI Communication.
Sounds.com Integration
• Browse on Sounds.com, create your own collections of loops and one-shots and send them
directly to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Improvements to the Browser
• Samples are now cataloged in separate Loops and One-shots tabs in the Browser. For more
information, refer to Loops and One-shots.
• Previews of Loops selected in the Browser will be played in sync with the current project. When
a loop is selected with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync with the
project if transport is running. For more information, refer to Loops and One-shots
WELC OM E TO K O MPLET E KONTR OL 6
• 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.
2.6. 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 SELECT software bundle
• Safety Instructions flyer
2.7. 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:
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/
ACCE SS I BILI TY 7
3. Accessibility
Komplete Kontrol offers a set of accessibility features for visually-impaired users. These are
focused exclusively on the keyboard itself and include speech output via your computer for the
following features:
• Perform, Transpose, Page left / right 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.
3.1. 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 rst row are (from left to right):
• SHIFT
• SCALE (Edit)
• ARP (Edit)
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• UNDO (Redo)
• QUANTIZE
• AUTO
The Transport section is located directly below the Perform and Edit section. It contains six
buttons that are arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the rst row are (from left to right):
ACCE SS I BILI TY 8
• 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 ve buttons are arranged in a column.
The buttons are (from top to bottom):
• SCENE
• PATTERN
• TRACK
• 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 rst 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.
ACCE SS I BILI TY 9
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
3.2. 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 activated for names of Preset les 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 les while browsing is activated or deactivated.
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
plug-in. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened
after initial installation and after installing additional Instruments and Effects. This will
ensure that all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects are displayed correctly in
the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
3.3. Training Mode
KOMPLETE KONTROL Training Mode makes it easy to locate a specic button or parameter
without accidentally triggering an action. When Training Mode is activated, all button presses and
parameter names are announced but the corresponding action is not triggered.
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.
3.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts
ACCE SS I BILI TY 10
Feature Accessible
Keyboard Shortcut
from
Keyboard
Accessibility
Mode
Browser Browse for Factory and User
Instrument
control
Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord
Touch Strips Adjust Touch Strip parameters No
Tempo Adjust BPM Yes TEMPO + Knob 1
Training mode Find a control without
Preferences Adjust software & hardware
Software
dialog
Activate or deactivate
Accessibility mode
Activate or deactivate speech
output for names of Preset
les
Preset les
Switch between Category and
Vendor sorting
Set Preset le Favorites Yes SHIFT + Knob 4
Sort by Favorites SHIFT + Knob 3
Save and edit User Preset les No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from
other vendors
Adjust key Instrument
parameters
Custom map Instrument
parameters
Parameters
Adjust Scale & Chord
parameters
Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit
Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8
Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page
accidentally triggering actions
Activate or deactivate Training
mode
preferences
Be notied if a dialog box
opens in the software (dialog
content is not available for
speech output)
Yes SHIFT + MIXER
SHIFT + Button 5
Yes Page left button or
Page right button
Yes SHIFT + Knob 1
Yes Supported by
default
Yes Knob 1 – 8
No
Yes SHIFT + SCALE Edit
Knob 1 – 8
right
Yes
Yes Double-press SHIFT
No
Yes Supported by
default
ACCE SS I BILI TY 1 1
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.
3.5. Maschine Accessibility
Maschine software is Native Instruments’ groove production software, bundled with Maschine
pad controllers and Komplete Kontrol keyboards. The release of Maschine 2.13 software adds
Accessibility from all Komplete Kontrol S-Series MK2 keyboard models (S49 MK2, S61 MK2, and
S88 MK2).
Maschine pad controllers, such as Maschine MK3 or Mikro MK3, are not required to make
use of the Accessibility features. However, a Maschine controller can be used alongside a
Komplete Kontrol S-Series MK2 keyboard, but only the keyboard will be accessible.
Our approach to product development is incremental and we aspire to deliver value when possible,
rather than constraining features and functionality to yearly releases. This allows us to share
features with our customers as soon as they are ready, and learn what users do and do not like,
allowing us to further iterate and rene.
This rst release of Maschine Accessibility represents a starting point, rather than an end goal.
There are limitations in this release that we will address in future updates, and we still very much
aspire to extend this to other controllers.
3.5.1. Maschine Software Overview
Maschine shares similarities with popular non-linear DAWs such as Ableton Live. You can create
Patterns for each instrument (Group), and add combinations of Patterns into Scenes, which are
song sections (verse, chorus, middle-8, etc). You can then arrange your Scenes into a full song on
the Timeline.
Groups in Maschine contain up to 16 Sounds. A Sound can be a One-shot sample, a loop, or an
Instrument, and can also contain Effect plug-ins within the signal chain. The Maschine browser is
home to individual presets for One-shot samples, loops, and instruments, as well as pre-congured
Sounds which load an effects chain, and pre-congured Groups which contain 16 Sounds, all
ready to go! Groups are labeled A-H, and Sounds are labeled 1-16, for example, A1.
Instruments, One-Shots, and (time-stretched) Loops can be played chromatically across the
keyboard. Groups can also be played across 16 keys, with each key mapped to a single pitch
from each of the contained Sounds; particularly great for playing drums. You can switch between
these by pressing the Key Mode button.
You can control many of Maschine’s functions directly from the S-Series keyboard. Maschine can
operate as a standalone application, or run as a plug-in in a DAW. The setup and conguration of
your keyboard will differ for each mode of use. If you are using Maschine in a DAW, you will rst
need to congure the host for use with your keyboard. Using Maschine in a DAW gives you access
to additional tracks, and easy editing of preferences. Computer keyboard shortcuts like Command
+ O are not available, but operations such as saving and opening can be done directly in the DAW,
as Maschine will recall its loaded contents and settings between DAW sessions.
3.5.2. Known Issues
There are some issues and limitations that will be resolved in future updates. These include:
ACCE SS I BILI TY 1 2
Speech-related Bugs
• When the keyboard is in Pattern mode, Knob 1 is used to select Sound. This isn’t always
announced, even though the Sound selection is changing. By releasing the knob and tapping it,
you can hear the currently selected sound name.
• When the keyboard is in Scene mode, the page left and right buttons select between banks of
Scenes (1-8, 9-16, etc). Pressing these buttons may cause a readout of an unrelated parameter
page.
Transport
Control of transport in Maschine is slightly different from that of conventional linear DAWs. We
have chosen to maintain this behavior as a starting point and will investigate ways to improve this
for future releases. Currently, two potential limitations exist that may affect usability for visually
impaired users:
• The 4-D encoder is not used to relocate the playhead, so it is not possible to relocate to another
position on the timeline.
• Pressing Stop whilst transport is stopped does not relocate the playhead to the start of the
project or section.
The following interactions can be used to work around this:
• Shift + Play buttons will start transport from the beginning of the project, or selected Scene if
Loop is activated.
• When Record Arm is activated, Shift + Rec buttons will play a bar of count-in then begin
recording.
Quitting and Saving in Standalone Mode
• Quit, Save, and Open commands can be applied when Maschine is running as a standalone
application only. We plan to enable some of these commands from the keyboard in a future
release. For more information, refer to Maschine Workflows.
3.5.3. Maschine Keyboard Overview
The S-Series MK2 keyboard is divided into the following sections:
• Keybed Controls are located at the bottom left corner, above the pitch and modulation wheels.
• Central Console is located in the center of your keyboard and contains touch-sensitive knobs
and screen buttons. Screen buttons and knobs are referred to as 1-8 from left to right.
• Navigation Controls are located to the right of the Central Console, and feature six buttons
and a 4-Directional (4-D) push encoder. These controls set the keyboard’s mode and navigate
through Maschine.
• Maschine Controls are located directly left of the Central Console, and feature ve dedicated
buttons for Maschine.
• Mute, Solo, Preset Up / Down, Page Left / Right buttons are located immediately left of the
Maschine controls.
• Edit Controls are located in the upper, leftmost cluster of buttons. They are used to Undo,
Redo, activate and deactivate the Scale and Arpeggio modes, and more. The Shift button is an
important global modied key and is located with the Edit controls.
• Transport Controls are found in the lower, leftmost cluster of buttons.
ACCE SS I BILI TY 1 3
3.5.4. Maschine Workflows
The following workflows describe how to navigate Maschine software from your S-Series MK2
keyboard. Follow these steps to setup your software and keyboard, then learn how to make use
of the Browser, Plug-in page, Transport controls, Scenes and Patterns, and Mixing mode from your
keyboard.
Setup
To get started, open Maschine software and start with a new project. Note that sighted assistance
may be needed to pass through any dialogue boxes that might appear during plug-in scanning,
and to enable the MIDI ports from your Komplete Kontrol S-Series MK2 Preferences.
1. Launch Maschine software.
2. Create a new project by pressing Command + N (macOS) or Ctrl + N (Windows) on your
computer keyboard.
→ Maschine is now ready to start creating music. Next, setup the keyboard's Accessibility
features.
3. In Accessibility mode, most actions from the keyboard will trigger a speech announcement.
To activate Accessibility mode, hold the top left button (Shift) and press the top right button
(Mixer) on the keyboard.
4. In Training mode, all button presses and parameter names are announced but the
corresponding action is not triggered. Press Shift twice to enter Training mode.
Browser
The Browser allows you to load Groups, Sounds, Instruments, and Effects from an S-Series
keyboard. Next, load a Drum Kit from the Groups tab of the Browser:
1. Press Browser, located in the Navigation Controls, to the right of the Central Console.
2. Use Screen Buttons 1 and 2 to navigate through the available le types and select Groups.
3. Use the knobs to lter through different search results. Adjust the knob to lter the respective
tag: Products (Knob 2), Banks (Knob 3), Types (Knob 5), Sub-Types (Knob 6). Knob 8 and the
4-D encoder are used to scroll through the available results.
4. You will hear both sound previews and the name of each preset whilst scrolling through the
results list. Use the up and down arrows to move to the next and previous presets without
hearing the preset name. To toggle prehear (audition), press Shift + Screen Button 8.
5. Press Screen Button 8 or the 4-D encoder to load a Group.
Plug-ins
Using your keyboard, you can navigate and edit your Plug-in chains, and adjust parameters. The
Plug-in button is located top and center of the Navigation Controls
1. Press Plug-in to display the Plug-in page.
2. Press Button 1 to select the Master channel. Press Button 2 to select the Group channel. Press
Button 3 to select the Sound channel.
3. Move through the Plug-in chain using Buttons 5 and 6 to select the next or previous plug-in.
You can also push the 4-D encoder left or right to move between plug-ins.
4. If you want to replace a Plug-in, push the 4-D encoder to open the Plug-in Browser. Turn the 4-D
encoder to select a Plug-in, and push the encoder to insert the Plug-in in the chain.
5. Press Button 8 to quick browse preset les for the selected Plug-in. Push the 4-D encoder to
select the preset le.
ACCE SS I BILI TY 1 4
6. To delete a Plug-in from the chain, press Clear.
7. Adjust the parameter values of the Plug-in using Knobs 1–8. The Page buttons provide access
to other pages containing further functions to control. Select the next or previous parameter
page using the Page Left/Page Right buttons.
Performance
Use the Edit Controls, located in the upper, leftmost cluster of buttons, to access the Arpeggiator
and Scale Engine. Adjust the settings according to your performance needs.
1. To activate the scale engine for the selected Group, press Scale.
2. Edit the scale engine by pressing Shift + Scale.
3. To activate the Arpeggiator for the selected Group, press Arp.
4. Edit the Arpeggiator settings by pressing Shift + Arp.
5. To activate quantization, press Quantize + turn Knob 1. To adjust the quantization value press
Quantize + turn Knob 2.
Transport controls can be used to operate Maschine's playback. They are located on the lower left
side of the keyboard.
1. Press Play to start playback.
2. Press Metro to activate/deactivate the metronome.
3. To adjust the Master tempo, press Tempo and turn Knob 1.
4. Press Shift + Play to restart playback.
Recording
Pattern mode is the recommended mode for recording. The Pattern button is the second of the
Maschine Controls, located left of the Central Console. In Pattern mode, you can create and edit
Patterns, and use the 4-D encoder to move and edit note events. When you are ready to record a
Pattern:
1. Press Pattern on the keyboard.
2. Use Buttons 1–8 to select a Pattern or create a new Pattern for the selected Scene.
3. Push 4-D encoder left or right to select another Group, and use Knob 1 to select another Sound
in the Pattern.
4. Double the Pattern length by pressing Shift + Button 3.
5. Insert a copy of the selected Pattern by pressing Shift + Button 4, and insert an empty Pattern
by pressing Shift.
6. Activate the count-in by pressing Shift + Rec.
7. Start recording by pressing Rec and stop recording by pressing Stop.
8. Adjust the Position using Knob 2. Adjust the Start position using Knob 3. Adjust the Length of
the pattern using Knob 4.
Scene
Record multiple patterns, then add them into Scenes to create song sections. The Scene button
is located at the top of the ve Maschine Controls, on the left side of the Central Console. Press
Scene to access the identical Ideas view of the Maschine software. This gives you instant control
over your Scenes and Patterns.
1. Press Scene on the keyboard to enter Ideas view.
2. Use Buttons 1–8 to select a Scene or create a new Scene.
ACCE SS I BILI TY 1 5
3. Use Knobs 1–8 to select another Pattern in the Scene and select the corresponding Group.
4. Insert an empty Scene by pressing Shift + Button 5, and insert a copy of a selected Scene by
pressing Shift + Button 4.
5. To delete a selected Scene press Shift + Button 6, and to delete the selected Pattern press
Clear.
6. Press Shift + Button 8 to activate retrigger. When active, the next Scene that is selected will be
forced to play from start.
Mixing
In Mix mode, you can access volume and pan settings, and make adjustments to the mix from
your S-Series keyboard. The Mixer button is located on the top right of the keyboard.
1. Press Mixer to access eight of the 16 channel strips with Sounds and Groups. The further eight
Sounds can be accessed by pressing the Page buttons.
2. Press the 4-D encoder to toggle between volume and panorama control for Knobs 1–8.
3. Push the 4-D encoder up to enter Group mode and buttons 1-8 will control Groups. Push the
4-D encoder down to enter Sound mode and buttons 1-8 will control Sounds.
4. Use Buttons 1-8 to jump to another Group or Sound, respective of the selected mode.
5. To adjust the output volume of the respective Group or Sound, turn Knobs 1-8. To ne-adjust
the output volume, press Shift + turn Knobs 1-8.
6. Push the 4-D encoder left or right to select the previous or next Sound or Group.
7. Turn the 4-D encoder to adjust the output volume of the respective Group or Sound.
Quitting and Saving in Standalone Mode
The following commands apply when Maschine is running as a standalone application. We plan to
enable some of this from the keyboard in a future release:
• To launch the Save As dialog, press Command + Shift + S (macOS) / Ctrl + Shift + S (Windows).
This is a system dialog, and so can be navigated and read by screen readers.
• To launch the Open dialog, press Command + O (macOS) / Ctrl + O (Windows). This is also
a system dialog. Note that projects can be opened from the Browser by setting Filetype to
‘Project’.
• If the current project has no unsaved changes, pressing Command + Q (macOS) / Alt + F4
(Windows) will quit Maschine.
• On macOS, if the current project has unsaved changes, pressing Command + Q will launch
a Quit dialog which is not screen readable. Pressing Esc will dismiss the dialog and go back
to Maschine. Please note that it is not possible to quit Maschine when there are unsaved
changes.
• On Windows, if the current project has unsaved changes, pressing Alt + F4 will launch a Quit
dialog which is not screen readable. Pressing Esc will dismiss the dialog and go back to
Maschine.
THE KO M PLETE KONTR OL WORK FL O W 16
4. 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 les you like from any of the Instruments and Effects in your KOMPLETE KONTROL
Library by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s lters 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 playing
with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
5. Record a new clip in the host, conveniently controlling transport and loop functions
directly from the keyboard. Again, made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host
integration.
6. If you need to start over, undo and redo functions are right at your ngertips. To further
rene your recording, you can apply quantization and automation to a clip by pressing the
corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
→ You have quickly captured a musical idea and can continue sketching out a new song by
repeating the process and layering more tracks.
Key Features
The following key features facilitate the KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow:
• Browser: The Browser is your interface for nding, loading and organizing Instruments,
Loops, One-Shots, Effects, and Preset les from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. For more
information, refer to Browsing the Library,Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
• Instrument and Effect control: The 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.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 1 7
5. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
This section provides basic setup information for using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone
software, and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL in supported
hosts.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is installed both as a stand-alone application as well as a VST,
VST3, Audio Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and
MIDI interfaces, which you can congure in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences. When
KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a plug-in within a host, the communication with your audio
and MIDI interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI conguration of the host, and how to load
plug-ins, please refer to its documentation.
5.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
To connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to your computer:
1. Attach the device end of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard.
2. Attach the computer end of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on your
computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the keyboard to switch it on.
→ The keyboard is now detected by the operating system.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 1 8
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.
5.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as a
stand-alone application independently from a host.
By default, the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use
another audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need to congure the
application in the Preferences.
Configuring Audio Interface
1. In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu click on Edit > Preferences to open the Preferences.
2. Click on Audio to display the Audio page.
3. Select the hardware driver supported by your audio interface from the Driver drop-down menu.
4. Select the audio interface from the Device drop-down menu.
5. Under Routings, select the left and right output channels of your audio interface you want
to use for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s master output in the Komplete Kontrol Out 1 L and
Komplete Kontrol Out 1 R drop-down menus.
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Enabling MIDI Control
1. Click on MIDI to display the MIDI page.
2. Click on Input to display the available devices for incoming MIDI signals.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 1 9
3. Click the Komplete Kontrol checkboxes to activate incoming MIDI signals from the keyboard.
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
→ The software is congured and ready to be controlled with the keyboard.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play
features with other MIDI instruments.
5.3. Setting up Host Integration
KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for
performing and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Ableton Live 10
• Apple GarageBand
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Avid Pro Tools
• Bitwig Studio
• PreSonus Studio One 4.5
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 7/8/9/10
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, you need to set up
your host using the following instructions.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 20
5.3.1. Setting up Ableton Live
Before you can load KOMPLETE KONTROL instances into Ableton Live, you must congure
Ableton Live for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Configuring Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL
To add KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences:
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Ableton Live.
3. In Ableton Live, go to the Preferences and open the Link / MIDI tab.
4. In a free control surface slot select Komplete Kontrol SMK2 from the Control Surface drop-
down menu.
5. For the control surface input select Komplete Kontrol DAW -1 in the Input drop-down menu.
6. For the control surface output select Komplete Kontrol DAW -1 in the Output drop-down
menu.
Loading KOMPLETE KONTROL in Ableton Live
To load KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected to your computer.
2. In Ableton Live, select the Plug-ins folder in the Browser to display the installed plug-ins.
3. Drag the KOMPLETE KONTROL entry from the Browser list to an empty MIDI track.
→ You are now ready to use KOMPLETE KONTROL within Ableton Live.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Ableton Live, refer to
Integration with Ableton Live.
5.3.2. Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand are automatically congured for advanced integration with
KOMPLETE KONTROL once you launch the respective application for the rst time after installing
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on
before launching the application.
A dialog asks you to conrm this after launching the application:
▶ When the message OSC app “KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series” wants to connect to Logic Pro
X / GarageBand appears on screen, click OK.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 1
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Apple Logic Pro and
GarageBand, refer to Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand.
5.3.3. Setting up Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Avid Pro Tools.
3. In Avid Pro Tools, open Setup in the menu bar and select Peripherals....
4. In the Peripherals window, go to the MIDI Controllers tab.
5. Select Komplete Kontrol in any of the drop-down menus in the Type column to add the
keyboard. The ports and MIDI channel will be set automatically.
6. Click OK to conrm the settings and close the Peripherals window.
→ Avid Pro Tools is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
The following modes, settings, and workflows in Pro Tools are recommended when using
KOMPLETE KONTROL host integration:
• Using Dynamic Transport mode: In this transport mode, the playback start location is
independent of the timeline selection. Therefore, you can move the playback start location
while retaining the current loop boundaries. You can set the transport mode by right-clicking on
the Play button.
• Inserting KOMPLETE KONTROL: The KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in needs to be inserted in
Insert A of an Instrument track to ensure full host integration functionality.
• Enabling Transport Record Lock: Depending on your workflow, you might benet from
activating Transport Record Lock in the Preferences. When this option is active, recording
continues after the rst pass is completed, enabling you to record multiple passes.
• Selecting single tracks: The KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow relies on selecting a single track.
Therefore, selecting multiple tracks is not possible from the keyboard. Selections of multiple
tracks cannot be displayed correctly on the keyboard.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Avid Pro Tools, refer to
Integration with Avid Pro Tools.
5.3.4. Setting up Bitwig Studio
Bitwig Studio must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Bitwig Studio.
3. In Bitwig, open the Device Setup from the Devices menu.
4. Click the + button in the upper left corner of the Device Setup and select Komplete Kontrol S
Mk2 from the drop-down menu.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 2
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol S Mk2 to the ports named Komplete
Kontrol DAW -1.
→ Bitwig is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Bitwig Studio, refer to
Integration with Bitwig Studio.
5.3.5. Setting up PreSonus Studio One
PreSonus Studio One must be congured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch PreSonus Studio One.
3. In Studio One, open the Preferences menu, then select External Devices.
4. Press Add and select Komplete Kontrol S-Series from the drop-down menu.
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol S-Series to the ports named
Komplete Kontrol DAW (macOS) / KOMPLETE KONTROL (Windows).
→ PreSonus Studio One is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Presonus Studio One, refer to
Integration with PreSonus Studio One.
5.3.6. Setting up Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo must be congured for advanced integration with
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
1. Ensure that the keyboard is connected and switched on before launching the application.
2. Launch Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo.
3. In Steinberg Cubase/Nuendo, open the Device Setup. from the Devices menu (Steinberg
Cubase 9.5: Studio Setup from the Studio menu).
4. Click the + button in the upper left corner of the Device Setup and select Komplete Kontrol S-
Series from the drop-down menu.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 3
5. Set MIDI Input and MIDI Output for Komplete Kontrol S-Series to the ports named
Komplete Kontrol DAW (macOS) / KOMPLETE KONTROL (not KOMPLETE KONTROL EXT,
Windows).
→ Steinberg Cubase Nuendo is now ready to be used with KOMPLETE KONTROL.
If you have not started KOMPLETE KONTROL as stand-alone application once before
using the plug-in within your DAW for the rst time, KOMPLETE KONTROL will ask you
to scan your library for installed Instruments and Effects. In this case, click the Scan
Library button to scan your library.
For a detailed overview of the available host integration features in Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo,
refer to Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo.
5.4. 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
rene your performance. They can be freely congured for sustain or expression behavior.
You can dene 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 congure, either Pedal A or Pedal B.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 4
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 congured 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
Assignment Editor.
Configuring the Pedal Input for an Expression Pedal
When a continuous 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 congure, either Pedal A or Pedal B.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 5
4. Select Continuous from the Mode drop-down menu.
→ The pedal input is congured 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 congured 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.
5.5. 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.
SETT IN G UP K O MPLET E KONTR OL 2 6
2. Connect the device sending MIDI signals to the MIDI IN socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
→ The MIDI equipment is connected.
Depending on your use case, additional conguration 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 conguration 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.
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6. Software Overview
This following section provides an overview of the areas and controls of the KOMPLETE KONTROL
software.
Overview of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
1. Header: Provides access to general functions like the Main menu, the Preset display, the
Transport and Master Volume controls, as well as options to show and hide user interface
areas. For more information, refer to Header.
2. Plug-in area: Shows your loaded Instrument, Loop, One-shot or Effect and enables you control
it directly in the software. For more information, refer to Plug-in Area.
3. Browser: Provides access to your Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects. It also enables
you to add, edit, and manage your Preset les. For more information, refer to Browser.
6.1. Header
The header is where you nd general settings that affect KOMPLETE KONTROL globally. It also
lets you access additional user interface areas.
The header.
1. KOMPLETE KONTROL logo: Opens the About screen, which shows the version number of the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
2. Browser button: Shows or hides the Browser. For more information, refer to Browser.
3. KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: Opens the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, which contains a
number of general functions and settings, including the Preferences.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 28
4. Preset display: Displays the name of the loaded Preset le or KONTAKT key switch. The arrow
buttons on the right skip to the next Preset le in the Browser’s Results list.
5. Perform panel button: Shows or hides the Perform panel, which gives you access to the
parameters of the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator. The Perform panel button lights up blue
when the Scale engine and/or the Arpeggiator are activated. For more information, refer to
Perform Panel.
6. Plug-in panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in panel, which allows you to customize the
parameter mapping for the Control section on the keyboard for every Preset le. For more
information, refer to Plug-in Panel.
7. Plug-in chain panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in chain panel and lights up white when
activated. For more information, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel.
8. View button: Switches between Default view and Additional view of the loaded Instrument.
The View button only appears if the loaded Instrument contains an Additional view. The View
button is not available when an Effect is selected.
9. MIDI/Keyboard button: Shows the currently connected keyboard, S25, S49, S61, or S88. If
multiple instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (for example in a host),
clicking the button connects the keyboard to this instance. This indicator only appears if at
least one compatible device is connected. When a third-party keyboard is used, the MIDI button
will be displayed instead of the Keyboard. Use the MIDI button to assign third-party controllers
to Native Map. For more information, refer to Switching Instances.
10.Transport controls: Lets you start, stop, and reset the internal clock. When
KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in in a host, the transport automatically follows
the host transport and this feature is greyed out. For more information, refer to Transport and
Tempo.
11.Tempo control: Lets you adjust the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). For more information,
refer to Transport and Tempo.
12.Master Volume control: Lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
The meter shows the current peak level of the output signal. For more information, refer to
Adjusting Master Volume.
13.CPU meter: Represents the current load on your computer’s processor; it should not go above
70% to avoid clicks and interruptions.
14.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 standalone 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.
6.2. Browser
The Browser provides you access to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and lets you add, edit, and
organize Preset les. It consists of the Library pane together with the Product selector, and of the
Files pane which are explained in the following overviews.
For more information on using the Browser and managing your Preset les, refer to Browsing the
Library, Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
6.2.1. Library Pane
The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Loops, One-shots, Effects, and Preset les.
It consists of the following elements:
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
11
10
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 29
The Library pane.
(1) Library: Displays the Library pane.
(2) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops or One-shots,
or Effects. This is dependant on which Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain is selected. For more
information on switching between Product Types, refer to Product Types: Instruments, Loops,
One-shots and Effects.
(3) Content selector: The Globe icon selects factory content and the User icon selects user
content. Only Preset les of the selected content type are displayed in the Results list (8). For more
information, refer to Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content.
(4) Product selector: Selects a particular Product or Effect, Product category, and Bank of the
selected Product. Only Preset les matching your selection are displayed in the Results list (8). For
more information, refer to Product Selector.
(5) TYPES: Browse for Preset les based on Type and Sub-Type tags that have been applied to
them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to TYPES. For more
information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(6) CHARACTERS: Lets you browse for Preset les based on Characters tags that have been
applied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to
CHARACTERS. For more information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(7) Favorites: When the icon is activated, only favorite Preset les are displayed in the Results list
(8). For more information, refer to Working with Favorites.
(8) Results list: Displays all Preset les that match your entered search criteria. For more
information, refer to Loading Preset Files.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 30
(9) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing and editing the KOMPLETE KONTROL
Library:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information for the selected Preset le(s).
• The EDIT button opens the Attribute editor for displaying and editing the tags and properties of
the selected Preset le(s).
For more information, refer to Displaying Preset File Information.
(10) Prehear controls: Lets you audition Preset les. For more information, refer to Auditioning
your Preset Files.
(11) Search field: Lets you perform a text search. For more information, refer to Performing a Text
Search.
6.2.2. Product Selector
When browsing for Instruments, Loops, One-shots or Effects, the Product selector enables you to
limit your search to a specic Category/Vendor, Product, and Bank. Only Preset les matching your
selection are displayed in the Results list.
The Product selector.
(1) Product selector header: The header displays the selected Product. If there is no selection it
shows a generic label (All Instruments or All Effects). A click on the header opens or closes the
Product selector.
(2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or Vendor.
(3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 31
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.
6.2.3. Files Pane
The Files pane contains following elements:
The Files pane in the Browser.
(1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to Working with the Files Pane.
(2) Favorite bar: Displays all your favorite folders. A click on any favorite folder lets you jump
directly to that particular path and display its content in the Result list (5). For more information,
refer to Working with File Location Favorites.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 32
(3) Location bar: Displays the selected path. The Location bar provides various tools to quickly
navigate your le system. For more information, refer to Navigating to File Locations with the
Location Bar.
(4) Recent Locations button: Opens a list of the last visited locations for quickly jumping to any of
them. For more information, refer to Navigating to Recent File Locations.
(5) Results list: Displays the content (les and folders) of the folder shown in the Location bar.
Only les compatible with KOMPLETE KONTROL are displayed. For more information, refer to
Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane.
(6) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing your le system:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information about the selected les.
• The IMPORT button lets you import the content of the selected folder to the
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. Before any les are imported, you can choose which tags will be
assigned to the les in the Attribute editor.
For more information, refer to Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files and Importing
KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files.
6.2.4. 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 rene your search by selecting the desired
TYPES and CHARACTERS tags. It also shows you the corresponding Results list.
6.3. Perform Panel
The Perform panel lets you access all the parameters related to the Scale engine and the
Arpeggiator.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 33
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.
6.4. Plug-in Panel
The Plug-in Panel lets you view and customize the parameters mapped to the Control section
on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard for individual Preset les. The amount of pages and
parameters vary depending on the loaded Instrument or Effect.
The Plug-in panel.
For more information, refer to Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
6.5. Plug-in Chain Panel
The Plug-in chain panel is situated at the top of the Plug-in area. The Plug-in chain is the place
where you can directly load Instrument Plug-ins and Samples (Plug-in slot 1), and Effect Plug-ins
(Plug-in slot 2 onwards) and arrange them in horizontal series. Each Plug-in is loaded into a Plug-in
slot to create the Plug-in chain. The arrangement of the Plug-ins is customizable, but only an
Instrument or a Sample can be loaded in to the rst Plug-in slot. For more information, refer to
Working with Effects.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 34
Overview of the Plug-in Chain panel.
1. Plug-in chain: Displays the loaded Instrument or Sample, and Effects.
2. Plug-in slot: Each Plug-in slot represents a Plug-in and displays the Product’s name and
image. Use the Plug-in slots to directly load Plug-ins, bypass Effects and customize the order.
6.6. MIDI Assignment Editor
The MIDI Assignment editor allows you to dene what kind of MIDI messages are assigned to the
controls on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard in MIDI mode. This way you can use the keyboard
with MIDI applications or MIDI devices that require specic MIDI messages to be sent in order
to control certain parameters or functions. Multiple templates can be congured for quick recall,
allowing you to prepare controller assignments for different applications and/or devices. The MIDI
Assignment editor lets you change the assignments for the knobs, buttons, the Touch Strip in the
keyboard’s Control section, as well as for connected pedals. For more information, refer to Using
the MIDI Assignment Editor.
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.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 35
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 congured. 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: Denes the MIDI assignment properties for the selected control element.
6.7. Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is where your Instruments, Loops, Oneshots and Effects are displayed once you have loaded them from the Browser. Each Product offers
a different set of controls and parameters that are all easily controlled directly on the computer
screen or from the keyboard. Parameter changes are mutually reflected by both the displays on
the keyboard and the Instrument’s user interface in the Plug-in area.
For most Instruments, additional views are available that give you access to another
set of controls. See Instrument Views for details.
The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form.
6.8. Sampler Plug-In
When loading a sample from the One-shots tab in the Browser, the sample will be automatically
loaded into the Sampler plug-in so it can be played immediately. Important parameters can be
accessed via the GUI, but all parameters for the Sampler plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in
Panel or a connected keyboard.
For more information on using the Sampler plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot
Samples.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 36
Sampler plug-in.
1. Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the Sample.
2. Start: Determines the Start point of the sample. When Loop is active, the Loop Point
determines the start of the loop.
3. PITCH: Denes the pitch of your sample and adjusts the pitch within three octaves up or down.
As this is a traditional sampler.
4. ENVELOPE: Selects one of three envelope types (One-shot, AHD and ADSR). For more
information, refer to Envelopes.
5. Loop Point: Sets the point at which the loop will start playing. The Loop Point can be set
independently of the Start Point.
6. LOOP: When the ON button is activated, the sample will loop at a length determined by the
Loop Point and End Point.
7. X FADE: Determines the type of fade between the loop points.
8. End Point: Sets the End point of the sample. When Loop is active, the End Point determines the
length of the loop.
9. Timeline: Shows the time scale in seconds.
6.8.1. Envelopes
An envelope allows you to modify the shape and timing of your sample, so you can create more
expressive and dynamic sounds. There are three Envelope types available in the Sampler plug-in;
One Shot, AHD and ADSR. Each Envelope will affect the playback and behavior of the sample.
One-shot
One-shot operates like a typical vintage drum machine; the sample is played in its entirety from
beginning to end, with no envelope. When this type is selected, no parameters are displayed.
The One-shot Envelope.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 37
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.
• SUSTAIN: Sustain determines the constant level being kept after Decay until the note ends.
• RELEASE: Release determines how long the sound takes to fade out after the note has ended.
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 38
6.9. Audio Plug-In
When you load a sample of content type Loop from the Browser, the sample is automatically
loaded into the Audio plug-in so you can play it immediately. The Audio plug-in specializes in
keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the project in your host software and has the optional
ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop. Furthermore, you can transpose the loop
while it plays so that it ts the key of your song. Important parameters can be accessed via the
GUI, but all parameters for the Audio plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in panel or a connected
keyboard. As for any Instrument or the Sampler plug-in, the Audio plug-in uses the rst Plug-in slot
in the Plug-in chain.
For more information on using the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot
Samples.
The Audio plug-in provides you with the following elements and parameters:
Audio plug-in.
1. Timeline: Shows the timeline of the loop in musical units, including bars and beats.
2. Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the loaded loop. When a sample is played back, a
playhead is shown in the waveform display. With the scroll wheel of your mouse, you can zoom
in and out the waveform display. Right-clicking on the waveform display opens a context menu
for nding the loop on your computer.
3. Start Marker: Determines the start point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust
the Start Marker only from within the software.
4. End Marker: Determines the end point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust the
End Marker only from within the software.
5. Fade: Sets a simple fade-in/fade-out amount to avoid pops or clicks that may occur when
playing loops with the Audio Plug-in.
6. Tune: Transposes the tune of the loop within the range of -36 to +36 semitones. You can use
this control to set the playback pitch of the loop to 'C', and then the loop's pitch will match the
pitch of notes programmed into the host sequencer. This parameter is only available in Stretch
and Formant Engine mode (8).
7. Pitchbend: Sets the Pitchbend range of the loop from -12 to +12 which is relative to the Tune
parameter. This parameter controls the effect of the Pitch Wheel/Slider on your MIDI controller.
This parameter is only available in Stretch and Formant Engine mode (8).
SOFT WA R E OVE R VIEW 39
8. Engine: Here you can choose from three different playback engine modes from the drop-down
menu:
• Re-pitch: This playback engine mode matches the tempo of the loop to the host
sequencer's tempo by changing the playback rate of the loop, and playback rate changes
will result in pitch changes to the loop. Like a vinyl record, playing it faster will also cause
the pitch of the loop to rise, whereas slowing it down causes the overall pitch to drop. This
mode is therefore more suitable for non-pitched material, like drums and percussion, and
has the benet that the transients of sounds remain sharp and also uses signicantly less
CPU than the other Engine modes. Since tempo and pitch are not independently adjustable
with this Engine, any pitch automation you may have done via Events entered will be
ignored, only the rhythm of the Events will be used to gate the Loop on and off.
• Stretch: This playback engine mode provides complete independence between tempo
and pitch. With this engine, you can change the tempo of a loop without changing its
pitch, you can change its pitch without changing its tempo, or you can change both the
tempo and pitch simultaneously. This mode even allows you to automate pitch changes by
entering notes into the host sequencer. As this mode provides complete tempo and pitch
independence, and also works on polyphonic material, it requires more CPU power than
other Engines.
• Formant: This playback engine mode is best suited to pitched (tonal) audio as it preserves
the formant of the sound. By preserving the formant, it retains the intrinsic character and
avoids any shifts in pitch that would normally result in the undesirable cartoon-like effects
on vocals when they are pitched upwards or downwards.
9. Tempo: Sets the original tempo of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play
it in sync, no matter what tempo you choose in your host sequencer. This is useful if your
host software has miscalculated the tempo while importing the loop. However, be aware that
changing Tempo during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
10.Length: Sets the original length of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play
it in sync, no matter what tempo you choose in your host sequencer. This is useful if your
host software has miscalculated the length while importing the loop. However, be aware that
changing Length during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
All parameters of the Audio plug-in can be adjusted by clicking the parameter and dragging
the mouse upwards or downwards. Pressing the [SHIFT] key on your computer keyboard while
dragging sets ner increments.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 40
7. 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.
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.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 41
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 velocity
for all keys to a xed 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 le 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
Connecting 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.
7.1. 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.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 42
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.
7.2. 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.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 43
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.
7.3. 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.
7.4. Mode Buttons
The Mode buttons let you browse your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library as well as directly access
functions like the Mixer and MIDI mode.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 44
Mode buttons.
(1) BROWSER: Displays the Browser in the Control section. For more information, refer to
Browsing 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 rmware 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.
7.5. 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 multifunctional 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.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 45
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 conrmed by pressing the 4-D encoder.
For more information, refer to Browsing the Library, Working with Effects, and Controlling
Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters.
7.6. 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, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters,
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords, and Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Arpeggiator Sequences.
7.7. 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 congured in the
MIDI Assignment editor.
The Touch Strip.
For more information, refer to .
7.8. Transpose and Fixed Velocity Buttons
Transpose and Fixed Velocity buttons.
KEYB OA R D OVE R VIEW 46
(1) FIXED VEL (TS Mode): Sets the note velocity for all keys to a xed value of 127. By default,
the keys are sensitive to velocity: The harder you hit them, the louder the sound will be. With Fixed
Velocity activated, your 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.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 7
8. Global Controls and Preferences
This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header of
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
8.1. Instrument Views
Once you have loaded an Instrument from the Browser, it appears in the Plug-in area of the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Most KOMPLETE Instruments come equipped with more than
one view, giving you access to another set of controls or letting you edit certain features in ner
detail. The three possible Instrument views are Default View, Additional View, and Edit View
which can be selected directly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
Instrument views in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
▶ Alternatively, you can switch between Default View and Additional View by clicking on the View
button in the Header (+ icon).
All Instrument parameters can be controlled at all time from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard,
regardless of the selected Instrument view in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
The available views may vary with the loaded Instrument.
8.1.1. Default View
The Default View is the view that rst appears when you load an Instrument from the Browser.
It gives you access to some of the most important features of each NKS Instrument with an
easy-to-use interface.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 8
POLYPLEX in Default view.
8.1.2. Additional View
Most NKS Instruments have more parameters that can be displayed at once in small surface
and therefore come with a second, Additional View. The Additional View can give you access to
detailed edit controls or to a completely different set of controls altogether depending on the
loaded Instrument.
POLYPLEX in Additional view.
Besides of selecting Additional View via the KOMPLETE KONTROL Menu and the application
menu, you can also do this by clicking the + button in the KOMPLETE KONTROL header. Clicking it
again will return to the Default View.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 4 9
The + button opens and closes the Additional view.
8.1.3. Edit View
Edit view is only available for Instruments powered by KONTAKT or REAKTOR.
In the Edit View you have also the possibility to open any KOMPLETE Instrument that can be
loaded or played by either the KONTAKT PLAYER or REAKTOR PLAYER. This gives you access to
all the flexible controls and features you would normally have when using KONTAKT or REAKTOR
in stand-alone mode.
POLYPLEX in Edit View.
Edit view enables you to access les that cannot be loaded from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, e.g., KONTAKT Multis which can be loaded from the
KONTAKT Browser in edit view.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 50
8.2. Switching Instances
When two or more instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (e.g., as a plug-in
on different tracks of the host), you can choose which instance you want to control from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
Switching to an Instance from the Software
▶ To switch the keyboard to a particular instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click the
Connect button (keyboard icon) in the header of that instance.
Automatic Switching in a Host
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host with advanced integration, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode,
depending on the content of the selected track.
• If you select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard automatically
switches to this instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. This allows you to
immediately control all of your Product’s parameters from the keyboard.
• If you select a track that does not host the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard
automatically switches to MIDI mode. This allows you to assign the available controls on
the keyboard to parameters in the host or in an inserted plug-in via MIDI learn (if supported).
▶ 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 software
on the keyboard displays.
2. Use the 4-D encoder to select an instance.
3. Press the 4-D encoder to switch to the selected instance.
→ You can now control the selected instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from the
keyboard.
8.3. Transport and Tempo
If KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a stand-alone application, it features its own Transport and
Tempo controls. They are used by sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments as well as
the Arpeggiator. Additionally, the tempo is used by all Instruments that allow you to set timing
parameters in relation to the musical tempo (e.g., rhythmic modulation, delay effects).
You can nd the Transport and Tempo controls in the Header:
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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.
8.3.1. Resetting the Clock
You can reset the clock in the software and from the keyboard.
Resetting the Clock in the Software
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock.
2. Click the Play button to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
▶ Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the beginning.
Resetting the Clock from the Keyboard
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Press STOP to reset the internal clock.
2. Press PLAY (Restart) to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is stopped:
▶ Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to start playback from the
beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
▶ Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the
beginning.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 2
8.3.2. 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.
8.4. 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.
Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard
To adjust the output volume on the keyboard:
▶ Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Knob 1.
8.5. Preferences
In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL.
To open the Preferences:
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 3
▶ Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
8.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page
The Audio page holds settings related to your audio interface when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the audio conguration is managed
by the host, and the Audio page is not available.
The Routings section allows you to congure the connections between the virtual outputs of
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the physical outputs of your audio interface.
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Setting Description
Driver Here you can select the audio driver.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 4
Setting Description
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 macOS: This slider allows you to adjust the buffer size of your audio interface
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
This displays the selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart
KOMPLETE KONTROL after changing the sample rate.
in samples. Lower values result in a more immediate playing response but
increase the CPU load, and may result in audible clicks and pops. Larger values
decrease the CPU load but introduce a larger latency (a small delay between
hitting a pad and hearing it). It is recommended to nd the lowest value that
does not cause clicks and pops even when playing more demanding Products.
Windows: When using an ASIO driver, the Audio page shows an ASIO Config
button instead of the Buffer Size slider. Click this button to open the settings
window of the selected ASIO driver.
KOMPLETE KONTROL: In the right column, you can assign them to the outputs
of your audio interface. Click the elds in the right column to select the desired
outputs via a drop-down menu.
8.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page
The MIDI page allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports that you want to use when
KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the MIDI conguration is managed by
the host, and the MIDI page is not available.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 5
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
Element Description
Input Clicking Input displays a list of all the available MIDI inputs of your system.
You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its
name.
Output Clicking Output displays a list of all the available MIDI outputs of your system.
You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its
name.
Takeover
Mode
When using third-party controllers, you can select Pickup from the Takeover
mode drop-down menu to prevent potential parameter jumps caused by
mismatching knob positions between software and hardware. For more
information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features with
other MIDI instruments.
8.5.3. 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 activated or deactivated in the General page of the Preferences
in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. However, we encourage all users to keep Data Tracking
activated as it provides a valuable tool for understanding the performance of Native Instruments
applications when they are used in real life situations. The data sent to Native Instruments is one
hundred percent anonymous and will not affect performance.
For more detailed information about Usage Data Tracking, please refer to the following Knowledge
Base article on the Native Instruments website: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-
us/articles/209545029
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 6
Usage Data Tracking in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences.
Enabling or Disabling Usage Data Tracking
To enable or disable Usage Data Tracking:
1. Open the General page of the Preferences by clicking Preferences… in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
2. Click the Allow usage data tracking checkbox to enable or disable user data tracking.
8.5.4. Preferences – Library Page
The Library page allows you to edit the locations of all KOMPLETE KONTROL Library les (both
Factory and User) that appear in the Library pane of the Browser.
At the top of the page, the Factory and User buttons allow you to switch between the Factory
pane and the User pane.
Factory Pane
The Factory pane shows all factory libraries available. These libraries will appear in the Factory
view of the Browser’s Library pane.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 7
Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another
location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library
and select its new path.
Product column Shows the name of each product. These names cannot be edited.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., changed its location),
select it in the list and click the Rescan button to rescan that library.
User Pane
The User pane shows all user libraries currently used. These include KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
standard user directory as well as any other user directory you might have dened. These libraries
will appear in the User view of the Browser’s Library pane.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 8
Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane.
Element Description
Location
column
Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another
location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library and
select its new path.
Alias column Shows the alias stored for each library. Click an alias to edit it. Dening
aliases for your user folders is not mandatory, but it can be of great help
when working on different computers (see description below). After adding
a location (see Add below), click the eld in the new row and in the Alias
column to set the alias for that new location. The alias of the default user
folder, Native Instruments User Directory, cannot be edited — this is the
location where all your user les will be stored by default.
Scan user
content for
Enabled by default, this option automatically detects any new added user
content when starting KOMPLETE KONTROL.
changes at
start-up
Add button Click Add to manually add directories to the user library. See below for more
details.
Remove
button
Click Remove to remove the selected user library. Files will only be removed
from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser, not from your hard disk.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., added/removed les), select
it in the list and click the Rescan button to rescan that library.
You can resize the Preferences panel at your convenience using the usual method on
your operating system. You can also resize each column by clicking and dragging the
limit between both column headers.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 5 9
Adding Folders to the User Library
In the User pane of the Library page, you can add other folders to the user content of your
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. To do this:
1. Click Add at the bottom of the pane. A folder selection dialog opens up.
2. In the dialog, navigate to the desired folder on your computer and click OK (Choose on macOS).
→ All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible les found in the selected folder are added to your user
content in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible les include ens, rkplr, nrkt, nksn, nfm8, nabs, nki,
nmsv, nbkt, nis.
Furthermore, the attributes (Instrument/Bank/Sub-Bank, Type/Sub-Type/Characters tags, as well
as properties) of all imported les will be retained.
By adding a folder to the user content of your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you make their les
available in the Browser’s Library pane for quick searching and loading.
Paths to folders added via the IMPORT button in the Browser’s Files pane will also
show up here. The only difference between adding folders via the Add button in
Preferences panel described here, and via the IMPORT button in the Files pane of the
Browser is that the latter allows you to directly tag the les as they are imported.
Note that the selected folder cannot contain, or be contained within, a folder already listed in the
User or Factory pane. If KOMPLETE KONTROL detects such a folder as you press OK (Choose on
macOS) in the folder selection dialog, a Duplicate Location message appears: Click OK to return to
the folder selection dialog and select another folder on your computer.
Removing Folders from the User Library
You can also remove any user folder from your library—except the default user content directory
Native Instruments User Content.
8.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page
The Plug-ins page allows you to manage your VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
At the top of the page, the Manager and Locations buttons allow you to switch between the
Manager pane and the Locations pane.
Manager Pane
The Manager Pane allows you to view and manage all VST plug-ins available
in KOMPLETE KONTROL. By default, all available plug-ins are activated for use in
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
▶ To deactivate a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL, click on the checkbox icon next to its
name so it is unchecked.
The option to Always use latest version of NI Plug-ins selects whether or not your Library content
is always loaded with the latest version of the associated plug-in. If this option is deactivated, your
Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the associated plug-in found on the
computer.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 60
For example, this option is required if you have installed both the full version of
REAKTOR 5 as well as a KOMPLETE Instrument that came with REAKTOR 6 Player.
By disabling the option, the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library will be loaded with the full
version of REAKTOR 5, while the KOMPLETE Instrument will be loaded with REAKTOR
6 Player. This is necessary since the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library is not authorized for
use with REAKTOR 6 Player.
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Manager pane.
Element Description
Checkbox column Activates or deactivates a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Plug-in column Lists all available VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Always use latest
version of NI Plugins
If this option is activated (default), Library content is loaded with the
latest version of the associated plug-in.
If this option is deactivated, Library content is loaded with the lowest
required version of the associated plug-in.
Locations Pane
The Locations pane allows you manage the folders containing your plug-ins on the hard drive.
KOMPLETE KONTROL scans these folders for VST plug-ins and adds them to the Manager pane.
You can Add and Remove folders from the list, as well as use the Rescan function to update the
available plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL according to any changes made to the folders or their
contents.
▶ To display the Locations pane, click the Locations button at the top of the Plug-ins page.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 6 1
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Locations pane.
Setting Description
Plug-in column Lists all folders that KOMPLETE KONTROL scans for VST plug-ins.
Add Opens a le dialogue that lets you add another folder to the list.
Remove Removes the selected folder from the list.
Rescan Scans all folders in the list for compatible plug-ins and updates the
Manager pane accordingly.
8.5.6. Preferences - Features Page
Using the Features page, you can enable different congurations of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Whenever a feature toggle is activated or deactivated, the software must be restarted for the
changes to take effect.
Element Description
Auto-Scan of Sounds.com
Content
Browser Tag Remapping Remaps the tags found in the Browser
Automatically scans the software for content from
Sounds.com
8.6. Keyboard Settings
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard’s SETUP page gives you access to information and settings
related to the hardware.
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 6 2
▶ 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 rmware 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.
8.7. Loading a Plug-in in Default State
You can load a Plug-in in default state directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
GLOB AL CONT RO L S AND P REFER EN C ES 6 3
▶ In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu select e.g., Instruments > Native Instruments > Massive.
→ The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values.
Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 64
9. 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).
For more information on Host Automation, refer to Host Automation.
Receiving MIDI Clock
KOMPLETE KONTROL does not receive MIDI Clock. However, when using KOMPLETE KONTROL
as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to the host tempo. The tempo display in
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s header is grayed out and tempo is adjusted in the host.
Outgoing MIDI
You can send MIDI data from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard:
• Triggering MIDI instruments and recording MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI
Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) messages to the host and to any MIDI
application or device.
• 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.
You can also send MIDI data from the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in:
• Routing and recording processed MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL outputs the MIDI notes
generated by the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator through the MIDI outputs of the stand-alone
application as well as the plug-in. You can route the MIDI notes to other MIDI instruments or
record them as a MIDI pattern in the host.
MIDI output is only supported by the stand-alone application as well as the VST, VST3
and AAX versions of the plug-in. The AU (Audio Unit) version of the plug-in does not
support MIDI output.
9.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers
MIDI Mapping enhances the user experience and provides more control over sound, workflows
and performance. KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards are ready-mapped to the software. Third-party
keyboards and controllers can also be used to control some of the parameters in the KOMPLETE
KONTROL software. These parameters include the eight knobs of the Native Map, parameter page
switching, preset switching and plug-in switching.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 65
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.
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 66
Enabling Takeover Mode Pickup for Knobs to prevent Parameter Jumps
When switching parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software do not match
with the knob positions on your third party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps,
you can enable the Takeover mode Pickup in the Preferences page MIDI.
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When Pickup is activated, turning the knobs on your third party MIDI controller will only change
the value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up) the respective
value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the knob positions
using white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates the knob
position in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 67
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be congured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode.
A MIDI button can also be congured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to
the two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must congure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
9.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 68
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.
9.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third-party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
9.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to
select another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign
MIDI CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to
your keyboard:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
9.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode
When you switch parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software mismatch
with the knob positions on your third-party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps
when turning the knobs, you can enable Takeover mode by selecting Pickup in the Preferences
page MIDI.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 69
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When the Takeover mode is activated, turning the knobs on your third-party MIDI controller will
only change the value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up)
the respective value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the
knob positions with white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates
the knob position in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 70
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
9.1.5. Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be congured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode.
A MIDI button can also be congured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to
the two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must congure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
9.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
9.2. Host Automation
When you load KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host, the parameters of the loaded
Instrument, the Scale parameters, and the Arpeggiator parameters can be automated from the
host.
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 71
9.2.1. Recording Automation
Once your host is set up to record automation you can perform the following actions in the
software as well as from the keyboard:
• You can enable or disable Scale and Arpeggiator functions by clicking individual buttons in the
software or by pressing the corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
• You can select values of parameters by turning individual knobs in the software or on the
keyboard.
For detailed information about recording automation in your host, refer to the
documentation of your host software.
Some hosts allow you to handle automation by using automation IDs that are mapped to specic
parameters of the plug-in. KOMPLETE KONTROL comes with a predened list of automation IDs
which allows the host nd them automatically.
9.2.2. 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)
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 72
Automation ID Parameter
041 Hold (Arp)
9.3. 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.
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 dene 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 created
in the MIDI Assignment editor.
9.4. 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:
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 73
Control Element Message
Type
CC# Mode /
Type
Range /
Control
Function
Values
Pedal A Controller Tip
64
Ring
65
Pedal B Controller 11 - 0-127 Expression
Pitch Wheel Pitch Bend - - 0-16384 Pitch Bend
Modulation Wheel Controller 1 - 0-127 Modulation
Touch Strip Controller 11 Mode:
Gate 0-127 Damper
Pedal On /
Off (Sustain)
Controller
Wheel or
Lever
0-127 Expression
Standard
Display:
Unipolar
Controller
LED Mode:
Bar
Knob 1 Controller 14 Absolute 0-127 Undened
Knob 2 Controller 15 Absolute 0-127 Undened
Knob 3 Controller 16 Absolute 0-127 General
Purpose
Controller 1
Knob 4 Controller 17 Absolute 0-127 General
Purpose
Controller 2
Knob 5 Controller 18 Absolute 0-127 General
Purpose
Controller 3
Knob 6 Controller 19 Absolute 0-127 General
Purpose
Controller 4
Knob 7 Controller 20 Absolute 0-127 Undened
Knob 8 Controller 21 Absolute 0-127 Undened
Button 1 Controller 112 Toggle
(Action on
Down)
Button 2 Controller 113 Toggle
(Action on
Down)
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Undened
Undened
MIDI C O MMUN IC A TION 74
Control Element Message
Type
Button 3 Controller 114 Toggle
Button 4 Controller 115 Toggle
Button 5 Controller 116 Toggle
Button 6 Controller 117 Toggle
Button 7 Controller 118 Toggle
Button 8 Controller 119 Toggle
CC# Mode /
Type
(Action on
Down)
(Action on
Down)
(Action on
Down)
(Action on
Down)
(Action on
Down)
(Action on
Down)
Range /
Values
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Off 0 / On
127
Control
Function
Undened
Undened
Undened
Undened
Undened
Undened
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10. Using the MIDI Assignment Editor
This section guides you through the process of mapping MIDI controls and creating Key Zones
using the MIDI Assignment editor. It also makes you familiar with the mapping system and
includes reference information about MIDI message types and assignments.
When using the MIDI Assignment editor, all keyboard controls (i.e. navigation,
transport, etc.) are blocked.
10.1. 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 efciently
organize your assignments. This makes the entire mapping process a lot easier and informs
you about what will happen whenever you actuate a control element on the keyboard. The next
paragraphs will introduce you to some basic concepts.
Assignable Controls Elements
Assignable control elements are knobs, buttons, keys, pedals, and the Touch Strip. All other
controls and buttons are not assignable.
Assignments
An assignment denes which MIDI event is triggered by a particular control element. Available
MIDI event types are MIDI messages such as Control Change and Program Change. Every action
on a control element is translated into one MIDI event, the corresponding assignment denes the
rules of that translation.
Depending on the type of control element (buttons, knobs, keys, pedals, and Touch Strip),
the available assignments differ. For more information, refer to MIDI Message Types and
Assignments.
Pages
You can have multiple assignments, organized within Pages. A Page contains eight knobs and
eight buttons, and corresponds to the hardware. One Page can be selected and loaded at a time.
You can have up to four Pages which can be directly selected in the MIDI Assignment editor and
from the keyboard.
When you select another Page, all assignments for the control elements in the Page area are
updated accordingly.
MIDI Templates
A MIDI Template holds a mapping conguration for knobs, 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.
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The conguration 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.
10.2. 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.
10.3. 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.
4. Select the control element you want to assign a MIDI message to.
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5. Select the MIDI message using the drop-down menus and options in the Denition area.
→ The available drop-down menus and options in the Denition area vary depending on the
selected type of control element as well as from the selections in the Denition area itself.
6. If required select or create another page for making multiple assignments.
7. When you have nished assigning MIDI messages, close the MIDI Assignment editor.
→ Your edits are saved to the MIDI Template.
For more information on MIDI message types and assignments, refer to MIDI Message Types and
Assignments.
10.4. Renaming Control Elements
As the default names do not reveal which parameters they are assigned to, you can rename them:
1. Double-click the name of the control element.
2. Enter the desired name with a maximum length of seven characters.
3. Press the enter key to conrm.
→ The name of the control element has changed.
10.5. 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.
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3. Click Add.
→ The new MIDI Template is created. The MIDI Templates are arranged in alphabetical order.
10.6. Renaming MIDI Templates
If you want to change the name of an existing MIDI Template, proceed as follows:
1. Right-click the MIDI Template and select Rename from the context menu.
→ The Rename Template dialog with the current MIDI Template name appears.
2. Enter the desired MIDI Template name.
3. Click Rename to conrm.
→ The MIDI Template name has changed.
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10.7. 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.
10.7.1. 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.
Key Zones in the KEYS Tab
At the top of the KEYS tab, the depicted Keybed area allows you to dene and manage your Key
Zones over the full range of notes:
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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.
10.7.2. 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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If you already have 16 Key Zones, the +Split button is deactivated.
If the selected Key Zone is only one-key-wide, the +Split button is deactivated.
10.7.3. 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.
10.7.4. 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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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.
10.7.5. 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.
→ The Key Zone is resized. Since Key Zones cannot overlap, dragging the border of a Key Zone
simultaneously resizes the neighbouring 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 xed and cannot be dragged. You cannot resize a Key Zone to less
than one key, this is also true for the neighbouring Key Zone that is simultaneously resized.
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10.7.6. 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 deactivated 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 deactivated Key Zone
will be indicated by unlit LEDs for the corresponding keys.
You can re-enable a Key Zone at any time.
To re-enable a Key Zone:
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1. Select the Key Zone you want to re-enable.
2. Select the value Note from the Type drop-down menu.
→ The Key Zone with its MIDI assignment is reactivated. Repeat the aforementioned steps if you
want to re-enable other Key Zones.
10.7.7. 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.
If you only have one Key Zone set up, the cross icon is not available when hovering
the mouse the Key Zone.
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10.7.8. 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.
The original transpose value also is applied to the newly created Key Zone.
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If you transpose one-key wide Key Zones, you can specify the pitch for one-shot
samples.
10.8. MIDI Message Types and Assignments
In this section you nd reference information about the MIDI message types provided in the Type
menu and about the several assignments for control elements and for Key Zones.
10.8.1. MIDI Message Types – Type Menu
For all control elements, the assignment denition starts with the same menu: the Type menu.
The Type drop-down menu species the type of MIDI message that has to be sent upon action on
this control element. Depending on the type of control element, the entries in this menu will differ
(for example, sending a “play” command from a knob wouldn’t make much sense).
All other parameters displayed in the Denition area depend both on the type of control element
that you are working on, and on the type of MIDI message selected in this Type menu.
Below is a list of all possible MIDI message types to be found in the Type menu.
• Control Change: Sends MIDI Control Change messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the
Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the value of a
specic continuous controller of the MIDI destination — controlling for example some effect’s
depth in your music application. The continuous controller (CC) number is specied via the
Number parameter (range from 0 to 127). The values to be sent for that controller are specied
in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next sections).
• Program Change: Sends MIDI Program Change messages on a specic MIDI channel set by
the Channel parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message switches to another
program (or patch, preset…) of the MIDI destination. The program number to be sent can be
specied in various ways, depending on the type of the selected control element (see next
sections).
• Note: Sends MIDI Note On/Off messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the Channel
parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). These messages start and stop MIDI notes
specied by the Note parameter (range from C-2 to G8), at a velocity set by the Value
parameter (range from 0-127).
• Pitchbend: Sends MIDI pitchbend messages on a specic MIDI channel set by the Channel
parameter (range from 1 to 16, 1 by default). This message changes the pitch of the MIDI
notes sent on the same MIDI channel. Depending on the MIDI destination, it can also be used
to control other parameters.
• Off: Deactivates MIDI for the control element. Select this entry to disable the control element
or action. The control element/action does not send any MIDI message, hence no parameter is
displayed.
10.8.2. 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:
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Type Mode RANGE Number Step
Control Change Absolute From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Relative -32 to 31
Relative (Offset) -32 to 31
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
Mode Menu Values for Knobs
For the type Control Change, a Mode menu allows you to select between three operating modes:
• Absolute: In this mode the control element sends absolute values. The From, To, and
Resolution parameters are the same as for the other message types (refer to above).
• Relative: In this mode the sent message is in a +1/-1 fashion — actually 1/127, which is then
understood by the target software as +1/-1 in that case. This allows the control element to set
the new Control Change value relative to its current value. Two parameters are available:
• Step: Denes the increment to use. Increase the Step value to trigger greater jumps in the
target parameter value. If you choose a negative value for Step, the control will be inverted.
• Resolution: Adjusts the sensitivity of the control element to your actions. At high
Resolution values, a little movement of the control element will be enough to trigger the
message. At lower Resolution values, you will have to move it more frankly to trigger the
message.
• Relative (Offset): This mode is similar to the Relative mode explained above, with the
difference that here the values sent for the “+1” and “-1” messages are 65 and 63, respectively
— in other terms, they are centered around 64 instead of 0. This is well suited for some
particular software implementations. As in Relative mode, a Step parameter denes the
increment to use, and a Resolution parameter adjusts the sensitivity of the control element
to your actions.
10.8.3. 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:
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:
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 8 8
• 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 denes the value for the off state (from 0 to 127,
0 by default), and On denes the value for the on state (0 to 127, 127 by default). For the
Note message type, since the off state is predened (it’s the MIDI Note Off message), you nd
instead a single VALUE setting dening 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
nd only one VALUE setting, dening 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
predened (it’s the MIDI Note Off message), you nd instead a single VALUE setting dening
the velocity of the MIDI Note On message.
10.8.4. 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 specic 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 reactivated the
previous MIDI assignment is recalled.
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 denes 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.
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 8 9
10.8.5. 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 nger. When Pitchbend is selected, the Touch Strip behaves
like a spring that returns to zero position after you have removed your nger.
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 conguration 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.
10.8.6. 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
Control
Change
Program
Change
Toggle/
Gate
Trigger 0 - 127 0-127
Inc Min/Max
Toggle/
Gate
Trigger 0 - 127
Inc Min/Max
Range Value Number Step Wrap
Off/On
0-127
(0-127)
Off/On
0-127
0-127
0-127
-128 to
127
-128 to
127
On/Off
On/Off
USIN G T HE MI D I ASS IG NMENT E D ITOR 90
Mode Menu Values for Pedals (Switch)
For the button-like control elements listed in the above table, and only for some of the MIDI
message types available for these control elements, you can choose from different behaviors for
the way the data is sent. This is controlled by the Mode menu. This menu can have up to four
entries, depending on the message type that you have selected in the Type menu. Here is the list
of all possible entries:
• Toggle: In this mode, the control element has two states, On and Off. If you press once, it
switches to the On state — if you press again, it switches to the Off state. This can be useful for
example for activating some effect, then deactivating it later. This is usually the default mode.
In this mode, you nd two numeric elds: Off Value denes the value for the Off state (from 0
to 127, 0 by default), and On Value denes the value for the On state (0 to 127, 127 by default).
For the Note message type, since the Off state is predened (it’s the MIDI Note Off message),
you nd instead a single Value parameter dening the velocity of the MIDI Note On message.
• Gate: This mode is equal to Toggle with the difference that the state is active for the time the
Pedal is held depressed. In Toggle mode the state is activated until the next time the Pedal is
pressed again.
• Trigger: In this mode, only one message is sent when you hit the control element. There are
no On or Off states. For example, this can be useful for switching to another program (preset,
patch…) or for triggering one-shot samples (e.g., drum sounds or any other envelope-controlled
sounds). In this mode, you thus nd only one numeric eld called Value, dening the value to
be sent when you hit the control element. It goes from 0 to 127 (127 by default).
• Inc: In this mode you can congure the press of a pedal to step through a list of values by
choosing the size of the jump (e.g., 1-2-3-4-5, 2-4-6-8-10 or 3-6-9-12-15), and whether or not
the values wrap around back to the beginning, or stop when they reach their minimum or
maximum.
10.8.7. 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:
Type Mode Range Number
Control Change From 0-126 / To 1-127 0-127
Program Change From 0-126 / To 1-127
For Control Change, you can set the Range of values that is sent when pressing the pedal, and the
Number of the Control Change message. For Program Change, you can set the Range of values
that is sent when pressing the pedal.
HOST I N TEGRA T ION 9 1
11. Host Integration
When using advanced host integration, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard becomes the
centerpiece of your studio setup. You can use it to control not only the Instrument, Sample or
Effect loaded in KOMPLETE KONTROL but also core functionality of supported hosts.
Before you can make use of advanced host integration you need to set it up rst. For
more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Ableton Live 10
• Apple GarageBand
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Avid Pro Tools
• Bitwig Studio
• PreSonus Studio One 4.5
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 7/8/9/10
11.1. 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.
11.1.1. Basic Control Functions
The available basic control functions of MASCHINE mapped to the keyboard’s controls are
grouped in the tables below.
You can congure your keyboard to trigger a speech announcement for many actions. To activate
Accessibility mode, hold the top left button SHIFT and press the top right button MIXER on the
S-Series keyboard.
HOST I N TEGRA T ION 9 2
TRANSPORT Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Series
Start/stop playback PLAY
Restart playback at the beginning of the Loop
Range
Activate/deactivate recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Record with count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Activate/deactivate the metronome METRO
Adjust Tempo TEMPO + Knob 1
Activate/deactivate Loop LOOP
SHIFT + PLAY (RESTART)
PERFORM Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Activate/deactivate Scale engine for selected
Group
Activate/deactivate Arpeggiator for selected
Group
Edit Scale engine for selected Group SHIFT + SCALE (Edit)
Edit Arpeggiator for selected Group SHIFT + ARP (Edit)
Display quantization settings QUANTIZE
Activate/deactivate quantization grid QUANTIZE + Knob 1
Adjust quantization value QUANTIZE + Knob 2
Activate/deactivate automation AUTO
Undo action UNDO (Redo)
Redo action SHIFT + UNDO (Redo)
SCALE (Edit)
ARP (Edit)
Navigation
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Select previous Preset le PRESET Up
Select next Preset le PRESET Down
Select previous Plug-in page Page Left
Select next Plug-in page Page Right
Series
Series
HOST I N TEGRA T ION 9 3
Mode Buttons
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Series
Open Browser BROWSER
Open Plug-in view PLUG-IN
Open Mix mode MIXER
Switch between MASCHINE and
KOMPLETE KONTROL instances
Enter MIDI Mode MIDI
Display hardware serial number and rmware
version, and change display brightness
INSTANCE
SETUP
11.1.2. 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 activated, the next Scene that is selected
will be forced to play from start
Delete selected Pattern CLEAR
Knob 1–8
SHIFT + Button 8 (RETRIGGER)
HOST I N TEGRA T ION 9 4
Pattern View
When you press PATTERN on the keyboard, you are presented with the Pattern view in the
displays. The Pattern view is the recommended view for recording.
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
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
Button 1–8
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.
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