Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Keyboard is one of the trending keyboards now. It is a unique and contemporary keyboard that is currently being created. The Komplete Kontrol S49 is a MIDI keyboard as opposed to a digital piano keyboard, therefore in order to use it, you need both a computer and a digital audio workstation.
The most comprehensive software plugin collection from Native Instruments, Komplete Kontrol S49 offers hundreds of megabytes of plugins and sounds. It is now clear why they refer to it as a Komplete Kontrol since it syncs with every sound and lets you adjust every facet of each sound.
Making music is now a more natural, hands-on experience thanks to KOMPLETE KONTROL S49. Expressively perform, explore and evaluate sounds, adjust parameters, doodle your ideas, then navigate and mix your projectall from a single, completely integrated focal point.
Table of Contents
- General Overview of Komplete Kontrol S49
- Features of Komplete Kontrol S49
- Sounds
- Specifications of Komplete Kontrol S49
- Competition
- Native Instruments Komplete A25 Controller Keyboard vs Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Keyboard
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 Keyboard vs Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Keyboard
- Native Instruments Komplete S61 MK2 vs Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Keyboard
- Arturia 88-Hammer Action Controller vs Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Keyboard
- Conclusion on Komplete Kontrol S49
- You Might Also Like-
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Overview of Komplete Kontrol S49
Since the Komplete Kontrol S49 is a MIDI keyboard, using it requires both a computer and a Digital Audio Workstation. The most comprehensive software plugin collection from Native Instruments, Komplete offers hundreds of megabytes of plugins and sounds. It is now clear why they refer to it as a Komplete Kontrol since it syncs with every sound and lets you adjust every facet of each sound.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the Komplete Kontrol s49 keyboard does not include a copy of Native Instruments Komplete 10. Unfortunately, buying this keyboard and the software will cost you a lot of money. The Komplete Kontrol S49 may appear costly to you when you take into account the additional functions and accessories you’d want because it requires a substantial financial commitment (beyond just the keyboard itself).
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.3 |
| Connectivity | 9.3 |
| Build Quality | 9.4 |
| Value for money | 9.2 |
It’s kind of a dream keyboard that might never be affordable. However, if you feel that you should spend minimal money in order to be the best producer you can be, then this is a need. However, this line of keyboards often includes a small version of Komplete that allows you access to 10 of the virtual instruments included in the full version as a starting point.
This is sufficient to get things going, and 10 plugins for free might still be a fantastic value if you consider how much they often cost. You might be wondering if this keyboard requires Komplete or not. It most definitely does. It was tested using Sylenth to check if it would function. With the help of the digital synth plugin Sylenth, you may choose from a library of sounds or create your own from scratch.
Although it wasn’t created by Native Instruments, the S49 works quite well with it. But you won’t always be able to use this keyboard to control every feature of a non-Native Instruments plugin. If you want greater control, you must manually map each function on the Komplete Kontrol S49.
- Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments
- Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch - 49 semi-weighted keys
- Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, plus touch strip for expression control
Let’s discuss some of the features that the S49 will likely include. Let’s start by analyzing the keys. They feel fantastic and they are semi-weighted on the S49, but fully weighted on the S88, the largest model in the S series. Semi-weighted keys on a MIDI keyboard are totally fine and, for many musicians, it is considered an excellent midi instrument to perform with.
It is relaxing to play the Komplete Kontrol S49. Following the demo, it was discovered that the keybed is produced by a long-defunct Italian business named Fatar. As far as is known, Fatar really manufactures keybeds for several popular keyboards and MIDI controllers. These, though, feel fantastic for some reason. The RGB lights on the top of the keybed, which become pale blue when a note is pressed and light up when the keyboard is turned on are impressive more than the actual keys themselves.
The lighting is worth mentioning again. When you cycle among noises, it was discovered that the lights won’t turn on until the sound has loaded. As a result, it serves as a kind of ready signal for you, which is quite wonderful. You always play the correct note because when you push the scale button, all the keys that don’t suit the scale are disabled.
You may adjust the scale by pressing shift + scale. Only keys that you can really press are indicated by the blue lights in this mode. For those who don’t know every scale but still want to be able to play a scale, this is really helpful. In this setting, you may be sure that you will never play an incorrect note.
You have the opportunity to modify anything onboard within each Komplete plugin. The knobs let you manipulate settings much like you would on a genuine analog synthesizer, including filters like cutoff and resonance. These characteristics may vary depending on the plugin, however, they are always integrated with the S49.
Also Read: Best Digital Pianos for Intermediate Players
Using the arrow keys to the left of the knobs, you may navigate among pages of settings inside each plugin. In order to test how smooth it actually was, an experiment was done with a few other plugins. The fact that there are essentially infinite possibilities for adjusting was surprising. Although it can be really daunting, the implication is that you are almost certainly going to come up with sounds that nobody else has done before. This is really exciting news at a time when sound design innovation is scarce.
How Native Instruments was able to create something with so few buttons that can accomplish everything is genuinely “incredible”. For instance, the scrolling wheel may be used to browse your Komplete collection. You may pick anything you’re hovering over by pressing the wheel, which works like a left click on a mouse.
Once within a plugin, you may navigate using the black arrow keys or the up and down arrow keys to choose presets. The UI is straightforward, making it simple to understand what each button does.
DAW controls like a record, fast forward, rewind, play, and stop are situated on the left. MIDI keyboards with integrated arpeggiators are my favorite, although many of them lack one. In addition to being present, it is also far more thorough than the Akai Arp.
When the arpeggiator is active, a number of options, including rhythm, gate, sequence style, and whether you want the notes to swing as in a jazz song, are displayed on the screen. Each of them may be accessed and changed instantly thanks to the onboard knobs. Actually, the pitch and mod wheels are not wheels at all. They are “touch strips” that light up in accordance with how much you turn them. This is a wonderful feature that further simplifies modulation.
There are certain drawbacks. For example, it costs more than the majority of 49-key MIDI keyboards, yet in order to really fully utilize this piece of equipment, you’ll need an expensive compatible computer, a DAW that costs almost as much as a computer, and Komplete 10, which costs roughly the same as the DAW.
The Komplete Kontrol S49 also has a 25-key version, a 61-key version, and an 88-key version if you’re worried about the S49’s key count.
MORE VISUAL – It is simple to explore and preview sounds, adjust settings, mix, and modify your creations directly from the hardware thanks to two high-resolution color displays.
MORE INTUITIVE – With a redesigned four-directional push encoder and a better layout that includes more dedicated function buttons, you can get more involved in your manufacturing process.
MORE EXPRESSIVE – The ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, as well as a touch strip for greater creative flexibility, are now supported by KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 and S61.
MORE INTEGRATION – Mix, edit, and more in MASCHINE, Logic, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, and GarageBand.
IMMERSIVE VISUAL FEEDBACK – View all you require, when and when you require it: A precise Light Guide locates the exact placement of sounds, key zones, switches, scales, and other objects, while two high-resolution color displays provide crucial information about sounds and projects. Backlit function buttons also fluctuate in color and intensity to indicate their condition.
GET HANDS-ON WITH YOUR WORKFLOW – Take notes on all of your thoughts right at the keyboard: With visual feedback and volume metering on the keyboard’s built-in displays, KOMPLETE KONTROL provides you instant access to transport, mixing, and editing tools in Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Cubase, Nuendo, and GarageBand. Incorporating outboard equipment into your setup is also a breeze using MIDI in/out.
Also check: Best Beginner Digital Pianos & Keyboards 2023
Features of Komplete Kontrol S49
- It is a smart keyboard controller for all of your virtual instruments.
- The native instrument has 49 semi-weighted, pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch.
- Ergonomically designed pitch and mod wheels as well as an expression control touch strip for a luxurious feel.
- It comes with hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from top manufacturers, as well as pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments.
- There is a 4-directional push encoder for one-handed sound browsing and project navigation; full VSTi compatibility.
Sounds
In a vast sound collection, it might be challenging and time-consuming to find the correct sound. Using a straightforward, user-friendly tagging system, you can now quickly locate what you’re searching for across all KOMPLETE and Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments – right from the hardware. Additionally, when you browse, you may instantly hear a preview of each instrument setting.
To get the hip-hop toolkit, pick the appropriate preset for your music by selecting Drums > Urban Drum Kit > Sample-based and then navigating through the presets. Simply mark it as a Favorite if you really enjoy what you hear to make it easy to find the next time. The experts at KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 have pre-mapped all of your KOMPLETE and NKS instruments and effects on the hardware.
- Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments
- Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch - 49 semi-weighted keys
- Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, plus touch strip for expression control
The two color displays, which are logically organized into pages, immediately load and show crucial information like envelope settings and filter cutoffs. This allows you to observe your adjustments in real time, whether they are being made in kHz, dB, or BPM. Stay on key when the Light Guide is lighted with the notes of the presently chosen scale or mode.
Play single keys in chord mode to establish a progression, then activate the arpeggiator to transform your playing into an expressive musical performance. Additionally, Easy Mode for beginners lets you map the white keys to whatever scale you want, ensuring that you never press the erroneous note.
Utilize the two comfortable, rubbery wheels to manipulate pitch and mod operations precisely. Also, the incredibly sensitive touch strip offers a fun, responsive substitute for connecting an expression pedal.
Specifications of Komplete Kontrol S49
- It features MIDI in/out.
- USB to Host and connect to compatible computers.
- Kensington Lock is present.
- It can sustain/EXP pedal connections.
- It weighs approx. 15 Lbs.
Pros
- It is a smart keyboard controller.
- It has 49 semi-weighted, pro-grade Fatar keybeds with an aftertouch.
- Ergonomically designed pitch and mod wheels as well as an expression control touch strip.
- Hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from top manufacturers, as well as pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments.
- 4-directional push encoder for one-handed sound browsing and project navigation; full VSTi compatibility.
Cons
- To install it on a Mac, you must first turn off all other MIDI devices.
- The spring tension on this keyboard is a bit tight.
Competition
The Komplete Kontrol S49 is anticipated to encounter fierce competition. There are several MIDI keyboards available nowadays that include software programs. As opposed to the Komplete Kontrol S49, several of them are provided at lower prices. Because the S49 contains a number of features that tend toward genres like Synth wave and other retro-inspired musical excursions, you’ll also need to pick what type of music you want to produce.
Another issue is the weighted keys, which are great but might not be suitable for everyone. One of the first characteristics of the Komplete Kontrol S49 that you’ll notice is the weighted action keyboard’s motion and response.
Despite being a terrific and exceptional instrument, this piano has rivals. To maintain their dominant position in the market, several companies are competing with one another to outperform them. To discuss a couple of those MIDI keyboards with you, we are here. Some of the pianos in the contest are;
Native Instruments Komplete A25 Controller Keyboard vs Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Keyboard
Access all of your instruments and effects directly from a practical, cost-effective keyboard. Discover, tinker with, and record your sounds, play on a best-in-class keybed, and express yourself using the pro-level instruments that come with it. It has an intelligent, streamlined keyboard controller for all of your virtual instruments and effects, a semi-weighted proprietary NI keybed, an informative OLED display for quick navigation, eight touch-sensitive control knobs, and is powered by the USB 2.0 bus.
- Smart, streamlined keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments and effects
- Semi-weighted custom NI keybed
- Informative OLED display for at-a-glance navigation
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 Keyboard vs Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Keyboard
The KOMPLETE KONTROL S-SERIES of keyboards which are native Midi keyboards make creating music more intuitive and practical. Expressively perform, explore and evaluate sounds, adjust parameters, jot down ideas, then manage and mix your projectall from one completely integrated studio and stage centerpiece.
Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch, fully weighted, hammer-action keys, pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and effects, hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) plug-ins from leading manufacturers, required PSU, and KOMPLETE 12 SELECT and MASCHINE Essentials 1/4 inch TRS connections for expression and sustain pedals are just a few of the features it has to offer.
- Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments and effects
- Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch, fully weighted, hammer-action keys
- Pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and effects, plus hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) plug-ins from leading manufacturers
Native Instruments Komplete S61 MK2 vs Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Keyboard
Making music is now a more natural, hands-on experience thanks to the KOMPLETE KONTROL S61. Expressively perform, explore and evaluate sounds, adjust parameters, jot down ideas, then manage and mix your project all from one completely integrated studio and stage centerpiece.
Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch, 61 semi-weighted keys, ergonomic pitch, and mod wheels, plus a touch strip for expression control, pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments, and hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from leading manufacturers, full VSTi support, and MAC OS 10.12, 10.13, and 10.14 (latest update) are just a few of its great features. It also supports Intel Core i5 with 4 GB of RAM.
- Smart keyboard controller for all your virtual instruments
- Pro-grade Fatar keybeds with aftertouch - 61 semi-weighted keys
- Ergonomic pitch and mod wheels, plus touch strip for expression control
Arturia 88-Hammer Action Controller vs Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 Keyboard
GearNuts is pleased to introduce the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII if you are a serious pianist searching for a top-of-the-line professional production- and performance-oriented keyboard controller. KeyLab 88 MKII, the most recent model in Arturia’s renowned KeyLab Series, offers the flawless, genuine grand piano feel and responsiveness of an exquisite Fatar TP100LR 88-note hammer-action keybed with aftertouch. KeyLab 88 MKII delivers significant workflow advancements and improved software integration via its DAW
Command Center in comparison to its well-regarded predecessor. And because of its built-in CV/Gate connection, your priceless analog synths will fit into your setup with no problems. Arturia’s KeyLab 88 MKII is equipped with comprehensive expressive controls and rock-solid build quality to handle even the most rigorous touring itineraries. It has 88 note Fatar TP/100LR keybed, high quality, aftertouch, velocity-sensitive, hammer-action, piano feel keyboard, 16 RGB-backlit performance pads, and a control bank with 9 faders, and 9 rotary knobs.
- 88 note Fatar TP/100LR keybed
- High quality, aftertouch, velocity sensitive, hammer-action, piano feel keyboard
- 16 RGB-backlit performance pads
Conclusion on Komplete Kontrol S49
When you consider the extra features and accessories you’d need, the Komplete Kontrol S49 can seem overpriced to you because it involves a significant financial investment (beyond just the keyboard itself). It’s kind of a fantasy keyboard that may never be financially feasible. This is a must-have, though, if you believe that you should spend little money in order to be the greatest producer you can be.
Even though it requires an investment, once everything is up and running, you won’t want to stop. Although the Komplete Kontrol S49 isn’t a perfect piano, given its price, it’s an excellent keyboard for musicians just starting out. Overall, it is evident that modern-genre EDM and other genre creators won’t find much to adore here, at least when compared to the alternative options that are better suitable for them.
However, because of its amazing appearance and feel and distinctive software features, the Komplete Kontrol S49 is a superb addition to any home studio. Overall, we are really impressed with the design philosophy of Komplete Kontrol S49.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can You Use Komplete Kontrol as a Keyboard?
You must cut the USB cord from your computer and utilize an NI Power Supply in order to use the KOMPLETE KONTROL MK2 keyboard as a standalone MIDI controller (18 W). You may get the power supply from our NI Webshop. The keyboard’s buttons and knobs broadcast the standard MIDI CC messages.
2. What is Komplete Kontrol Used For?
A simple-to-use tool that streamlines your process is KOMPLETE KONTROL. In order to search, play, and adjust all of your sounds conveniently, it organizes all of your instruments, effects, presets, loops, and samples while intelligently mapping everything to your hardware.
Since Komplete Kontrol is software, a computer is required. Just (quite competent) controllers for that program, the keyboards are. They are merely plastic blocks without a computer, which means they have nothing to control. To enjoy the full qualities of the Komplete Kontrol keyboard, it has to be connected to a compatible computer.
3. Is Komplete Kontrol a MIDI Keyboard?
It is compatible with any DAW, functions flawlessly with any MIDI controller, and makes it simple to explore, categorize, tag, and modify your collection. You can edit controls and parameters quickly since all Komplete Kontrol MIDI keyboards are pre-mapped and ready to use.
4. Are Komplete Kontrol Weighted Keys?
An industry-leading keybed from Fatar, Komplete Kontrol has 88 fully weighted, hammer-action keys as well as aftertouch. This makes the keyboard qualitative and suitable for not just beginners but also for experts who can perform using it.
5. Is Komplete Kontrol a DAW?
With the Komplete Kontrol plug-in, all Komplete Kontrol S49 keyboards may be utilized in any daw. Any host program that can load the Komplete Kontrol plug-in may provide full Komplete Kontrol plug-in control, including the browser, native map, and the perform functions (VST, AU, AAX).
