Native Instruments S49 MK3 Midi Keyboard

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3

A smart keyboard controller to bring virtual instruments to life

A direct connection with Kontakt

Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3 brings virtual instruments to life in a genuinely immersive experience. Whatever you’re playing, get in-depth control with deep Kontakt integration and next-generation NKS technology. Find sounds quickly with intuitive on-screen navigation, then adjust and play them thanks to intelligent auto-mapping that understands the parameters. This unparalleled direct connection means no interruptions to your workflow with not just NI instruments but thousands of partner sounds, instruments, and effects.

Introducing polyphonic aftertouch

Take expression one step further with the slightest pressure on individual keys. Bring new layers of nuance to your playing with cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and much more, without reaching for an extra encoder or dial.

All three models (S49-mk3, S61-mk3, and S88-mk3) come complete with polyphonic aftertouch on an industry-leading keybed developed in collaboration with Fatar. Plus, the S88 is the world’s first widely available controller keyboard to combine polyphonic aftertouch with weighted, hammer-action keys.

Deeper into your DAW

Smooth integration with all major DAWs means you can keep your eyes on your keyboard and away from your computer screen. Hit record, stop, and rewind on the keys, mix and edit, and see all your project’s channels on the display.

Plug and play

Get connected to whatever you need with USB-C power and connectivity, MIDI in and out, and four assignable TRS pedal inputs, including a default sustain and default expression.

Included software

The S49 MK3 comes with Komplete 14 Select and Komplete Kontrol software included, so you’ll be ready to go from day one.

Komplete 14 Select is the essential production suite, including powerful synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a load of customizable sounds. Komplete Kontrol unites and organizes all your instruments, effects, loops, and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.

Hit the ground running with polyphonic aftertouch presets in Hypha, a Kontakt instrument with an array of sounds inspired by nature. Plus, get iZotope Elements Suite, Ableton Live Lite, Guitar Rig 7 LE, and more.

Stay connected on any rig.

Native Instruments has focused integration with each version of the Kontrol S Smart Keyboard Controllers, and the Mk3 expands this capability with greater customization than ever before. Its USB-C bus-powered architecture enables MIDI communication via USB for smooth integration with your DAW. The onboard 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O extends interoperability far beyond the digital boundaries of your NKS virtual instruments, transferring polyphonic aftertouch data to compatible instruments and devices. There are also four 1/4-inch TRS jacks for versatile pedal usage: one for sustain, one for expression, and two assignable inputs that allow for a variety of supplemental control or expression possibilities.

Features of the S49 MK3:

• The redesigned Light Guide provides real-time and interactive information that includes scales, key zones, switches, and more
• Keybed was designed in collaboration with Fatar for unparalleled expressivity
• S49 MK3 has expanded connectivity, including dedicated 1/4-inch jacks for sustain and expression pedals, as well as two more assignable jacks for flexible sonic control
• 5-pin DIN MIDI in/out allows for extensive interoperative use with most arrangements, including MPE and polyphonic aftertouch data for compatible instruments
• Ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels support versatile assignment options to maximize the potential of every supported DAW and NKS instrument
• 4-directional push encoder supplies one-handed sound browsing and project navigation
• USB-C bus-powered design doubles for MIDI over USB to reduce cable clutter while increasing data transmission speeds
• Tag-based unified browsing across all Komplete instruments lets you quickly find the sounds you want right from the hardware
• Dial in the main parameters of any Komplete instrument, which automatically map to the touch-sensitive controller knobs
• Create arpeggiated melodies at the touch of a button, play chords with single keys, or map the whole range to scales
• The dedicated transport section gives you full access to your DAW’s playback and recording controls, going far deeper than previous models for unmatched integration

System requirements for S49 MK3:

•  MIDI 2.0 (MacOS 13.5 or above)
• MIDI 1.0 (for MacOS 12 or above)
• Intel Core i5, Apple M1 (or above)
• Requirements: macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher; Windows 10 or 11 (latest service pack). at or above
• 8 GB of RAM

To download and activate this product and its associated material, you must have an internet connection and a graphics card that supports OpenGL 2.1 or higher, as well as Direct 3D 11.1 (feature level 11_0). After installation and activation, the product can be used offline.

DAW integration

Kontrol has advanced integration with the following programs, with additional integrations presently being developed:

Ableton Live Bitwig Cubase Digital Performer FL Studio (coming shortly)
Logic Pro, Pro Tools (with support coming in late 2023), and Studio One.

Formats of compatible plug-ins for MacOS (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST3, AU, and AAXWindows (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST3, and AAX

Inside the box:

• 1x Keyboard
• 1 × USB-C Cable
• 1 × Komplete Kontrol and Komplete 14 Select software, as well as a variety of other software.
• 1 x Setup instructions and documentation for download

Kontroll ships with a USB-C cable. It is bus-powered, which means that the USB cable gets power straight from your computer, eliminating the need for an external power supply. If your computer does not have a USB-C port, you can use an external USB adapter and power source.

Connect the included USB-C cable from the HOST port on the keyboard to the USB-A port on your computer using the adaptor. Next, connect a USB-C power supply (5V, 7.5W or higher, 1.5A or higher) to the keyboard’s USB-C power supply connection.