Native Instruments has unveiled the Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards. The keyboards allow the Komplete Instrument portfolio to be accessed by a single, purpose-built keyboard controller and software interface. Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards are available in a choice of 25, 49 or 61 keys and come equipped with Fatar keybeds.
The Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards signal a new era of control for the KOMPLETE Instrument portfolio. The all-new Komplete Browser unifies the powerful instruments in Komplete, delivering tag-based access to all Komplete Instrument presets from one plug-in interface. Instead of browsing by instrument, users can now search by sound. Native Map technology automatically maps all key parameters for each Komplete Kontrol to the touch-sensitive controller knobs – all clearly visible on the keyboards’ Clear View display. The need for complicated mapping is eliminated, since each instrument has already been carefully mapped by NI sound designers to arrange the most relevant parameters on pages laid out on the keyboard’s display.
A first-of-its-kind Light Guide shows key switches, zones, and more on multi-color LEDs positioned just above the keys. For example, key switches for KONTAKT Instruments such as Action Strikes are illuminated in one color, while keys used for performance are lit with another. This puts the instrument’s layout on the keyboard at a glance without having to look at the software. The lights also provide performance feedback – scales, chords, and arpeggios light up across the keyboard as they are played.
Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards also deliver Smart Play features to accelerate workflow and stimulate new ideas. Chord mode lets producers play complex chords with single keys. Chord Set mode provides ready-to-play progressions that can inspire and augment original compositions or add new flavor to remixes. The integrated scale mapping features deliver fast access to new melodic possibilities – notes of the currently selected scale light up on the Light Guide. Many widely-used musical scales can also be mapped to the white keys. ‘Wrong’ notes can be automatically re-mapped so melodies are always in tune. The arpeggiator works seamlessly with every Komplete Instrument. And the eight controller knobs manage parameters such as direction, rate, rhythm, patterns, and variations.
Furthermore, two touch-sensitive Touch Kontrols tap into a new paradigm in software instrument control by mimicking the behavior of pitch and mod wheels, and physical objects like springs and bouncing balls for interesting modulation curves. Keyboard functionality such as key splits and Touch Kontrol behavior also function when using the keyboards as a standard MIDI controller.
Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboards were designed to integrate seamlessly with the 10th generation of NI’s instruments and effects suites, which was also announced. Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate come with six brand-new instruments – Rounds, Kontour, Polyplex, and the three new sampled pianos that comprise The Definitive Piano Collection. Komplete 10 now includes 39 instruments and effects. Komplete 10 Ultimate includes all 75 current Komplete Instruments and Effects at the time of release and over 440 GB of content. Notably, the prices of these bundles remain the same, increasing the saving to almost 90% over the cost of purchasing the instruments and effects separately.
Both Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate debut the brand-new Rounds, Kontour, Polyplex. Rounds combines powerful sound design capabilities with advanced sequencing techniques, allowing users to play melodies, chords, and arpeggios while sequencing and morphing sounds in real time. Kontour is the latest synthesizer from NI founder Stephan Schmitt – a responsive synth capable of organic textures from mallets to plucked and bowed strings to distorted, aggressive and noisy sounds. Polyplex delivers an intuitive, fun way to design drum kits. Up to four samples per sound slot are randomized on the global, sound or sample level. A host of effects including dynamics, reverb, glitch, and more are also on board for additional sound shaping.
Also included in both Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate is The Definitive Piano Collection – three new high-definition pianos offering detail, and a varied and nuanced sonic range. THE Gentleman is a sampled instrument based on an upright piano from 1908. Sampled with all the original parts, the instrument’s delicate and expressive sound gives producers distinctive, turn-of-the-century character with a supreme level of control for their recordings. The Grandeur is a detailed sampled instrument of a beloved concert grand piano. Its bright, silky top end and booming, full bass are equally suited to a variety of styles including mainstream pop, jazz, and classical productions. The Maverick is a recreation of a sonically singular instrument – a 1905 concert grand made for the Prince of Prussia. It delivers a wide range of color and an unconventional sound where each note is full of character. These three pianos are also available for purchase separately or as a specially-priced bundle.
Komplete Kontrol S25 costs $499 / €499. Komplete Kontrol S49 will set you back $599 / €599. Komplete Kontrol S61 tops out at $699 / €699. Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate will be released online and in retailers October 1, 2014. Komplete 10 costs $499 / €499. Komplete 10 Ultimate costs $999 / €999. Special pricing for Komplete 10 and Komplete 10 Ultimate upgrade, update, and crossgrades, as well as preorder are also available.
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