Key Features of the Kontrol S49 MK3 MIDI Master Keyboard
- Fatar 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch for expressive note-by-note control.
- 1280 x 480 color display and 4D encoder for seamless navigation, previewing, and editing without leaving the keyboard.
- NKS/Kontakt ecosystem: ready-to-use mapping for NI and thousands of third-party libraries.
- Deep DAW integration with dedicated transport controls and intelligent per-key RGB Light Guide.
MK3: A New Benchmark in NI Keyboard Range
The Kontrol S49 MK3 is the centerpiece of modern creation around Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol. As the direct successor to the MK2, it raises the bar with polyphonic aftertouch, a large color display, and an architecture designed to speed up NKS navigation. The series is available in 49, 61 (semi-weighted), and 88 keys with weighted action, all featuring polyphonic aftertouch for consistent expressiveness across the range.
Who This 49-Key Master Keyboard Is For
Designed for composers, beatmakers, sound designers, and live keyboardists, the S49 MK3 controls your virtual instruments with minimal latency via USB-C. The RGB Light Guide highlights playing zones, chords, and scales, making it ideal for learning, quick arranging, or stage performance where visibility and reliability are paramount.
Seamless Creative Workflow from Exploration to Production
The NKS workflow allows you to find presets by tags, instantly preview them, then sculpt the sound via 8 touch-sensitive rotary knobs and parameter pages. The 4D encoder provides precise control over navigation and lists, while the pitch and modulation wheels ensure expressive real-time playing. DAW integration (Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, Pro Tools, FL Studio, Bitwig, Digital Performer, Studio One) gives access to transport and essential functions without leaving the keyboard.
Notable MK3 Enhancements
Compared to previous versions, this generation introduces polyphonic aftertouch across the entire series, a much more readable high-resolution color display, smoother tag-based navigation and previewing in Komplete Kontrol/Kontakt 7, as well as modern bus-powered USB-C connectivity complemented by MIDI DIN In/Out and three pedal inputs (sustain, expression, 2 assignable).
Technical Specifications
- Keyboard: 49-key semi-weighted Fatar with velocity sensitivity
- Aftertouch: polyphonic aftertouch
- Light Guide: per-key RGB Light Guide (zones, chords, key, markers)
- Display: high-resolution 1280 x 480 color screen
- Controls: 8 touch-sensitive rotary knobs, 4D encoder
- Performance controllers: pitch and modulation wheels
- Transport: dedicated transport buttons
- Software integrations: preconfigured mapping for NI virtual instruments
- NKS compatibility: thousands of Kontakt 7 instruments and third-party plugins (Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire Audio, u-he)
- Workflow: direct connection to Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol, tag-based preset navigation and preview
- DAW compatibility: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Digital Performer, Bitwig, Studio One
- Connectivity: USB-C MIDI interface (bus-powered)
- MIDI: MIDI DIN In/Out
- Pedals: sustain pedal input, expression pedal input, 2 assignable pedal inputs
- Power supply: powered via USB-C
- Dimensions: 802 x 323 x 86 mm
- Weight: 5.5 kg
- Included software (download): Komplete Select, Komplete Kontrol, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, Hypha
- Included accessories: USB-C to USB-C cable