Essential Information About the Kontrol S49 MK3 MIDI Master Keyboard
- Fatar 49-key semi-weighted keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch for unprecedented note-by-note expressiveness.
- Large 1280 x 480 color display and 4D encoder for navigating, previewing, and editing without touching the mouse.
- NKS/Kontakt ecosystem: ready-to-use mapping for Native Instruments and thousands of third-party libraries.
- Deep DAW integration with dedicated transport and intelligent per-key RGB Light Guide.
MK3: The New Benchmark in the Native Instruments Range
The direct successor to the MK2, the
Kontrol S49 MK3 solidifies NI keyboards' place in modern studios. It introduces
polyphonic aftertouch across the entire series and a
high-resolution color display that streamlines NKS navigation. Available in 49, 61 (semi-weighted), and 88 keys with weighted action, the MK3 offers a consistent experience designed to get the best out of
Kontakt 7 and
Komplete Kontrol.
Who Is It For and What Is It For?
Composers, beatmakers, sound designers, and live keyboardists will find a
49-key MIDI master keyboard that is responsive, powered via
USB-C for a clean setup and minimal latency. The
RGB Light Guide highlights playing zones, chords, and scales: ideal for learning, quick arranging, and live performance where readability and reliability are paramount.
A Continuous Creative Flow, From Sound Design to Arrangement
Thanks to the
NKS workflow, browse your presets by tags,
preview instantly, then shape your sound via
8 touch-sensitive rotary encoders organized in pages. The
4D encoder speeds up list navigation, 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) puts transport and key functions at your fingertips without leaving the keyboard.
Notable MK3 Features
Compared to previous versions, this generation stands out with widespread
polyphonic aftertouch, a
sharper and more readable display, smoother
tag-based navigation with preview in Komplete Kontrol/Kontakt 7, as well as modern
bus-powered USB-C connectivity, complemented by
MIDI DIN In/Out and three pedal inputs for extended control.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard and Control
- Keyboard: 49 semi-weighted Fatar keys with velocity sensitivity
- Aftertouch: polyphonic aftertouch
- Light Guide: per-key RGB Light Guide (zones, chords, key, markers)
- Controls: 8 touch-sensitive rotary encoders, 4D encoder
- Performance controllers: pitch and modulation wheels
- Transport: dedicated transport buttons
- Pedals: sustain pedal input, expression pedal input, 2 additional assignable pedal inputs
Display and Navigation
- Display: high-resolution 1280 x 480 pixel color screen
Software Integration and Workflow
- 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, preset browsing by tags and preview
- DAW compatibility: Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, Digital Performer, Bitwig, Studio One
Connectivity and Power
- Connectivity: USB-C MIDI interface (bus-powered)
- MIDI: MIDI DIN In/Out
- Power: powered via USB-C
Dimensions and Weight
- Dimensions: 802 x 323 x 86 mm
- Weight: 5.5 kg
Software and Accessories
- Included software (download): Komplete Select, Komplete Kontrol, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, Hypha
- Included accessories: USB-C to USB-C cable
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