Native Instruments Updates Kontrol S-Series MK3 Keyboards
Native Instruments today announced the release of the 2.0 firmware version for Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards. The update adds deeper DAW integration and enhanced accessibility for blind and visually impaired users.
Kontrol S-Series MK3 now offers a unified plugin view, letting you load and tweak both NKS and non-NKS plugins directly from the keyboard for seamless navigation and full parameter control.
The firmware 2.0 release adds plugin and extended control for the following five DAWs:
- Ableton Live: Ableton Instrument Racks are now displayed as container plugins that can be expanded or collapsed from the keyboard. Up to 16 macros per Rack can be controlled directly from the MK3. Customize plugin mappings via ‘Configure Mode’.
- Logic Pro: Up to 8 Logic Smart Controls are automatically mapped
- Cubase: Customize plugin mappings with the Cubase Remote Control Editor
- Bitwig Studio: Bitwig Browser / preset navigation, named pages, and fully customisable mappings via ‘remote controls’ are available in Bitwig Studio. Furthermore, there’s an extensive library of user contributed pre-mapped plugins available on the NI forum. See also Bitwig controller extension doc.
- Digital Performer: Preset navigation
Support for Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One, and Reaper are planned in the coming months
Accessibility Helper Support
Additionally, this firmware update introduces support for Native Instruments’ redesigned Accessibility Helper application, offering improved support for blind and visually impaired users, such as:
- Voice Feedback: Descriptions of all physical buttons, encoders, and navigation can be read out loud by the Kontrol MK3.
- Training Mode: All buttons and controls can be read out loud without triggering them, helping musicians learn the layout of the keyboard.
- DAW Integration: All new firmware 2.0 features are fully accessible, making non-NKS parameter control accessible for the first time.
- Hardware Synth Support: By loading a MIDI template onto Kontrol S-series MK3 and using the Accessibility Helper, hardware synth parameters are spoken aloud, providing an industry-first accessibility path for outboard gear.
- OS Integration: The feature respects language, speed, and other system speech settings from operating system accessibility preferences.
Kontrol S-Series MK3 owners can update their hardware in Native Access in the Updates tab, via the Hardware Connection Service.
