A Full Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Review

The world of MIDI controllers is packed with options, but few manage to stand out as not just functional, but inspiring pieces of equipment. Among these, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 has been a notable contender, aiming to blend deep software integration with intuitive hardware functionality. This review dives into everything the S49 Mk2 has to offer, from its keybed to its integration with Native Instruments’ vast library of sounds.

Introduction

Native Instruments, a Berlin-based music technology company, has been constantly at the forefront in the music production world, introducing innovative solutions tailored to both professional producers and enthusiasts alike. Their endeavour, the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2, is an embodiment of that commitment.

The Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 MIDI keyboard is in a league of its own, renowned for combining deep software integration, seamless DAW performance, and intuitive hardware functionality. This controller, situated within the upper echelons of the market, has been reaching out to a wide range of user base, appealing to anyone from experienced techno maestros eyeing an upgrade to novices seeking a comprehensive platform to kickstart their creative journey.

An important contextual piece in our review puzzle is the understanding that the S49 isn’t merely a MIDI controller. With software becoming an increasingly prominent aspect of music production, the S49 Mk2 does more than just playing notes. It’s a central control hub, a meeting point between your hands and your music software, offering simultaneous control and creativity in one panel.

Commanding a higher price tag than many of its competitors, the S49 Mk2 positions itself as a powerful tool for those seeking an all-in-one solution. We’re here to scrutinize whether it truly delivers on its promises and if it indeed validates its premium price tag. Strap in and let’s dive deep into the realms of this intriguing beast.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Design and Build

First, let’s discuss the aesthetic of the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2. The MIDI controller carries a slick, modern design, characterized by a matte black finish that’s both seamless and unquestionably professional. It proudly dons a high-quality, high-resolution dual color display that immediately catches your eye. The layout of buttons, knobs, and wheels looks sparse at first, belying the product’s innate functionality. The controller’s subtlety in design is its strength, focusing on usability rather than distractions.

Regarding the build quality, the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 doesn’t disappoint. Constructed with solid, robust materials, the controller feels stable and durable. The knobs feel robust and have a smooth turning motion, conveying an immediate sense of quality. The fat pitch and mod wheels are nestled comfortably on the left-hand side, allowing for easy access and manipulation.

Perhaps the most notable aspect of the S49 Mk2’s construction is the keybed. The semi-weighted Fatar keybed is a sensation to play, striking the right balance between weight and responsiveness. The keys are pleasing to touch, and their size is adequate even for bigger hands. Despite this sturdy build, the device remains portable, making it a good fit for both studio and on-the-road setups.

However, the build quality doesn’t stop with just the feel. Prolonged usage reveals this MIDI controller is designed with long sessions in mind. The keybed and knobs retain their action, even after hours of use. Comfort and usability seem to have led the design ethos. There’s little to nothing on the S49 Mk2 that feels superfluous or distracting.

For those who appreciate aesthetics that enhance the music-making process instead of impeding it, the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 strikes a commendable balance between form and function — it has been designed with clear attention to detail, executed in a way that reinforces its premium positioning in the market. With its clean lines and robust construction, the S49 Mk2 is a delight to use and an attractive addition to any studio setting.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Key Features

One of the most attractive aspects of the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 is undoubtedly its expressive, high-quality keybed. Equipped with semi-weighted keys that offer a balanced tactile response , this keyboard caters equally well to the soft nuances of a seasoned pianist and the heavier-handed demands of a modern producer. The keys offer a satisfying resistance with a pleasing bounce-back, enabling rhythmic precision. Plus, it includes aftertouch, a pressure-sensitive feature that opens up a world of expressive performance techniques.

Onto its visual system, a highlight of the S49 Mk2 is its light guide system , a trail of lights positioned above each key which, beyond creating a dazzling light show, serves a practical role in guiding the user. The lights provide color-coded prompts, allowing even novice users to easily navigate the Komplete library of sounds, find chord and scale layouts, and even guide the user through notation software. This proves to be a great learning and composing tool while ensuring your workflow remains seamless.

Supplementing the key play is a pair of responsive touch strips and classic pitch and mod wheels. These add-ons further enhance the expressiveness of this controller by allowing the musician to introduce vibratos, pitch bends, volume swells, and other tweaking in real time. It’s a tangible, hands-on approach to modulation that’s sure to inspire unique performances.

What truly sets the S49 Mk2 apart from the crowd is its deep integration with the NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) protocol. This means it’s ready to give you tactile control over all your virtual instruments and effects not just from Native Instruments, but from many other leading manufacturers as well. This compatibility ensures you have a world of rhythms, melodies, and textures at your fingertips, and helps accentuate the immersive, intuitive experience that this controller aims to offer.

In this setup, browsing patches and tweaking sounds is done directly from the S49 Mk2’s clear and colorful displays, which means no need for back-and-forth between the instrument and your computer. This user-friendly approach simplifies your workflow and lets your creativity flow uninhibited.

In summation, the key features of Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 are:

• High-quality keybed with semi-weighted keys and aftertouch.
• Intuitive light guide system for easy navigation and composition.
• Touch strips and classic pitch and mod wheels for further performance control.
• Deep integration with the NKS protocol, enabling a seamless user experience of tweaking virtual instruments and effects right from the keyboard.

Needless to say, the S49 Mk2’s feature set is impressive. It strikes a great balance between providing a wealth of functionalities yet remaining intuitive and user-friendly, making it a truly sophisticated tool for the modern musician.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Software Integration

One of the core selling points of the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 lies in its seamless integration with the Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol software. Whether you’re a seasoned producer or a new music enthusiast, the S49 Mk2’s extensive integration enhances its overall appeal and boosts your creative adventures.

The integration process is quite easy, making it a powerful tool right out of the box. Once you’ve set up the S49 Mk2, which is conveniently straightforward, it readily maps to the Komplete Kontrol software. This feature allows you to quickly navigate and control the software directly from the hardware, making the composition process more streamlined and efficient, regardless of your proficiency level.

For new producers venturing into the Native Instruments universe, the S49 Mk2 comes with Komplete Select included. This bundle boasts a huge variety of sounds, instruments, and effects designed to give you a taste of what the Komplete ecosystem has to offer. From compelling synth sounds to iconic studio effects and groundbreaking sampled instruments, Komplete Select serves as a launchpad into the Native Instruments world, providing plenty of raw materials for music creation.

In a nutshell, the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 proves to be more than just a controller. It’s a well-thought-out system that supports your creativity and increases your efficiency, all thanks to its tight integration with its software counterpart. Whether you’re tweaking parameters, browsing presets, or exploring sound design possibilities, the S49 Mk2 makes the process feel as intuitive as possible, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the music-making process.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Performance and Workflow

One of the crowning features of the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 is its robust impact on performance and workflow. Packed with innovative features, it helps musicians streamline their creative process while enhancing their ability to perform and produce music.

The sleek and intuitive interface of the S49 Mk2 allows users to browse and select sounds, tweak parameters, sketch out ideas, and make full-fledged musical performances. The dial navigation adds to the overall ease of use enabling quick sound modifications, adding a layer of flexibility and convenience.

On stage, the S49 Mk2 excels as a live performance tool. Its real-time controls provide options for improvisation, while the direct access buttons add efficacy to live sessions. This MIDI controller doesn’t just fit into a live setup; it elevates it, providing the extra edge needed for a notable stage presence.

The S49 Mk2 boasts of smart play features , acting as a chord generator and suggesting the most harmonically suitable notes for any given scale. What makes it worthy of appreciation is the way it caters to both novices and adept musicians. Newbies can significantly benefit from the scales, chords, and arpeggiator. At the same time, experienced musicians have the world at their fingertips with easy access to modified scales and complex chord voicings.

And then there’s the keybed. Equipped with semi-weighted Fatar keys, it adds a sense of character and dynamics to the performance, providing just the right amount of feedback without compromising comfort.

The workflow possibilities are multiplied tenfold with the integration of NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) compatible software , transforming the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 into one of the most flexible MIDI controllers out there. The instant mapping and compatibility with various DAWs and plugins offer a seamless production experience. Coupled with the included Komplete Select software, it’s a complete ecosystem that caters to all creative needs, right out of the box.

In summary, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 is a dynamically versatile musical tool that enhances both performance and workflow significantly. Whether it’s live performances or studio sessions, this MIDI controller has proven to be an indispensable companion for music producers and performers alike.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Superb Keybed: Among the top selling points of the S49 Mk2 is its semi-weighted Fatar keybed. It offers an excellent response and aftertouch, providing satisfaction to a range of playing styles.

• Highly Integrated: The integration with NKS compatible software and Komplete Kontrol software is a standout feature. It offers deep-level control over the expansive library of synths, samples and more, all from your keyboard, creating a seamless production experience.

• Enriched Workflow: S49 Mk2’s array of unique functionalities including the smart play features (scales, chords, and arpeggiator) drastically improve creative workflow, enabling you to explore new melodical territories more intuitively.

• Quality Build: The overall build quality and professional design make S49 Mk2 not just durable but also visually appealing.

• Comprehensive Control: The wide array of controls including the light guide system, touch strips, and the pitch and mod wheels enable a more extensive command over your music production.

Cons:

• Cost: For some users, especially beginners, the cost of the S49 Mk2 might be a drawback. It is a premium piece of equipment that comes with a premium price tag.

• Learning Curve: While the deep software integration is a pro, it can also be a con for those who are new to MIDI controllers or the Komplete Kontrol software. Some users may find the initial setup and integration process somewhat challenging.

• Portability: Measuring at nearly 33 inches in length and weighing 14 pounds, the S49 Mk2 might not be as portable as some of its competitors. This could be an issue for on-the-go musicians or producers working in tighter spaces.

While its strengths significantly outweigh its weaknesses, the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 might not be for everyone. It’s best to assess your individual needs, level of experience, budget, and space constraints before making the investment. But for those who value deep software integration, quality build, enriched workflow and a superb keybed, the S49 Mk2 will definitely prove to be an efficient and inspiring tool.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Comparison to Competitors

When evaluating the Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2, it’s crucial to consider its biggest contenders in the world of MIDI controllers. Some of its closest competitors, in terms of price range and feature set, are the Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII and the Novation SL MkIII.

Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII offers a number of comparable features, including similar key aftertouch, large range of rotary knobs, faders, and pads, along with a robust MIDI Control Center software that allows for deep customization. On the other hand, the KeyLab lacks the advanced light guide system and deep software integration with Native Instruments’ ecosystem that S49 MK2 prides itself in.

Novation SL MkIII , another strong competitor, offers robust features like an onboard sequencer, backlit RGB pads, and extensive physical connectivity options which might appeal more to performers and those seeking a standalone experience. However, the SL MkIII lacks the smart play features, dual high-resolution displays and overall superior build quality offered by the S49 MK2.

A key differentiator for Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 that sets it apart from the competition remains its deep software integration, especially with the full suite of Native Instruments software. The controller’s unified browsing and deep control over software parameters, direct from the hardware, give the S49 MK2 an edge as it essentially integrates the software with the studio workflow. This provides a more seamless, efficient musical production experience compared to others in the market.

Not to mention, the S49 MK2 also has quite the advantage in terms of its native integration with Sounds.com, Native Instrument’s royalty-free samples and loops subscription service, providing an extensive sonic palette to users right at their fingertips.

In a league where functionality and ease of use can make or break the user experience, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 certainly holds its own and in many aspects, delivers beyond expectations. Its unparalleled software integration, intuitive light-guide system, and quality keybed equip it to stand out in a crowded market, while keeping its competitors constantly playing catch-up.

Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 Final Assessment

Time has come to distill the essence of this review, taking into careful account our exploration into the various aspects of the Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2. This instrument, as we’ve examined, is not a run-of-the-mill MIDI controller; instead, it carves out its niche as an incredibly capable and inspiringly intuitive instrument, designed to enhance and accelerate the means through which producers, performers, and composers interact with the digital realm of music production.

Key strengths of the S49 Mk2 lie in the following aspects:

• NKS Integration : Probably the pièce de résistance of its features, the seamless integration with Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) compatible software, makes this a go-to knob-twirling, button-pressing beast for producers who lean heavily into Native Instruments’ audio software ecosystem.
• Keybed Quality : Drummers might prefer pads, but anyone who finds solace in the greyscale 88 will appreciate the keybed of S49 mk2 – tactile, responsive and gratifying to play for hours on.
• MacGyver-level Functionality : It’s not just a pretty interface. The light guide, touch strips, pitch and mod wheels, and the smart play features put an entire toolkit to tailor your sounds right at your fingertips.

However, few areas might challenge the love-at-first-sight syndrome with this beauty:

• Price Point : Worth it? Yes. Affordable? That’s subjective. This premium piece possesses a price tag that matches its high-end feel and extensive feature set. It is a solid investment for those who want to ignite their creativity and streamline their workflow.
• Learning Curve : It’s an instrument, not an outro to a pop song. It requires dedication and time to extract its full potential, especially when interacting with the NKS ecosystem and other DAWs.

To bring it all together, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk2 is an impressive testament to the creative potential that can be unlocked when thoughtful design is combined with technological sophistication. It’s built to cater to the needs of diversely talented individuals – whether you’re a producer seeking a wild unison with the digital sound world, or a performer looking to take your live gigs to a whole new level.

Above all, the value proposition of the S49 Mk2 rests not just on its design and features, but on the transforming effect it can have on a user’s musical journey. It’s not simply cost per key, it’s inspiration per interaction, and in that regard, the S49 Mk2 hits the high notes.