Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3
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Native Instruments
Kontrol S61 MK3
Product Info
Article Number:
570926
Brand:
Native Instruments
Model:
Kontrol S61 MK3
Category:
Master Keyboards (up to 61 Keys)
Price:
$823.90
* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.
The Kontrol S61 MK3 is a serious contender for any producer or keyboardist heavily invested in the Native Instruments world. It’s a fantastic control surface, especially for Kontakt libraries, with a responsive keybed and a killer screen that makes navigating sounds a breeze. This is a top-tier choice if you're looking for tight integration and a refined workflow.
Product Description
- Native Instruments Kontrol S61 MK3
- USB Keyboard Controller
- Fatar keyboard with polyphonic aftertouch and 61 semi-weighted keys
- Preconfigured mapping for all NI virtual instruments as well as thousands of Kontakt 7 and NKS-compatible instruments from leading third-party vendors such as Arturia
- Heavyocity
- Korg
- Output
- Spitfire Audio and u-he
- Operation via 8 touch-sensitive rotary controls and a high-resolution colour screen (1280 x 480 pixels)
- as well as a 4D controller
- Tag-based preset browsing: find sounds quickly and preview them instantly
- DAW integration für Ableton live
- Pro Tools
- Logic Pro
- Cubase
- FL Studio
- Digital Performer
- Bitwig and Studio One
- Direct integration with Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol
- Light Guide: RGB lights above each key show drum cells
- key switches
- chords
- keys and more.
- MIDI templates can be created
- managed and switched directly on the keyboard
- Standalone mode for direct control of synthesizers
- drum machines and other MIDI devices
- Pitch and Mod wheel
- Transport buttons
- Power supply via USB-C
- USB-C MIDI-Interface
- MIDI In/Out
- Sustain and expression pedal input
- 2 Additional freely assignable pedal inputs
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 974.4 x 323 x 86 mm
- Weight: 6 kg
- Includes download software: Komplete Select
- Komplete Kontrol
- Stradivari Cello
- Guitar Rig LE
- Izotope Elements Suite
- Ableton Live Lite and Hypha
- Includes a Kontakt instrument of your choice after registration
- Includes USB-C to USB-C cable
*Note:* Use via USB-A only possible with optional cable Art. #491488# and USB power supply Art. #543021# with at least 1.5 A
PROS
- • The Fatar keybed with polyphonic aftertouch feels incredibly responsive and expressive.
- • The high-resolution color screen drastically improves workflow and visual feedback.
- • Native Instruments' integration with Kontakt 7 and Komplete Kontrol is genuinely seamless.
- • The tag-based preset browsing system makes sound discovery surprisingly intuitive and fast.
CONS
- • The semi-weighted action won’t satisfy players accustomed to fully weighted piano keys.
- • The price point positions it as a premium-priced option for many home studios.
- • While versatile, the deep integration is most beneficial within the Native Instruments ecosystem.
Product Video
Key Features
Keys
61
Key Type
Semi-weighted, Fatar action with polyphonic aftertouch
Pads
8 velocity-sensitive, RGB backlit pads
Knobs/Faders
8 touch-sensitive rotary encoders
Connections
USB, MIDI In/Out (5-pin DIN)
Weight
7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
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Frequently Asked Questions
It's a good implementation of aftertouch, but the semi-weighted action means it lacks the full depth and nuance of a fully weighted Fatar action found on more expensive instruments.
Yes, the screen is quite bright and offers adjustable brightness settings, making it usable in most studio conditions, though direct sunlight could still pose a challenge.
While the preconfigured mappings are optimized for NI and NKS instruments, you can manually map any MIDI CC to controls, offering flexibility with other virtual instruments, but it requires more setup.
