Native Instruments S-Series Komplete Kontrol S88 MK3 Keyboard Controller

Haven't written reviews prior, but due to there being so few on this keyboard, and with how great it's been so far, I thought why not?First on firmware (as people have complained about it):The keyboard shipped with old firmware (~0.2.1) which, in contrast to what it updated to, seems to have been a problem causer. In my specific situation, there was nothing wrong. With that said, I did have the native access software installed before plugging the keyboard board in, and had no problem updating the firmware.I am running Windows 11 as an OS on an X86 architecture (Intel CPU).I plugged the keyboard in via a USB-C connection on my motherboard (ROG MAXIMUS Z790 DARK HERO).I Opened Native Access and proceeded to type in the registration serial from the keyboards LCD screen.Once unlocked I was prompted to update the firmware- which I did.After which I was able to load it into FL21 and Ableton.The keyboard has been amazing, it plays well with Ableton, FL Studio 21, As well as browser MIDI apis (In that order from most to least features).Within FL Studio 21 and Ableton, I set up the MIDI with the configuration shown in the attached screenshots.I was also able to test and parse MIDI information via Javascript (MIDI APIS in Browser), and I can confirm this keyboard sends nearly all relevant data.I have not tested returning MIDI information to the keyboard via the browser API, however, given how it integrates with Ableton and FL21, I'd imagine it is totally doable.With the tech testing/programmatic features aside, everything else on the physical keyboard seems great.In terms of feel- the keys are split into two zones, the initial trigger zone which is springy (in a good way).And a firm secondary zone which is extremely useful for creating controlled oscillation (by default it's mapped to the note velocity, but this value is configurable- and mappable at the very least in most software).Meaning you could emulate vibrato, (sidechain ratio, etc...) or other dynamic attributes of sound within your DAW.The buttons are all "clicky", which to me is satisfying considering it validates that the state has changed (click on, click off).The Mod wheel, as well as the 8 CC nobs, (potentiometer / variable resisters directly below the LCD screen), are consistently firm, which is absolutely great for detailed control. However, you're going to have a harder time (not impossible) with quick oscillation... you'd likely want to do that in the DAW regardless considering the nature of physical items being prone to wear and tear, especially at high rates of movement.The Pitch Bend is firm as well as springy, it returns to its default state when released in a fairly linear fashion.The touch capacitive slider (above the pitch bend and mod wheel), retains its state when released, and indicates said state with LEDs.The Selection wheel is an infinite stepper (while turning you get a click for each step, validating how many units you've scrolled). It is fairly firm and also doubles as a button (the button is as of writing this used to indicate you wish to select/load the selection derived from your stepped scrolling).The 8 CC Nobs are all touch capacitive, however from my experience, the state of the touch capacitors (touched, not touched) is not piped via midi, the values however (while the nobs are being turned) are.While on the topic, the controls that aren't piped directly through MIDI (some of which appear to be piped to a DAW in other ways), (firmware updates might be able to add them later, this is just as of writing):- Fixed Velocity Button- Octave/Semitone Down Button- Octave/Semitone Up Button- Metro Tempo Button- Auto Button- Shift Button- Undo Button- Quantize Button- Play Assist Button- Settings MIDI Button- Left Arrow Button- Right Arrow Button- Previous Button- Next Button- Browser Button- Plug-In Button- DAW Button- Pressed State of Selection Wheel- Keys past 127With all this being said, the quality of the LCD is great, I have an image attached of a wide angle and close-up of the display.The LEDs are all multi-color and can achieve a decent brightness (color values/brightness are all configurable right from the keyboard).The onboard software also comes with some MIDI candy.Guided scales (the guided scales have a ton of possible configuration... super fun to check out), and an arpeggiator (also with quite a bit of fun config).All in all, the keyboard has been great so far, obviously niche preferences and use case or going to drive whether or not someone would enjoy it. But for music production, sound design, and basic DAW processes, this keyboard is awesome.Hope the review helps!

....when paired with NI Kontakt and other NI instruments. I have two of the S61 MK2's and one S88 Mk3 and can't imagine writing music without them.

The problem with buying these units used is if somebody tried registering them, they will not function unless you have a license transfer clearance number. In other words if you buy it used and somebody tried registering it prior to your possession of this instrument, it just lights up with the serial numbers on the front panel and that's as far as you can go with this. In addition when I received this, the main control knob popped off, it just presses back on but this is been a problem after another buying it used. Would not recommend buying these products used without a transfer license upfront.

I had an older model of this keyboard, the MK1. I was still able to use it with the older version of Komplete, but then I decided to try this keyboard because of the display. And with the new updates of the Komplete and Kontakt software, this keyboard makes playing around with sounds so much easier. Now you do not have to load Komplete; this keyboard works with Kontakt directly. When you load an instruments it is usually mapped to sudden parameters, unless it is made by a difference company, in which case it depends. Of course there is the nice and large screen which allows you to browse your instruments, control your plug-ins, and also control your DAW. you're also able to create an import MIDI templates to control your other devices or create custom templates for instruments.I really wanted a keyboard with faders but the knobs on the keyboard are pretty easy to use instead. The keyboard itself has polyphonic aftertouch which is useful for certain instruments. The touch strip has been relocated to a better location above the two control wheels, which have a nice lighted strip in the middle of them. Of course you have the basic DAW controls including metronome, play, record, toggle read/touch, quantize, and undo. I didn't really like the toggle to touch as I would prefer latch. I wasn't able to find out how to remap that to latch but I was able to remap this button to toggle low latency mode in Logic Pro.All the controls feel solid and quality made. From the settings menu you are able to change lot of parameters including zones, pedal functions, and the lighting colors.Upon registration you will receive a voucher to spend upon instruments of your choice. However it is limited in that you can only use it for Native Instruments stuff, not partner made, and also not for upgrades or updates. The voucher itself is not transferable but you could use it to buy one of these products and sell or transfer the license (but with a waiting period, which could be 60 days). Many users have a hard time using it as NI don't make it easy to tell which products qualify while you're browsing. They should add a filter or tag for that. Or a separate page. And Komplete 15 is considered a bundle, so you can't use it on that either! One star off for that.In short, having the big screen makes it so much easier to use contact NKS-ready instruments. It makes browsing your Kontakt library easier as well and it also makes tweaking the parameters of your instruments easy to do. Since the older models of this keyboard are no longer supported this may be a good time to upgrade! (If you are selling your old keyboard you're able to transfer the license of the included software as well, on their website.)