How to Make Music with Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: A Step-by-Step Tutorial
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: A Comprehensive Review
Introduction
- What is Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 and why is it important for music producers and performers? - What are the main features and benefits of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0? - How does Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 compare to previous versions and other similar products on the market? - What are the requirements and compatibility of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0? - How to get started with Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0? Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: The Ultimate Control Over Your Music
- How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 integrates with your DAW and other Native Instruments products - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 allows you to browse, preview, and play thousands of sounds from KOMPLETE, NKS, and Sounds.com - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 lets you tweak and manipulate your sounds with hands-on controls and smart mapping - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 enables you to create and perform with loops, samples, and one-shots using the new Audio Module - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 supports MIDI Assignment Editor for customizing your MIDI mappings Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: Workflow Improvements and Bug Fixes
- How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 improves the integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and other DAWs - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 fixes the DAW port missing on Windows issue and the NKS scanning bug - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 enhances the MIDI mapping functionality with Value Pickup mode - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 updates the tagging system for consistent browsing across all your content Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: Compatible Hardware
- How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 works with any MIDI-capable keyboard controller - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 supports the new KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 keyboard - How Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 offers MCU support for the S-Series Mk2, A-Series, and M32 keyboards - A comparison table of the features and specifications of the different KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards Conclusion
- A summary of the main points and benefits of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 - A call to action to get Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 and start making music with it - A thank you note to the reader for their attention and interest FAQs
- Q: How much does Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 cost and where can I get it? - A: Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is a free update for existing users of Komplete Kontrol software, which can be downloaded via Native Access. If you don't have Komplete Kontrol software yet, you can get it as part of KOMPLETE START, a free collection of instruments, effects, loops, and samples from Native Instruments. - Q: What are the system requirements for Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0? - A: The minimum system requirements for Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 are: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.12 or higher; Intel Core i5 CPU or equivalent; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended); graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher; USB 2 or higher port; internet connection for installation and updates. - Q: What is NKS and how does it work with Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0? - A: NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) is a format that allows third-party developers to integrate their instruments and effects with Native Instruments hardware and software. NKS products are pre-mapped to the controls of KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards, MASCHINE hardware, and KOMPLETE KONTROL software, making them easy to browse, load, play, and tweak. You can find hundreds of NKS products from leading brands on the Native Instruments website. - Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: A Comprehensive Review
If you are a music producer or performer, you probably know how important it is to have a powerful and versatile software that can help you create, control, and perform your music. You also probably know that Native Instruments is one of the leading brands in the music technology industry, offering a wide range of products and services for musicians of all genres and levels.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0
One of their most popular products is Komplete Kontrol, a software that allows you to access and control thousands of sounds from KOMPLETE, NKS, and Sounds.com, as well as your own loops, samples, and one-shots. Komplete Kontrol also integrates seamlessly with your DAW and other Native Instruments products, such as MASCHINE and TRAKTOR.
In this article, we will review the latest version of Komplete Kontrol, 2.3.0, which was released in March 2023. We will cover the main features and benefits of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0, how it compares to previous versions and other similar products on the market, what are the requirements and compatibility of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0, and how to get started with Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0.
By the end of this article, you will have a clear idea of what Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 can do for you and your music, and why you should consider getting it if you haven't already. So, let's dive in!
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: The Ultimate Control Over Your Music
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is more than just a software; it's a complete solution for creating and performing music with your computer and keyboard controller. Whether you are working in your studio or on stage, Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 gives you the ultimate control over your music in four ways:
Integration
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 integrates with your DAW and other Native Instruments products, allowing you to use them as one unified system. You can open Komplete Kontrol as a standalone application or as a plug-in in your DAW, such as Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase, FL Studio, and more. You can also sync Komplete Kontrol with MASCHINE and TRAKTOR for seamless production and performance workflows.
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 also supports any MIDI-capable keyboard controller, but it works best with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards. These keyboards are designed to work seamlessly with Komplete Kontrol software, offering dedicated buttons, knobs, faders, touch strips, screens, lights, and keys that let you control every aspect of your music without looking at your computer screen. We will talk more about the compatible hardware later in this article.
Browsing
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 allows you to browse, preview, and play thousands of sounds from KOMPLETE, NKS, and Sounds.com. KOMPLETE is the ultimate collection of instruments and effects from Native Instruments. NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) is a format that allows third-party developers to integrate their instruments and effects with Native Instruments hardware and software. Sounds.com is an online platform that offers millions of royalty-free loops and samples from various genres and styles.
With Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0, you can access all these sounds from one place: the Browser. The Browser lets you search for sounds by name, type, genre, mood, instrument, vendor, or tag. You can also use the Quick Search function to find sounds by typing keywords or phrases. You can preview sounds before loading them by pressing the Preview button on your keyboard or clicking on the sound name in the Browser. You can also adjust the volume and tempo of the previews using the knobs on your keyboard or the mouse on your computer.
Once you find a sound you like, you can load it by pressing the Load button on your keyboard or double-clicking on the sound name in the Browser. The sound will then appear on the main screen of Komplete Kontrol software or on the screens of your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (if you have one). You can then play the sound using your keyboard keys or pads (if you have them). You can also switch between different sounds using the Preset Up/Down buttons on your keyboard or clicking on the arrows on the main screen of Komplete Kontrol software. You can also create and save your own custom lists of sounds using the Favorites function.
Tweaking
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 lets you tweak and manipulate your sounds with hands-on controls and smart mapping. You can adjust the parameters of your sounds using the knobs, faders, touch strips, and buttons on your keyboard controller or the mouse on your computer. You can also use the Modulation and Pitch wheels on your keyboard to add expression and variation to your sounds.
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 also features smart mapping, which automatically maps the most relevant parameters of your sounds to the controls of your keyboard controller. This means that you don't have to waste time assigning and learning the functions of each knob, fader, or button. You can just start tweaking your sounds right away and discover new possibilities. You can also customize the mappings using the MIDI Assignment Editor, which we will discuss later in this article.
Creating and Performing
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 enables you to create and perform with loops, samples, and one-shots using the new Audio Module. The Audio Module is a powerful tool that lets you load and play any audio file from your computer or Sounds.com in Komplete Kontrol software or on your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (if you have one). You can use the Audio Module to add drums, bass, vocals, effects, or any other sound to your music.
The Audio Module allows you to control various aspects of your audio files, such as volume, pitch, tempo, start/end points, loop mode, reverse mode, and more. You can also apply effects and filters to your audio files using the knobs and buttons on your keyboard controller or the mouse on your computer. You can also use the touch strips on your keyboard controller to scratch and scrub your audio files like a DJ.
You can load up to four audio files at a time in the Audio Module and play them simultaneously or individually using the keys or pads on your keyboard controller. You can also switch between different audio files using the Preset Up/Down buttons on your keyboard or clicking on the arrows on the main screen of Komplete Kontrol software. You can also create and save your own custom lists of audio files using the Favorites function.
The Audio Module is a great way to enhance your music production and performance with loops, samples, and one-shots. You can use it to create beats, melodies, harmonies, textures, transitions, or anything else you can imagine. Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: Workflow Improvements and Bug Fixes
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is not only a feature-packed software, but also a stable and reliable one. Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 introduces several workflow improvements and bug fixes that make it easier and smoother to use. Here are some of the most notable ones:
DAW Integration
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 improves the integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and other DAWs, making it more convenient and efficient to work with Komplete Kontrol software and hardware in your DAW environment. Some of the improvements include:
Improved transport control: You can now use the Play, Stop, Record, Loop, and Metronome buttons on your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control your DAW transport without switching to MIDI mode. You can also use the Shift button to access additional functions, such as Undo, Redo, Save, Quantize, and more.
Improved track navigation: You can now use the Track Left/Right buttons on your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to navigate between tracks in your DAW without switching to MIDI mode. You can also use the Shift button to access additional functions, such as Solo, Mute, Arm, and more.
Improved plug-in loading: You can now load Komplete Kontrol as a plug-in in your DAW by using the Plug-In button on your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. You can also use the Shift button to access additional functions, such as Bypass, Unload, and more.
Improved plug-in focus: You can now switch the focus between Komplete Kontrol and your DAW by using the Plug-In button on your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. This allows you to control either Komplete Kontrol or your DAW with your keyboard without switching windows on your computer.
Bug Fixes
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 also fixes some of the bugs that were reported by users in previous versions of Komplete Kontrol software. Some of the bug fixes include:
Fixed the DAW port missing on Windows issue that prevented some users from using Komplete Kontrol with their DAWs on Windows systems. This issue was caused by a conflict between Komplete Kontrol and other applications that used the same port number for MIDI communication. Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 now uses a different port number that avoids this conflict.
Fixed the NKS scanning bug that caused some users to experience long scanning times or crashes when scanning for NKS products in Komplete Kontrol software. This bug was caused by a memory leak that occurred when scanning certain NKS products that had large file sizes or complex metadata. Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 now scans NKS products more efficiently and reliably.
MIDI Mapping Functionality
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 also enhances the MIDI mapping functionality that allows you to customize your MIDI mappings for Komplete Kontrol software and hardware. Some of the enhancements include:
Added Value Pickup mode: This mode allows you to avoid sudden jumps in parameter values when adjusting them with your keyboard controller or mouse. When Value Pickup mode is enabled, the parameter value will only change when the control position matches the current value. You can enable or disable Value Pickup mode in the Preferences menu of Komplete Kontrol software.
Updated tagging system: This system allows you to assign tags to your MIDI mappings for easier browsing and loading in Komplete Kontrol software. The tagging system has been updated to be consistent with the tagging system used for sounds and audio files in Komplete Kontrol software. You can now use the same tags for sounds, audio files, and MIDI mappings in Komplete Kontrol software.
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0: Compatible Hardware
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 works with any MIDI-capable keyboard controller, but it works best with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards. These keyboards are designed to work seamlessly with Komplete Kontrol software, offering dedicated buttons, knobs, faders, touch strips, screens, lights, and keys that let you control every aspect of your music without looking at your computer screen.
There are three types of KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards: the S-Series Mk2, the A-Series, and the M32. Each type has different features and specifications, depending on your needs and preferences. Here is a comparison table of the different KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards:
Model
Key Size
Key Count
Key Type
Screen
Knobs
Faders
Touch Strips
Buttons
Pads
MCU Support
Price
S-Series Mk2
Full-size
49/61/88
Fatar keybed with aftertouch
Two high-res color screens
Eight touch-sensitive knobs
None
Two touch strips with LEDs
37 buttons (including transport, DAW, plug-in, preset, and performance controls)
None
Yes
$599/$699/$999
A-Series
Full-size
25/49/61
Semi-weighted keybed with custom spring action and velocity-sensitive white LEDs
OLED display
Eight touch-sensitive knobs
None
Four-directional push encoder with enter function and indicator LED (replaces pitch and mod wheels)
17 buttons (including transport, DAW, plug-in, preset, and performance controls)
None
Yes
$149/$199/$249
M32Micro-size >32 >Synth-action keybed with custom spring action and velocity-sensitive white LEDs >OLED display >Eight touch-sensitive knobs >None >Four-directional push encoder with enter function and indicator LED (replaces pitch and mod wheels) >15 buttons (including transport, DAW, plug-in, preset, and performance controls) >None >Yes >$139 >
As you can see, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards offer a range of options for different budgets and preferences. You can choose the one that suits you best and enjoy the full potential of Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0.
Conclusion
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is a powerful and versatile software that allows you to create, control, and perform your music with your computer and keyboard controller. It integrates with your DAW and other Native Instruments products, allows you to browse, preview, and play thousands of sounds from KOMPLETE, NKS, and Sounds.com, lets you tweak and manipulate your sounds with hands-on controls and smart mapping, and enables you to create and perform with loops, samples, and one-shots using the new Audio Module.
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 also introduces several workflow improvements and bug fixes that make it easier and smoother to use. It improves the integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, GarageBand, and other DAWs, fixes the DAW port missing on Windows issue and the NKS scanning bug, enhances the MIDI mapping functionality with Value Pickup mode, and updates the tagging system for consistent browsing across all your content.
Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 works with any MIDI-capable keyboard controller, but it works best with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards. These keyboards are designed to work seamlessly with Komplete Kontrol software, offering dedicated buttons, knobs, faders, touch strips, screens, lights, and keys that let you control every aspect of your music without looking at your computer screen. You can choose from three types of KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards: the S-Series Mk2, the A-Series, and the M32, depending on your budget and preference.
If you are a music producer or performer who wants to have the ultimate control over your music, you should definitely get Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 and start making music with it. Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is a free update for existing users of Komplete Kontrol software, which can be downloaded via Native Access. If you don't have Komplete Kontrol software yet, you can get it as part of KOMPLETE START, a free collection of instruments, effects, loops, and samples from Native Instruments.
Thank you for reading this article and we hope you found it useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Happy music making!
FAQs
Q: How much does Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 cost and where can I get it?
A: Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 is a free update for existing users of Komplete Kontrol software, which can be downloaded via Native Access. If you don't have Komplete Kontrol software yet, you can get it as part of KOMPLETE START, a free collection of instruments, effects, loops, and samples from Native Instruments.
Q: What are the system requirements for Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0?
A: The minimum system requirements for Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0 are: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 10.12 or higher; Intel Core i5 CPU or equivalent; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended); graphics hardware support for OpenGL 2.1 or higher; USB 2 or higher port; internet connection for installation and updates.
Q: What is NKS and how does it work with Komplete Kontrol 2.3.0?
A: NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) is a format that allows third-party developers to integrate their instruments and effects with Native Instruments hardware and software. NKS products are pre-mapped to the controls of KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards, MASCHINE hardware, and KOMPLETE KONTROL software, making them ea