Attention! Alerting all beatmakers, composers, electronic musicians, producers, and sound designers! If you create music or soundscapes with software, you should be excited by the news of new goods from Native Instruments. Even if you're well stocked with all the sounds you need, the new Native Instruments hardware controllers will still pique your interest. Strap in, there's much to see!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series includes the 25-key A25, the 49-key A49, and the 61-key A61. These USB 2.0 bus-powered MIDI controllers feature semi-weighted custom keybeds, OLED screens, eight touch-sensitive control knobs, and ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels. The handy 4-direction push encoder and tag-based preset browsing enable efficient access to instrument sounds, while the Smart Play integration allows single-key triggering of chords and arpeggios, and scale mapping on white keys. With VSTi and VST FX support, pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and NKS plug-ins, integration with Maschine, and DAW control of Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and Garageband, the A-Series controllers are versatile and user-friendly for all kinds of workflows. Additionally, they are bundled with an impressive load of software, including virtual pianos, synths, guitar amps, and effects. Since the A25, A49, and A61 share the same functions and features, all you must do is choose how many keys you need!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK2 rounds out the MK2 S-Series with an aftertouch-enabled Fatar keybed, containing 88 fully weighted, hammer-action keys. In addition to having most of the A-Series features, it boasts two high-resolution color screens, RGB lights above each key, MIDI I/O ports, and two assignable pedal inputs. On the software side, the S88 MK2 comes with a powerhouse collection of instruments and effects including Massive, Monark, Drumlab, Solid Bus Comp, Replika, and so much more!
Showing up on the opposite side of the size spectrum is the USB-powered MASCHINE MIKRO MK3, a compact controller with 16 illuminated multicolor velocity-sensitive pads operable as traditional drum pads, keys, chord triggers, or step-sequencing programmers. A dual-touch Smart Strip empowers you with expressive sliding gestures for strumming, bending, and effects control. The push-encoder ensures easy navigation. From vintage MPC60 and SP1200 sampling emulation to integration with NKS plug-ins, the MASCHINE MIKRO MK3 covers a broad range of production styles. It includes MASCHINE Essentials and three software synthesizers (Massive, Monark, and Reaktor Prism) to make certain that you'll have tons of sounds in your tool box.
For TRAKTOR users, MK3 versions of the TRAKTOR KONTROL S2 and TRAKTOR KONTROL S4 DJ controllers/mixers are available. Redesigned to align closely with the club-standard language of TRAKTOR, they implement DJ-friendly functionality and controls. The 2-channel S2's large 5.5" jog wheels can be used in Jog mode for spinning and scratching, or in Beatgrid mode for manual adjustment of TRAKTOR's beatgrid. 16 RGB pads, 3-band EQs, one-knob FX and filter controls per channel, and assignable FX slots deliver simple and powerful hands-on interaction with the included TRAKTOR PRO 3 software. Its built-in 24-bit / 48 kHz audio interface sports a 1/4" mic input, a 3.5mm headphone output, and 3.5mm and RCA main outputs.
The 4-channel S4 adds haptic feedback, a third mode, and RGB LED rings to the jog wheels found on the S2. Below them sit high-resolution color screens for display of key, tempo, waveform strips, loop info, and more. Carbon Protect faders, an adjustable crossfader curve, and a dedicated cue section enhance the mixer layout, while the built-in audio interface supports 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution and sports XLR, 3.5mm, RCA, and 1/4" connectivity. Like the S2, the S4 includes TRAKTOR PRO 3. If you plan on traveling through the air with your S4 MK3, consider investing in the protective flight case for it.
Now for the expansive software that is KOMPLETE 12! Available in four levels, it accommodates everyone, from first-time songwriters to awarded composers and producers. KOMPLETE 12 SELECT offers 14 instruments and effects, plus three Expansion sound packs. KOMPLETE 12 raises the bar with more than 50 instruments and effects, along with 10 Expansions. Double your fun with KOMPLETE 12 ULTIMATE, which has more than 100 instruments and effects, and twice the number of Expansions. KOMPLETE 12 ULTIMATE Collector's Edition further expands ULTIMATE by dropping in the Symphony Series collection and 30 extra Expansions (for a total of 50!) Of course, flexible upgrade options are provided for owners of different versions of KOMPLETE. Drum kits, loops, samples, synths, and more can all be yours!
Whether you're endlessly experimenting to expand your sonic palette or banging out chart-toppers, the latest releases from Native Instruments have immense power to offer. Spend some time on the B&H website poring over them!
0 Comments