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!

This is my first Native Instruments keyboard. I didn't know what to expect, but it's amazing. Super easy to use, and there are great tutorials on their YouTube channel. The build is really high-quality - the casing is one piece of plastic, and the keybed feels great as well, very professional. The knobs are touch-sensitive, so options appear as soon as you touch one of the knobs, letting you know what you can scroll to in the list. The polyphonic aftertouch is very cool as well - some instruments are configured for vibrato or other effects when you press the keys harder or wiggle them. Such a great purchase and I can't wait to learn more music production skills with this!

After getting the keyboard I was amazed at the build quality and design. It's heavy and feels like a premium product. After trying to get it setup(installed drivers, troubleshooting updates etc.) The keyboard was not recognized by the firmware update. After hours of trying to get it to work. I returned it assuming that it was a bad board. So I ordered a replacement.I've had the same issues with the replacement board. It's not recognized by the PC dispute being plugged directly into the motherboard USBc port and getting plenty of power.All of my software and drivers are up to date and I followed all of the troubleshooting steps per the NI website. Still no success with the board. Maybe I received 2 faulty boards back to back. While unlikely it's still possible; but I'm not trying a third. It shouldn't be this troublesome to get a keyboard to work. Especially at this price point.

Great keyboard and great software. You can do almost anything with this. Setup is tricky and will take time. Lots of info on the NI website and there are FB user pages that help. I just play this in my home. I don't haul it around or play in a band.Files are large. I used an external hard drive for the Libraries and VST Plugins. The Download and Application files go on your laptop drive. I have a 20W 5V/9V USB PSU powering the S61. (The S61 would not run in stand alone mode with a standard 2.2A 5V USB PSU.) The S61 is connected via a long USB cable to a USB hub, then to my Windows 10 laptop.Mine came with Komplete 14 Select software. It included Vintage Organs, which has all the Hammond and transistor organ sounds. Massive can apparently sound like any synth. I purchased Kontact 7 Full to use with 3rd party instruments. (Wait until it goes on sale to buy it.) Alecia's Keys is my favorite piano sound. I bought it for $13 from Plugin Boutique. Shop around for instruments and deals. Lots of cheap and free stuff out there.The keybed is a Fatar TP/80SK, semi-weighted pro synth with polyphonic after touch. Very nice. The big screen, knobs, and buttons work great. You can select and edit instruments from the keyboard, so your laptop can be over on your desk.I could go on, but I won't. Lots of good reviews online.