Native Instruments komplete kontrol s series User manual

MANUAL

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this docu-
ment is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instru-
ments GmbH.
Ableton is a trademark of Ableton AG.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Gustav Sto. Tomas, Jan Ola Korte, Nicolas Sidi, David Gover, Christian
Schulz
Software version: 1.9.1 (10/2017)
Hardware version: KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK1
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Disclaimer

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
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www.native-instruments.co.uk
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Innovative Services
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© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2017. All rights reserved.
Contact

Table of Contents
1 Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................... 10
1.1 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 10
1.2 Box Contents .............................................................................................................................. 12
1.3 System Requirements ................................................................................................................. 12
1.4 Accessibility ............................................................................................................................... 14
1.4.1 Feature Overview ....................................................................................................... 15
1.4.2 Hardware Overview .................................................................................................... 17
1.4.3 Training Mode ............................................................................................................ 18
2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9 ...................................................................19
3 The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow ............................................................................ 20
4 Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ..................................................................................22
4.1 Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer .................................................................................. 23
4.2 Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ...................................................................................... 24
4.3 Setting up Host Integration ........................................................................................................ 26
4.3.1 Setting up Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand .......................................................... 28
4.3.2 Setting up Ableton Live (macOS) ............................................................................... 28
4.3.3 Setting up Ableton Live (Windows) ............................................................................ 30
4.4 Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard ............................................................................................ 31
4.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard ................................................................ 33
5 Software Overview .....................................................................................................34
5.1 Header ........................................................................................................................................ 35
5.2 Browser ...................................................................................................................................... 37
5.2.1 Library Pane .............................................................................................................. 38
5.2.2 Instrument Selector ................................................................................................... 40
5.2.3 Files Pane .................................................................................................................. 42
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KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 4

5.3 Perform Panel ............................................................................................................................. 43
5.4 Plug-in Panel .............................................................................................................................. 44
5.5 Instrument Area .......................................................................................................................... 44
6 Keyboard Overview ....................................................................................................46
6.1 Transport Section ....................................................................................................................... 48
6.2 Perform Section .......................................................................................................................... 49
6.3 Control Section ........................................................................................................................... 50
6.4 Light Guide ................................................................................................................................. 52
6.5 Touch Strips ............................................................................................................................... 53
6.6 Transpose Buttons ...................................................................................................................... 53
7 Global Controls and Preferences ................................................................................ 54
7.1 Instrument Views ........................................................................................................................ 54
7.1.1 Default View .............................................................................................................. 55
7.1.2 Additional View .......................................................................................................... 55
7.1.3 Edit View ................................................................................................................... 57
7.2 Switching Instances ................................................................................................................... 58
7.3 Transport and Tempo .................................................................................................................. 60
7.3.1 Clock Resetting Commands ....................................................................................... 61
7.3.2 Adjusting Tempo ........................................................................................................ 61
7.4 Adjusting Master Volume ............................................................................................................ 62
7.5 Preferences ................................................................................................................................. 62
7.5.1 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 63
7.5.2 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 66
7.5.3 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 67
7.5.4 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 69
7.5.5 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 74
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KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 5

7.5.6 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 77
8 MIDI Communication .................................................................................................80
8.1 Host Automation ......................................................................................................................... 81
8.1.1 Automation IDs for the Perform Panel ........................................................................ 81
8.1.2 Recording Automation ............................................................................................... 82
8.2 Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode ............................................................................................... 85
8.3 Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller ................................................................... 86
9 Host Integration ........................................................................................................87
9.1 Integration with MASCHINE ........................................................................................................ 87
9.2 Integration with MASCHINE ........................................................................................................ 91
9.3 Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand .................................................................. 91
9.4 Integration with Ableton Live ...................................................................................................... 92
10 Browsing the Library ..................................................................................................94
10.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 94
10.1.1 Browse Modes ............................................................................................................ 94
10.1.2 About the Library and Meta-Information .................................................................... 95
10.1.3 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 96
10.2 Selecting Browse Mode Keyboard ................................................................................................ 97
10.3 Opening the Browser .................................................................................................................. 98
10.4 Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content ................................................................ 99
10.5 Loading an Instrument with its default Preset File ..................................................................... 100
10.6 Filtering Preset Files by Bank ..................................................................................................... 103
10.7 Resetting the Instrument Selection ............................................................................................ 104
10.8 Types and Modes Filters ............................................................................................................. 105
10.8.1 Filtering Preset Files by Types and Modes .................................................................. 108
10.8.2 Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ............................................................ 111
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KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 6

10.9 Working with Favorites ............................................................................................................... 111
10.9.1 Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ........................................................................... 112
10.9.2 Displaying Favorites in the Results List ..................................................................... 113
10.9.3 Removing Preset Files from the Favorites .................................................................. 114
10.10 Performing a Text Search ............................................................................................................ 116
10.11 Displaying Preset File Information .............................................................................................. 116
10.12 Auditioning your Preset Files ...................................................................................................... 117
10.13 Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay ........................................................................................... 119
11 Managing the Library .................................................................................................121
11.1 Saving Preset Files to the User Library ....................................................................................... 121
11.2 Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ......................................................................... 123
11.3 Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files .................................................................. 124
11.4 Working with the Files Pane ........................................................................................................ 127
11.4.1 Additional Features in the Results List in the Files Pane ........................................... 128
11.4.2 Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar .................................................... 129
11.4.3 Navigating to Recent File Locations .......................................................................... 130
11.4.4 Working with File Location Favorites .......................................................................... 130
11.5 Loading VST Plug-ins ................................................................................................................. 132
11.6 Installing NKS Instruments ......................................................................................................... 134
11.7 Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ............................................................... 137
12 Controlling Instrument Parameters ............................................................................. 139
12.1 Pre-Mapped Instruments ............................................................................................................ 139
12.2 Adjusting Parameters ................................................................................................................. 139
12.3 Switching Parameter Pages ........................................................................................................ 140
12.4 Customizing Parameter Mappings .............................................................................................. 140
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KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 7

13 Playing and Editing Scales and Chords .......................................................................143
13.1 A Note about Music Theory .......................................................................................................... 144
13.2 Playing a Scale ........................................................................................................................... 145
13.3 Playing Chords ........................................................................................................................... 146
13.4 Editing Scales and Chords ......................................................................................................... 146
13.5 Setting the Scale Parameters ..................................................................................................... 147
13.5.1 Scale Root Note ......................................................................................................... 148
13.5.2 Scale Bank and Type ................................................................................................. 149
13.6 Setting the Key Mode Parameter ................................................................................................. 155
13.7 Setting the Chord Parameters .................................................................................................... 157
13.7.1 Chord mode ............................................................................................................... 157
13.7.2 Chord Type ................................................................................................................. 159
13.7.3 Chord Position ........................................................................................................... 162
14 Playing and Editing the Arpeggiator ............................................................................164
14.1 Playing Arpeggiator Sequences .................................................................................................. 165
14.2 Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator ....................................................................... 166
14.3 Editing the Arpeggiator .............................................................................................................. 166
14.4 Setting the Main Parameters ...................................................................................................... 167
14.4.1 Main Mode ................................................................................................................. 168
14.4.2 Main Type .................................................................................................................. 168
14.5 Setting the Rhythm Parameters .................................................................................................. 169
14.5.1 Rhythm Rate .............................................................................................................. 169
14.5.2 Rhythm Sequence ...................................................................................................... 170
14.5.3 Rhythm Swing ........................................................................................................... 171
14.6 Setting the Other Parameters ..................................................................................................... 172
14.6.1 Other Octaves ............................................................................................................ 172
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14.6.2 Other Dynamic ........................................................................................................... 173
14.6.3 Other Gate ................................................................................................................. 173
14.7 Setting the Advanced Parameters .............................................................................................. 174
14.7.1 Advanced Retrigger ................................................................................................... 174
14.7.2 Advanced Repeat ....................................................................................................... 175
14.7.3 Advanced Offset ........................................................................................................ 175
14.7.4 Advanced Inversion ................................................................................................... 175
14.8 Setting the Range Parameters .................................................................................................... 176
14.8.1 Range Min. Key .......................................................................................................... 176
14.8.2 Range Max. Key ......................................................................................................... 176
14.9 Setting the Hold Parameter ........................................................................................................ 177
15 Configuring the Touch Strips ......................................................................................178
15.1 Accessing the Touch Strip Settings ............................................................................................ 178
15.2 Configuring the Pitch Strip ......................................................................................................... 181
15.2.1 Adjusting Relative Mode ............................................................................................ 181
15.2.2 Enabling Absolute Mode ............................................................................................ 182
15.3 Configuring the Modulation Strip ............................................................................................... 184
15.3.1 Modulation Strip Modes ............................................................................................. 184
15.3.2 Selecting and Editing a Modulation Strip Mode ......................................................... 187
16 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................189
Index ........................................................................................................................191
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KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 9

1 Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL
S-Series—form a tightly integrated music production and performance system that brings all
the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the heart of your work-
flow.
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers advanced integration with a number of hosts and provides full
control of any Instruments supporting NKS, both from Native Instruments and partners. The
keyboard lets you browse your Instruments in an intuitive way and play them creatively with
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s unique Scale engine and Arpeggiator.
We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do.
—The team at Native Instruments
1.1 Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of poten-
tial issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task
more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the giv-
en context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Document Conventions
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 10

▪Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
►Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard (or just
keyboard) as the hardware controller and KOMPLETE KONTROL software as the software installed
on your computer.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MA-
SCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
Unlabeled Buttons on the Keyboard
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
keyboard do not have labels.
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the ele-
ments are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons above the displays are written Button 1 to
Button 8, while the knobs under the displays are written Knob 1 to Knob 8.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Document Conventions
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 11

1.2 Box Contents
The box contains the following items:
▪Information flyer providing:
▪the hardware serial number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard
▪a web link for downloading the KOMPLETE SELECT software bundle (including KOM-
PLETE KONTROL)
▪KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard
▪Safety Instructions flyer
▪USB cable
The included 3 meter USB cable only works in conjunction with the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL S88 keyboard.
▪Power supply
1.3 System Requirements
For KOMPLETE KONTROL to fully function as indented, your system needs to meet certain re-
quirements. The latest KOMPLETE KONTROL system requirements and compatibility informa-
tion is available here:
www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/keyboards/komplete-kontrol-s-series/specifica-
tions/
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE KONTROL is optimized for use with KOMPLETE 11 SELECT, KOMPLETE 11 and
KOMPLETE 11 ULTIMATE.
The latest KOMPLETE system requirements and compatibility information is available here:
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Box Contents
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 12

www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/bundles/komplete-11/specifications/
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
System Requirements
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 13

1.4 Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers a set of accessibility features for visually-impaired users. These
are focused exclusively on the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard itself and include
voice-over for the following features:
▪All Perform and Transpose buttons, Parameter Page Left / Right buttons and key Naviga-
tion buttons.
▪All Browser functions.
▪Instance switching.
▪The current edit mode, including the Plug-in Panel, Scale, Arp, and Touch Strip.
▪Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit
modes.
►To activate or deactivate the accessibility features from the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Ser-
ies keyboard while the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running, press and hold the
SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard and then press the PRESET Up button on
the top right of the keyboard.
→The voice-over confirms that the accessibility features have been activated or deactivat-
ed.
Activating the accessibility features automatically switches KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Browse
Mode to Hardware.
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in.
However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened after initial in-
stallation and after installing additional Instruments. This will ensure that all Instruments are
displayed correctly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with VoiceOver and
host integration in Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand. Find more information about
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration features in ↑9, Host Integration.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 14

1.4.1 Feature Overview
The following table outlines the availability of accessibility features for different aspects of
KOMPLETE KONTROL from both the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard and the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software.
Feature Acces-
sible
from
Key-
board
Acces-
sible
from
Soft-
ware
Notes
Accessib
ility
Enable and disable
Accessibility mode
Yes No
Browser Browse for Factory and User
Preset files
Yes No
Set or sort by Favorites Yes No
Save and edit User Preset
files
No No
Browse for NKS plug-ins
from other vendors
No No
Instrume
nt pre-
mapping
Adjust key Instrument
parameters
Yes No
Custom map Instrument
parameters
No No
Smart
Play
Adjust Scale & Chord
parameters
Yes No
Adjust Arp parameters Yes No
Touch
Strips
Adjust Touch Strip
parameters
Yes No
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 15

Feature Acces-
sible
from
Key-
board
Acces-
sible
from
Soft-
ware
Notes
DAW
control
Navigate tracks Yes No Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase
Pro, Cubase Artist, Nuendo, and
Live: audible feedback is dependent
on host.
Control transport Yes No Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase
Pro, Cubase Artist, Nuendo, and
Live: audible feedback is dependent
on host.
Other DAWs: Transport can be set
up manually via MCU.
Turn metronome and count-
in on and off
Yes No Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase
Pro, Cubase Artist, Nuendo, and
Live: audible feedback is dependent
on host.
Reposition loop Yes No Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase
Pro, Cubase Artist, Nuendo, and
Live: audible feedback is dependent
on host.
Undo & redo Yes No Logic Pro X, GarageBand, Cubase
Pro, Cubase Artist, Nuendo, and
Live: audible feedback is dependent
on host.
Training
mode
Find a control without
accidentally triggering
actions
Yes No
Preferen
ces
Adjust software & hardware
preferences
No No
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 16

1.4.2 Hardware Overview
The KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard is divided into five main sections: Transpose,
Perform, Transport, the Control section and Navigate.
The Transpose section is on the far left of the keyboard next to the keybed and directly above
the two Touch Strips. It contains two buttons that are arranged as follows:
OCT - OCT +
The Perform section is on the top left of the keyboard and contains three buttons that are ar-
ranged as follows:
SHIFT SCALE ARP
The Transport section is directly below the Perform section and contains six buttons that are
arranged as follows:
LOOP RWD FFW
PLAY REC STOP
There are eight continuous rotary encoders in the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
keyboard, called the Control section. Directly to the left of these are two small buttons to
switch the parameter pages left and right.
The Navigate section is on the top right of the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard and
contains ten buttons and a large click encoder. These are arranged as follows:
BROWSE Control encoder PRESET Up
INSTANCE PRESET Down
BACK Up Enter
Left Down Right
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 17

1.4.3 Training Mode
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Training Mode makes it easy to locate a specific button or pa-
rameter without accidentally triggering an action. When Training Mode is activated, all button
presses and parameter names are announced but the corresponding action is not triggered.
►To activate or deactivate Training Mode from the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series key-
board while the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running, double-press the SHIFT but-
ton on the top left of the keyboard.
Training Mode is only available when the accessibility features have been activated.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 18

2 New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9
▪KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9 adds support for the next generation of KOMPLETE KONTROL
S49 and S61 keyboards.
▪Additionally, it introduces the comprehensive Preview function to the Browser. Now you
can preview sounds when browsing Factory Preset files for all KOMPLETE and NKS Instru-
ments.
New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 1.9
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 19

3 The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
KOMPLETE KONTROL brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard
(NKS) to the heart of your workflow. Its advanced integration in a number of hosts enables you
to quickly capture ideas, with immediate access to the sounds you need—all directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboard.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow is streamlined to remove any obstacles when sketching
out a new song in a supported host:
1. Select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in with the navigation controls
on the keyboard. This is made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host integra-
tion.
2. Find a Preset file you like from any of the Instruments in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Li-
brary by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s filters and Preview func-
tions.
3. Use the keyboard’s Control section to adjust the loaded Instrument and create your own
unique sound.
4. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your
playing with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
5. Record a new clip in the host, conveniently controlling transport and loop functions di-
rectly from the keyboard. Again, made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host
integration.
6. If you need to start over, undo and redo functions are right at your fingertips. To further
refine your recording, you can apply quantization and automation to a clip by pressing the
corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
→You have quickly captured a musical idea, and can continue sketching out a new song by
repeating the process and layering more tracks.
Key Features
The following key features facilitate the KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow:
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
KOMPLETE KONTROL - Manual - 20