Review MIDI keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61. Where to buy it?

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware for computer audio production and DJing. Native Instruments offers an unparalleled ecosystem of hardware, software and digital services powered by powerful platforms such as KONTAKT, REAKTOR and KOMPLETE. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I will list the features of this Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

• Newly developed semi-weighted keyboard
• 61 keys
• 8 touch-sensitive encoders, tone and modulation wheels
• Push-button 4D encoder
• Smart Player
• Integration with Maschine
• Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, Garage Band, Cubase and Nuendo
• USB powered
• 6.3 mm input for pedal
• USB port
• Dimensions: 984 x 257 x 89 mm
• Weight: 4.7 kg
• Includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €222/£199/$222 and offers a keyboard with 61 semi-weighted keys that will allow you to play and compose different musical ideas on your favorite DAW.

As other control functions, we have a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

It integrates a pedal input and a USB connection, where it is powered. Includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Now that we have seen the features of this Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 keyboard look at these related videos to learn more.

Posts you may be interested in

• Ranking with the best midi keyboards
• My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
• Best MIDI Software to work with.
• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 has a price of €222/£199/$222 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has a price of €135/£125/$137. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 25 semi-weighted keys.
• Both offer a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both offers sustain pedal input connections and USB connections.
• Also included are the Komplete effect and instrument licenses: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our first comparison we have two models of brother MIDI controllers, on one hand, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 that both offer the same control functions: 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. But their main difference is the number of keys or 61 or 25, with 5 octaves for the first and 2 octaves for the second. Because it’s a somewhat small difference it’s worth going for the 61, however, if you don’t need it you’ll save a bit if you go for the 25.

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 Keyboard is priced at €222/£199/$222 when the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII. is priced at €875/£789/$866. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers a Fatar branded keyboard with 88 hammer action keys, of excellent quality.
• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII offers 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc.), a center knob for choosing different functions, modulation and pitch bend wheels.
• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61 integrates sustain pedal input connections and USB connections. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII features CV outputs (pitch out, gate out, Mod 1 and Mod 2), MIDI input and output, inputs for expression, sustain and 3 auxiliary pedals, CV input, external power supply input and USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 includes the following licensed Komplete instruments and effects: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII includes the Analog Lab 4 licenses with 6000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Wurli V, Arturia VOX Continental V and Arturia Piano V.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the already analyzed and known Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61, and on the other hand the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII that offers a Fatar brand keyboard with 88 hammer action keys, 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable knobs, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc), a central knob to choose different functions, modulation wheels and pitch bend.

Due to its price the Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII is a very superior MIDI controller, having more and better control functions, starting with its very fine and quality keyboard, then going through a good set of control functions and culminating with connections that we find only in high-quality MIDI controllers. Although it is almost 4 times more expensive than the Native Instruments Komplete Control A61 it is not a bad choice because of its price.

And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 has a price of €222/£199/$222 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 has a price of €105/£98/$108. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 32 mini-synth action keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 1 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders and transport buttons (pause, rec, play), octave up/down buttons, buttons for loop, tempo and other functions. In addition to touch strips, touch detectors for modulation and pitch bend.
• Both offers sustain pedal input connections and USB connections.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 includes the following licensed Komplete instruments and effects: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 includes the following Komplete instruments and effects licenses: Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essentials, Komplete Start, Ableton Live 10 Lite.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison we have on the one hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 whose functions and performance we have already analyzed, and on the other hand we have the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 that offers 32 speed-sensitive miniature synthesizer action keys, 1 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders and transport buttons (pause, rec, play), octave up/down buttons, loop, tempo and other functions. In addition to touch strips, touch detectors for modulation and pitch bend.

As an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 we have a compact and lightweight design using three octaves of mini keys, and as an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 we can comment on its 5 octaves (semi-weighted keys). If you want a compact MIDI controller with 3 octaves you are fine, go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32, and if you want a MIDI controller with 5 octaves and semi-balanced keys go for the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61.

And here’s a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is priced at €222/£199/$222 and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 is priced at €498/£449/$498. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 offers a Fatar keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys aftertouch.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 features a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), motion buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. Plus high-resolution color screens for navigating, adjusting, mixing and more.
• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61 integrates sustain pedal input connections and USB connections. While the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 integrates a MIDI input and output, two pedal inputs, an input for external power supply and a USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 includes the following licensed Komplete instruments and effects: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 includes the following premium instruments and effects licenses: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp, and Replica.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have again the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 that offers Fatar keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys aftertouch, a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. Plus two high-resolution color screens for navigating, adjusting, mixing and more.

As an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is its 61 semi-weighted keys, and by the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 we have the advantage of having a large number of licenses of Native Instruments, reaching more than hundreds of samples of quality musical instruments, licenses that for beginners more than anything, are highly valued. Only if you are interested in the licenses of Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 go for it, if not the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is a better option.

And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 vs Arturia Keystep

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 Keyboard is priced at €222/£199/$222 while the Arturia Keystep is priced at €102/£89/$101. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers 61 semi-weighted keys, and the Arturia Keystep offers 2 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 offers a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. The Arturia Keystep offers the transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and the touch strips or touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation. Since the Arturia Keystep is also a polyphonic sequencer, which means that it can create sequences (loops) with notes that sound at the same time (creating harmonies), it allows us to create up to 64 different steps (sequences) and create loops, be they percussion, bass, harmonies (chords), melodies and so on
• The Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61 integrates sustain pedal input connections and USB connections. While the Arturia Keystep integrates USB connection, MIDI Input/Output, CV/Port Output, Sync Input/Output, Sustain Pedal Input, Power Supply Input.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 includes the following licensed Komplete instruments and effects: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this last comparison, we have again, on the one hand, the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A61 with its functions and features that we have already analyzed before, and on the other hand the Arturia Keystep that offers 32 thin keys sensitive to speed and touch, the transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and the touch strips or tactile sliders of pitch bend and modulation. Also the polyphonic sequencer function.

As an advantage of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 is its 61 semi-weighted keys that offer, in addition to its control functions. And as a main advantage of the Arturia Keystep we have that it has after being a MIDI controller, it is also a polyphonic sequencer that allows making sequences of up to 8 steps. If you will be using the sequencer function you will really want the Arturia Keystep, and if you want only a 5 octave MIDI controller and other control functions, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 will be your best choice.

And here’s a video of the Arturia Keystep

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia Keystep review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this post we find a very wide range in the price of the MIDI controllers we have, starting at almost 100 euros up to almost 900 euros. Therefore they have differences in their functions and features included. As an ideal MIDI controller for beginners, we can mention the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 which offers 25 full-size keys with velocity sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), it also offers 8 sensitive encodings and a 4D pushbutton shrinkage. It features a sustain pedal input and also includes certain Native Instruments branded effects and licenses, and is an excellent choice for beginners. If you have the opportunity to purchase it, go for it.

Where to buy the keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61

Amazon

• Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

 

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case