Review MIDI keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2. 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 S61 MK2 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.

• For all your virtual instruments
• 61 semi-weighted keys Fatar with aftertouch
• Ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels
• Touch strip for expression control
• Pre-mapped control of instruments from the KOMPLETE package and hundreds of instruments with the Native Instruments Standard (NKS) from market-leading manufacturers
• Full VSTi support
• Preset search based on labels
• Find sounds quickly with instant pre-listening
• 2 high-resolution color screens for navigation, settings, mixing and more
• Light Guide function: RGB lights on each key highlight battery zones, key switches, chords, scales and more
• Smart Play function to view the scales and modes of the Light Guide function
• Play chord progressions and arpeggios with individual keys or map any scale to white keys only
• Deep integration with MASCHINE software/hardware
• Intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and GarageBand
• 2 assignable pedal inputs
• MIDI input and output
• Powered by USB 2.0 port
• Register your hardware to download the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica)
• Dimensions: 1006 x 84 x 297mm (width x height x depth)
• Weight: 6,55kg

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €622/£569/$625 and offers 61 semi-weighted Fatar keys with aftertouch that allow you to play and compose different musical ideas on your favorite DAW.

There are also different control functions such as a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

We also want to emphasize that it has a deep integration with MASCHINE software/hardware and intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live and GarageBand, thanks to which it is very popular among Native Instruments users.

It integrates MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection. And it includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL license, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica).

Now that we have seen the features of this Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 keyboard watch these related videos to know more.

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 has a price of €622/£569/$625 when the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 has a price of €135/£125/$137. Let’s see its face to face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers 61 semi-weighted Fatar keys with aftertouch, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 25 semi-weighted keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 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 Kompletete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers the same functions plus deep integration with MASCHINE software/hardware and intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live and GarageBand.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 integrates MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection. When the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers to sustain pedal input connections and USB connections.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL licenses, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 includes the following Komplete instruments and effects 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 this first comparison, we have two Native Instruments branded MIDI controllers, on one hand, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 which offers 61 semi-balanced Fatar keys with aftertouch, a 4D push encoder, 8 touch-sensitive encoders, transport buttons (rec, play, stop), movement buttons, octave controls and pitch bend and modulation wheels. And the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers 25 semi-weighted keys and the same functions as the first. However, the main difference between the two, apart from the number of keys they offer, is that the keys on the S61 MK2 Control have an aftertouch function and also that the latter has deep integration with MASCHINE software/hardware and intuitive control over Logic Pro X, Ableton Live and GarageBand, making it a better controller.

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

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 S61 MK2 vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 is priced at €622/£569/$625, while the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is priced at €875/£789/$866. We will see their face to face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers 61 Fatar semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, and the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers a Fatar branded keyboard with 88 hammer action keys, of excellent quality.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 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 Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 integrates MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection. 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 S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL licenses, plus the KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII includes the licenses of Analog Lab 4 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 Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 that we have already analyzed before 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.

The Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII having a couple of hundred euros more logically is a better controller, and really that price difference is worth paying, thanks to all the functions, features and improvements that exist between both controllers, if you get the budget go for it. For its price, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 is not a bad option either.

And here’s 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 S61 MK2 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 has a price of €622/£569/$625 while the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 has a price of €105/£98/$108. Let’s go head to head:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers 61 Fatar semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 offers 32 synthesizer action mini keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 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.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 integrates MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection. While the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 integrates a sustain pedal input and USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL licenses, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica. 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

As in the first comparison we have again Native Instruments branded MIDI controllers, on the one hand, the already analyzed Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2, and on the other hand, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32, which offers 32 speed-sensitive synthesizer action mini-keys, 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.

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 advantages of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 we can mention its 5 octaves semi-weighted keyboard with aftertouch, which improves a lot to the competition, besides its deep integration with the software/hardware MASCHINE, which makes the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 a better controller.

And here is 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 review.

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

The MIDI Keyboard Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 is priced at €622/£569/$625 and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 is priced at €498/£449/$498. Let’s see the face to face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers 61 Fatar semi-weighted keys with aftertouch, and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2 offers a Fatar keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys aftertouch.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 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.
• Both integrate MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL licenses, plus KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: Massive, Monark, The Gentleman, Drumlab, Reaktor Prism, Scarbee Mark I, Retro Machines, Vintage Organs, West Africa, Solid Bus Comp and Replica. 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 S61 MK2 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-balanced keys aftertouch, a 4D pushbutton 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 we can see the main difference between both is the number of keys it offers, so the one that best meets your needs 5 octaves (61 keys) or 4 octaves (49 keys) will be the best decision for you.

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

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 vs Arturia Keystep

The MIDI Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 Keyboard has a price of €622/£569/$625 when the Arturia Keystep has a price of €102/£89/$101. Noting the difference of price, we will see the face to face:

• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 offers 61 semi-weighted Fatar keys with aftertouch, and the Keystep Arturia offers 2 thin speed and touch-sensitive keys.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25 offers a 4D Push Encoder, 8 Touch-Sensitive Encoders, Transport Buttons (Rec, Play, Stop), Motion Buttons, Octave Controls, and Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels. The Arturia Keystep offers the transport buttons (play, rec, etc.) and the touch strips or touches 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 Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 integrates MIDI input and output connections, two pedal inputs, power supply input and USB connection. While the Arturia Keystep integrates USB connection, MIDI In/Out, CV/Port Output, Sync In/Out, Sustain Pedal In, Power Supply In.
• The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 includes the KOMPLETE KONTROL licenses, plus the KOMPLETE SELECT for free (11 premium instruments and effects: 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 last comparison, we have again, on the one hand, the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol S61 MK2 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.

If you want a MIDI controller with good performance, a semi-weighted keyboard and excellent compatibility with different DAWs the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 will be your choice, now if you want a controller that is also a polyphonic sequencer, the Arturia Keystep is your answer.

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 have MIDI controllers with a somewhat wide price range, starting with a little more than 100 euros and reaching almost 900 euros, and as a star product, ideal for a beginner in music production, we can mention the Native Instruments Kompletete Kontrol A25 which offers 25 full-size keys with speed sensitivity (intensity in MIDI language), also offers 8 sensitive encodings and a 4D push-button shrink. 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 S61 MK2

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:

• Roli Seaboard Rise 25
• Roli Seaboard Block Studio Edition
• Roli Songmaker Kit Studio Edition
• Haken Audio ContinuuMini
• Roli Seaboard Rise 49
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 Black
• Akai MPK 249
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 White
• Novation 49SL MKIII
• Korg Triton taktile 49
• Keith McMillen K-Board Pro 4
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2
• Novation 61SL MKIII
• Novation Impulse 61
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 White
• Arturia KeyLab MkII 61 Black
• Nektar Panorama P6
• Akai MPK 261
• Nektar Panorama T6
• Studiologic SL73 Studio
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2
• Studiologic SL88 Studio
• Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII
• M-Audio Hammer 88
• Studiologic SL88 Grand
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• Doepfer PK88 GH
• Doepfer PK88 GH without Case