Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard Controller main image

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard Controller

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$110.67 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (80)

1 Critic Review

10 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK2

$359.00 - $699.00

4.5 (35)

Find out who is using Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49

5 community setups

52 wishlisted

202 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

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5.0 (15)

$110.67 16 available Used

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Average Price: $774

High-end/Boutique

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard Controller is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard Controller, a powerhouse tool for musicians seeking seamless integration in their DAW-based production environments. This controller is more than just a keyboard; it's your gateway to a world of sound, offering an astounding degree of integration with Native Instruments' Komplete suite and other leading software instruments and samplers. Equipped with a top-of-the-line Fatar keybed featuring 49 semi-weighted keys, the S49 ensures a responsive and natural playing experience that captures every nuance of your performance.

The S49 is designed for both the studio and on-stage use, with its intuitive layout and eight high-quality encoders that provide tactile control over your software's parameters. The vibrant, high-resolution display keeps you focused and informed, displaying essential information at a glance. The innovative Light Guide technology offers visual feedback, showing keys splits, scales, and even sequences, making complex compositions more accessible and engaging.

Whether you're a seasoned producer or an aspiring musician, the Komplete Kontrol S49 is tailored to enhance your creative workflow, making it a versatile addition to your musical toolkit.

Key Features:

49 semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
Seamless integration with Native Instruments Komplete and other major DAWs
High-resolution display for clear visual feedback
Eight touch-sensitive control knobs
Light Guide technology for enhanced visual feedback
Pre-mapped control for hundreds of popular instruments and effects
USB MIDI and power connections for easy setup and use

Product specs

Brand	Native Instruments
Model	Komplete Kontrol S49
Finish	Black
Year	2010s
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Semi-Weighted
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys	49 Keys

FAQs

Is the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 compatible with all DAWs?: Yes, the Komplete Kontrol S49 is compatible with most major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Cubase. It offers deep integration with Native Instruments' own software, providing enhanced control and workflow efficiency.
Does the Komplete Kontrol S49 require a computer to function?: Yes, the Komplete Kontrol S49 requires a computer connection to function as it is primarily designed to interface with software instruments and DAWs via USB.
What type of keyboard action does the Komplete Kontrol S49 have?: The Komplete Kontrol S49 features a semi-weighted keyboard action, providing a balance between the dynamic response of a piano and the fast action of a synthesizer.
Can the Komplete Kontrol S49 be used to control external MIDI hardware?: Yes, the Komplete Kontrol S49 can control external MIDI hardware via its MIDI input and output ports, allowing for versatile integration with other MIDI devices.
Does the Komplete Kontrol S49 come with any software?: The Komplete Kontrol S49 comes with the Komplete Kontrol software, which helps organize and control your Native Instruments libraries and offers seamless integration with NKS-compatible plugins.

Videos

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Sanjay C

M32 vs A25 vs S49 vs S88 - Native Instruments keyboards compared!

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Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 & Komplete Ultimate Review

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Reviews

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PROS

Customizable keybed velocity curves enhance playability
Seamless integration with NI software and various DAWs
Simple UI for easy sorting and previewing of presets
Effective arpeggiator and scale guide
Eases workflow, especially for non-keyboard players
High-quality keys provide a satisfying playing experience
Works well with Logic X and Maschine 2.2 update
Facilitates easy browsing through banks and playing melodies

CONS

Some users may prefer a fully weighted keybed
The full 88 key version might be more desirable for some

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 Keyboard Controller.

Software and compatibility

0 0

Users report persistent crashes and lock-ups with Cubase, even on high-performance systems, suggesting potential software compatibility issues with the MKIII.
Source
0 0

KK MK3 lacks basic Maschine controls like play and stop, which is a significant drawback for dedicated Maschine users.
Source
0 0

Native Instruments hardware can work fully if the new owner purchases the software themselves, as licenses aren't tied to the hardware's functionality.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

Changing the MIDI version from 2.0 to 1.0 resolved unresponsive keys for some owners, highlighting potential firmware issues with MIDI 2.0.
Source
0 0

The S49 MK3's polyphonic aftertouch greatly enhances expressiveness, though its utility is limited due to incomplete software support.
Source
0 0

The S49 MK2 integrates well with Ableton Live and supports NKS, enhancing its functionality with Arturia and other NKS-compatible software.
Source

User experience

0 0

Some users find the lack of Maschine integration and MIDI template support frustrating, impacting workflow.
Source
0 0

Users find the screens on the S49 MK3 underutilized, as they don't currently fulfill their potential functions.
Source
0 0

Owners find that purchasing the controller without a software license may require dealing with NI for registration, but the hardware remains fully functional.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Despite issues, some users still prefer the MKIII over other controllers due to its sound libraries and plug-ins.
Source
0 0

Transitioning from an A49 to an S61 MK2 significantly boosts workflow productivity due to enhanced integration features.
Source

Other

0 0

Initial manufacturing issues led to recalls and shipping delays due to a faulty internal component, affecting availability and reliability perceptions.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The keybed on the S-series, noted for its superior feel, is favored over the M32 by users seeking better playability.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Some users opt to wait for sales or future updates, as current MK3 features may not justify its premium price for Maschine users.
Source
0 0

A price of 230€ for the S49 MK2 is considered a great deal, even without the Komplete Select software, which typically costs 199€.
Source

Critic Reviews

NI Komplete Kontrol S49

soundonsound.com

The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 impresses with its seamless integration with Komplete and Maschine, creating a unified instrument experience. The innovative Light Guide and Smart Play features are standout elements, both visually and functionally enhancing performance. While its design is sleek and its build quality solid, the lack of programmability and limited DAW control outside of specific software may deter some users. The S49 is most beneficial for NI-centric setups, offering a premium but pricey solution that excels when paired with Komplete or Maschine. For those within the NI ecosystem, it's a compelling choice.

positive

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 80 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

heliocentric

145

over 8 years ago

Great extra addition to the Maschine

Contrary to the Maschine Jam, this is a great addition to the Maschine Studio when it comes to music production and live performances. It lets you browse through banks with ease while playing melodies, and is perfectly integrated with all of the NI-software

deadzepofficial

163

almost 8 years ago

Perfect

Completely simple UI that allows you to easily sort through and preview thousands of presets from almost any library that works with Komplete. Really awesome arpeggiator and scale guide.

seanearley

over 6 years ago

Amazing Keyboard

I love this board and how it integrates so seamlessly with both the NI software and the DAW,

n2techno

over 6 years ago

Fantastic Keyboard

Does what it does. The improved version of this are the S Series with more features and screens.

Roles:

Keyboardist Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Techno Dance music Electro

allnbrg

about 8 years ago

Love this keyboard!!

My only issue is that I didn't get the full 88 key version! I love this keyboard and it's features! I just wish the keys were more weighted!!

mayen

292

over 8 years ago

Simple

it eases workflow, but mapping keys and chords. if you are not a keyboard player this will make it easy on your productions.

digitalis

113

almost 9 years ago

Great midi keyboard

Great keys and a dream to use with Komplete.

emlynlucas

221

over 11 years ago

Amazing!

Still learning but this thing is amazing!! Fantastic with Logic X and also amazing with the Maschine 2.2 update that allows machine and the Komplete Kontrol to work together!!