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Average Price: $887
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$200
$501+
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Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Welcome to the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3, a 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller designed to be the central core of your studio. This intelligent MIDI controller integrates seamlessly with a wide range of virtual instruments, offering an immersive and intuitive music creation experience.
With a Fatar keybed providing polyphonic aftertouch, this controller gives you the power to modulate parameters with the subtlest pressure on each key. The high-resolution screen ensures crisp, clear visualization of your tracks while you navigate and tweak your sounds effortlessly.
The Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) technology offers unparalleled integration with NI Komplete instruments as well as third-party software, allowing you to map, play, and adjust thousands of sounds and effects without interrupting your creative flow.
The beautifully redesigned Light Guide, an array of RGB lights above each key, provides visual cues for drum cells, key switches, scales and more, ensuring you stay in key.
Key Features:
- Fatar keybed with polyphonic aftertouch and 61 semi-weighted keys
- Pre-configured mapping for all NI Komplete instruments and NKS-compatible third-party instruments
- Light Guide: RGB lights above each key for visual cues
- High-resolution color screen for intuitive navigation and tweaking
- Pitch and mod wheels, 8 rotary controllers, 1 4D controller, and transport keys for versatile control
- Power supply via USB-C with USB Type-C port
- Sustain and expression pedal input with 2 freely assignable pedal inputs
- Comprehensive DAW integration beyond standard transport controls
- Includes download software: Komplete Select, Komplete Kontrol, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, Elements Suite and Hypha.
Owner's manual
Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller User ManualProduct specs
| Type | Keyboard Controller |
| Number of Keys | 61 |
| Type of Keys | Semi-weighted |
| Velocity Sensitive | Yes |
| Aftertouch | Yes, Polyphonic |
| Other Controllers | Pitchbend, Mod Wheel, Ribbon Controller |
| Encoders/Pots | 8 x Encoders, 1 x 4D Encoders |
| Dedicated Transport Control | Yes |
| Zones | Yes |
| Pedal Inputs | 1 x 1/4" (sustain) 1 x 1/4" (expression), 2 x 1/4" (assign 1, 2) |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out, USB ; MIDI 2.0 |
| USB | 2 x USB-C (host, power) |
| Computer Connectivity | USB |
| Software | Komplete 15 Select, Komplete Kontrol, Hypha, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, Elements Suite, Ableton Live Lite |
| Format | AAX, AU, VST, VST3, Standalone |
| Hardware Requirements - Mac | Intel Core i5 / Apple M1 or higher, 8GB RAM minimum |
| Hardware Requirements - PC | Intel Core i5 or higher, 8GB RAM minimum |
| OS Requirements - Mac | macOS 13 or higher (macOS 12 in MIDI 1.0 mode) |
| OS Requirements - PC | Windows 10 or higher |
| Power Supply | USB bus powered |
| Height | 3.38" |
| Width | 38.08" |
| Depth | 12.71" |
| Weight | 13.22 lbs. |
FAQs
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Is the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 compatible with Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 is compatible with Ableton Live and comes with Ableton Live Lite software, allowing seamless integration and control over your sessions.
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Does the Kontrol S61 Mk3 require an external power supply?
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No, the Kontrol S61 Mk3 is USB bus-powered, meaning it draws power directly from your computer via the USB-C connection, eliminating the need for an external power supply.
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What type of keys does the Kontrol S61 Mk3 have?
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The Kontrol S61 Mk3 features 61 semi-weighted keys that are velocity-sensitive and include polyphonic aftertouch, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience.
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Can I use the Kontrol S61 Mk3 as a standalone MIDI controller?
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Yes, the Kontrol S61 Mk3 can function as a standalone MIDI controller. It includes MIDI In and Out ports, allowing you to connect it to other MIDI devices without a computer.
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What software is included with the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3?
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The Kontrol S61 Mk3 comes with a comprehensive software package, including Komplete 15 Select, Komplete Kontrol, Hypha, Stradivari Cello, Guitar Rig LE, Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite.
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Does the Kontrol S61 Mk3 support DAW control?
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Yes, the Kontrol S61 Mk3 offers dedicated transport controls and integrates with popular DAWs, allowing you to manage your sessions directly from the keyboard.
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What are the connectivity options for the Kontrol S61 Mk3?
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The Kontrol S61 Mk3 features USB-C ports for computer connectivity and power, as well as MIDI In and Out ports for connecting to other MIDI devices.
Videos
Native Instruments
What's new in Kontrol S-Series MK3 | Native Instruments
Reviews
PROS
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Superior keybed feel enhances playability
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Seamless integration with Logic Pro X for comprehensive control
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Exceptional customer service experience reported
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High-quality build when intact
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Efficient workflow with Native Instruments and NKS integration
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Large, luxurious screen simplifies browsing libraries and plugins
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Innovative features like Play Assist, scale mode, and arpeggiator
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Polyphonic aftertouch offers unique expressive capabilities
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Tight integration with Native Instruments libraries and 3rd party plugins via NKS2
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Significant firmware updates anticipated, promising ongoing improvements
CONS
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Initial firmware and shipping issues reported
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Some units experienced hardware defects (keys, mod wheel) upon arrival
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Firmware updates can be problematic and stressful
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Loss of Maschine buttons and pads limits beat-making capability
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Occasional unexplained crashes noted
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Browser feature malfunctions after software updates
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Concerns over product support and responsiveness to inquiries
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller.
Build quality
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Some users find the Fatar TP9 keybed on the S61 Mk3 spongy, particularly the black keys, affecting playability for those familiar with Yamaha's keybeds.
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Some owners report a plastic sound and feel in the S61 keybed, particularly during key action, which detracts from the overall playing experience.
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Features and functionality
Software and compatibility
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Native Instruments provides Komplete 15 Select, a more extensive software package compared to Arturia's offerings, but at a higher cost.
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Third-party NKS packs from Freelance Soundlabs can enhance functionality with non-NKS plugins like Omnisphere and Arturia, though setup can be complex.
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The integration of Traktor settings now allows for user-created mappings, though it's a complex process requiring familiarity with MIDI and device manager settings.
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User experience
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The NKS 2.0 integration on the S61 Mk3 offers seamless parameter mapping, simplifying navigation for users of Native Instruments and Arturia plugins.
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Some users report power issues with the S61 Mk3, linked to a broken cable connector, which can cause the device to power down unexpectedly.
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Some users report an unpleasantly long duration in transit for repairs, leading to more time spent away from the device than actually using it.
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Setup and maintenance
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Firmware upgrade for the S88 can be challenging; users mention a hidden support page on NI's website that resolves "could not reboot into firmware" errors.
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Owners experience frequent power inconsistencies, noting the S61 Mk3 struggles with various power sources including desktop PC USB, powered USB hubs, and Apple iPad wall plugs.
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Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The S88's hammer action is praised for orchestral composition, providing expressive control without sacrificing synth action feel.
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The S88 Mk3 receives varied feedback, with some users enjoying the VST packs and playability, while others criticize the mushy key feel, indicating differing experiences based on individual preferences.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
In this video, Jacob used the Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller while breaking his instrument with native instruments. It's called the Jacob Collier Audience Choir.
In the article titled "Chris Dudley of Underoath soundtracks swamps and the apocalypse with KONTAKT" by Vivian Host on the Native Instruments Blog, it is confirmed that Christopher Dudley uses the Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller. The article discusses how Chris utilizes various Native Instruments products, including his Komplete Kontrol S61, Massive, Kontakt, and Super8.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Kontrol S61 Mk3 61-key Smart Keyboard Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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