Native Instruments Launches Product Offensive - New Maschine, New DJ Controllers, New Keyboards, and New Komplete Versions
Native Instruments means business - and is releasing the most extensive product update in their company's history. No less than 12 new products will hit the market in the coming weeks, demonstrating the consistent drive for product improvement. The product updates span across all areas - All the information can be found here!
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S2 MK3
The beginning is marked by the new entry-level DJ controller for the in-house DJ software Traktor Pro 3.
With the new controller revisions, Traktor has also been upgraded to version 3, which is naturally included in all controllers.
The S2 in the MK3 version differs visually from its predecessor. The universally familiar club layout has now also found its way into the Traktor Kontrol series.
Also new is the Mixer FX section. For each deck, you can select from various effects and filters independently of the Traktor Kontrol deck effects. With the rotary knob and quick select buttons, effect manipulations are possible in no time.
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3
Continuing with the NI Traktor Kontrol S4 MK3. Here too, there has been consistent further development. Like the S2, the S4 now shines in club-standard layout. The new Traktor Pro 3 DJ software is also used here.
The jogwheels have been completely redesigned. They are now motorized and offer a decent amount of feedback, making beatmatching even more precise. The jogwheels can be operated in 3 different ways:
- Jog Mode - The classic mode for beatmatching and more.
- Turntable Mode - Specially optimized for scratching
- Beatgrid Mode - For manual alignment of beatgrids in Traktor
Also on board is the aforementioned Mixer FX feature, with which you can quickly select and apply effects.
Other professional features such as Adjustable Crossfader Curves, 2 Color Displays, 24-Bit Audio Interface, and Carbon-Protect Faders leave nothing to be desired.
Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK3
Embark on the affordable journey into the world of Maschine now with the Maschine Mikro in MK3 version.
The design and basic layout have been inherited from the new large Maschine MK3. This includes new dedicated buttons for the Pad mode, a touch strip, and thicker pads for a nuanced playing experience.
Also inherited is the Push encoder, which allows you to navigate through menus in 4 different directions and confirm selection with a "Push".
The compact dimensions of the predecessor remain intact, and alongside the Maschine software, there is a 1.6 GB library of samples, loops, and One Shots to get started immediately.
Komplete Kontrol A25 | A49 | A61
The new A-Series represents a new keyboard series, with which Native Instruments aims to target mid-range budget customers. The essential features from the Komplete Kontrol series are included here, allowing for quick and easy browsing through the VST library.
Integration into Komplete and the Maschine software is included here, as well as the Push encoder from the new Maschines.
Also inherited are the 8 rotary knobs which provide immediate access to all important VST parameters or for browsing through the preset library.
The keyboard is a proprietary development for Native Instruments and is semi-weighted on all models. The small monochrome display comes from the Maschine Mikro MK3.
Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2
The end of the food chain and the complete counterpart to the A-Series is the new S88 MK2 Keyboard Monster. Packed with all the features that make up a professional studio keyboard, this piece of hardware leaves nothing to be desired.
With 2 huge displays - the same ones as in the Maschine MK3 - it's easy to navigate through the library and all information is always displayed cleanly and polished.
The Faitar keyboard offers 88 fully weighted keys for a natural playing experience. Light Guide is also back on board. Here, chords, scales, and notes are visualized with the help of small LEDs on the upper keys.
Additionally, chords or arpeggios can be triggered with just one key. Software-wise, Komplete 12 Select and Maschine Essentials are included.
Native Instruments Komplete 12
Wrapping up the product flood, Native Instruments introduces the new Komplete Version 12, which has grown to include dizzyingly many VST and VSTi plugins.
Completely new is the "Collectors Edition", which includes not only all plugins but also all expansions for Maschine or Komplete.
Thus, the number of Komplete versions rises to a total of 4.
Naturally, updates and upgrades from old versions are also offered at discounted prices. You can find a complete overview at the end of the post.