Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3 – 49-Key Smart MIDI Controller with Polyphonic Aftertouch

The Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3 combines expressive playing with seamless workflow. Featuring a semi-weighted Fatar keybed with polyphonic aftertouch, immersive Light Guide feedback, an ultra-sharp full-colour display, and next-gen NKS integration, it’s engineered to elevate your studio or live setup with intuitive control and inspiring interaction.

Key Features

• 49 semi-weighted keys with polyphonic aftertouch: Delivers dynamic expression on every note.
• High-resolution 1280 × 480 colour display: Navigate presets, instruments, and parameters with clear visual feedback.
• Light Guide RGB above-key lighting: Highlights scales, chords, zones, and instrument layouts for quick visual orientation.
• Solid aluminium build: Durable yet elegant, with anodized knobs, pitch/mod wheels, and a touch-sensitive smart strip.
• Deep NKS 2 & MIDI 2.0 integration: Plug into Komplete, Kontakt, and third-party plug-ins with instant browsing and auto-mapping.
• Comprehensive connectivity: Includes USB-C bus power, MIDI In/Out, and 4 × ¼″ pedal inputs (sustain, expression, assignable).

Customer Benefits

The S49 MK3 brings sound design and performance closer to your fingertips. Visual cues, expressive touch, and effortless software navigation turn creative blocks into seamless workflow—so you stay inspired and focused from sketch to production.

Quick Specs

• Keys: 49 semi-weighted with polyphonic aftertouch
• Display: 1280 × 480 full-colour screen
• Controls: 8 touch-sensitive encoders, 4D push encoder, pitch & mod wheels, touch strip
• Connectivity: USB-C bus power, MIDI In/Out, 4 × ¼″ pedal inputs
• Dimensions (W×D×H): 80.2 × 32.3 × 8.6 cm
• Weight: Approx. 5.5 kg
• Light Guide: RGB illumination for keys

What’s in the Box

• Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3 keyboard controller
• USB‐C cable
• Download voucher for Komplete 14 Select, Komplete Kontrol, plus instrument bundle
• User documentation

Use Cases / Ideal For

Perfect for producers, composers, and live performers seeking hands-on control, expressiveness, and seamless integration with software instruments. Ideal for those who rely on rapid browsing, visual guidance, and refined touch in their creative process.

Compatibility

Works with all NKS-compatible instruments, major DAWs (Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, FL Studio, etc.), and hardware via MIDI 2.0. Smart Play, DAW mapping, and plugin tagging make it a versatile hub in any setup.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Expressive performance with polyphonic aftertouch and Light Guide
• Robust metal build with refined tactile controls
• Deep NI and third-party NKS and plugin integration
• Visual clarity via high-resolution screen and lighting

⚠️ Cons:

• Too large and heavy for ultra-compact setups
• Premium price reflects its professional-grade features

The Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3 is a performance-grade keyboard that combines visual flair, expressive touch, and software harmony into one intelligent instrument.