Mk3: an elevated expressive experience

With the Kontrol keyboard controllers, expressivity has never been more nuanced. Onboard polyphonic aftertouch provides detailed control of each note, letting you engage changes in pressure and velocity across chords to elicit evocative passages and progressions. A deeply customizable suite of modulation-wheel assignment options enables you to masterfully manipulate pitch, cutoff, vibrato, and virtually any additional parameter found within your plug-in of choice. If impressive flexibility with the modulation and pitch wheels wasn’t enough, you’ll find a dedicated Touch Strip nearby, facilitating a new dimension of uninterrupted expressivity. What’s more, because each keybed was developed in collaboration with Fatar, it captures not just the nuances of each manner of expression, but is fully calibrated for the extreme resolution of MIDI 2.0 and the creative possibilities that it affords on any manner of instrument or control.

Komplete integration, designed for the future

The face-lifted Kontrol keyboard’s interface maximizes depth of control while streamlining the user experience with excellent ergonomics. A rugged, durable housing comprises CNC-machined anodized aluminum that’s been bead blasted for a frame that’s as sturdy as it is aesthetically satisfying. Its vivid, full-color display enables detailed control of any NKS instrument. At the same time, its eight knobs, 4D encoder, and versatile soft switches can be tailored for virtually any performance, composition, or arrangement functionality your DAW has available. Instrumental integration goes further than ever, thanks to the newly reimagined Light Guide: RGB backlighting accompanies every key, button, and encoder, as well as the touch strip and pitch and modulation wheels. Use these to stay in key, assign zones and switches, indicate scales, and much more to let you focus on the most important aspects of your playing.

Keep yourself connected in any rig

Native Instruments has prioritized integration with each iteration of the Kontrol S Smart Keyboard Controllers, and the Mk3 continues this capacity for accommodation with more customization than ever before. Its USB-C bus-powered architecture supports MIDI connectivity over USB for seamless use with your DAW. The onboard 5-pin DIN MIDI I/O vastly expands interoperative possibilities well beyond the digital frontiers of your NKS virtual instruments, transmitting polyphonic aftertouch data for compatible instruments and devices. You’ll also find a quartet of 1/4-inch TRS jacks for flexible pedal usage: one for sustain, one for expression, and two assignable inputs that can facilitate any number of supplementary control or expression options.

Includes an expansive software library

Your purchase grants you access to an expansive software suite to further enhance the controller’s functionality. The software bundle includes Native Instruments’ sensational Komplete 15 Select and so much more. And thanks to the NKS 2 standard, your new Kontrol S keyboard controller integrates perfectly with each piece of software. With its impressive free software bundle and deep integration, it’s hard to go wrong with a Kontrol S keyboard controller.

Features

• Onboard polyphonic aftertouch means deep, customizable expression with your virtual instruments, breathing new life into every sound
• MIDI 2.0 compatibility means uncompromising control of your sound with stunning detail
• 1200 x 480mm high-resolution full-color display allows for precision browsing, tweaking, mixing, and more
• CNC-machined housing comprises anodized aluminum with a bead-blasted surface for a design that’s both aesthetically pleasing and engineered for long-term use
• RGB-backlit encoders, soft switches, buttons, keys, touch strip, and wheels enable the use of the extremely versatile Light Guide

• Redesigned Light Guide provides real-time and interactive information that includes scales, key zones, switches, and more
• Keybed was designed in collaboration with Fatar for unparalleled expressivity
• Expanded connectivity includes dedicated 1/4-in. jacks for sustain and expression pedals, as well as 2 more assignable jacks for flexible sonic control
• 5-pin DIN MIDI in/out allows for extensive interoperative use with most arrangements, including polyphonic aftertouch data for compatible instruments
• Ergonomic pitch and modulation wheels, as well as bidirectional Touch Strip, support versatile assignment options to maximize the potential of every supported DAW and NKS instrument

• 4-directional push encoder supplies one-handed sound browsing and project navigation
• USB-C bus-powered design doubles for MIDI over USB to reduce cable clutter while increasing data transmission speeds
• Tag-based unified browsing across all Komplete instruments lets you quickly find the sounds you want right from the hardware
• Dial in the main parameters of any Komplete instrument, which automatically map to the touch-sensitive controller knobs
• Create arpeggiated melodies at the touch of a button, play chords with single keys, or map the whole key range to scales
• Dedicated transport section gives full access to your DAW’s playback and recording controls, going far deeper than previous models for unmatched integration

For musicians and producers seeking to elevate their creative workflow, the Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 Keyboard Controller offers an exceptional blend of precision, versatility, and seamless integration. Designed to bridge the gap between traditional piano feel and modern digital production, this keyboard controller empowers users to play expressively while maintaining full control over their software instruments and DAWs. Whether you are composing, performing live, or producing in the studio, the Kontrol S49 MK3 is engineered to enhance your musical expression and streamline your workflow.

One of the core advantages of the Kontrol S49 MK3 lies in its 49 semi-weighted keys equipped with velocity sensitivity and polyphonic aftertouch. This means that every nuance of your playing—including dynamics and subtle pressure changes—is accurately captured, allowing for a deeply expressive performance that feels authentic and responsive. The semi-weighted keys strike the perfect balance between the lightness of synthesizer keys and the resistance of an acoustic piano, making it comfortable for long sessions without compromising on feel.

Beyond the keys, this controller is packed with tactile controls designed to put the producer in the driver’s seat. The pitch bend and mod wheels alongside a responsive ribbon controller provide intuitive ways to add vibrato, pitch shifts, or modulation effects without needing to reach for your mouse. Additionally, eight customizable knobs and a four-direction encoder give you hands-on control over parameters such as filter cutoff, resonance, effects levels, and more. This level of hardware integration reduces reliance on screen-based controls, making your production process faster and more immersive.

The Kontrol S49 MK3 also includes dedicated transport controls—play, stop, record, rewind, and fast-forward—allowing you to manage your sessions directly from the keyboard without interrupting your creative flow. Its ability to support multiple zones means you can split the keyboard to control different instruments or functions simultaneously, ideal for live performances or complex studio setups. With four separate pedal inputs (sustain, expression, and two assignable), you can further customize your setup with foot controllers to suit your playing style or performance needs.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the Kontrol S49 MK3. Featuring MIDI 2.0 support along with traditional MIDI In and Out ports, plus dual USB Type-C connections for host and power, this controller is built for future-proofing and robust compatibility. It connects seamlessly to Mac and PC systems and supports all major plugin formats including AAX, AU, VST, and VST3, as well as standalone operation. This versatility ensures that no matter your preferred software or hardware environment, the Kontrol S49 MK3 integrates smoothly with your existing setup.

Measuring 31.58 inches wide, 12.71 inches deep, and 3.38 inches high, and weighing just over 12 pounds, the Kontrol S49 MK3 strikes a balance between portability and a substantial, professional feel. It is USB bus powered, meaning no external power supply is needed, simplifying setup and transportation. The minimum system requirements—8 GB RAM and an Intel Core i5 or Apple M1 processor—ensure that this controller performs efficiently on modern computers without demanding excessive resources.

Whether you are a composer adding expressive layers to film scores, a producer refining intricate sound design, or a live performer who needs reliable hardware control, the Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 Keyboard Controller offers a comprehensive solution. Its combination of high-quality key action, extensive control options, and seamless software integration makes it a powerful tool that will inspire creativity and enhance productivity. Offered at a competitive price of ₹77,577 during the sale, this controller represents an investment in your musical craft that delivers long-term value and professional-grade performance.