Premium keys, a colour screen and full plug-in control in a desk-friendly 49-key size. The Native Instruments Kontrol S49 MK3 is a 49-key keyboard controller with a semi-weighted Fatar keybed, polyphonic aftertouch, a high-resolution colour screen and anodised aluminium controls. It is made for producers and composers who work with virtual instruments.
Why customers choose it
- Expressive keys: 49 semi-weighted keys on a Fatar TP/90 keybed with polyphonic aftertouch. Press harder on single keys to change cutoff, pitch, vibrato and more.
- See everything on the keyboard: a 1280 x 480 full-colour glass screen shows sounds, parameters and the mixer.
- Plays with thousands of instruments: next-generation NKS gives pre-mapped control of NI instruments and makers like Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire and u-he. Kontakt instruments connect directly – no Komplete Kontrol software needed in between.
- Play Assist and Light Guide: stay in scale, play full chords with single keys, use the arpeggiator and note repeat – with RGB lights above each key.
- Deep DAW control: transport, mixer, plug-in chains and custom macros in Ableton Live, Bitwig, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Pro Tools and Studio One.
- Controls your hardware too: MIDI in and out to play and control synths and drum machines.
Who it is for
Home studio producers, beatmakers and songwriters who want a premium controller that still fits on a desk, and players who want polyphonic aftertouch for more expressive synth and orchestral parts.
What’s in the box
- Kontrol S49 keyboard
- USB-C cable
- Komplete Kontrol and Komplete Select software, a voucher for an NI Kontakt instrument, iZotope Elements Suite, Ableton Live Lite, Hypha, Guitar Rig 7 LE and more – as downloads after registration
- Setup guide and documentation as downloads
Specifications
| Type | USB/MIDI keyboard controller |
|---|---|
| Keys | 49, semi-weighted |
| Keybed | Fatar TP/90 keybed with polyphonic aftertouch |
| Display | 1280 x 480 colour screen, glass surface |
| Controls | 8 anodised aluminium encoders, 4D encoder, touch strip, RGB-lit pitch and mod wheels |
| Light Guide | RGB light above each key |
| Connections | USB-C (bus powered), USB-C power supply port, MIDI in and out, 4 x TRS pedal inputs (default sustain and expression) |
| MIDI | MIDI 2.0 compatible (macOS 13.5 or higher) |
| Plug-in formats | macOS: Stand-alone, VST3, AU, AAX; Windows: Stand-alone, VST3, AAX (64-bit) |
| System | macOS 14, 15, 26 or Windows 10/11; Intel Core i5 or Apple M1; 8 GB RAM |
| Dimensions | 802.2 x 323 x 86 mm (W x D x H) |
| Weight | 5.5 kg |
Good to know
- Bus powered over the supplied USB-C cable – no adapter needed with a USB-C computer. With a USB-A computer, use your own adapter plus a USB-C power supply (5V, 1.5A / 7.5W or higher) in the keyboard’s power port.
- Pedals are not included; the 4 TRS inputs default to sustain and expression.
- Works with MPE plug-ins that can receive polyphonic aftertouch.
- Accessibility: voice feedback for visually impaired and blind users.
FAQ
S49 or S61?
Both have the same Fatar semi-weighted keybed, screen and controls. The S49 is shorter (802.2 mm wide); the S61 gives you 61 keys for two-hand parts.
Does it make sound by itself?
No. It is a controller – it plays software instruments on your computer or external MIDI gear.
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