The firmware 2.0 update allows you to control any plugin from its Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards.
Native Instruments has announced the release of firmware 2.0 for its Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards, focusing on enhanced DAW integration and improved accessibility features. With a smoother and more intuitive workflow, the update gives producers the ability to adjust plugins and navigate their DAW with greater precision–all without reaching for a mouse or trackpad.
This firmware features a unified plugin view on the Kontrol S-Series MK3, enabling users to load and tweak both NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) and non-NKS plugins directly from the keyboard, allowing for seamless navigation and full parameter control.
Read up on all the latest features and columns here.
Alongside full support for plugin chain navigation, parameter paging, session tempo control and track colour synchronisation, the firmware 2.0 also introduces a suite of powerful DAW-specific enhancements:
Ableton Live: Instrument Racks now appear as expandable container plugins directly on the keyboard. Up to 16 macros per rack can be controlled directly from the MK3. Plugin mappings can also be customised through Configure Mode.
Logic Pro: Up to eight Logic Smart Controls are automatically mapped for seamless adjustment.
Cubase: Plugin mappings can be customised via the Cubase Remote Control Editor.
Bitwig Studio: Producers can gain access to Bitwig browser and preset navigation, named pages and completely customisable mappings via Bitwig’s remote controls. An extensive library of user-contributed pre-mapped plugins is also available through the NI forum. Read more on the Bitwig controller extension here.
Digital Performer: Preset navigation is now supported.
Support for Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One and Reaper is also on the roadmap, with updates planned for the coming months.
Native Instruments’ redesigned Accessibility Helper application now offers improved support for blind and visually impaired users, with features including:
Voice Feedback: Descriptions of all physical buttons, encoders and navigation can be read out loud by the Kontrol MK3.
Training Mode: All buttons and controls can be read out loud without triggering them, helping musicians learn the layout of the keyboard.
DAW Integration: All new firmware 2.0 features are fully accessible, making non-NKS parameter control accessible for the first time.
Hardware Synth Support: By loading a MIDI template onto Kontrol S-Series MK3 and using the Accessibility Helper, hardware synth parameters are spoken aloud, providing an industry-first accessibility path for outboard gear.
OS Integration: The feature respects language, speed and other system speech settings from operating system accessibility preferences.
The update reshapes the way producers interact with their DAWs. By combining seamless integration with enhanced accessibility, Native Instruments delivers a more intuitive, hands-on and inclusive production experience–so you can spend less time clicking and more time creating.
Learn more about Native Instruments’ firmware 2.0 update here.
