Native Instruments partner with Akai, Novation and more!
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24.01.2025

Native Instruments partner with Akai, Novation and more!

Native Instruments
Words by Mixdown staff

More compatible than ever, the powerhouse is moving to make music production easier than ever.

Native Instruments is making it easier than ever for music producers to explore new sounds on their favourite controllers by launching its Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Hardware Partner Program, announced today at NAMM 2025.

Read up on all the latest features and columns here.

Industry leaders Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio are adopting the NKS ecosystem to power seamless integration with Native Instruments software. This connects music makers to over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.

“This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration,” says Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments. “It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform, making professional-grade tools, instruments, and technology more accessible to creators everywhere.”

Native Kontrol Standard

At the heart of this experience is NKS, a technology that bridges the gap between virtual instruments and effects, and hardware. The new NKS Hardware Partner program enables basic integration for partner’s existing keyboard controllers, allowing musicians and producers to use the Komplete Kontrol desktop software to access a premium portfolio of over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects. With intuitive mappings to supported controllers, this integration provides expressive, hands-on control without lengthy setups or distractions. The program also sets the stage for advanced features in future products, ensuring that every music maker can stay focused on their creativity while enjoying a seamless connection between hardware and software.

Expanding access to industry-leading hardware

Native Instruments’ expanded partnerships extend NKS compatibility to renowned keyboard controllers, offering unparalleled musical hardware-software integration:

  • Akai Professional: NKS integration now supports the MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, and MPK Mini Plus).
  • Novation: NKS enhances the Launchkey MK3 and MK4, FLkey, and SL MK3 controllers, complementing their seamless DAW integrations. This additional integration expands Novation’s streamlined workflows to more creators.
  • Nektar: The velocity-sensitive LX MK3 brings intuitive NKS integration, offering producers an expanded creative workflow.
  • Korg: The advanced MIDI 2.0-compatible Keystage controllers bring enhanced flexibility and sound design options through NKS, catering to both studio producers and live performers.
  • M-Audio: The current-generation Oxygen Series keyboards will feature NKS compatibility, providing cutting-edge tools for studio and stage.

Keep reading about Native Kontrol Standard here.