Native Instruments has announced new S49, S61, and S88 Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards, offering seamless hardware and software integration, unique expressive control, and a stunning industrial design. Kontrol S-Series keyboard controllers are truly best in class, with new features and control capabilities that enable creators to stay in the flow with an intuitive connection to instruments, effects, and DAWs — all with deep navigation on a high-res screen. They are available in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys.

New polyphonic aftertouch functionality allows creators to take expression further with the slightest pressure on individual keys, controlling cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and much more without reaching for an extra encoder or dial. All three models include polyphonic aftertouch on an industry-leading keybed developed in collaboration with renowned Italian manufacturer Fatar.

Kontrol S-Series controllers bring virtual instruments to life and offer a genuinely immersive experience with in-depth control via extensive Kontakt integration and next-generation Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) technology. NKS brings software instruments, effects, loops, and samples into one smooth workflow, creating seamless integration between NI software, all major DAWs, and thousands of partner sounds, instruments, and effects. This effortless integration enables creators to focus on their performance, without being distracted by the need to look at a computer screen.

All three models feature a stunning industrial design with a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodised aluminium encoders and mod wheels, and redesigned tactile buttons. A highly visual lighting system makes it easy to stay in the creative zone with an intelligent Light Guide that illuminates switches, key zones, scales, and more.

Kontrol S-Series Software:

• Komplete 14 Select is the essential production suite, including powerful synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a wide range of customisable sounds.
• Komplete Kontrol software unites and organises instruments, effects, loops, and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.
• Plus: Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite

Top Kontrol S-Series Features:

• Refined industrial design, manufactured to the highest level of quality for the best playing experience
• Full-colour glass display for intuitive browsing, tweaking, and mixing
• Industry-leading keybed from Fatar with polyphonic aftertouch as standard
• Metal-touch pitch and modulation wheels with central illumination
• Unparalleled hardware/software integration with direct connection to Kontakt helps you find, adjust, and play sounds quickly and easily
• Seamless integration with all major DAWs lets you control transport and mixing commands directly from the keyboard: record, stop, rewind, mix, edit, and see project channels on the display
• Precision tweaking for all your sounds, pre-mapped to key instrument and effect parameters
• Redesigned Light Guide pinpoints notes with a light above each key
• USB, MIDI, and bus-powered USB-C connectivity plus inputs for four pedals: one sustain, one expression, and two assignable pedals

Pricing & Availability
Kontrol S-Series MK3 is now available for pre-orders from the Native Instruments website and select retailers, and will be fully available online and in stores this October, with preorders also shipping at that time.

Kontrol S49 MK3:
AU$1,099

Kontrol S61 MK3:
AU$1,299

Kontrol S88 MK3:
AU$1,949

Weighing in at only 1kg and measuring only 39cm long when folded, Blackstar’s Carry-on controller is a unique 49-key keyboard in a foldable, easy to store, and portable format. Thanks to its unique design and velocity sensitive full width keys, the Carry-on controller is the perfect solution for entry-level students to seasoned professionals. With a built in Arpeggiator, X/Y pad, 2 customisable control knobs and pre-mapped transport controls, this is the ultimate go anywhere MIDI controller.

The 60 Second Story:

• A lightweight and compact design that unfolds into a full length 49-key MIDI controller
• A unique design and velocity sensitive keys provide excellent touch, feel and reactivity
• MIDI over USB and a dedicated 3.5mm TRS MIDI output for flexible and direct-to-device functionality without the need for a separate interface
• MIDI over Bluetooth for direct connection to your mobile device, the ultimate portable rig
• Built-in USB rechargeable battery gives up to 8 hours of life on a full charge, for extended playing time wherever you are
• X/Y touch pad provides comprehensive parameter control and expression
• 2 user assignable control knobs allow for quick access to key parameter control
• Pre-mapped transport controls for easy integration into Digital Audio Workstations
• Explore MIDI sequencing with a fully-featured, built-in Arpeggiator
• Complete control over MIDI mappings with the intuitive PC/Mac editor

Top 3 Call Outs:

• Unique keyboard design with velocity sensitive and full width keys
• Complete MIDI connection flexibility through MIDI over USB, Bluetooth or dedicated 3.5mm MIDI output
• Take anywhere with up to 8 hours of playing time on a full charge via the built-in USB rechargeable battery

Why?

Finding a portable, but fully featured MIDI controller is no easy task. Typically, travel solutions had smaller keys, or a reduced number of keys that significantly impacted their usability. That is why the Folding Controller 49 was conceived; a fully featured, portable MIDI controller that offers full width keys, across four octaves and fits into a small bag or rucksack. 

Further Information:

• To add to the amazing convenience of the Carry-on controller, its internal Li-ion battery is USB rechargeable
• The velocity curve is user customisable using the PC/Mac editor
• The Arpeggiator can sync to external clock sources for seamless integration into your DAW
• The transport controls can be remapped to control other MIDI parameters using the PC/ Mac editor

Blackstar Carry-On Folding Controller
RRP A$229.00

Akai Professional, a leading manufacturer of music equipment for performers and producers, announced today the launch of the highly anticipated MPC Key 61 standalone semi-weighted production synthesizer keyboard, including 25 unique plugin instruments with the most modern sound design textures and tonality for all genres of music, making it a powerfully versatile tool for the music creative of today.

MPC has been a mainstay of contemporary production for decades, and has always defined chart-topping hip hop, pop and electronic music. The standalone MPC platform has built on that rich history with innovative mixing and instrument plugins, an intuitive user interface, and a wealth of technology that embraces the modern music producer.

At the heart of MPC Key 61 are the sounds, including 25 unique plugin instruments with the most modern sound design textures and tonality for all genres of music. From timeless acoustic to futuristic synth, the full sonic capability of MPC Key 61 runs the harmonic spectrum.

“Sound has always been the hallmark of MPC,” said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Senior Product Manager. “Our punchy and warm sampling, unique swing and groove, and lock-tight sequencing have all been heard on countless major music productions. We’re extremely excited to build on that heritage with a new industry benchmark. We’ve added a remarkable set of plugin instruments and production tools for the modern music creator. MPC Key 61 equips every music maker from any genre with a diverse palette of inspirational sounds and tools to craft chart-topping hits of today — and even develop the new signature sounds and styles of tomorrow.”

Fabric XL
This flagship power synthesizer offers the most dynamic and powerful synth-engines and sampled acoustic instruments for contemporary music production. Fabric XL’s wide selection of presets are powered by a revolutionary multi-sample-based synthesis engine for cutting-edge performance and sound.

OPx4
A powerful 4-operator FM Synthesizer engine, the OPx4 provides the classic sound of FM at the musician’s fingertips. Built around an elegant interface, the user can dive into a whole new world of sound design, effects and parameters to make it their own.

Stage Piano, Session Strings, Stage EP, and Organ
This bundle offers world-class sounds of acoustic and electromechanical instrument plugins. 

• Stage Piano includes a Steinway grand and Bechstein upright for a complete lineup of rich piano tones
• Session Strings is an elaborate group of orchestral instruments destined to be a secret weapon in the composer’s toolbox. From delicate solo violins to formidable ensembles of bowed instrumentation, Session Strings delivers everything needed to create stringed layers of depth and dimension
• Stage EP’s tone is meticulously true to all the classic keyboards such as Rhodes, FM Electric Piano, Wurlitzer and more. The Organ plugin screams through its Leslie speaker simulation with the very soul and spirit of the mighty B3

The Complete MPC Package
MPC Key 61 is the first MPC to introduce a 61 semi-weighted keybed with velocity and aftertouch, making the new plugin instruments come to life. With two onboard high-end mic preamps and AD/DA converters along with phantom power, MPC Key 61 delivers the full MPC sampling experience while also introducing new ways to morph, shape and define signature sounds with the assignable Touch Strip controller and Q-LINK knobs. From customising personalised sounds, to composing and fully recording harmonic and melodic ideas, to delivering final productions — MPC Key 61 is the most complete music production tool in the industry for modern music creators.

16 velocity-sensitive RGB drum pads with aftertouch offer the world-renowned MPC beat making and rhythmic experience that is second to none. With an onboard Transport, lay down rhythms and sequences with an effortless workflow. Go from intuitively browsing the thousands of sound presets on the beautiful 7-inch multi-gesture colour display, to quickly sequencing ideas and finalising them with premium effects from award-winning AIR Music Tech. Assign and control all effect parameters with the 4x 360 rotary Q-LINK knobs, perfect for writing real-time automation.

With a wide selection of I/O, MPC Key 61 integrates seamlessly into any studio environment. Use the Class Compliant USB ports to connect devices such as MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, or removable storage. 8x 3.5mm CV/Gate outputs provide plenty of room to plug into your modular and synth gear, and dedicated Pitch Bend/Mod Wheels add expanded control, depth and texture. The onboard TRS ¼” audio outputs can be configured as dual-stereo or four-mono signal paths while the two XLR/¼” combination inputs enable sampling and recording from Mic, Instrument, or Line-level sources via the ultra-clean preamps and premium AD/DA converters.

Key Features

• 25 cutting-edge instrument plugins
• Expressive 61-key semi-weighted keybed with aftertouch
• Powerful 4gb RAM / Quad Core Arm Processor — no need for a computer
• 16 RGB velocity-sensitive MPC Drum Pads with aftertouch and Note Repeat
• Assignable Touch Strip controller
• 2 Mic/Line/Instrument inputs with high-end mic preamps
• Onboard Audio Interface with premium AD/DA converters
• Vibrant 7” colour Touch Screen with Multi-touch & Gestures
• Powerful 128 track MIDI sequencer
• Onboard Wi-Fi/Bluetooth
• 4 assignable Q-LINK Controller Knobs
• Pitch Bend/Modulation wheels
• Dedicated Transport section
• Accepts Class Compliant audio interfaces and MIDI devices
• 4 discrete Line outputs
• 8 audio tracks
• 8 CV/Gate output jacks for modular integration
• MPC2 Desktop Software DAW for Mac/PC included

Availability
MPC Key 61 is now available globally. MPC Key 61 users will also receive a free update to the MPC 2.11 desktop software.

Pricing
US$1899 / EU1999.99 / GBP1699.99

Novation has announced Launchkey 88 — Novation’s first 88-key MIDI keyboard controller. Designed for the player, Launchkey 88 elevates musical performance and song writing with unique inspirational features, 16 velocity-sensitive pads, and an 88-key semi-weighted keybed designed to capture every detail of the player’s expression.

The highly successful Launchkey range has garnered a dedicated community of creators of all abilities thanks to its unmatched deep integration with Ableton and sizes including the portable Launchkey Mini, 25-, 37-, 49- and 61-key models. As an 88-key MIDI keyboard has often been requested by the Novation community, Launchkey 88 fulfils this need and brings a premium 88-key keybed created with Novation’s 30-year history of innovative MIDI keyboard design.

Launchkey 88’s premium semi-weighted keybed sets it apart from the rest of the Launchkey range with the best feeling keymech to date — the result of meticulous refinement and testing.

Launchkey 88’s versatile connectivity makes for dynamic live performances when controlling external synths and hardware, and in the studio Launchkey 88 shines as a powerful centrepiece that enhances artistic creativity. Inspirational features unlock new melodic potential. Bring out unexpected melodies with the powerful Arpeggiator, always stay in key with Scale mode, and three Chord modes make it easy to trigger complex chords with a single finger.

Deep integration with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase and more lets creators work uninterrupted, and essential mixer, transport and navigation controls aide in easy music making for all other major DAWs including Studio One, Pro Tools and Reaper, via HUI. With a comprehensive software bundle — including Ableton Live 11 Lite, virtual instruments, plug-ins and sample packs — musicians can start creating immediately and jumpstart their inspiration.

Novation’s award-winning MIDI keyboard controllers empower artists to excel with their creativity and make music without barriers. Whether it’s in the studio or on the stage, Launchkey 88 gives musicians all the tools they need to play expressively and say more with their music.

The MIDI controller keyboard KeyLab MkII is an expressive tool for your studio or live rig. Connectivity, integration, a customisable interface, and inspiring included software;  there are many factors to KeyLab MkII’s success.

What’s new?

• Create custom velocity curves
  You can now customise 5 configurable velocity points for a performance that truly reflects every key impact or delicate stroke, exactly as you intended.
• Global velocity curve
  Alongside Linear, Logarithmic, and Exponential, you can now select a Global velocity curve, customizable in MIDI Control Center, to use across all user memory slots.
• Improved velocity resolution
  To prevent unwanted jumps in velocity and smoother transitions at higher values, KeyLab MkII’s velocity curve resolution has been refined.
• Bug fixes
  Taking your feedback into account, we’ve refined numerous aspects of KeyLab 88 MkII’s performance, including transposing, on-screen information, rebooting behaviour, and much more.