NAMM 2025: Native Instruments expands its NKS 2 to third-party MIDI controller developers (Akai Pro, Novation, Nextar, Korg, and M-Audio)
Update: I contacted Native Instruments about NKS and its features in third-party MIDI controllers. Some MIDI controllers will have the feature set of NKS 1 and others NKS 2. They answered:
Different devices support differing things, so the level of integration will depend on the device. More capable devices will have more of the NKS2 features, and others will just be able to support some of the NKS1 features.
So it will vary a bit, but if you can generally refer to it as just ‘NKS-enabled’ , or ‘NKS’ etc, we’d appreciate it!
This afternoon (CET), Native Instruments announced its official partnership with Akai Pro. One key point of this collaboration is the NKS 2 support for the Akai Pro MIDI controller lineup. As I said in my article, this is the step I want to see for the NKS technology.
Now comes the second surprise of the day. NKS will also be expanded to include other MIDI controllers from other manufacturers
Native Instruments NKS Akai Novation…
Besides Akai Pro, Native Instruments is also expanding today its NKS Hardware Partner Program to Novation, Korg, Nektar, and M-Audio MIDI controllers for NAMM 2025. They are adopting the NKS ecosystem to power seamless integration with Native Instruments software.
“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.”
This is a very welcome step forward for the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS). I would have wanted something similar in NKS 1, but it never happened. So, the “exclusive” aspect of NKS is gone, and it becomes more open.
NKS Supported MIDI Controller List
- 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.
Komplete 15 Select
As part of the NKS Hardware Partner program, owners of NKS-ready hardware from Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio will be eligible to receive Native Instruments’ production bundle, Komplete 15 Select, free of charge. Creators can choose from three editions tailored to specific workflows:
- Beats Edition: Synths and sound packs ideal for pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
- Band Edition: Guitars, keys, and studio effects designed for songwriters and live performers.
- Electronic Edition: Advanced synths and tools for house, techno, and trance producers.
For Akai Professional users, an MPK purchase includes Komplete 15 Select, which features over $1,000 worth of benchmark software titles such as Native Instruments’ Massive X and Battery 4 to iZotope’s Nectar 4 Elements and Ozone Elements, and much more.
First Impression
It’s late, but it’s finally here. This step is essential for Native Instruments NKS technology, as far more musicians can now use it. In addition, more plugins will probably offer NKS support in the future, as they can now reach more musicians. I like this more open direction.
The companies will announce the NKS support availability for the respective MIDI controllers separately. However, you can try it out already at NAMM 2025 this week.
More information here: Native Instruments
Is that going to be compatible with NKS 2.0 only or will NKS1 (as many software developers don’t have a notion to develop NKS 2 if they even have NKS1 compatibility)?
No sure if NKS 2 has a backward compartibility NKS 1 but I’m pretty sure more developers will adopt NKS 2 support after this new step
From what I understand based on Matthew_NI’s comments after the Kontrol S MK3 release (on Native Instruments forums), one has to roll out NKS1 (which is a per preset thing) in order to roll out NKS2 (because backwards compatibility is required).
Many developers including big names have been slow/unmotivated (and often unwilling) to roll out NKS2, even when they had NKS1 compatibility already, which has been frustrating.
Hopefully that will change things, as it does open up the format to so many more users.
From the horse’s mouth
“Technically, it’s not NKS 2 with all the advanced features of Kontrol S MK3. It’s closer to NKS 1. An experience more like the Kontrol A and M series.
Our official press release does not specify NKS 2, but it is likely future hardware controllers will come to market with support for NKS 2.”
(Matthew_NI on the Native Ins forum right now)
I contacted Native Instruments and they gave me answer that I added to the article 🙂
NKS 2 still requires using the Komplete Kontrol wrapper to load all your plugins, right? Or does it work natively now?
For the majority yes but there is a transitions. For example, Kontakt 8 has native embedded NKS support. The Keyboard then automatically switches to the right template.
This right here, all the comments above, is exactly why I stay well clear of anything to do with Native Instruments.
How confusing does something have to be?
Really confusing if NI have anything to do with it.
That, and the abandonment of older gear is why I just don’t want anything to do with NI.