Can I layer multiple instruments on Komplete Kontrol Keyboard without using a DAW?

Ralf Rottmann

If this is a totally stupid question, I apologize upfront. :)

I'm relatively new to the Native Instruments universe using a KOMPLETE KONTROL S 61 MK II at the moment. Now, I understand how the integration with Ableton and other DAWs allows me to loop instruments and record track by track.

However, I wonder whether in a live setting, I can achieve something similar without using a DAW by just using KOMPLETE KONTROL software and the keyboard.

Let me give an example: There are some "Instruments" in the KOMPLETE Library which provide complex sampled drum loops. They usually map to only very few keys on the keyboard.

My question would be, wether I can somehow configure the keyboard in a way which would let me trigger one of those beat loops, then switch to another instruments and play for example keys or strings while the drum loop keeps running.

Again, excuse me if the answer is: No, you need a DAW for that. I just believe I saw someone doing just that on YouTube.

Thanks for taking the time to look into this.

Vic Angelo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/19244/can-i-layer-multiple-instruments-on-komplete-kontrol-keyboard-without-using-a-daw

You can layer in Kontakt but only Kontakt Libraries. You cannot layer in Komplete Kontrol. Problem is you also can't open VSTs in Kontakt like KK does. Maschine with Kontrol MK2 can do exactly what you are trying to achieve inside of a DAW or Standalone APP, or as a Standalone Device. But not with the new Kontrol MK3, because NI made a terrible decision to remove all integration with Maschine.

This is another example of why Maschine+Kontrol work best together. As it did in the Kontrol Mk2, and the MK3 needs reversal of that decision.

Vic Angelo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/19244/can-i-layer-multiple-instruments-on-komplete-kontrol-keyboard-without-using-a-daw

You can layer in Kontakt but only Kontakt Libraries. You cannot layer in Komplete Kontrol. Problem is you also can't open VSTs in Kontakt like KK does. Maschine with Kontrol MK2 can do exactly what you are trying to achieve inside of a DAW or Standalone APP, or as a Standalone Device. But not with the new Kontrol MK3, because NI made a terrible decision to remove all integration with Maschine.

This is another example of why Maschine+Kontrol work best together. As it did in the Kontrol Mk2, and the MK3 needs reversal of that decision.

Ralf Rottmann

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/111653#Comment_111653

As to the removed Maschine integration, do you mean the lack of Pattern, Scene etc. buttons on the Mk2?

Vic Angelo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/111663#Comment_111663

Not just those... Unfortunately the lack of intergration on the MK3 is deeper. There is no longer mixer/volume control, no longer use scales, arps, chords, can no longer control or play Groups (key mode swirching), lighting on top of keys is gone, no more browsing, no library management, no plug in controls, no macros, no more piano roll editing, no more sample editing, no visual feedback or anything. Kontrol mk2 was total plug and play extension of Maschine, more control without having to look at a computer screen.

Now the Kontrol MK3 has nothing. it's just a basic midi controller like any other. worse actually than any other other Midi control when paired with Maschine because it doesnt have faders, pads or buttons, they actually made the experience worse

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/19244/can-i-layer-multiple-instruments-on-komplete-kontrol-keyboard-without-using-a-daw

Sorry for maybe asking a stupid question. I read your post yesterday and thought that me not being sufficiently knowledgeable about layering I would leave it to someone more knowledgeable than I to answer you. But now that you have had your answer then I would like to ask my maybe stupid question :

Can't you just use a good plugin host ?

What I am aiming at here is at using the free Cherry Audio Voltage Modular with the PAID (but on offer at the moment) plugin host module or mini plugin host module ! (modules are present in the Voltage Modular Core + Electro Drums bundle offer)($50 while on sale)(I think that promotion ends December 4th. though not sure about individual offers)

The way it works is that you use either the stand-alone or the VST version of Voltage Modular and then in VM you can then host more plugins using more plugin host modules simultaneous. With respect to advanced midi use I am afraid that I am not knowledgeable enough but you can try asking in the CherryAudio forum if you have questions !

Most basic use of the Mini Plugin host module ! :

https://i.imgur.com/q18xdoW.jpg