Playing without computer

Firewave

I have the Kontrol MK3 s88. I was wondering if you could download synths into the hardware without connecting to the computer. I find it unfriendly to people who just wanna play and have no interest in DAWS.

If this isn't possible, please consider this as an update!

reffahcs

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/125828#Comment_125828

The keyboard will act like a generic MIDI controller in the absence of a computer connection, or if it's connected to a computer and KK or KT is not running.

So you can connect the MIDI out port of the keyboard to any other MIDI controllable instrument and use your keyboard to play that instrument.

For example you connect the MIDI OUT of your Kontrol keyboard to the MIDI IN of a Roland INTEGRA-7 sound module, then connect the Roland to speakers. Now whenever you play notes on your keyboard the Roland will play whatever instrument you selected for MIDI channel 1.

You could also do the same thing using a Arturia Microfreak instead of a Roland INTEGRA-7.

At the end of the day you just need to connect your Kontrol keyboard up to a MIDI instrument that will generate sound. Note that currently the Kontrol MK3 is fixed to MIDI channel 1, so whatever device you end up using needs to be set to listen on MIDI channel 1.

Milos

Hmm...

Well, you can play the instrument without DAW's, you can just use Komplete Kontrol as a standalone, or even use Kontakt as a standalone.

You still need the computer tho.

Speaking from personal experience.

reffahcs

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/20378/playing-without-computer

The hardware itself doesn't have an audio interface, so I wouldn't expect to ever see this as a feature.

It might not even be possible for the main USB-C port to act as a USB host (for a USB audio interface) in which case there's nothing NI can do without a hardware upgrade.

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/20378/playing-without-computer

The Kontrol MK3 s88 keyboard is a Midi controller with all that it entails, albeit an advanced one of the kind ! That means that in the end then, when used in Midi mode only , all it does is to transmit and receive control data. If you want something that can be used without a computer then you need a different type of product , e.g. a Synthesizer !

A Midi controller like your N.I: keyboard can be used with other midi compatible units without a computer but in connection with that then limitations are also set by the other midi compatible equipment that you connect it to.

As for using without a DAW. Then when you have the Keyboard connected to a computer then that is quite easy. You can use the stand-alone versions of the Komplete Kontrol software and the Kontakt software ! You can also use any working VST plugin host on your computer. My personal favorite plugin host is the paid 'Plugin Host module' for Cherry Audio's free Voltage Modular software (lowest tier bundle also usually free) , it's extremely simple to use and can be used as both stand-alone and plugin itself ! Also it allows for hosting more plugins at the same time ! Plugin Host module is part of the Voltage Modular Core + Electro Drums bundle which is usually $50 I think when on sale..

mykejb

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/20378/playing-without-computer

Using it as a standalone instrument isn't possible. At it's price point it's very unlikely that it has any hardware build in to used as a standalone keyboard. Of course it might have slots inside to add hardware like the Ableton Push3, but if it has no-one has found it yet!

-- Mike

reffahcs

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/119704#Comment_119704

As someone who has taken their keyboard to bits, I can assure you there are no slots. The processor has been discussed in a thread a few months ago, but it's essentially what you would expect to find in a vehicle infotainment system.

mykejb

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/119708#Comment_119708

Yeah I didn't think it was likely! Although you never know with NI - Maschine Studio had touch sensitive knobs but they weren't mentioned in the initial release.

-- Mike

Vic Angelo

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/20378/playing-without-computer

The only way to get a "Standalone" keyboard experience with Native Instruments is combining Komplete Kontrol Mk2 with Maschine Plus. (Kontrol MK3 had this feature removed.)

Not all NI instruments/Sounds are avail but alot are, and this is the best NI experience for Musicians who are used to real instruments. With Workaround and an Auto Sampler on Maschine+ you can bring almost any sound into standalone mode.

Firewave

so I can use this for standalone mode with my mk3?

BIF

No. Assuming you're asking about your MK3 Maschine, no, and for the same reasons as outlined above by @mykejb .

And that's not likely to change unless and until KK MK3 is redesigned with those capabilities.

Firewave

I heard something about playing without a computer but with midi sockets. Can someone pls explain that? Thank you

reffahcs

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/125828#Comment_125828

The keyboard will act like a generic MIDI controller in the absence of a computer connection, or if it's connected to a computer and KK or KT is not running.

So you can connect the MIDI out port of the keyboard to any other MIDI controllable instrument and use your keyboard to play that instrument.

For example you connect the MIDI OUT of your Kontrol keyboard to the MIDI IN of a Roland INTEGRA-7 sound module, then connect the Roland to speakers. Now whenever you play notes on your keyboard the Roland will play whatever instrument you selected for MIDI channel 1.

You could also do the same thing using a Arturia Microfreak instead of a Roland INTEGRA-7.

At the end of the day you just need to connect your Kontrol keyboard up to a MIDI instrument that will generate sound. Note that currently the Kontrol MK3 is fixed to MIDI channel 1, so whatever device you end up using needs to be set to listen on MIDI channel 1.