Kontrol s49mk3

Stephen Bish

I'm looking for a new keyboard/controller, portable and bus powered to use mainly with Live12. I have a 10 year old system which I'm preserving as a complete home studio. It is no longer updatable due to many issues, Firewire800 mixer and s88 (mk1) being typical.

I have a Maschine mk3 which I have not used since getting into MPC but given I have an M1 MacBook Air I'd be interested in maybe using it as well, but it's not a deal breaker if I can't. I think I understand the s49 mk3 will still perform basic keyboard functions with it. Just curious as to whether I have that right or not.

I have been looking at everything from the new Novation through to MPC Key61. Given I have Komplete 12 CE which I may choose to upgrade, Kontrol seems a good choice and I like the big screen, the new features in Kontakt8 and the claimed better keyboard feel.

One other question, other than Maschine compatibility, and given the software in the keyboard, is will it function via a hub?

I use an old RME Babyface which needs its own usb connection to the computer.

This leaves me with only one usb port on the laptop. I can get a power through hub, but given I have Komplete library on a plug in SSD, it will only work for me if it will function correctly through a hub. I was told on the RME forums when I tried unsuccessfully to run the Babyface via a hub that it would not work because of the needed software communication between the software on the laptop and the device itself. This proved 100% correct and it works perfectly with it's own dedicated USB c cable.

Kontrol s49mk3, then, is not going to work for me if it needs a dedicated USB input on the laptop.

PS: The M1 Air is proving fine for my current level of use. Strictly home production at a minor level.