list of supported power adapters and power cables for Komplete S61 MK3

kurtvs

The specification of the missing power supply in the manual seems incomplete.
The manual says:

• USB-C power supply (5 V, 7.5 W or higher, 1.5 A or higher)

But it also seems to be depending on the cable.
I connected a 5V 10W, 2A smartphone supercharge adapter with its original cable and it still gave me a “Low power” error.
I connected another smartphone adapter (5V, 20W) and it worked as far as power goes.
But, not with its original phone charging cable. I had to use some thicker cable from another device and then it finally could receive enough power to boot.

Can Native or somebody please list what adapters and types of cables are supported?

FIlipe

The Komplete S61 MK3 requires a 5V, 7.5W (1.5A or higher) power adapter and a high-quality USB-C cable. However, not all adapters and cables provide stable power, which can lead to errors.

Key Tips:

•	Use a reputable power adapter with at least 5V, 1.5A output.
•	A high-quality USB-C cable labeled for “Power Delivery (PD)” or “fast charge” will help ensure stable power transfer.
•	Smartphone adapters and cables may not always work due to variations in power delivery.

Currently, Native Instruments has not released a list of officially supported adapters and cables, so it is recommended that you choose reliable brands. If in doubt, contact Native Instruments support for guidance.

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/36707/list-of-supported-power-adapters-and-power-cables-for-komplete-s61-mk3

As far as I know then such a list does not exist

Also the standard help is not worth much in this connection (there is probably reasons for this since there have existed issues connecting the MK3 keyboards to some computers USB C ports) .

Kontrol S-Series MK3: "You're low on power. Please connect a USB-C power supply"
Quote : Kontrol S-Series MK3: Troubleshooting Firmware Update Issues :
The power supply should provide 5 V, 7.5 W or higher, 1.5 A or higher - you can use a regular USB-C charger that you might have along with your smartphone. The USB-C cable should support power delivery and data transfer functionality.

My own personal advice is to try an USB C PSU of at least 20W capable of supporting USB C PD (power delivery) and try using a passive Thunderbolt 4 cable. Some cables people have in households that came with e.g. a phone works and as you have discovered then some do not.

kurtvs

Hello @PoorFellow ,
Do you mean a Thunderbolt 4 cable (from thunderbolt on mac to usb-c) to make the data connection with the keyboard?

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/181135#Comment_181135

Do you mean a Thunderbolt 4 cable (from thunderbolt on mac to usb-c) to make the data connection with the keyboard?

I mean a Thunderbolt 4 cable as used for that (must be a 'passive' type cable NOT an active cable). But the keyboard does not connect to the Thunderbolt port so please do not try that , The N.I Kontrol MK3 connects to USB-C and USB (with the modification that the USB port is not certified to deliver the same power that the USB-C port is why if connected to USB-A it would then need a PSU if not needed prior) . I have never tried any of this myself but apparently then the Thunder 4 cable is sort of like a better USB-C cable as it must meet a higher standard. You can probably also use the Thunderbolt 4 cable for power if you want.

I am furnishing you with some links to references below here :

DataPro's Thunderbolt Guide and FAQ : What is Thunderbolt 4?

The Future of Connectivity: Exploring Thunderbolt™ 4, USB4®, and USB-C® 3.2

DataPro's USB4 Guide and FAQ

Quote : About the Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable
The Apple Thunderbolt 4 Pro Cable connects a Mac, iPhone, or iPad that uses Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, or USB-C to a display or external device.

kurtvs

Ok, it seems the best option is to look for a proper USB-C to USC-A cable for connecting from the data usb on the kbd, straight to the iMac. And not take the risk ending up with a non working Thunderbolt.
Thank you

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/181365#Comment_181365

As added in my edit of the above then please remember that the A type port is not certified to high enough power delivery so if not needed before then you will most likely need a PSU if using an USB-A port.

Also , not all USB-C to A adapters and cables are equally good at actually working (keeping specifications).

kurtvs

Hello @PoorFellow ,
I also found out about the USB-A. So the plan is to
- Buy a heavy adapter with an all-in-one USB-C to USB-C to power the keyboard.
- Buy another high data throughput USB-C to USB-A to directly connect the kbd to the iMac,
or an equal USB-C to USB-C with a small adapter at the end of the iMac.
(Probably going for Belkin, Anker or Silkland)