Does Kontrol S88 MK3 supports MIDI 2.0 on Windows and Key-Off-Velocity?

Nils

Hi,

before buying, I'd like to have a dependable information from one of those "product experts" that I can supposedly find here. My local dealer couldn't tell me.

1st

On specification page https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/keyboards/kontrol-s49-s61-s88/specifications/ it says:
"System requirements

• MIDI 2.0 (requires MacOS 13.5 or higher)
• …
• Windows 10 or 11 (latest service pack) or higher
• …"

Does that mean that either Windows 10 or 11 will support MIDI 2.0 or does it mean that only MacOS will support MIDI 2.0 ?

2nd

Does the Kontrol S88 MK3 support Key-Off-Velocity? Key-Off-Velocity is already part of MIDI 1.0 protocol. Other than the Key-Parameter, Key-Off-MIDI-Command also has a Velocity-Parameter, but most keyboards always send zero. Key-Off-Velocity is very important for realistic electric piano sounds, as you would have very different audible sounds, depending on how fast you release a key and how strong the damper hits the tine of the note you've released. One of my stage pianos already sends, receives and interprets release velocity, but sadly it doesn't support MIDI 2.0.

Kind regards

Jeremy_NI

Hey Nils,

The keyboard supports MIDI 2.0, regardless of the DAW. It's just that MIDI 2.0 was not supported before MacOS 13.5.

As of now, Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not natively support MIDI 2.0. While the operating systems provide robust support for MIDI 1.0, MIDI 2.0 is a newer standard and hasn't been fully integrated into the default Windows environment yet.

However, some third-party applications and MIDI drivers are beginning to offer support for MIDI 2.0, and the Windows MIDI Services is expected to evolve with future updates to better accommodate it.

To be honest I haven't seen much new features with MIDI 2.0 yet out there.

Regarding the key-off velocity, yes the MK3 keyboards do support that feature.

Jeremy_NI

Hey Nils,

The keyboard supports MIDI 2.0, regardless of the DAW. It's just that MIDI 2.0 was not supported before MacOS 13.5.

As of now, Windows 10 and Windows 11 do not natively support MIDI 2.0. While the operating systems provide robust support for MIDI 1.0, MIDI 2.0 is a newer standard and hasn't been fully integrated into the default Windows environment yet.

However, some third-party applications and MIDI drivers are beginning to offer support for MIDI 2.0, and the Windows MIDI Services is expected to evolve with future updates to better accommodate it.

To be honest I haven't seen much new features with MIDI 2.0 yet out there.

Regarding the key-off velocity, yes the MK3 keyboards do support that feature.

Nils

Thank you very much for that information, Jeremy! Do you by chance also know, whether or not the keyboard sends key-off-velocity?

"To be honest I haven't seen much new features with MIDI 2.0 yet out there."
What I consider very important and long overdue is the overall increase of data resolution.

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/185695#Comment_185695

Yes, I've edited my post, I was waiting for confirmation. The keyboard supports key off velocity.

And yes you're right, the data resolution is a big improvement indeed!

Nils

Thanks a lot, Jeremy.