NAMM 2025: Introducing the NKS Hardware Partner Program
Comments
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This announcement makes me a bit more sour, the more I think about it. I understand that third parties are responsible for implementing .nks in their own controllers, but it does seem kinda rude to your loyal customers to open up this standard while also claiming that you cannot continue to maintain at least the Komplete Kontrol Mk2 line…and then to release Mk3 with features from the previous generation missing. Real, real disrespectful. I don't have a dog in this fight, since I don't own a Komplete Kontrol keyboard, but I'd be kinda mad if I had bought one. Overall, I think it's good to open up .nks to third parties (Nobody likes midi mapping), but context does matter. Maybe you could allow the community to dig into the necessary developer tools & we could get "community" updates for legacy keyboards?
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Does the BIG update you have coming SOON to Maschine+ equal the promised BIG update mentioned for months prior to launching the Maschine 3 software update that was described by many as a major disappointment?
Forgive my scepticism. If I'm proven to be wrong I'll happily eat my words.
On a final note, is it safe to assume at least some of your devs attention is on building a newer, stronger, faster Maschine+ MK2? Or are we all doomed into switching allegiance to the dark side (Akai)?
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@Mark Oxley there will most probably never be significant improvements or more features on the Maschine+ than on the desktop version, but less missing and better integration.
And there is no real need for a „newer, stronger, faster Maschine+ MK2“, just better performance optimization of the software — which would be welcome on the desktop as well.
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Regarding Play Series instruments and Expansions for Akai MPC: I don’t have a use for it, but think it’s a great move by both companies!
It also showcases how a touchscreen can be beneficial to perform with instruments designed for two dimensional expression control. A concept already designed and implemented by Bob Moog on the Voyager.
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Firstly, I think you're missing the point of Maschine+. It was intended to be used as a standalone device , breaking away from reliance on the desktop environment. In that respect there is a lot missing that could be introduced with a new product. As to whether it will offer more to the end user largely depends on how far NI wants to take it and what the end user wants from it. A faster CPU, more RAM and better storage solutions, a built in battery and dare I say it? A touch screen (there, I said it). Also the ability to run more Kontakt instruments natively along with a few more vst synths wouldn't go amiss.
As an example, I currently use my Push 3 and Ableton Live 12 for most of my production needs and I'm mostly happy with it. Is it perfect? No. Until it supports the arrangement workflow in Ableton Live it's really only half complete. I'm hoping that Push 4 will address that and I'm reasonably confident they will add it.
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I own quite a bit of devices from both MPC and Maschine. Currently my two most used out of that affair is the MPC Keys 61 and the Maschine Plus/Jam (the Plus and Jam used the most)…
I own Komplete Standard and literally almost every single expansion… why? because its the only way to get anything new for the Plus that gets remotely close to something that might be a plugin… and when say almost all, I mean almost everyone of them.
That said, will I buy these plugins and the expansion for MPC? Yes, sadly I will.
I am utterly HEARTBROKEN that my MPC is going to get these super cool plugins, and not as cool but still cool expansions, but my flagship NI Maschine device… the Maschine plus… will not.
Matter of fact I was going to buy a Komplete 88 this weekend, just because it will get basic compatibility with the plus…. BASIC… and now, because of this, its not worth it and no I decided not too.
Seriously… I am a huge Maschine Plus apologist … when people say, NI forgot about the plus, do not care, it was a money grab… I stick up.
But with this decisions to not include the plus…. is so disappointing it's hard to think of something good to say about NI at the moment .2 -
Then we‘re talking about a completely new product, not a standalone Maschine device.
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I also own a push 3 Standalone…. and with the suite addition, I.E. Max-for-Live it is the closest thing yet t being a true daw in a box.
Matter of fact I have a large studio, just sold my Roland stuff and swapped in all Elektron stuff basically their entire "recent" catalogue... when it comes to standalone keyboards… I am starting to think Arturia is where its at.
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are you finally going to make having 2 x NKS controlling devices side by side a reality?
my Kontrol s mk2 is currently a paperweight next to the S MK3 (and I can’t sell it as I’d lose my Komplete upgrade path).In the same way, using a novation SL MK3 or a launchkey mk4, is there going to be conflicts with a Kontrol s mk3 keyboard?
that’s a really big issue that Native Instruments haven’t really wanted to deal with ever1 -
@Super8boy You can sell hardware without losing the upgrade path now. Check out this article - https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/210288845-Buying-or-Selling-a-Native-Instruments-Product-Second-Hand
The purchaser gets the same software you did upon purchase, and you also keep the software so your upgrade paths remain intact.
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... when it comes to standalone keyboards… I am starting to think Arturia is where its at.
It's funny how different people perceive different companies. Personally I love both Arturia and NI but I (and a LOT of others) was very very disappointed with the specs of Arturias newly released Keylab mk3.
No poly aftertouch, no MIDI 2
To quote another poster on their forum
"I’ve listed my complaints multiple times elsewhere so I won’t keep repeating them just to bore people senseless. TLDR I already have an NI on order now, which I kicked to the right for FAR too long thinking the MkIII KL would answer my prayers. I can’t wait to try the NI’s poly aftertouch on some of the the CS80 V’s presets; it will massively improve my expressiveness as a synth player."
There's a fair few threads there with people having various problems with them too.
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To be honest buying any new controller from NI is a bad move should always purchased used..
To make my point bought k61 mk3 and nothing but problems Dog slow in daw yes it works with kontakt but that wasn't the reason for the purchase. By the time they make whole on there promises the controller life cycle will be up and mk4 will be out.. mods have been as transparent as they can be .. but you can only say the same speel before customers tune you out..
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the loyalists and apologists who disagree with people who are upset with NI are not treated with respect. Their condescion is overwhelming. And obnoxious.
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I think you felt targeted by my post. Not sure why, because you are not on my mute list.
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Hello everyone,
I just read 17 pages and my eyes are bleeding..
Do you think that this compatibility announced with third-party hardware will mean that we will finally be able to have midi feedback from Maschine to a midi controller (like a Midi Fighter Twister) to avoid jumps in value?
THANKS4
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