How do I use the new S88 MK3 as a simple standalone Midi controller for hardware synths?

Lutz Multimedia LLC

An issue I am having is I am unable to use the S88 as a simple, traditional midi controller with out having to use the Komplete Kontrol software. This is not a software question but rather an old school controller question. It seems the S88 forces you to have the Komplete Kontrol software open for it to be able to be used as a standalone midi controller (traditional midi controller to control hardware desktop synths via a simple midi out to midi in connection). Chat gbt said the software is how the keyboard gets routing info but that can't possibly be true. What about when I just want to use it as a standalone controller? This seems absurd. Is there a way to simply use it as a standalone midi controller with all my other hardware synths WITHOUT needing to have Komplete Kontrol software open? Or am I forced to open it every time I want to use it as a controller? Thanks - Josh

Jeremy_NI

We consolidated the forum post into a Knowledge Base article here: How to use MIDI Templates with the Kontrol S-Series MK3

Kymeia

MkIII does not need Komplete Kontrol to control hardware synths - don’t go by artificial unintelligence.

You can create MIDI templates for external hardware and also use most smart play features with ARP and simultaneous MIDI DIN and USB outputs coming in the next update.

Lutz Multimedia LLC

Thanks bud! So at the time being (prior to this upcoming update) is there a way to permanently setup the MK3 as a simple MIDI controller via midi out on a 5 pin din? Thanks again - Josh

Any link to instructions on how to do this is greatly appreciated. thx

Lutz Multimedia LLC

I got into the midi template page (Shift browser) but am confused on how to just set it up to send a global out control. any help is appreciated. Thx

Kymeia

How to create and use MIDI templates is here

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/34299/how-to-create-custom-midi-templates-with-kontrol-s-mk3

Right now the MIDI DIN only works with the USB unplugged but the next update will make that unnecessary

Kymeia

User created templates, including some for hardware synths, are here

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/34278/kontrol-s-mk3-midi-templates-un-official-peer-to-peer-sharing-and-download-thread

Lutz Multimedia LLC

Awesome, this is exactly what I needed, thanks Kymeia

Skijumptoes

Just be mindful if you've connected your USB to a computer and trying to use MIDI DIN connections they will not work as the transmissions is forced to go via USB MIDI.

This is soon to be addressed in a firmware update soon I believe.

Lutz Multimedia LLC

but it's bus powered…. so yea that's … DUMB. Anyone know when the new update is scheduled for release?

I had another MK3 and tried powering it with a usb cable and using MIDI and it fried the motherboard. These things are suuuuuper fragile!! All hail Chenzen

Matthew_NI

Right now the MIDI DIN only works with the USB unplugged but the next update will make that unnecessary

This update is now available

Jeremy_NI

We consolidated the forum post into a Knowledge Base article here: How to use MIDI Templates with the Kontrol S-Series MK3