Kontrol S88 mk3 - Can I use templates to control a Kontakt instance and external synth using a split
A new video on Youtube posted by NI appears to show something I thought was NOT supported. That is, my understanding was that the din output to external synths was only active if the S88 was un-plugged from the host computer. Unfortunately this forum will not allow me to post a link. Very helpful - not.
I'll buy an S88 tomorrow if I can have a zone or two of Kontakt instruments and control external synths without physically disconnecting the USB-C.
Best Answers
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Yes, that's correct the DIN isn't active, but you can use the MIDI DIN from a MIDI Interface, or Audio interface if it has one to loopback instead.
Just to be clear what i've done, and what that video is likely doing is this:
[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH1) → External Synth
[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH2) → DAW/Kontakt
The USB connection is simply there to power the keyboard and not plugged into a computer. i.e. this means you wouldn't get the NKS integration.
But in all honesty, if you're going to take that route you may as well go through the DAW:
[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth
[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI USB → DAW → Kontakt
You use the MIDI Channel designations to filter through the DAW providing you're using one that can select a specific MIDI channel as it's input per track.
Going this route means you do get the NKS integration too, but requires the MIDI DIN output of a secondary device or audio interface.
I don't know if that helps, or confuses you more, as it's hard to diagram using text! :)
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Hi sorry it's going to take a bit more time for all the official information to come through, but in the meantime here are the release notes from Native Access:
- Onboard Arpeggiator: The Play Assist Arp functionality can now be used in "Keyboard Mode" for standalone operation directly on the Kontrol S Mk3, in addition to the existing "Plugin Mode" which required a connection to the Komplete Kontrol software
- Tempo configuration: The shift + tempo button combination opens a new page which sets the tempo used by the arpeggiator. Note: the value set here may be overwritten by the Komplete Kontrol / Kontakt 8 / Maschine 3.1 plugins if the DAW tempo changes, so you may need to set the tempo in your DAW as well. This process will be optimized in a future release
- Arp shortcut customization: This now works as in Komplete Kontrol
- Advanced MIDI output routing: MIDI can now be sent to either MIDI DIN, MIDI USB, or both simultaneously. Simultaneous MIDI output can be enabled globally in the device settings, with additional configuration options available for MIDI mode only in the MIDI template settings
- Maschine 3.1 support: User chords defined in the Maschine 3.1 software can now be accessed from the Kontrol S Mk3. Undo / redo / quantize can also now be controlled
3
Answers
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That's an upcoming feature so I presume whoever made the video was showcasing that or maybe a beta tester (although technically, if the latter, they should not be doing that)
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It was Matt Lara from NI 7 months ago at the end of a video on the then new template feature. He shows Glaze 2 in one zone and a Super 6 controlled from the other zone. Doesn't seem like a secret. More likely me not understanding. Since I can't post a link to a youtube video, try adding youtube.com in front of the following /watch?v=Rm4D8i5my0Y&t=1090s.
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The relevant info begins at about the 18:30 or 19:00 mark.
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It's been announced by Matt that it is being released in the next version, some would say about time after 10 years of requests and 3 hardware revisions for what is really a basic midi keyboard function really, the ability to actually send MIDI! But at this point I guess we should be happy we see any new feature at all.
Now, [cough!] if only they could address the problems they caused witht he new software [cough, sub banks].
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Thanks! So to be clear; this is NOT currently supported? Given that this video is 7 months old, if not yet delivered I guess I'll wait to purchase.
A deal killer unfortunately. I love the Kontakt integration, but I won't support any walled garden.
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Not currently, but the update with it in is probably very close now.
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On that video he's not picking different ports, only different MIDI Channels. So it probably is the same firmware as we have now considering it's 7 months old video.
I'd expect the USB connection is being used for power only and the MIDI DIN is looping for a MIDI Interface and then routing Ch 1 to External Device and Ch 2 goes through DAW/Kontakt.
There's a few ways you can do these kind of routings already, providing you have a MIDI interface or MIDI DIN on your audio interface.
I'd definitely wait until the next update though, to see what it brings on a hardware level - as i'm not part of the beta I don't know if it the port will be settable per zone, or it's just a global setting.
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So you are confirming you that you actually done what you describe (Ch 1 to Ext device and Ch 2 to din to control external device)?
Everything I've been able to find except the video I've attempted to link to says if the USB-C to computer is present midi din connector is NOT active.
BTW - I know it is easy to criticize a company, but I for one sincerely appreciate NI's support and participation of this board.
Having said that, it sure would be nice to get some sort of confirmation of what is possible with regard to use of the S88/S61 as a controller for "everything" simultaneously.
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Yes, that's correct the DIN isn't active, but you can use the MIDI DIN from a MIDI Interface, or Audio interface if it has one to loopback instead.
Just to be clear what i've done, and what that video is likely doing is this:
[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH1) → External Synth
[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH2) → DAW/Kontakt
The USB connection is simply there to power the keyboard and not plugged into a computer. i.e. this means you wouldn't get the NKS integration.
But in all honesty, if you're going to take that route you may as well go through the DAW:
[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth
[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI USB → DAW → Kontakt
You use the MIDI Channel designations to filter through the DAW providing you're using one that can select a specific MIDI channel as it's input per track.
Going this route means you do get the NKS integration too, but requires the MIDI DIN output of a secondary device or audio interface.
I don't know if that helps, or confuses you more, as it's hard to diagram using text! :)
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[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth
Yeah that's how I do it currently to avoid having to unplug the USB - I have a Fireface so it goes via that
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This will work for me. Thanks @Skijumptoes and @Kymeia. Through the DAW is fine. I'll be ordering one tomorrow.
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The update is out now - so no need to unplug
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Thank you Matthew (and NI)!
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Do you have a link to the release notes? I'm looking for what else might be included. I'm not overly familiar with the site yet, but search doesn't seem to find them either.
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Hi sorry it's going to take a bit more time for all the official information to come through, but in the meantime here are the release notes from Native Access:
- Onboard Arpeggiator: The Play Assist Arp functionality can now be used in "Keyboard Mode" for standalone operation directly on the Kontrol S Mk3, in addition to the existing "Plugin Mode" which required a connection to the Komplete Kontrol software
- Tempo configuration: The shift + tempo button combination opens a new page which sets the tempo used by the arpeggiator. Note: the value set here may be overwritten by the Komplete Kontrol / Kontakt 8 / Maschine 3.1 plugins if the DAW tempo changes, so you may need to set the tempo in your DAW as well. This process will be optimized in a future release
- Arp shortcut customization: This now works as in Komplete Kontrol
- Advanced MIDI output routing: MIDI can now be sent to either MIDI DIN, MIDI USB, or both simultaneously. Simultaneous MIDI output can be enabled globally in the device settings, with additional configuration options available for MIDI mode only in the MIDI template settings
- Maschine 3.1 support: User chords defined in the Maschine 3.1 software can now be accessed from the Kontrol S Mk3. Undo / redo / quantize can also now be controlled
3
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