Why can I not see Komplete Kontrol VST 3 in Ableton

Nicholas Bean · 2025-05-13T18:02:29+00:00

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Hi,

I can't see the VST 3 even though all my other NI apps are in the browser. VST 3 is in the correct place.

I need to have the VST so that I can record the Scale and Arp output. This was the main reason I bought the keyboard in the first place but now it's basically of no use to me.

Yet another reason I'm about to throw this Goddam Keyboard out of the window.'

I've had nothing but headaches with Native Instruments since purchasing the hardware. I can't deal with this company any more.

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Accepted answers

gilbert r

I actually fixed my problem by deleting the KK VST3 plugin from the plugin folder. Afterwards, I deleted KK folder. Prior to deleting the KK VST3, I did a right click, "get Info" and noticed the VST3 was last modified in 2023. I know I upgraded to KK 3.5 about 2 weeks ago so the VST3 should have stated a date in 2025. After doing this, I reinstalled KK and rescanned the plugins for Ableton. Behold, KK appeared in the VST3 folder. No more issues.

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Nicholas Bean

Mac M4, OSX 15.4.1 Ableton 12

Nicholas Bean

Only the AU is Available

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/226161#Comment_226161

This has nothing to do with Komplete Kontrol.

And everything to do with Ableton not scanning the right locations correctly.

If you have already confirmed the VSTS are in the right spot - that means KK is installed correctly.

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/45140/why-can-i-not-see-komplete-kontrol-vst-3-in-ableton

I think that what people suggests as attempted fix is a Deep Rescan

Quote Kymeia : Try the deep scan but first remove the missing plugin from the plugin folder, then do a scan, then return it and do the deep scan, that should force it off the blacklist if it is that

Also for some reason then some has suggested that you keep the Alt/options pressed until the scan is completed

Open Ableton, go to the plugin preferences and click and hold "alt" while clicking "Rescan", which will force Ableton to scan ALL plugins. / Deep-rescan all installed plug-ins. To start a deep rescan, hold ALT/Option and click Rescan.

Using VST plug-ins on Windows

VST/AU plug-in doesn't appear in Live's Browser

Plug-ins Tips and Troubleshooting

Nicholas Bean

Hi Vocalpoint and poor fellow.

Thanks for taking the time to answer me. I have tried absolutely everything. Unfortunately, the problem persists. I haven't had this problem with any other plugin manufacturer and believe me when I say I have almost every other brand's plugins. The Deep scan etc did not work. Ableton is scanning the default VST folders so I don't see how it's a Ableton issue when every plugin except KK is loading. I even tried copying it to a custom VSt3 folder and scanning/deep scanning and that didn't work. Wish NI people actually looked at the forums and answered questions instead of Users, much as I appreciate the help!

Honestly I'm at my Wit's end with NI. I've had nothing but issues ever since I entered their ecosystem.

PoorFellow

@Jeremy_NI , I believe that you or N.I. support is needed here ?

Kymeia

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/226192#Comment_226192

Copying it to another folder won't make a difference because Ableton still see's the plugin and if it's blacklisted (which is what appears to be happening here) it won't change that. This is where removing the plugin altogether from the plugin folder, then doing a deep scan, then adding it back in and doing another deep rescan can work as it forces Ableton to see it as a new plugin. Have you tried that?

Nicholas Bean

hi Kymeia,

Thanks for the response. I did delete and rescan as was recommended by vocalpoint. Still no luck. I’m about to give up and buy an Arturia keyboard. At least their software works

Jeremy_NI

@Nicholas Bean Sorry to hear your struggles with the keyboard. Please hang in there, maybe we can help here.

The Play Assist (arp & note repeat) can also be recorded from the AU Komplete Kontrol plug-in. In this aspect it is an improvement to MK2 features.

I was able to record the output by creating an extra MIDI channel with the Komplete Kontrol AU plugin's channel as output:

Now, for the VST3 not showing up, and for any issues with our plugins in general, the very first step is to check if the standalone appliction is working as expected.

So, what happens when you open Komplete Kontrol in standalone? Is everything working as expected? Have you tried these steps? Komplete Kontrol Crashes

Is the VST3 plugin in this location? Macintosh HD > Library > Audio > Plug-Ins > VST3

Have you added any folders in the folder structure of that location? Sometimes users do that in the plug-in folders per brand, this doesn't work well with NI plug-ins.

Do Ableton and Komplete Kontrol all have full disk access? How to Enable Full Disk Access on macOS

If this wasn't helpful, please get in touch with our support so they can help you sorting this out, if you haven't already.

Nicholas Bean

@Jeremy_NI Thanks for the response. I own an S49 MK2. Are you saying this won't work with this keyboard? I have done exactly what is depicted in your screenshot ( been doing this for years ) but it doesn't work with the KK keyboard, which is the whole reason I bought it so I'm super bummed if it's not possible.

As for not finding the VST3, the plugin is in the default location and I have full disk access on all the appropriate apps.

Standalone works but I have to play the keyboard on whatever plugin I'm using within the shell. When I activate the Scale/arp on the keyboard it does activate it in the standalone app.

I'm really at a loss. and have been trying to fix this for 2 weeks now. I don't know what to do anymore. It shouldn't be this hard. Every other plugin I own is there as a VST without any issues. will Komplete Kontrol be updated to make recording Play Assist for the MK2 if this is not currently available? I'm sure a lot of people still have these keyboards

My Mac is an M4, OSX 15.4.1, Ableton 12.1.11 Also where do I contact support? I'm always pushed to the forums when trying to find answers

Nicholas Bean

Here is a screenshot of what I'm getting

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/226236#Comment_226236

Damn! I'm really sorry, I didn't want to make things even more frustrating. I hadn't checked your profile and thought you had a mk3 keyboard. This is not possible with the MK2, only the MK3.

I'm going to create a ticket for you and contact you by email to speed up the process and will handle it to our specialists so we can sort it out as quickly as possible.

Nicholas Bean

oh no! I couldn’t afford the Mark 3 so I purchased an officially refurbished mk2 at reverb a few months ago. Still cost me $300. I purchased it because of the aro and Dvale features and the illuminated keyboard. Nowhere was it mentioned that the output could not be recorded. This is pretty bad for what was a top of the line keyboard. Is there no way this can be addressed in a firmware update or sorftware update? I am beyond disappointed. Feel like I wasted my money

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/226241#Comment_226241

Sorry if I wasn't clear, it's only the possibility of recording from the AU that is possible only with the MK3. On the MK2 this is possible with the VST3, so we have to find out why your VST3 is not showing up in Ableton. Please check your inbox and let's try to get all this working.

Nicholas Bean

I’ve started the support tool scan

I’ll attach it or a gooogle drive link to the support ticket

Thanks

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