Technical Report: Komplete Kontrol MK3 + Logic Pro DAW Mode UI Failure

FLaNEUR_Q

Author: FLaNEUR Q

Date: June 25, 2025

Device: Komplete Kontrol S49 MK3

OS: macOS Sequoia 15.5

DAW: Logic Pro X (latest version)

Issue Summary

When Komplete Kontrol S MK3 is used with Logic Pro, the controller frequently enters DAW mode with illuminated transport buttons but fails to display any UI elements, leaving knobs and screen entirely unresponsive. This occurs even though Logic recognizes the device, leading to false assumptions of hardware failure or software corruption.

Steps to Reproduce

1. Connect Komplete Kontrol MK3 to Mac via USB.

2. Launch Komplete Kontrol standalone app before Logic.

3. Close the standalone app.

4. Launch Logic Pro.

5. Logic automatically detects MK3 as a Control Surface and assigns its Input/Output ports to 'Main' by default.

6. DAW mode appears to activate (transport buttons light up), but:

- Display remains blank.

- Knobs/faders do not respond.

- Track/plugin data is not visible or editable.Technical Cause (Root Analysis)- Komplete Kontrol standalone app preemptively binds the 'Main' MIDI port.- Logic, upon auto-detection, registers MK3 as a Control Surface using this incorrect 'Main' port, not therequired 'DAW' port.

- As a result:

- DAW mode is visually activated.

- But communication fails

- UI remains frozen and knobs unresponsive.

Workaround (Confirmed Solution) Important: Changing ports in the assigned Control Surface after detection has no effect once the conflict has occurred.

Proper Recovery Steps:

1. In Logic Pro, go to: Logic Pro > Control Surfaces > Setup

2. Remove the existing Komplete Kontrol surface completely.

3. On the initial configuration popup, set:

- Input: Komplete Kontrol MK3 DAW

- Output: Komplete Kontrol MK3 DAW

5. Save and restart Logic.

This restores full functionality: DAW mode, screen display, parameter control, and transport sync.

Why This Should Be Addressed

- This is not a user error, but a system-level device conflict caused by:

- The standalone app preoccupying a port Logic later misassigns,

- Logic offering no warning or validation of the selected ports,

- No visible indication that communication with the MK3 is broken.

- Results in:

- Lost time,

- Confusion over possible hardware or driver failure,

- Frustration even for technically advanced users.

Recommendations to Native Instruments and/or Apple

1. Add a warning in Komplete Kontrol app when 'Main' port usage may interfere with DAW functionality.

2. Modify MK3 firmware or NI software to:

- Clearly prioritize DAW port for host DAW use.

- Allow Logic to auto-select correct port during detection.

3. In Logic:

- Offer validation when assigning a Control Surface (e.g., detect if DAW port is available).

- Include port assignment guidance during setup.

Community Relevance

- This issue is repeatedly reported online (NI forums, Reddit, user groups) but usually misattributed.

- Users often reinstall Logic, macOS, or reset MK3 firmware without resolution.

- The true root cause and reliable recovery path are poorly documented.

Final Note

We strongly urge Native Instruments and Apple to formally acknowledge and address this issue. This conflict is preventable through software improvements and better port management guidance.

By improving DAW port detection and initialization logic, both NI and Apple can eliminate hours of user frustration and restore trust in MK3-Logic integration.

Mavros

Thank you for making the effort to write this complete analysis including the workaround solution.

Question now why there is complete silence for more than a week from the NI people?