Can I get some help to "GET THE S88 MK3 WORKING" please??

AudioContempo · 2025-07-24T16:36:09+00:00

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Hey everyone around, I have been following around all the discussions about how to "GET THE S88 MK3 WORKING" but as discussions get closed, the "bodies" of the conversations disappear. So I am looking for the right (Signed/Unsigned) Windows S88 MK3 Drivers to install, as I already took the "Go do the Firmware Update on a Mac".

I would really appreciate I someone here can point me the exact procedure the follow to get it working on a PC, as I can even geit it to show up even using Thunderbolt cables and USB-C external Power.

I can´t tell you how dissapointed I feel after waiting for over a month to receive a "non Working $1299 Led Show".

I can´t even get the ChatBot to give me a support ticket as I went over it for over two weeks trying to get some help to why my order was still "In Process" after three weeks. By the way, the "thing" looks so refurbished that I don´t have high expectations on getting it to work. Is 2025 and I am a user having 2023 S88MK3 issues.

I love my Maschine but I can't get what is going on a NI.

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PoorFellow

Quote Matthew_NI :

Also make sure that the Hardware Connection Service is running and that the Kontrol MK3 can see it. Note that the hardware connection service should be started automatically when you open Komplete Kontrol software for example.

You can verify that the Kontrol Mk3 is connected to the HCS by going to Settings > general > agent version on the device, it should say version 1.9.4 (or higher ?) . If it doesn't, try a different USB-C cable, and/or a USB-C hub instead of connecting directly.

….....

Quote Mattew_NI 2025-04-23 :

NI Hardware Connection Service is necessary software for the keyboard to run.

Here are the first things you'd want to try, before anything else(including complaints):

Ensure you have installed the latest version of NA2
In NA2, after registering the keyboard, you will see NI Hardware Connection Service available.
Install it
Then, turn on the keyboard. Ensure it is connected via the main (not aux) USB-C port on the keyboard. This is labelled "Host".

That should work. If not, open Activity Monitor to ensure NI Hardware Connection Service is running.

It is possible the next message applies to you (but please follow the steps above first):

USB-C Connectivity Issue:

Problem:
Some computer chip sets made between 2020 and 2023 have a known USB-C error that can't be fixed. This can cause sporadic problems with USB-C peripherals like the Kontrol S MK3, including connection failures,freezing, or issues with firmware updates.

Solution:
If you experience these issues, try using a USB-C hub between your Kontrol S MK3 and your computer. This can help avoid the problem and ensure a stable connection. This is critically important during firmware updates, as data loss could cause broken firmware. Make sure the hub supports both power and data transfer.

Else then please contact N.I. Support (all)

In case that you need guidance contacting support : How to contact NI Support and How to get in touch with our Customer Care

How to set up your Kontrol S-Series MK3

My Komplete Kontrol Keyboard Does Not Start

KontrolS-Series MK3 Troubleshooting Guide

Kontrol S-Series MK3: Troubleshooting Firmware Update Issues (appropriate trouble shooter even if not at firmware update step)

Latest Kontrol S-Series MK3 firmware update

How Can I Use My Kontrol S-Series MK3 on a Different Computer?

Hardware Connection Service download

JesterMgee

Yeah TBH the new "chatbot" solution NI has decided to throw at users seems to generate more frustration than actual answers, cost of companies wanting to boost profits I guess, users end up being the ones that suffer..

The drivers for the keyboard are installed when you install the Komplete Kontrol software so after installing Komplete kontrol you should see the keyboard listed in your device manager.

Now, the next frustration new users usually hit is the keyboard likely wants a firmware update and unlike almost every other hardware device anyone else uses on their PC that they update the firmware on, for some reason KK keyboards are different and seem to have all manner of issues. Apparently it is the fault of some USB-C chipsets but again, it seems to not really cause issues with anything other than MK3 keyboards.

Updating firmware may fail or not even start and this either may require you to attach to a different USB port, or a hub, or not a hub… TBH I don't know, maybe standing on one leg helps, main point is if you have an issue of that kind try a different way and if possible, aconnect a dedicated power source to the power USB connection on the keyboard so it isn't relying on the PC USB power alone.

I guess if you get stuck at any of that, detail what you have done (is KK installed? Does anything appear in device manager?), post screenshots and specifically list what is or is not working

AudioContempo

Hey guys thank for your answers. And "PoorFelow" thanks for your detailled troubleshoot guide. I did check all of this steps mentioned. After uninstalling Komplete (All Incluided) and Native Access, also using the NI Uninstall RegTool and reinstalling all from scratch Started by installing just Native Access then Hardware Connection Service ans then Komplete Kontrol. Then later adding Maschine 3.2.0

[Services> NIHardwareService/Status>Running/NIHostIntegrationAgent/Status>Running] as in tandem I kept cheking my Maschine MK3 still worked. I went a step further by following Larry's Troubleshoot odissey and PM's (Thanks for this, man). And a couple of things came out quickly. The cable that came with the keyboard is not fully working, in fact, is not working, it does power and that is it!

Thanks "JaesterMgee", there you go:

By interchanging cables and ports I got the Driver to partially Install but then later when upgrading from the Windows Device Manager Console the KONTROL S88 MK3 ODR to KONTROL S88 MK3 DFU, under Universal Serial Bus Devices, it pops up a (Code10) error "This Device cannot start" / "Windows found drivers for your device but ecountered an error while attempting to install them" although the Keyboard is still Externally USB-C Powered with an up to 240W Intelligent charger.

On the next port I have an Apollo Twin I disconnected while troubleshooting, so I also tryed with that cable an that port. MOBO ports and front ports too, even with a couple of USB-A to USB-C adapter while running on external power too.

System Info: Win 10 22H2 Latest Update/ Native Access 3.19.0 - Hardware Connection Service 1.9.4 - Komplete Kontrol 3.5.0 Also I rented a MacBook and with a new Anker USB-C Cable I got, I managed to get the firmware Update to 1.9.4-0 I cannot install Native Access there to check anyway.

I also got the Support chatbot to elevate the request today by clearing cookies and reinstalling Google Chrome so I will be waiting for Support's answer too. I am just missing "standing on one leg" and "dacing on my eyelashes or put the saints upside down their heads" as it says on the country I come from. I am totally stuck here and unable to work, not only loosing time and money, but expending on troubleshooting this.

But the thing is I can't still belive Native Instruments is selling these keyboards under this condition, this is not honest and totaly breaks the trust of long time users who have remained over time despite crazy decisions.

PoorFellow

The cable that came with the keyboard is not fully working, in fact, is not working, it does power and that is it!

The cable has been a point of some discussion since the S-Series MK3 started selling and for lack of more info and for lack of greater insight then my own recommendations, when wanting to lean towards the safe side, have been passive cables that is certified for USB4 or passive Thunderbolt 3/4 cables combined with an USB-C PD ready PSU attached to the keyboard power port. But a quality USB-C to A adapter ought also have helped when combined with the use of a PSU for powering the keyboard. USB-A ports might not be capable to deliver power enough for powering the keyboard , and part of the problem with the USB-C chips sets might also be lack of power or wrong electric specs preventing sufficient PD though from what I understood then the general problem is communication protocol breakdowns. But with respect to USB-C to A adapters then some years back when needing an adapter myself for a specific purpose then I actually found out that thee appeared to be a terrible difference between these adapters so that some of what I bought did not work and back the to get it to work then I had to buy an adapter from device manufacturer , here a few years later then most all cables I have bought works. But there appear to have been a terrible lack of technical insight from at least some manufacturers earlier , or there were problem with chips sets/USB ports that made it appear that way. (it would bring me nothing of real value to have to spend many hours to test everything I have laying around and dig into this and I have plenty else to use my time on)

the Keyboard is still Externally USB-C Powered with an up to 240W Intelligent charger

I must confess that in connection with this particular problem then I am not terribly fond of the word 'intelligent' since the last thing we want is some smart circuit to interfere , but it's most likely OK , just saying.

It could be that you have been struck by a combination of issues with e.g. cables, adapters, PSUs and devices, I don't know , but I am almost a bit shocked that you have done as much as that you report and still have not had a resolution. Mind you the S88 should be expected to always have a PSU attached to be on the safe side. but with all you have done then it ought to have worked. I only got a S49 MK3 (alas all that there were money for) but that installed like a breeze on my PC. That makes me want to ask what is your HW PC platform ? (computer / motherboard make and model ?) and if your Windows is updated ?

AudioContempo

Hey "PoorFelow", thanks for this reply.

My HW PC platform is a B550 Vision D-P rev1 Ryzen 5300X, 64GB Ram, Built around 2021 - Win 10 22H2 Latest Update ( I know its not too new now, but I have my Apollo running on one of its Thunderbolt ports, so it works)

As a last thing before returning it I will be trying ordering a PCIe USB-C exp card to plug it there, as another user "Larry R", with very alike setup recommended as a fix. And as I mentioned before, obviously adding another USB-C cable and external power. The keyboard chain on my studio runs powered from a 1.5kva UPS so it will be hooked there too.

You know whats the funny thing? Today I received 3 more NI sales emails, but its been 4 days and no answer from Support

PoorFellow

My HW PC platform is a B550 Vision D-P rev1 Ryzen 5300X, 64GB Ram, Built around 2021

Age wise then I think that the PC fits the description of the USB-C problem.

As a last thing before returning it I will be trying ordering a PCIe USB-C exp card to plug it there, as another user "Larry R", with very alike setup recommended as a fix.

Such a USB-C exp card possibly could fix the problem but it really ought not be necessary if you got any regular USB2 USB-A ports available. In theory then with a quality USB-C to A adapter and a USB-C PD ready PSU and cable on the keyboard power port then it ought to work. But since there appear to be some unknown factor problem here that keeps ruining this for you then I guess that what you suggest here yourself is as good a shot as it's going to be.

I would advice though tho completely uninstall and remove keyboard drivers , then reboot and then re-install the HW service for every setup attempt. I do understand how stressful and annoying this must all be having these problems. As I wrote then my S-Series MK3 installed as a breeze on my 1-2 years old PC but with respect to USB-C to A adapters then I have actually tried buying more that didn't work and I think that it back then were only number three (certain brand name) I got that actually worked so I have seen an USB-C unit attachment problem myself.

Anyway, please get N.I. Support to help you get this fixed. They have the most insight and the most resources. N.I. support do not work weekends but if they do not get back to you soon in nect week then please call for Jeremy_NI to look into the delay in response.

AudioContempo

Hey "PoorFelow" thanks again.

I made a few steps ahead by now getting the FDU and the ODR drivers to properly show, appearing to my system as an standard MIDI device. In fact, now Ableton live can "see it" and have it as a "Control Surface". But I can´t get Konplete Kontrol, Kontakt, nor Maschine 3.2 to see it.

I just have a question about "I would advice though tho completely uninstall and remove keyboard drivers , then reboot and then re-install the HW service for every setup attempt."

If I do remove the S88 Drivers when uninstalling (which there is a checkbox in fact), would I be able to get them back when powering up the keyboard as a standard Plug-and-Play USB device or the drivers would be gone for ever?

Because sure I have done the "re-install the HW service for every setup attempt" step but i haven't gone to the "completely remove keyboard drivers" for the fear of not being able to get them back" as they are not available on the NI "DRIVERS & OTHER FILES" as the MK1 or MK2 do.

Thanks for all your help man!

PoorFellow

If I do remove the S88 Drivers when uninstalling (which there is a checkbox in fact), would I be able to get them back when powering up the keyboard as a standard Plug-and-Play USB device or the drivers would be gone for ever?

I honestly do not know , from what I remember from working with other devices then Windows sometimes has asked me if I wanted to completely remove the drivers or not , but this is way back and I honestly have no idea with respect to the MK3 drivers and Windows , in the situation I'd hope that they were gone if you use the 'check mark' option , probably/most likely they are but I don't know for sure. But I also I see your point if you have already had major problems and you think that you made progress.

The only real advice and best advice I can give in this connection would be that if you are afraid of creating a situation with your computer where that you make alterations and loose 'progress' because of not being able to go back then the advice is to take an image based system drive backup prior to making the alterations. That way you can go back , depending on your drives then a backup can take shorter or longer time , but backups of a working setup is always nice to have.

I would go ahead doing what I wanted to do if I needed to try to fix something , but that is me , and I always takes backups if I worry about the eventual outcome of what I do 😁 or just to be safe 😁 and the 'just to be safe' has saved me and others more than one time. (cases that has nothing to do with the present problem, especially in cases concerning OS/PC migration , but has also been used extensively at troubleshooting sessions).

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