First I would say that I never had one problem with my S88 MK2 during the 8 years I owned it. I every time I loaded it up, it worked. I am the superest of superfans of KK. I have written many dozens of posts on VI:Control and elsewhere on how much I love it, tips, etc. But when a physical issue happened with my MK2 (the software still works flawlessly), I bought an MK3.
It arrived on 8/7. I set up Hardware Connection Service and updated the to firmware. It worked that day. But since then, I have had about 10% access to full KK functionality.
I knew that an update was going on, so I didn't pay attention. I'm on deadline, so I used it as a MIDI controller and kept working.
I updated the firmware twice. Since I bought it, it went from 3.25 to 3.27. I unsuccessfully tried to set up Hardware Connection Service in Native Access numerous times, but then did it fine through my NI account.
I've lost hours of work time to this, but generally with some simple software changes, and resetting my computer several times, I can get KK to work. The next day it always doesn't.
Today (the same day as the new Hardware Connection Service release) when I opened Cubase, there was this little box in the screen. Cubase was frozen and I couldn't select anything. Steinberg should be able to help me with this, but that won't be able to help me until Monday. (I would have called them this morning, but the site said the hours were afternoon)
Not having access to full KK functionality isn't a big deal. I can wait until NI gets it together. But this was a first in my computer music career since the 80s—no access to my DAW at all.
If anybody has suggestions on how I can get up and rolling I'd love to hear them.
In order to keep working, I'm using my little AKAI keyboard and Cubasis on my iPad! 😀 I've also ordered a longer USB B to USB C cable, and then I may be able to unplug the MK3 and use the AKAI with Cubase. We'll see.
In the old days, I would have quickly reached an NI tech. Service was always A++++ fpr me. Now there is no US service at all as far as I can tell. No email. No phone. I'll try Germany next week if Steinberg can't get me going again. But I am confident that Steinberg will help me.
Meanwhile, I check the firmware updater daily and look to see if there's a new version of Hardware Connection Service.
I'm sure the MK3 will be great in due time. I think I was just unlucky because this new software rollout happened right after my purchase, and when I was busy.
