The Firmware updater "KSMK3Updater" does not work although I did everything exactly as described in the installation description. System: Mac mini, M1, 2020.
@Jürgen Miosga What keyboard do you have? I see a mk2 on your account and you are mentioning the KSMK3Updater, which is for the MK3 keyboard. This is very important information for us to help you out. Is it a mk2 or mk3 you are having issues with?
If it's a MK2, please use the correct firmware updater, it is found here: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/support/downloads/drivers-other-files/ It's this one:
There was no recent firmware update anyway. Is there a particular reason you wanted to update the firmware?
If you wish to add the NIHardwareAgent to the full disk access, it's better to do it when the keyboard is not connected. You can also force quit the service using the Activity Monitor.
If it's a MK3:
For the MK3 keyboard the NIHardwareAgent is not used, it's for the MK2 keyboards.
For the MK3 keyboard the software responsible for communication between the keyboard and your computer is the Hardware Connection Service. Please make sure to have the latest version installed. Make sure to give full disk access to it.
If the Firmware updater is still not working then you definitely need to check the following:
Kontrol S-Series MK3: Troubleshooting Firmware Update Issues
Kontrol S-Series MK3: Avoiding Connection Issues by Using the Right USB-C Hubs and Cables
And lastly, I noticed on your screenshot that you are using Clean My Mac, this has been the source of a lot of issues and could also be at play with your current issue. You can read all about it here:
Can you describe "does not work"? Any error messages would be helpful. Have you tried different ports on the Mini, I found the front ports worked ok but not the back thunderbolt ones. That's on an M4, but might be the same on the M1.
Have you at least installed the Hardware Connection Service using latest version of Native Access for your OS ?
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):
That should work. If not, open Activity Monitor to ensure NI Hardware Connection Service is running.
Lastly, I see you are on an M1. 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.
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Hi! First of all Im want to thank you for your desrcription in detail Underneath is a description what to do if the Updater is not running. Now the problem is to install the NIHArdwareAgent like the desription above.
Open your Mac's System Preferences and click Security & Privacy.
Under the Privacy tab, choose Full Disk Access from the side bar.
Click the lock icon in the bottom left of the window (if available) and enter your Mac password.
Ensure that Native Access & NTKDaemon appear in the list and are activated. If they do not appear in this list, click the + icon and add the following apps: - Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Access - Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Native Instruments > NTK > NTKDaemon If you are trying to install Komplete Kontrol or Maschine, please also add NIHardwareAgent from: - Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Native Instruments > Hardware > NIHArdwareAgent
Once completed, click the lock icon again (if available).
Installing the NIHardwareAgent I get the error shown in the attached screenshots.
@Jeremy_NI ,
The above problem with installing the NIHArdwareAgent looks as if a Mac problem . Could you please take a look here ?
At Jürgen Miosga , Jeremy_NI is N.I. forum Customer Care and also a Mac expert.
