Can we expect a bit deeper integration between Kontrol MK3 and Maschine 3 software?

Hello,

I've been asking the same question for over a year now: can we expect any development regarding the integration of Kontrol MK3 controllers with the Maschine software in the future? I am about to buy the Kontrol MK3 controller for Christmas, and I would like to know if there's a possibility that the Quantize, Automation, Mixer, Polyphonic Aftertouch and Browser options will be implented soon? I regularly use Maschine MK3 and the Maschine software, and I would love to see a few more options in future updates. I am not, by any means, expecting deep integration, like with Kontrol MK2 – just some features that would make use of the buttons already available on the controller. Is the NI team working on such features at the moment?

Thank you in advance for your all answers.

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b-righteous

Don't hold your breath. Don't purchase anything based on hopes for future updates. If the MK3 is not up to your expectations based on the features it has at the time of purchase then don't get it.

Sunborn

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/48932/can-we-expect-a-bit-deeper-integration-between-kontrol-mk3-and-maschine-3-software

First of all, i must say that, you can not really expect a clear answer from anyone. If someone knows, be sure that he is bounded by a non-disclosure agreement. The official NI will inform you only through their official standard announcements, not personally, and not through a simple forum post.

So, i must emphasize that my comment here, is 100% personal and strictly unofficial.
However, it is not an "opinion". It is an analysis based on the current facts.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Based on the current trajectory of Native Instruments updates as of late 2025, the short answer is:
Do not expect a return to the deep integration seen with the MK2 series.

While there have been incremental updates (such as basic transport and NKS support), Native Instruments has explicitly deprioritized deep Maschine control for the MK3 keyboards. Here is the detailed breakdown of the situation as of November 2025.

The Official Stance

Native Instruments has openly stated (stemming from their 2024 roadmap discussions) that they dropped the deep integration found in the MK2 series because telemetry data showed very few users actually utilized it.

The Logic: They found that most users preferred using the mouse/keyboard or a dedicated Maschine controller (like the Maschine MK3 or Plus) for sequencing and mixing, rather than the keyboard.
The Result: Resources were shifted toward features that benefit a wider user base, such as better Kontakt integration, high-resolution visual feedback, and standalone MIDI capabilities (Play Assist).

Current Status (Maschine 3 & Firmware 2.0)

With the release of Maschine 3 and Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.0+, the integration has stabilized at a "functional but basic" level.

Feature	Kontrol MK2 (Legacy)	Kontrol MK3 (Current Status)
Browser	Full control (Projects, Groups, Sounds)	Limited (Mostly loads NKS presets; relies on computer for project navigation)
Mixer	Full Mixer view & control on screens	No (Mixer view is not available on MK3 screens)
Sequencing	Edit patterns, scenes, and notes	No (Cannot edit Maschine patterns/scenes from keyboard)
Transport	Play, Stop, Rec, Loop, Metro	Yes (Basic transport works)
Plugin Control	Auto-mapped to Maschine Macros	Yes (Via NKS standard)
Smart Play	Integrated into Maschine's engine	On-Device (MK3 generates the MIDI notes itself; less dependent on software)

What Has Developed (The "Good" News)

While deep control is gone, some developments have improved the workflow for Maschine users, albeit differently:

On-Device Play Assist: The MK3 now handles Scales, Chords, and Arpeggios internally (as of 2025 firmware updates). This means you can record the actual MIDI notes into Maschine's sequencer, which was a friction point in the past.
NKS 2.0: The browsing experience for individual instrument presets is visually richer, even if you can't browse the complex Maschine Project/Group structure as easily.

Summary: What to Expect

Expect: Continued updates to NKS compatibility and Plugin integration. The keyboard will continue to get better at controlling instruments inside Maschine.
Do Not Expect: A return of the "Maschine Controller" mode (Mixer, Pattern Editor, Scene Arranger). This seems to be permanently retired for the MK3 line to avoid feature bloat and maintain a focus on being a "Keyboard Controller" first.

Recommendation: If deep integration is critical to your workflow, the best combination remains a Kontrol MK3 for playing/browsing sounds alongside a dedicated Maschine MK3/Plus/Mikro for sequencing and mixing.

Watch: The video below, demonstrates the current "basic" state of integration between Maschine 3 and the Kontrol MK3, showing exactly what works and what doesn't:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihUcjPciBKg

jakubpatok

@Sunborn, thanks for your detailed answer. However, you have presented the facts that I was already aware of. I do not expect the deep integration like in Komplete Kontrol MK2 (e.g. editing patterns), but I cannot understand why the buttons that are already on the controller (e.g. Quantize, Undo/Redo) would not be utilised in the future updates. These small features would make the Kontrol MK3 more appealing to the users of Maschine software, and they would not be too diffcult for the NI team to implement. I could even live without the Mixer view, but the Quantize, Undo/Redo and Automations buttons don't seem to be that difficult to implement.

b-righteous

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/249248#Comment_249248

This all seems about right other than there is no browsing supported on the MK3 with Maschine whatsoever.

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