Keyboard S61 Mk3 not recognized by Kontakt 8 and Komplete Kontrol

Salome

My keyboard S61 Mk3 is not recognized by NI applications.

It works as midi keyboard with other applications like Addictive Keys.

If i run for example Kontakt 8, the S61 mk3 displays the standard Midi Template 1 Display, not the NI library.

My configuration is Macbook Pro M1 with Tahoe.

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S61 MK3

Accepted answers

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/255918#Comment_255918

Yeah it's definitely the extension cable here if it only happens when using it. I can't add anything more than what @PoorFellow proposed here.

All comments

Jeremy_NI

Hey @Salome Have you installed the Hardware Connection Service in Native Access? Do the Hardware Connections Service, Kontakt, Komplete Kontrol and your DAW all have full disk access? How to Enable Full Disk Access on macOS

How is your keyboard connected to your computer? Have you tried another USB C cable, another usb C slot? Please check this article too: Kontrol S-Series MK3: Avoiding Connection Issues by Using the Right USB-C Hubs and Cables

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/49955/keyboard-s61-mk3-not-recognized-by-kontakt-8-and-komplete-kontrol

Be sure that you are using latest version of Native Access for your OS

Have you installed the HCS in Native Access ? (Hardware Connection Service)

If you can not find the HCS in Native Access then check this page : Hardware Connection Service download

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.

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.

How to set up your Kontrol S-Series MK3

My Komplete Kontrol Keyboard Does Not Start

Kontrol S-Series MK3 Troubleshooting Guide

Salome

Thank you very much for all your comments.

It seems that it is a hardware issue :

My Macbook is a 2021 Macbook Pro M1 so it can be concerned by the known USB-C issue that you mention.
I use a USB-C Hub
This problem is sporadic when i add to the normal USB-C cable a 3m extension cable.

In the normal case, without an extension cable, it works.

I do not know if the problem comes for a too long cable or from the use of an extension cable.

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/255918#Comment_255918

In the normal case, without an extension cable, it works.

Yes , people have different experiences with different products. You do not mention if your 'extension cable' is an active one. But with respect to active cable products then it appears as if the same cable do not work on all computers because of what chip is used in the cable…

Also then check your cable certification. From what other people writes then to me that suggests that if the cable is certified for e.g. USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 then that ought to be OK , though please notice that in the case of 'active' cables such as those mentioned below here then, if you read reviews, some users still reports incompatibility with their specific units, which is impossible to tell if it is about the unit or about the cable chips set used.

With respect to extension cables then others have given the following feedback :

QuoteBillW32 :
I had success using a Cable Matters 5m/16.4 ft Active USB-C cable (model 201034) with myS61 MK3 connected to an M2 Mac Studio. This works for powering theMk3 as well although I've chosen to use the dedicated power port anyway. For me it was plug-and-play solution for the required long cable run.

QuoteTomSynsongs :
I can also recommend this 5m cable
PHIXERO USB C auf USB C Kabel 100W(20GBPS)
https://www.amazon.com/-/de/dp/B09YTWX7FD/
It works on the back right port of the Mac Studio M2 without any issues and no need for an additional power supply (once the keyboard has been firmware update

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/255918#Comment_255918

Yeah it's definitely the extension cable here if it only happens when using it. I can't add anything more than what @PoorFellow proposed here.

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