Why is the S88 MK3 limited to -1 Octave? (MK2 could do -2)

I'm really frustrated with a regression in the S88 MK3 design.

On the MK2, we could shift down two octaves to reach the low keyswitches (C-2 area) commonly used in libraries like Spitfire and Shreddage. The MK3 has hard-locked the octave down button to -1 only.

This makes those keyswitches inaccessible from the hardware. Using a MIDI modifier/transpose in the DAW is not a valid solution because it breaks the Light Guide mapping. The lights on the keyboard no longer match the active keys in Kontakt.

We really need a firmware update to unlock the -2 octave range. It makes no sense to lose this functionality on a "Pro" controller. Has anyone found a workaround that keeps the Light Guide in sync?

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JesterMgee

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/256595#Comment_256595

It's already a known bug which has been "filed" tho that doesn't always translate to being fixed. Basically that is all you can do, sometimes you mnay need to just wait for a fix (and based on past issues that could take a few weeks to a few years to possibly never…)

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JesterMgee

It's apparently a bug, may have to wait a while for it to be addressed

pcpcppcc

JesterMgee

Feb 11, 2026

It's apparently a bug, may have to wait a while for it to be addressed

Yes, how can we let the relevant official technical personnel see this feedback and fix it in the next hardware upgrade😪

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/256595#Comment_256595

how can we let the relevant official technical personnel see this feedback and fix it in the next hardware upgrade😪

What apparently needs an update would be the device firmware not the hardware itself.

Next is that NI have lists of priorities and usually then nothing gets 'fixed' unless it reaches the top of the list of priorities.

Who needs to be 'informed'/'asked' I believe in this case is @timrae_NI , but if he responds is far from certain as he decides himself what he wants to engage into communication about and what not. But me using the 'ping' function increase the likelihood of him noticing the subject here and possibly consider if/when the functionality in question could be improved.

JesterMgee

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/256595#Comment_256595

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