Komplete Kontrol upgrade from 2.9 to 3.1.2, should I?

HI all,

I tried to find the discussion about updating the Komplete Kontrol software, but couldn't, so forgive me if this is a double post.

In the past I have read about some problems with updating the Komplete Kontrol.

Let me start by saying that I love creating NKS libraries and I fear that by updating the software I may have problems.

So I ask if in your opinion, honestly, is it better for me to stay at version 2.9 or can I update?

I know it's possible to downgrade, but since life is short I'd like to avoid wasting time and losing files.

Thanks in advance

Max

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Kymeia

Firstly unless you have a Series III keyboard you don’t have to upgrade, the only real advantage is the ability to resize the window but to me that’s not a huge deal. However I found a way to run the old and new versions side by side so am using the new version as I like to be uptodate and need it for testing purposes anyway, but do most of my NKS building in the old version and Maschine

The negatives for me are:

clunkier interface - I do not like this switching between plugin and browser views at all

the forced modal switching makes it literally impossible to drag samples from the browser into plugin windows so I can no longer use even the extremely limited sample functionality in KK - I used to use this feature to drag samples into Form and Granular plugins and build Battery kits

also drag and drop into hosts is gone - unless both these things are returned I honestly don’t see any point in KK having sample browsing anymore

some people here don’t like the horizontal browsing, personally I prefer vertical as it makes it easier to see the list alongside the plugin but I can live with it being horizontal

NI removed access to some features of the tagging editor (properties) but I have an app that does a better job of that anyway now - NI do plan to bring them back though, hopefully enhanced

https://www.doobox.co.uk/apps/mac/nksf_preset_banker.html

some people have experienced problems with missing plugins in projects saved with the older version - in most cases this seems related to VST2-3 migration - I had already switched to almost entirely VST3 before upgrading so didn’t have this issue at all, but make sure if you do upgrade that first you make a note of any plugins used in KK in projects just in case you have to make manual substitutions. NI software is notoriously bad at giving the user useful information about missing plugins, ensembles etc in their minimal information style error messages.

Also if you want to use VST2 plugins still you can add the path to KK3 - it does still support hosting VST2 even on Mac (but needs Rosetta on Apple Silicon).

It doesn’t come as a VST2 though so bear that in mind

Personally I have found it to be mostly stable but there is a graphics glitch in Logic on Sonoma - this is a known bug and a fix is planned with Sonoma compatibility

JesterMgee

Personally, I haven't. Many try, then immediatly go back. Read the forums, that will help you decide... Maybe in 12-24 months time it might be better.

67maxx

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/136003#Comment_136003

Thank you very much Kymeia for you very detailed answer.

I will have a look at the NKS Preset Banker, it seems very interesting and I'll wait to update ;)

Thank you also for the advice about VST2 and VST3 migration, this is very helpful.

67maxx

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/136059#Comment_136059

Thank you Jester,

I am trying to read the forum sometimes, but I can't do this too often sadly. But I try to use te search function.

I will wait, trying to follow the forum a bit more :)

BTW in these last few months I am having a love/hate relationship with Native Instruments :-P

JesterMgee

Yep, it gets like that.

BIF

Many people try and then go back to the older version AND THEN WRITE ABOUT IT in the forums.

But a lot of people try it, stay on the new version, and don't write about it in the forums.

I'm still hoping for a second February release of KK, especially if they're only fixing one thing at a time in these releases. If management is keeping out of peoples' hair, that is. I'm a manager who achieved some success at keeping out of people's hair, so I can say that. But I'm not a pointy-haired manager, so there's that. Anyway, we still have 3 more days that it could happen, and everybody knows that Fridays are bad for releasing software updates.

67maxx

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/136285#Comment_136285

I don't mind if NI will take some time to fix everything. I am just worried to ruin my projects and to not be able anymore to make NKS libraries. I have also to say that I don't like the rush to release things not properly tested, especially with the public. This is why I love/hate NI :)

DunedinDragon

I'm another one of those that's guilty for having upgraded successfully and happily and have not been exactly forthcoming in my posts about my success. I'm trying to correct that but at the heart of things I know that a large part of my success is probably due to being on a Windows platform which seems to be much more stable than what folks have been experiencing in the Apple world.

I still have to say a lot of the workflow in KK is still a bit confusing to me, but that's on me to use it and get more familiar with the workflow. That's coming along day by day, but I've still been able to take advantage of the tools and produce completed projects over the last couple of weeks since getting my new S88 MK3 keyboard.

I tend to think I've also benefited from having Ableton as my DAW since that appears to be pretty stable in comparison to some of the other DAWs. But functionally I feel pretty capable and competent in getting my work done with these new tools, so I don't have any real beef.

I will also say I'm no stranger to using new, first time products so I'm not put off by things I know will be improved over time, and I see a pretty firm commitment on the part of NI to get any minor things worked out so I'm really happy with their progress. Of course the next few months will tell me more about that.

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