Did I make a mistake buying the s49 keyboard for using with Maschine

VIPvegas · 2024-06-30T19:38:08+00:00

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I got a maschine that was sitting around so I decided to setup some of my old studio stuff at the house. I've been wanting to learn piano but also wanted something I could use with maschine for making beats and recording.

Did I make a mistake not just getting an M or A series and saving the money. Is there any functions as far as integration with the Maschine I have advantage of using the more expensive S? I'm thinking I should return and get a cheaper model.

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maniacintosh81

I expect you are talking about a Kontrol S49 Mk3? If that is the case: If you use it in Maschine it is essential a MIDI keyboard like any other. No extended controls. Current Kontrol M32 and A25/49/61 models still integrate with Maschine - they even get delivered with Maschine software! But they lack the display. But depending on your Maschine model you may have displays there. If you didn't got the S49 Mk3 for its Fatar keybed a Kontrol A49 could be the better choice. M32 could also be a good option. But its smaller keys don't suit everyone.

Another idea could be to get a Kontrol S49 Mk2. They still have extended Maschine integration - in fact some buttons only make sense with Maschine. At least here in Germany you can still get them new from Thomann much cheaper as Mk3. I'll get a refurbished one with warranty - even cheaper. Or maybe you can get a used one in good condition.

Regarding Kontrol S Mk3: Maybe a better integration is coming with an update. Maybe not. If it comes no one knows if tomorrow, next week, next month, next year or 2030. Wouldn't count on it.

VIPvegas

Thank you for the explanation. Makes alot of sense. What doesnt is why the Kontrol S49 MK2 is so much more useable in Maschine. Maschine was such a winner. I cant fathom the new S49 mk3 not being as integrated as the mk2. That seems a huge step back. I would have thought this integration would have been top of mind less automatic in the mk3.

Looks like the Mk3 is going back for an older product. Would be nice if they at least provided update if it will be in a future update for the mk3 users.

Seems the Kontrol s49 mk2 is still the winner!

Mark Oxley

The S series MK3 keyboards sum up just about everything wrong with NI as a company right now IMO.

No play assist, no midi template or even basic midi support, no Maschine integration. Many instances of new keyboards having various quality control issues. Shipped with an inadequate USB cable. The software it relies on being made worse with kk3. Firmware problems that resulted in keyboards actually being bricked. Not to mention all the other NI software issues going on at the moment.

It's really difficult to fathom how they got this so wrong.

If you only plan on using the keyboard with Kontakt or Komplete Kontrol you'll probably be reasonably happy but for anything else a MK2 would be a much better option right now.

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