Query regarding Kontrol S61 MK3

LoveEnigma
LoveEnigma Member Posts: 123 Advisor
edited September 22 in Komplete Kontrol

Hi,

I bought Kontrol S61 MK3 a few days ago and absolutely loving it. Finally, completed the NI Hardware setup of Kontrol keyboard, Maschine Mikro and my long time solid Komplete Audio 6 MK1.

I am all up to date w.r.t software and firmware. Using Logic Pro 11.

I am finding one thing a bit odd, so thought to ask if it is expected.

When I open Logic Pro, the keyboard defaults to DAW mode. Is there a way to start up in MIDI template view so that I don't have to use Shift + Browser every time I open my DAW? Because I don't see the point of opening in DAW mode since you probably don't want to mix your song right after opening your project! And if you do, you do have a single button click for it.

Alternatively, I have to load Kontakt/Komplete Kontrol first so that I can then use the Encoder to move to the first/different track, which brings up the MIDI Template view back.

Am I missing something?

Thanks for any suggestions.

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Comments

  • DunedinDragon
    DunedinDragon Member Posts: 971 Guru
    edited September 22

    I guess I'm confused. In typical use most people using a DAW are using a library or direct recording of some sort which you can control from the keyboard if you have a DAW loaded. From that point you have access to all the normal DAW controls, Browser and Plugin manipulations directly through the keyboard and MIDI templates play no part in that typically. If you're not using a DAW you can go directly to the MIDI templates by not loading your DAW and access your templates by pressing Shift + Browser assuming that you're working directly with some external device. Even if you have a DAW loaded you can still go directly to the MIDI templates by pressing Shift + Browser.

    In any case you don't have to have a DAW or Komplete Kontrol loaded to use the keyboard and MIDI templates. If later in your workflow you decide you want to work in the DAW you simply load the DAW and all the appropriate features are then enabled.

  • LoveEnigma
    LoveEnigma Member Posts: 123 Advisor

    Thanks for your comment. Let me try to clarify my point.

    MIDI templates are not meant for DAW-less only. In fact, I would presume many users would use them in the DAW for controlling various plugin parameters.

    So, currently, after opening the DAW, there are two steps that you need to do to start using MIDI templates, which are redundant IMHO:

    1. Shift + Browser.
    2. Select a particular MIDI template from the list using the Encoder.

    My point is this is a bit of hassle, especially because when you open your DAW, the most important DAW controls just work right away anyway. Why do I need to be on Mixer page? Especially because if needed, I could use a single button (DAW) to get there.

    Rather, I'd want to see the display showing MIDI templates screen by default even after opening the DAW, which it does when I don't have a DAW opened.

    This is my perspective. I am not sure if I missing anything if this were the actual case.

    Any further discussion is welcome.

  • LoveEnigma
    LoveEnigma Member Posts: 123 Advisor
    edited September 23

    I realized that I could reduce the two steps above to just one by clicking Shift + Settings/MIDI button instead, which makes it better.

  • JesterMgee
    JesterMgee Member Posts: 2,971 Expert

    MIDI Templates serve a couple of important purposes.

    They can be used (as suggested) without a DAW allowing the keyboard to control hardware synths for instance, tho be it rather cumbersome with only 8 controls accessible but it can be setup to do this.

    In a DAW, personally I find using Host Automation recording of parameters to be better than MIDI and this is what KK and NKS enables instruments make quick work of, however in some cases you could instead create a MIDI template for a plugin that has dedicated MIDI control already and control your plugins this way. Most plugins tho require you to first map MIDI to the parameters so it kind of defeats the purpose there.

    However, where MIDI can come in very handy with templates is the fact you can use MIDI universally within your DAW project and not on a per-track arrangement like using NKS. This then allows you to map MIDI controls to multiple DAW and Plugin parameters on a template and control things in different tracks without having to navigate and this is usually the most useful way to use MIDI templates. Very useful/required for live performances but equally useful for general projects where you want to easily adjust something like the global reverb / effects while also mixing your tracks.

  • LoveEnigma
    LoveEnigma Member Posts: 123 Advisor
    Answer ✓
    https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/179433#Comment_179433

    Thanks for the suggestions. Since I don't have any external hardware to control, I am more interested in using MIDI templates to control DAW and Plugin parameters.

    I will spend more time experimenting on these aspects.

    By the way, the issue I was trying to highlight in this topic is actually resolved by the latest Hardware Connection Service and Firmware updates. So, thank you NI.

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