NAMM 2025: Introducing the NKS Hardware Partner Program
Comments
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I've been using Maschine since 2009, and it always feels like we’re promised updates right around the corner, but then those updates get overshadowed by new hardware. New hardware seems to come roughly every 3–4 years, and Maschine+ was released in November 2020, so it's already approaching that window. Any updates for Maschine+ may soon be overshadowed by whatever comes next. I’ve fallen for this dang near every time. I had the Maschine MK1, then upgraded to the MK2, and later the Maschine Studio, holding onto it for dear life until I realized the MK3 was just better and the software wasn’t catching up. I waited what seemed like forever for Maschine 3.0 to finally come out. I just picked up a used Maschine+ a few days ago, thinking the software would catch up. I thought Maschine 3.0 was a good time to hop in, but now I’m really starting to doubt it. I didn’t realize Maschine 3.0 wasn’t part of Maschine+ standalone—my fault for not researching that first. I don't want to come across as if I haven't enjoyed Maschine, I just wish they would keep the hardware relevant longer, so they could hold their value better.
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Thanks for making the great sounds of NI available on the Akai platform. It really elevates my MPC One to new heights.
I hope we see the same/similar instruments on our M+ boxes soon.
Cheers,
-echo opera :
I hope you all push Akai to make it possible for the MPC to have NKS support in Controller mode as well so we can take advantage of the touch screen.6 -
I’ve also been trying to understand how NI plans to provide better support for its current hardware while simultaneously partnering with all these other companies. It kind of feels like the current staff is spread pretty thin, and there’s no indication that they’re beefing up the team to speed things up or improve things for their existing hardware. It just makes me wonder how committed they are to keeping their current lineup running smoothly while they focus on all these other partnerships.
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Softube just released Midi CC support for effects like EQ, Compressor etc (it is a basic DAW solution), they have Fader Midi CC (but also too basic atm) and are likely working on an midi editor for Q1 2025 (which is needed for certain scenarios like Kontakt instrument controls with Console Fader for composing).
But NKS support for Shaper, EQ and Compressor are obvious ones for Console 1, setting up Midi CC should be a thing used sparingly (plus I suspect Softube are working on a Master Fader controller with Macro knobs, have no insider info just guessing. The controller will very likely have a dynamic display where NKS third party FX control support is an obvious thing, like Ozone).
If you haven't had a meeting already with the Softube people, now is the time. LFG. :)
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Softube just released Midi CC support for effects like EQ, Compressor etc (it is a basic DAW solution), they have Fader Midi CC (but also too basic atm) and are likely working on an midi editor for Q1 2025 (which is needed for certain scenarios like Kontakt instrument controls with Console Fader for composing).
Adding NKS support for Shaper, EQ and Compressor are obvious ones for Console 1. I have no insider info but I suspect Softube are working on a Master Fader controller with Macro knobs for their Mastering plugin, Reverbs, Delays etc, but NKS is an obvious addon for third party FX controls (like Ozone).
Hope NI is planning to work with Softube for the NKS partner program, currently no plans according to NI.
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Yep the CC integration is a good start. Having integration back to the OSD from NI plugins would be really nice. Ironically the NI plugins that'd work best with the C1 controller are the Softube developed ones like the Solid series!
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This is good news I guess. The larger the NKS community, the better.
But could you also consider to
- open source NKS drivers, API docs etc.?
- Control the actual display contents of the Kontrol MK3 device series, not just via MIDI. Maybe the device connection service could be openened for DAWs, too?
- Better support DAW script devs, e.g. DrivenByMoss
Could you also link here all related developer documentation available?
Thanks.2 -
Could you also link here all related developer documentation available?
I may be wrong but I'd expect some kind of cost associated with NKS licensing for deep integration rather than it being open sourced. Having said that, any documentation would be nice!
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Here is the licensing for NKS Developers (if i understood correctly what you was talking about).
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On the contrary. We totally understand why some Maschine+ owners are frustrated. You can check out Chris’s comment here:
As for your hardware (I assume you mean a keyboard), it’s definitely not becoming useless because of this NKS partnership. Other keyboards could already be used to control our software with the help of user mappings which were created by our amazing community members here. This partnership simply makes it easier to use third-party controllers with our software right out of the box.3 -
Softube made some halfhearted attempt at NKS with a few instruments and effects back in the day and haven't touched it since, so they probably tought it wasn't with the effort. Fingers crossed they would have a change of heart. I had to remove the NKS from my Softtube instruments because it wasn't very good.
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While I agree it would be nice, someone on YouTube comments made the following comment.
If you buy a game for a PS5 and also want it on the Xbox, you don't get a discount, why is this any different?
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While personally I totally agree with you, I can see how it looks for some users.
It seems forever that "soon" has been the answer to when is the plus update coming. Sure it's a Bit of a catch 22, if they give a date and it's not ready there will be an uproar, in a way they can't win.
But at the same time they must have been able to see how this announcement would be seen by those who have been waiting what feels like forever.
I get why they wanted to announce it at NAMM, it's a shame they couldn't have also also announced either the Plus update, or at least given a big inside into how it's coming along and what features are in it.
I know how businesses work, I know that while obviously there is some cross over, on the whole they will have completely separate departments/teams working on both, so one shouldn't impact on the other, it's just how it comes across to those patiently waiting.
All that said, I only own a MK3, but in all honestly, looking at that x/y touch screen on the MPC, it does feel very tempting.
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Check this thread below, we have made various Softube NKS and i think they work well:
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