Issues with Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 After PC Reset

mayydji · 2025-01-15T13:10:13+00:00

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Hello everyone,

I’m experiencing an issue with my Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 after resetting my PC, and I’d appreciate any guidance or suggestions.

The Problem:

Since reconnecting the S88 to my PC, I’ve lost access to its advanced features. Here are the key points:

The buttons on the keyboard that are usually lit (e.g., navigation buttons) are now off.
The only lights active are those for the keys themselves.
The screen displays the message: "Komplete Kontrol Smart Keyboard Controller" when I power it on. It feels like the keyboard isn’t properly configured.
I can’t access advanced functionalities like the Komplete Kontrol menu from the keyboard’s screen or set the key velocity to the maximum.

Interestingly, the keyboard does appear to be detected in the preferences of the Komplete Kontrol software.

What I’ve Tried:

Uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers.
Uninstalled and reinstalled Native Access and the Komplete Kontrol software.
Purchased a new USB-B cable and connected it directly to the PC.
Ensured all software and firmware are up to date.
I’ve already checked if the two NI programs in the Services section of the Task Manager were running (by the way, I can only find one out of the two).

Unfortunately, none of these steps resolved the issue.

Additional Information:

Before the PC reset, everything worked perfectly. The keyboard has no visible hardware damage, and the new USB cable is fully functional. I didn't use a USB hub. My laptop works with Windows 11 and it is up to date.

Has anyone encountered a similar problem or have any idea how to fix this? Is there a specific setup or re-initialization process for the S88 MK2 after a PC reset that I might have overlooked?

Thanks in advance for your help!

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S88 MK2

Komplete Kontrol Keyboards

Accepted answers

Jeremy_NI

@mayydji If you haven't already please reach out to support here: https://bit.ly/NI_support_Kontrol

All comments

Vocalpoint

What - exactly - does this mean:

"Resetting my PC"

If you used the standard function in the OS to do this - there could a ton of reasons this is not working. Some of which may actually end up forcing a full reinstall of Windows.

In my Services (Windows 10) I see three services - not two.

Here is my install order (S61 MKII) to ensure a perfectly working NI keyboard.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The keyboard is NOT connected until Step 3

Install Komplete Kontrol Software (v2.9.6 Standalone)
Install Native Access (v3.16.x)
Connect USB-A to USB Root Hub 3.0 (MUST be a port on the motherboard/computer)
Power on Komplete Kontrol S61 MKII
Confirm driver in Device Manager
Open Komplete Kontrol and review device settings

I can confirm this works - without fail.

PoorFellow

@mayydji ,

Be sure to use latest version of Native Access for your OS

To sort of narrow down the problem and confirm that connection and keyboard works then maybe just do a Midi activity test ? : How to Monitor the Output of a MIDI Controller

Also check that you have the NIHardwareservice and NIHostIntegrationAgent services running in the background in task manager. : My Komplete Kontrol Keyboard Does Not Start

Also when reinstalling the Komplete Kontrol then also use the the NI reg tool when having uninstalled old to remove any remnants.

Then tell us what went wrong if anytihng

mykejb

The MK2 doesn't need a USB3 connection, it's a USB2 device and works perfectly here through a powered hub. Non-powered hubs aren't supported.

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/204166#Comment_204166

Noted. My little list up there just happened to list a specific port type.

The critical part (in my experience anyway) is making sure the hardware is not connected before installing all the drivers etc.

mayydji

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/204114#Comment_204114

Thank you, but it didn’t work. Let me explain exactly what I did.

I turned off and unplugged the S88 MK2.
I uninstalled Komplete Kontrol via the Windows uninstall menu.
I uninstalled Native Access and forced all NI programs to stop in the Task Manager.
I restarted the PC.
I reinstalled Native Access.
I reinstalled Komplete Kontrol individually without using Native Access, but it installed an older version (with the blue icon) that doesn’t launch.
I reconnected and powered on the S88 MK2.

It still doesn’t work.

I’d like to point out that before resetting my system, I had the exact same setup and connections, and everything was working perfectly.

P.S: I’d also like to mention an issue with installing Komplete Kontrol via Native Access. The installation step never completes unless I restart the computer, at which point the software appears as installed.

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/204275#Comment_204275

"I’d also like to mention an issue with installing Komplete Kontrol via Native Access. The installation step never completes unless I restart the computer, at which point the software appears as installed"

I never use Native Access to install Komplete Kontrol. And as you can see from my steps - I do not use KK v3 either. It's always a standalone install of KK 2.9.6 - followed by the very latest version of Native Access.

Also - I do not use Windows 11 and certainly do not know to what extent your "reset" has compromised the PC. This stuff is usually one and done 99.99% of time. Clearly there are other things at play on your machine that we (here in the forum) are not equipped to handle.

Best I can recommend now is opening a ticket with NI Support and hopefully they can move this in a better direction.

mayydji

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/204277#Comment_204277

Why don't you use the latest version of Komplete Kontrol?

Vocalpoint

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/204279#Comment_204279

I have a S61 MKII - and v3 is still lacking in several key areas (for my workflow) from main instrument/preset display to drag and drop samples to overall stability and speed - that I have no real incentive to switch.

I have never had KK v2.9.6 slow me down and until v3 gets feature parity with v2 - this is where I am at.

Some folks like KKv3 (while some are forced into it due to their ownership of a MKIII keyboard) - but haven't seen anyone ever say they "love" it. It is what it is - but the UI design can leave many confused and frustrated. (too much clicking here and there does not vibe for some)

That said - KK v2.9.6 (like the MKII itself) IS on borrowed time and will eventually reach a point of contention with current software support etc. But until that time comes - for the typical MKII user (specifically) - I still firmly believe that (for now) KK 2.9.6 is the better and more stable choice.

Jeremy_NI

@mayydji If you haven't already please reach out to support here: https://bit.ly/NI_support_Kontrol

mayydji

Please someone could help me ? I still have the same issue, ive opened a ticket but it was closed without being solved.

Hardware Connection Services doesn't appears in native access plugin list

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/230517#Comment_230517

I'm terrribly sorry that your ticket was set to solved without a resolution. I've contacted you by email, my collegaues will get back to you.

Hardware Connection Service is not needed for the MK2 keyboards, only for the MK3s.

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