S61 Keyboard not working for plugins but knobs are

Chewy · 2025-03-18T21:08:03+00:00

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I am new to the NI ecosystem so sorry if some of this is obvious

I have set up Komplete Kontrol, and have Pigments loaded in it. I've got Kontakt 8 download as well, and that's not loading in there, but that's another issue.

When I try to load either of these plugins, they open on my machine and on the screen, and the knobs work, but no sounds will play when I press any keys. If I press the keys using the built in keyboard on Pigments it works, and the LEDs light up on my S61, but pressing the keys on my S61 does nothing at all.

Is there something I have configured wrong here?

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Chewy

So searching about that invalid message helped me out. It was because I switched to MIDI 2.0 and didn't read the message about removing the device from Audio MIDI Setup.

Switching back to MIDI 1.0 solved the issue!

Is it best to just stick with MIDI 1.0 or is it worth troubleshooting the MIDI 2.0 issues?

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JesterMgee

Sounds like the MIDI port isn't selected to allow your keyboard to play.

Are you using the standalone software or via a plugin in a DAW?

I will assume you are using the standalone software as you do not mention a DAW, but same thing would apply to check in the MIDI preferences of the DAW tho, not the KK plugin.

Check in the Edit > Preferences that the MIDI input is selected for your keyboard, no need to select the DAW port as that is used only for DAW control:

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/43532/s61-keyboard-not-working-for-plugins-but-knobs-are

Try following these :

Setting Up the Stand-alone Kontakt Application

Setting Up the Stand-alone Komplete Kontrol Application

Also then you can try using the Steinberg built-in ASIO Driver: information & download

Please notice that not all sound drivers will allow you to have e.g. both the Kontakt application and other Windows application making sound at the same time , especially not if Windows is set to allow for exclusive access. But you can try using the Steinberg driver for all N.I. apps and DAW and then Disable Exclusive Mode in Windows Sound Settings

Right-click the speaker icon in your system tray and select Sounds.

Go to the Playback tab, select your active audio device (e.g., your speakers or headphones), and click Properties.

Go to the Advanced tab.

Uncheck both options under Exclusive Mode:

Click Apply and OK.

mykejb

It's nothing to do with the sound drivers. If it was then using the virtual keyboard in Pigments wouldn't work. @JesterMgee's solution is almost certain to be correct, the MIDI selection catches most people out the first time they use Komplete Kontrol.

Chewy

Yes, my sound drivers are fine.

In Komplete Kontrol, Pigments, and Reaper I've selected it as a midi input with no luck.

In Komplete Kontrol under Preferences I have the following inputs selected:

KONTROL S61 MK3 (Main)

KONTROL S61 MK3 (DAW)

KONTROL S61 MK3 (Ext)

Komplete Kontrol Virtual Input

I've tried selecting them individually and turning the others off as well.

It is getting a midi signal. The knobs are working, they adjust what they're labeled as in pigments. It's just the keys, pitch wheel, and mod wheel that are not working.

If I connect the midi out to my Motu M4, switch the Midi Out settings on my S61 to MIDI Out Dual, and then configure Komplete Kontrol to receive MIDI input from the M4, everything works. But I'd like to avoid this if possible to reduce cable clutter, I'm trying to get it all working over USB.

JesterMgee

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216892#Comment_216892

Wouldn't personally be suggesting people install ASIO drivers without first knowing if that would be a solution the user is willing to go through (could already have a pro audio interface, additional drivers could cause issues). I mean, he doesn't even state if he is on PC in the post (if you check his profile he is on mac) so this is a confusing suggestion for a mod to make. Also, process of elimination, he has sound when he clicks the keyboard which is a clue it is not audio related.

Maybe let the OP test the first answer someone gives and report back if this did or did not address the issue, then with the additional info the next solution can be put forward.

mykejb

The knobs in Komplete Kontrol use a non-standard protocol as far as I'm aware so it's possible there's no MIDI coming from the keyboard. Have you tried using something like Midi Monitor ( https://www.snoize.com/MIDIMonitor/ ) to check if the keyboard is transmitting MIDI? That's about as low level as you can get. It's possible it's a faulty keyboard and a test with Midi Monitor while the keyboard is in MIDI mode should show that up.

Chewy

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216904#Comment_216904

I just tried checking with MIDI monitor.

When using only USB connection, it does receive MIDI signal but the message is "Invalid" for everything. Using the MIDI out port into my M4, it receives the proper messages such as Note on/note off/aftertouch. Knobs don't say anything for either so you're right about those being non-standard.

Does this indicate a hardware issue? Is there any way to flash the firmware? I did have some troubles updating it initially.

Chewy

So searching about that invalid message helped me out. It was because I switched to MIDI 2.0 and didn't read the message about removing the device from Audio MIDI Setup.

Switching back to MIDI 1.0 solved the issue!

Is it best to just stick with MIDI 1.0 or is it worth troubleshooting the MIDI 2.0 issues?

JesterMgee

Just stick to Midi 1.0 as only in certain cases will 2.0 be a benefit, and usually at that level you will know what to troubleshoot anyway. Once it works and you can get things done,. just leave it.

mykejb

Ah ok, yep you have to delete the device if you switch modes otherwise the Mac gets confused. I have mine set to MIDI 2 for testing and it does work ok, but as Jester says if you don't need it leaving it as MIDI 1 is probably safer. Glad it's working anyway!

PoorFellow

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216898#Comment_216898

he doesn't even state if he is on PC in the post (if you check his profile he is on mac) so this is a confusing suggestion for a mod to make. Also, process of elimination, he has sound when he clicks the keyboard which is a clue it is not audio related.

That was a fail I agree. I had a lack of concentration, my apologies.

Jeremy_NI

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216897#Comment_216897

AS explained in the manual you should only tick KONTROL S61 MK3 (Main) in the Komplete Kontrol standalone MIDI preferences.

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