Kontrol S88 mk3 - Can I use templates to control a Kontakt instance and external synth using a split

Ralph Washington · 2025-03-16T18:54:36+00:00

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A new video on Youtube posted by NI appears to show something I thought was NOT supported. That is, my understanding was that the din output to external synths was only active if the S88 was un-plugged from the host computer. Unfortunately this forum will not allow me to post a link. Very helpful - not.

I'll buy an S88 tomorrow if I can have a zone or two of Kontakt instruments and control external synths without physically disconnecting the USB-C.

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Accepted answers

Skijumptoes

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216534#Comment_216534

Yes, that's correct the DIN isn't active, but you can use the MIDI DIN from a MIDI Interface, or Audio interface if it has one to loopback instead.

Just to be clear what i've done, and what that video is likely doing is this:

[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH1) → External Synth

[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH2) → DAW/Kontakt

The USB connection is simply there to power the keyboard and not plugged into a computer. i.e. this means you wouldn't get the NKS integration.

But in all honesty, if you're going to take that route you may as well go through the DAW:

[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth

[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI USB → DAW → Kontakt

You use the MIDI Channel designations to filter through the DAW providing you're using one that can select a specific MIDI channel as it's input per track.

Going this route means you do get the NKS integration too, but requires the MIDI DIN output of a secondary device or audio interface.

I don't know if that helps, or confuses you more, as it's hard to diagram using text! :)

timrae_NI

Hi sorry it's going to take a bit more time for all the official information to come through, but in the meantime here are the release notes from Native Access:

Onboard Arpeggiator: The Play Assist Arp functionality can now be used in "Keyboard Mode" for standalone operation directly on the Kontrol S Mk3, in addition to the existing "Plugin Mode" which required a connection to the Komplete Kontrol software
Tempo configuration: The shift + tempo button combination opens a new page which sets the tempo used by the arpeggiator. Note: the value set here may be overwritten by the Komplete Kontrol / Kontakt 8 / Maschine 3.1 plugins if the DAW tempo changes, so you may need to set the tempo in your DAW as well. This process will be optimized in a future release
Arp shortcut customization: This now works as in Komplete Kontrol
Advanced MIDI output routing: MIDI can now be sent to either MIDI DIN, MIDI USB, or both simultaneously. Simultaneous MIDI output can be enabled globally in the device settings, with additional configuration options available for MIDI mode only in the MIDI template settings
Maschine 3.1 support: User chords defined in the Maschine 3.1 software can now be accessed from the Kontrol S Mk3. Undo / redo / quantize can also now be controlled

All comments

Kymeia

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/43468/kontrol-s88-mk3-can-i-use-templates-to-control-a-kontakt-instance-and-external-synth-using-a-split

That's an upcoming feature so I presume whoever made the video was showcasing that or maybe a beta tester (although technically, if the latter, they should not be doing that)

Ralph Washington

It was Matt Lara from NI 7 months ago at the end of a video on the then new template feature. He shows Glaze 2 in one zone and a Super 6 controlled from the other zone. Doesn't seem like a secret. More likely me not understanding. Since I can't post a link to a youtube video, try adding youtube.com in front of the following /watch?v=Rm4D8i5my0Y&t=1090s.

Ralph Washington

The relevant info begins at about the 18:30 or 19:00 mark.

JesterMgee

It's been announced by Matt that it is being released in the next version, some would say about time after 10 years of requests and 3 hardware revisions for what is really a basic midi keyboard function really, the ability to actually send MIDI! But at this point I guess we should be happy we see any new feature at all.

Now, [cough!] if only they could address the problems they caused witht he new software [cough, sub banks].

Ralph Washington

Thanks! So to be clear; this is NOT currently supported? Given that this video is 7 months old, if not yet delivered I guess I'll wait to purchase.

A deal killer unfortunately. I love the Kontakt integration, but I won't support any walled garden.

Kymeia

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216525#Comment_216525

Not currently, but the update with it in is probably very close now.

Skijumptoes

On that video he's not picking different ports, only different MIDI Channels. So it probably is the same firmware as we have now considering it's 7 months old video.

I'd expect the USB connection is being used for power only and the MIDI DIN is looping for a MIDI Interface and then routing Ch 1 to External Device and Ch 2 goes through DAW/Kontakt.

There's a few ways you can do these kind of routings already, providing you have a MIDI interface or MIDI DIN on your audio interface.

I'd definitely wait until the next update though, to see what it brings on a hardware level - as i'm not part of the beta I don't know if it the port will be settable per zone, or it's just a global setting.

Ralph Washington

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216532#Comment_216532

So you are confirming you that you actually done what you describe (Ch 1 to Ext device and Ch 2 to din to control external device)?

Everything I've been able to find except the video I've attempted to link to says if the USB-C to computer is present midi din connector is NOT active.

BTW - I know it is easy to criticize a company, but I for one sincerely appreciate NI's support and participation of this board.

Having said that, it sure would be nice to get some sort of confirmation of what is possible with regard to use of the S88/S61 as a controller for "everything" simultaneously.

Skijumptoes

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216534#Comment_216534

Yes, that's correct the DIN isn't active, but you can use the MIDI DIN from a MIDI Interface, or Audio interface if it has one to loopback instead.

Just to be clear what i've done, and what that video is likely doing is this:

[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH1) → External Synth

[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI DIN → MIDI INTERFACE (CH2) → DAW/Kontakt

The USB connection is simply there to power the keyboard and not plugged into a computer. i.e. this means you wouldn't get the NKS integration.

But in all honesty, if you're going to take that route you may as well go through the DAW:

[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth

[KONTROL CH2] → MIDI USB → DAW → Kontakt

You use the MIDI Channel designations to filter through the DAW providing you're using one that can select a specific MIDI channel as it's input per track.

Going this route means you do get the NKS integration too, but requires the MIDI DIN output of a secondary device or audio interface.

I don't know if that helps, or confuses you more, as it's hard to diagram using text! :)

Kymeia

[KONTROL CH1] → MIDI USB → DAW → MIDI OUT(CH1) → External Synth

Yeah that's how I do it currently to avoid having to unplug the USB - I have a Fireface so it goes via that

Ralph Washington

This will work for me. Thanks @Skijumptoes and @Kymeia. Through the DAW is fine. I'll be ordering one tomorrow.

Matthew_NI

The update is out now - so no need to unplug

Ralph Washington

Thank you Matthew (and NI)!

Ralph Washington

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/216937#Comment_216937

Do you have a link to the release notes? I'm looking for what else might be included. I'm not overly familiar with the site yet, but search doesn't seem to find them either.

timrae_NI

Hi sorry it's going to take a bit more time for all the official information to come through, but in the meantime here are the release notes from Native Access:

Onboard Arpeggiator: The Play Assist Arp functionality can now be used in "Keyboard Mode" for standalone operation directly on the Kontrol S Mk3, in addition to the existing "Plugin Mode" which required a connection to the Komplete Kontrol software
Tempo configuration: The shift + tempo button combination opens a new page which sets the tempo used by the arpeggiator. Note: the value set here may be overwritten by the Komplete Kontrol / Kontakt 8 / Maschine 3.1 plugins if the DAW tempo changes, so you may need to set the tempo in your DAW as well. This process will be optimized in a future release
Arp shortcut customization: This now works as in Komplete Kontrol
Advanced MIDI output routing: MIDI can now be sent to either MIDI DIN, MIDI USB, or both simultaneously. Simultaneous MIDI output can be enabled globally in the device settings, with additional configuration options available for MIDI mode only in the MIDI template settings
Maschine 3.1 support: User chords defined in the Maschine 3.1 software can now be accessed from the Kontrol S Mk3. Undo / redo / quantize can also now be controlled

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