How to use the Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.3

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What's New – Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.3

We have released Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.3.

This is a small hotfix update focused on stability and plug-in-chain navigation improvements when using Kontrol S-Series MK3 with DAWs, Maschine, Maschine standalone, and Logic.

What’s fixed in 2.1.3

  • Fixed an issue where the Maschine plug-in could break DAW plug-in-chain navigation
  • Fixed an issue where Maschine standalone could affect DAW plug-in-chain navigation
  • Fixed a crash when removing a direct connection plug-in from a track
  • Fixed an agent crash on Windows when the user account name contains accents
  • Fixed an agent crash on shutdown
  • Fixed Logic plug-in-chain behavior on startup when an NKS instrument is loaded
  • Fixed Logic plug-in-chain display on startup on non-NKS tracks
  • Fixed an issue where NKS plug-ins could incorrectly focus when selecting DAW plug-ins in Logic

Installation instructions

To use Kontrol S-Series MK3, please update the following:

  • Latest Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.3 from the Kontrol S-Series MK3 Device Updater. Download it here.
  • For a step-by-step guide on how to update the firmware, go here
  • Hardware Connection Service 2.1.3, available in Native Access

What's New – Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.2

We are pleased to release Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.2.

This update adds MIDI 2.0 high-resolution parameter support, deeper Maschine and Maschine+ integration, improved plug-in-chain navigation, Mixer track selection from the hardware, and accessibility improvements.

What’s new at a glance

  • MIDI 2.0 high-resolution parameter support in MIDI Templates
  • SHIFT + encoder fine adjustment for MIDI parameter control
  • Maschine 3 Browser integration
  • Master / Group / Sound navigation in Maschine 3
  • Flat plug-in-chain navigation
  • Mixer soft button Select mode
  • Improved accessibility readouts

MIDI 2.0 high-resolution parameters

Kontrol S-Series MK3 now supports MIDI 2.0 high-resolution parameter control in MIDI Templates.

When connected to a MIDI 2.0-ready computer, you can select MIDI 2.0 mode in Settings and work with higher-resolution parameter values, including:

  • 32-bit Control Change
  • 32-bit Poly / Mono Aftertouch
  • 16-bit Note On / Off Velocity

You can also hold SHIFT while turning any of the 8 encoders to fine-tune parameter values with greater precision.

MIDI 2.0 support depends on your operating system and host. You can switch back to MIDI 1.0 mode if needed.

How to use it

On Kontrol S-Series MK3, open Settings and select MIDI 2.0 mode.

In a MIDI Template, assign and control parameters as usual. Hold SHIFT while turning an encoder to fine-adjust the value.

Maschine 3 and Maschine+ integration

Kontrol S-Series MK3 now integrates more deeply with Maschine 3.

When used with Maschine 3.5 or the latest Maschine+ 2.2.0, you can:

  • Open and use the Maschine Browser from the keyboard
  • Navigate between Master / Groups / Sounds using the 4D encoder Left / Right
  • Navigate Sounds or Groups at the current level using the 4D encoder Up / Down
  • Navigate plug-in chains using soft buttons 1 and 2
  • View the current Master / Group / Sound context directly in the Kontrol MK3 header

How to use it

Connect Kontrol S-Series MK3 and open Maschine 3.5 or connect to one of the USB A ports in the back of Maschine+.

  • Press Browser to browse from the keyboard
  • Use the 4D encoder Up / Down to navigate items at the current level
  • Use the 4D encoder Left / Right to switch between Master / Groups / Sounds
  • Use soft buttons 1 and 2 to navigate the plug-in chain

Flat plug-in-chain navigation

Track plug-in chains and standalone NKS plug-in chains can now be navigated as a flat list of plug-ins across the buttons.

This makes it faster to move through plug-ins directly from the keyboard without stepping through a carousel-style workflow.

Mixer soft button Select mode

On the Mixer page, you can now use SHIFT + PAGE LEFT / RIGHT to switch the soft buttons between the existing Mute / Solo behavior and a new Select mode.

Select mode makes it easier to select tracks that are farther away without relying only on 4D encoder navigation.

How to use it

Open the Mixer page on Kontrol S-Series MK3.

  • Use the default soft button mode for Mute / Solo
  • Hold SHIFT and press PAGE LEFT / RIGHT to switch to Select mode
  • Use the soft buttons to select tracks directly
  • Switch back to return to the normal Mute / Solo behavior

Note: Ableton Live support for this hardware behavior requires an upcoming Ableton control surface script update. Until that script is available, Mixer Select mode via hardware will not work in Ableton Live.

Accessibility improvements

Accessibility readouts have been improved when navigating track and page states.

Selected track names are now read out when track selection changes, while page changes read out the relevant page name. This reduces repeated track announcements when moving through pages and makes navigation clearer for users relying on accessibility feedback.

Installation instructions

Update software and firmware

To use Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.2, update the following:

  • Latest Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.1.2 from the Kontrol S-Series MK3 Device Updater. Download it here.
  • For a step-by-step guide on how to update the firmware, go here
  • Hardware Connection Service, available in Native Access

Important notes

On macOS, when switching between MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 mode, it may be necessary to remove the Kontrol device from Audio MIDI Setup while the keyboard is disconnected, then reconnect it.

Full release notes

Added

  • MIDI 2.0 high-resolution parameter support in MIDI Templates
  • SHIFT + encoder fine adjustment for MIDI parameter control
  • Maschine 3 Browser integration on Kontrol S-Series MK3
  • Master / Group / Sound navigation in Maschine 3 from Kontrol S-Series MK3
  • Mixer soft button Select mode via SHIFT + PAGE LEFT / RIGHT
  • Track plug-in-chain and standalone NKS plug-in-chain navigation with a flat list of plug-ins across the buttons
  • Improved accessibility readouts for selected track and page navigation

Known issues

  • In Ableton Live, Mixer Select mode via hardware requires an upcoming Ableton control surface script update (coming soon)

What's New – Kontrol S-Series MK3 Firmware 2.0

Kontrol S-Series MK3 just got a major upgrade. With Firmware 2.0, we’re unlocking powerful DAW control features and full accessibility support, making your flagship keyboard more versatile and inclusive than ever before.

Extended DAW Control

  • Control any plug-in or DAW device directly from the hardware - not just NKS instruments (e.g. Ableton racks and devices, Logic smart controls, etc.)
  • See plug-in names & parameters on the keyboard display for quick selection.
  • Navigate plug-in chains with soft buttons and paging when there are more than 8 plugins.
  • NKS & non-NKS plug-ins appear together in the same view, making switching seamless.
  • Track colors VU meters and encoders on MK3 match your DAW track color.
  • Fine adjust track volumes and parameters by holding SHIFT for precision edits (where supported)
  • Tempo Sync: The Kontrol S-Series MK3 ARP stays in time with your DAW.

Minimum Supported DAWs

  • Ableton Live 12.2.2
  • Logic Pro
  • Cubase 13 / 14
  • Bitwig 5.3.13
  • Digital Performer 11.35
  • Note: FL Studio, Pro Tools, and Reaper support will roll out in the coming months.

Built-In Accessibility Mode

  • Voice feedback for all buttons, encoders, and navigation.
  • Training mode speaks button functions without triggering them.
  • Use with hardware synths by loading a MIDI template and enabling speech feedback.
  • Powered by the always-on Accessibility Helper system tray app.(separate install required)
  • Compatible with your system's voice settings for pitch, speed, and language.

Supported with Maschine+

  • Use your Kontrol S MK3 alongside Maschine+ hardware (Maschine 3.3 and above required).

Installation Guide

Update Software & Firmware

To activate the new DAW control and accessibility features, install the following:

Install DAW Scripts (per DAW)

Ableton Live 12.2.2

  • Open Live and update to the latest version 12.2.2+.
  • This should provide the latest version of the integration.
  • If integration does not work as expected, double check you control surface config.

Logic Pro

Logic scripts are installed automatically with the NI Hardware Connection Service.

If integration does not work as expected:

  1. Quit Logic Pro.
  2. Backup and delete the control surface settings file:
    /Users/<your.name>/Library/Preferences/com.apple.logic.pro.cs
  3. Relaunch Logic Pro.
  4. Go to Control Surfaces > Rebuild Defaults.

Cubase 13 / 14

  • Ensure you're using the latest version of Cubase 13 / Cubase 14.
  • Cubase scripts are installed automatically with the NI Hardware Connection Service.

Bitwig Studio 5.3.13

  • Open Bitwig and update to the latest version 5.3.13 or later.
  • In Settings > Controllers, ensure Kontrol S MK3 is enabled.

Digital Performer 11.35

  • Open Digital Performer and run Help > Check for Updates.
  • Install the latest version 11.35+
  • If integration does not work as expected, double check the Control Surface Setup.

Note: FL Studio, Pro Tools, Studio One, and Reaper support will roll out in the coming months.

Run the Accessibility Helper (Optional for Accessibility Mode)

  • Launch the new NI Accessibility Helper once to grant the required permissions for auto-launch.
  • An icon will appear in your system tray (Windows) or status menu (macOS).
  • The Accessibility Helper will run silently in the background once enabled.

Unified Plugin Experience (NKS + Non-NKS)

Kontrol S-Series MK3 now offers a unified plugin view - letting you browse and tweak both NKS and non-NKS plugins directly from the keyboard. This experience brings faster access, seamless navigation, and full parameter control without reaching for a mouse.

Step-by-Step: Navigating the Plugin Chain

  1. Press PLUGIN
    This opens the plugin chain for the selected DAW track.
  2. View plugins on the top screen bar
    Each plugin in the chain is displayed across the top. Use Soft Buttons 1–8 to select individual plugins.
  3. Scroll through long plugin chains
    If more than 8 plugins are present, Soft Buttons 1 and 2 allow paging / tab between plugin sets.
  4. Identify NKS plugins
    NKS-supported plugins display a small NKS logo to the left of the plugin name.
  5. Enter plugin parameter view
    Press the Soft Button above a plugin to access its parameters and parameter groups.
    For NKS2 plugins with parameter groups (where available):
      - A '+' symbol appears on the right side of the plugin tile if multiple parameter groups are available. Press to enter the parameter group view.
      - Use the soft buttons to navigate the parameter groups within the plugin.
      - Press soft button 8 'Back' to exit the NKS parameter group view.
  6. Navigate between parameter pages on NKS and non-NKS plugins
    Arrows will appear and illuminate when multiple pages are available: (◀) and  (▶)
  7. Adjust parameters
      - Turn any encoder to control the selected plugin's parameters.
      - Hold SHIFT while turning an encoder to enable fine adjustment (where supported).
  8. DAW track color integration
    Track color from your DAW is reflected on the MK3:
      - Encoder rings
      - VU meters
      - Plugin button
    KK20_DawColors.png

DAW-Specific Behavior

In addition to full support for plugin chain navigation, paging, tempo control and track color synchronization, the following DAW-specific features are available:

Ableton Live

  • Full support for built-in Live instruments / effects.
  • Instrument / Effect Racks are displayed as container plugins, and can be expanded and collapsed from the MK3.
  • Up to 16 macros per Rack can be controlled from the MK3.
  • Rack pages and macros can be paged and navigated like any other plugin.
  • Customise plugin mappings via Configure Mode.

Logic Pro

  • Up to 8 Logic Smart Controls are automatically mapped.
  • Note: Logic currently does not support SHIFT + encoder fine adjust.

Cubase

Bitwig

  • Bitwig Browser navigation with encoder wheel and prev / next preset buttons
  • Named pages
  • Fully customizable mappings via ‘remote controls’
  • Extensive library of user contributed pre-mapped plugins available on the NI forum
  • See the official Bitwig controller extension doc for more detailed information.

Switching Between Kontakt, Komplete Kontrol & DAW Plug-ins

Kontrol S-Series MK3 automatically switches between plug-in control modes depending on the selected track and plug-in type. This ensures a seamless experience when moving between standard DAW plug-ins, Komplete Kontrol, and Kontakt 8, with each mode optimized for that plug-in’s capabilities.

Plug-in Type Behavior
DAW Plug-ins Standard parameter view; plugin chain navigation
Komplete Kontrol Switches to Komplete Kontrol mode with NKS browser, tabbed parameter navigation, and FX chain support
Kontakt 8 Switches to Kontakt mode with NKS browser, tabbed parameter navigation and multi-instruments (multiple layers / splits within one instance)

The MK3 display adapts automatically depending on the selected track and plug-in. A small 'NKS icon' appears on the plug-in button when an NKS plug-in is loaded in either Komplete Kontrol or Kontakt.

Plug-in Control Cheat Sheet

Function Action
Open Plug-in Chain Press PLUGIN
Select Plug-in Use Soft Buttons 1–8 (top screen bar)
Scroll Plug-in Pages Use arrows (◀) and (▶) if >8 plug-ins
NKS Plug-in Details Press Soft Button again if + icon appears
Navigate Parameter Pages Use Soft Buttons with arrows
Back to Plug-in Chain Soft Button 8 - BACK
Fine Adjust Parameter Hold SHIFT + turn encoder (where supported)
Track Color Sync Reflected in encoders, plug-in button, and VU meters
Tempo Sync Bi-directional — DAW ↔ MK3

Bi-Directional Tempo Sync

The Kontrol MK3 Arpeggiator now follows the DAW tempo in both directions.

  • Changing the tempo in the DAW updates the keyboard's tempo instantly.
  • Adjusting the tempo via the MK3’s encoder also updates the DAW.
  • This keeps the ARP in sync with the DAW without the need for MIDI clock routing.

Accessibility Mode (via NI Accessibility Helper v2.0.4)

Kontrol S-Series MK3 now includes full support for visually impaired users via the redesigned NI Accessibility Helper.

How to use the new Accessibility Helper

  • Install the new NI Accessibility Helper 2.0.4 from Native Access
  • Ensure the Helper is running in your system tray (Windows) and status menu (macOS) (it launches automatically).
  • Ensure your Kontrol S-Series MK3 hardware is connected.
  • Use the SHIFT+DAW button combination to activate voice readout

macOS 15 Sequoia Speech Settings

The NI Accessibility Helper respects your macOS system settings for chosen voice, speech rate, and speech volume, with the exception of macOS 15 Sequoia, due to a known issue in the OS. A bug has been filed with Apple, and we hope it will be resolved in a future update.

Workaround: On macOS 15 Sequoia, use the NI Accessibility Helper’s internal controls:

  • Go to the NI Accessibility Helper system tray (Windows) or status menu (macOS) icon.
  • Open Settings.
  • Adjust Speech Rate and Speech Volume to your preference.

Accessibility Mode Cheat Sheet

Feature Description
Toggle Accessibility Press SHIFT + DAW to enable/disable voice readout
Training Mode Press SHIFT twice to activate button-readout without triggering actions
System Tray (Windows) / Status Menu (Mac) Helper Runs silently in background, auto-launches with startup
 
Use with mapped Hardware Synths MIDI templates now support spoken readout for mapped hardware synths
OS Integration Respects language, speed, and voice settings from “Spoken Content” system preferences
NI Accessibility Helper App - Zone navigation While in the app; use the Up/Down Arrow keys to move between zones on your controller, and the Left/Right Arrow keys to move within each zone.
NI Accessibility Helper App - key commands While in the app; press the ‘T’ key to enter tour mode through the zones, ‘H’ key to enter Help page mode ( overview of the app), and the ability to adjust font size or toggle announcements (Space Bar, Return key). 
macOS 15 Sequoia Use NI Accessibility Helper → Settings to adjust Speech Rate and Volume (required due to OS limitation).
Other macOS versions Uses system settings by default. NI Accessibility Helper controls are optional if you prefer separate settings.
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