What is this about?
NKS, or Native Kontrol Standard, is a standard that offers seamlessly integrated browsing and parameter adjustment of a plug-in directly from a hardware controller, with no setup required.
Direct Connection refers to the Kontrol S MK3 keyboard's ability to connect the NKS experience directly to a plug-in, moving the focus from one plug-in to the next as you switch between tracks.
In this way, NKS and Direct Connection can make thousands of virtual instruments and effects feel "real" as if they were embedded on the Kontrol S MK3, without you having to reach for your computer's keyboard and mouse.
Direct Connection is new to Kontakt 7. Previously, Komplete Kontrol software was the only way to get the NKS experience.
We chose Kontakt 7 first, as it’s our most popular product, but we plan to expand Direct Connection to many 1st and 3rd party products.
Why Direct Connection?
Previous generations of Kontrol S, A and M keyboard controllers relied on Komplete Kontrol desktop software to process and render the images and parameter mapping shown on the hardware’s screen. All content therefore had to be hosted within the Komplete Kontrol software to allow seamless browsing and parameter adjustment.
The new generation of Kontrol S MK3 keyboards are capable of processing and rendering the graphics and metadata on-device. This makes it easier for a plug-in to communicate with the keyboard and allows integrations such as Direct Connection to Kontakt.