Native Instruments has announced the release of a version 2.0 firmware update for Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards, introducing deeper DAW integration and enhanced accessibility for blind and visually impaired users. Producers can now adjust any plugin and have deeper control of their DAW without touching the mouse or trackpad.
Kontrol S-Series MK3 now offers a unified plugin view, letting you load and tweak both NKS and non-NKS plugins directly from the keyboard for seamless navigation and full parameter control. This firmware 2.0 release adds plugin and extended control for five DAWs.
Beyond full support for plugin chain navigation, parameter paging, session tempo control, and track color synchronization, the following DAW-specific features are available:
- Ableton Live: Ableton Instrument Racks are now displayed as container plugins that can be expanded or collapsed from the keyboard. Up to 16 macros per Rack can be controlled directly from the MK3. Customize plugin mappings via ‘Configure Mode’.
- Logic Pro: Up to 8 Logic Smart Controls are automatically mapped.
- Cubase: Customize plugin mappings with the Cubase Remote Control Editor.
- Bitwig Studio: Bitwig Browser / preset navigation, named pages, and fully customisable mappings via ‘remote controls’ are available in Bitwig Studio. Furthermore, there’s an extensive library of user contributed pre-mapped plugins available on the NI forum. See also Bitwig controller extension doc.
- Digital Performer: Preset navigation.
Support for Pro Tools, FL Studio, Studio One, and Reaper is planned in the coming months.
Additionally, this 2.0 firmware update introduces support for Native Instruments’ redesigned Accessibility Helper application, offering improved support for blind and visually impaired users, such as:
- Voice Feedback: Descriptions of all physical buttons, encoders, and navigation can be read out loud by the Kontrol MK3.
- Training Mode: All buttons and controls can be read out loud without triggering them, helping musicians learn the layout of the keyboard.
- DAW Integration: All new firmware 2.0 features are fully accessible, making non-NKS parameter control accessible for the first time.
- Hardware Synth Support: By loading a MIDI template onto Kontrol S-series MK3 and using the Accessibility Helper, hardware synth parameters are spoken aloud, providing an industry-first accessibility path for outboard gear.
- OS Integration: The feature respects language, speed, and other system speech settings from operating system accessibility preferences.
For more detailed information about the accessibility features, Native Instruments has announced an upcoming guide called Getting Started Guide for Accessibility Features.
Native Instruments wouldn’t be able to build these inclusive features without their excellent consultants and contacts: Andre Louis, Tim Burgess (Raised Bar), Jason Dasent, Chris Ankin, and many more; all talented musicians from the blind and visually impaired producer community whose knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in making music production more accessible to everyone.
Kontrol S-Series MK3 owners can update their hardware in Native Access in the Updates tab, via the Hardware Connection Service.
More information: Native Instruments / Kontrol S-Series MK3
