Native Instruments has announced that industry leaders Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio are adopting the NKS ecosystem to power seamless integration with Native Instruments software.
Making it easier than ever for music producers to explore new sounds on their favorite controllers, the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Hardware Partner Program connects music makers to over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.
This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration. It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform, making professional-grade tools, instruments, and technology more accessible to creators everywhere. – Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments
At the heart of this experience is NKS, a technology that bridges the gap between virtual instruments and effects, and hardware.
The new NKS Hardware Partner program enables basic integration for partner’s existing keyboard controllers, allowing musicians and producers to use the Komplete Kontrol desktop software to access a premium portfolio of over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects.
With intuitive mappings to supported controllers, this integration provides expressive, hands-on control without lengthy setups or distractions. The program also sets the stage for advanced features in future products, ensuring that every music maker can stay focused on their creativity while enjoying a seamless connection between hardware and software.
Native Instruments’ expanded partnerships extend NKS compatibility to renowned keyboard controllers, offering unparalleled musical hardware-software integration:
- Akai Professional: NKS integration now supports the MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, and MPK Mini Plus).
- Novation: NKS enhances the Launchkey MK3 and MK4, FLkey, and SL MK3 controllers, complementing their seamless DAW integrations.
- Nektar: The velocity-sensitive LX MK3 brings intuitive NKS integration.
- Korg: The advanced MIDI 2.0-compatible Keystage controllers bring enhanced flexibility and sound design options through NKS.
- M-Audio: The current-generation Oxygen Series keyboards will feature NKS compatibility.
The NKS integration will be available to all partner brands in the coming months. Interested owners can sign up for updates and more details at native-instruments.com/nks
In addition to NKS integration, Native Instruments and Akai Professional are collaborating to bring their existing content to the MPC platform:
- Expansions: Five MPC Expansions include one-shots, samples, and FX chains.
- MPC Edition Play Series: Five MPC Play Editions instruments blend presets with intuitive controls, creating flavorful and distinctive sonic palettes tailored for a wide range of musical styles.
Joe Richardson, EVP, Chief Commercial Officer inMusic (owner of Akai Professional) says:
This partnership between Akai Professional and Native Instruments marks a revolutionary step forward in music creation and performance.
By uniting the MPC’s iconic standalone workflow and feature-rich hardware with Native Instruments’ world-class sounds, we’re empowering creators with tools that inspire and transform their craft. This collaboration not only enhances the MPC experience but also brings unmatched creative possibilities to musicians and producers worldwide—including countless users of our controllers—enabling them to bring their visions to life like never before.
Both the Expansions and MPC Editions Play Series Editions are available mid-February.
As part of the NKS Hardware Partner program, owners of NKS-ready hardware from Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio will be eligible to receive Native Instruments’ flagship production bundle, Komplete 15 Select, free of charge. Creators can choose from three editions tailored to specific workflows:
- Beats Edition: Synths and sound packs ideal for pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
- Band Edition: Guitars, keys, and studio effects designed for songwriters and live performers.
- Electronic Edition: Advanced synths and tools for house, techno, and trance producers.
For Akai Professional users, an MPK purchase includes Komplete 15 Select which features over $1,000 USD worth of benchmark software titles such as Native Instruments’ Massive X and Battery 4 to iZotope’s Nectar 4 Elements and Ozone Elements, and more.
Native Instruments’ mission extends beyond hardware compatibility. Through collaborations with leading developers and hardware partners, the company envisions an industry standard of seamless workflows. Building on integrations such as Kontakt’s compatibility with Avid Pro Tools, Native Instruments is committed to creating a unified platform that inspires musicians across all genres and experience levels.
Mark Ethier, Native Instruments board member and co-founder of iZotope, part of the NI Group, says:
We’re dedicated to fostering a future where creativity is aided by technology. Through partnerships and groundbreaking innovation, we’re building an interconnected music industry that empowers artists to bring their creative visions to life.
Media, VIPs, and creators are invited to hear from Native Instruments’ Chief Product Officer, Simon Cross, and Akai Professional’s Chief Marketing Officer, Joe Richardson, at the NAMM 2025 Global Media Day. Attendees visiting the booths of NKS Hardware Partners will experience live demonstrations designed to inspire music creators.
More information: Native Instruments
