Native Instruments has announced new entry-level hardware, including the Komplete Kontrol A-Series – a new line of affordable, smart keyboard controllers, and the third generations of Maschine Mikro and Traktor Kontrol S2.
Based on the success of last year’s Maschine Mk3 and Komplete Kontrol S-Series Mk2, the Maschine Mikro and Komplete Kontrol A-Series are designed for laptop-based producers and musicians looking to get more serious and extend their workflow into hands-on hardware.
Both bring pro-level features and innovation – such as NKS integration with Maschine and Komplete instruments and effects – down to new, lower price points, offering affordable entry points into the NI universe.
Echoing the unified design language of the Maschine Mk3 and Komplete Kontrol S-Series Mk2, the new Mikro and A-Series keyboards are the culmination of extensive user feedback and research. The resulting products are two streamlined, highly-playable instruments with a focus on getting ideas down fast.
Komplete Kontrol A-Series
The Komplete Kontrol A-Series are an all-new line of keyboards coming in three sizes: 25, 49, or 61 keys.
Combining streamlined designs with intelligent workflows, they make it easy for music makers to create, perform, and capture ideas straight from their keyboard.
By bringing best-in-class semi-weighted keybeds and innovative features from the flagship S-Series down to a new, lower price point, the A-Series offers music makers of all genres an accessible gateway to hands-on production and performance.
Komplete Kontrol A-Series keyboards integrate perfectly with a range of popular DAWs and come pre-mapped to all Komplete Instruments and Effects, as well as hundreds of NKS plug-ins from over 75 leading manufacturers.
Right out the box, the A-Series gives musicians everything they need to start creating, with Maschine Essentials included alongside an inspiring collection of pro-grade instruments from NI, including Monark, The Gentleman, Reaktor Prism, and Scarbee Mark I.
With three sizes to choose from, the A-Series makes an ideal addition to any setup – bedroom, studio, or stage.
The new line of keyboards will be available from October 23rd, 2018:
- A25: $149 USD / 149 EUR / £119 GBP.
- A49: $199 USD / 199 EUR / £159 GBP.
- A61: $249 USD / 249 EUR / £199 GBP.
Maschine Mikro
Maschine Mikro is a flexible, compact beatmaking companion, now in its third generation.
All-new bigger pads, based on those of the popular Maschine Mk3, make tapping out beats, playing melodies, and building up tracks a more fun and hands-on experience.
The addition of a Smart Strip provides new ways of playing with Mikro – by sliding fingers across the strip it’s possible to strum and bend sounds, and get creative with effects in real-time.
Maschine Mikro comes bundled with Maschine Factory Selection – 1.6 GB of sounds, kits, samples, effects, and instruments, designed to give musicians and producers everything they need to start making music.
Also included are full versions of the popular NI synths Massive, Monark, and Reaktor Prism. The Maschine software can be used standalone, or with any DAW, meaning that Mikro fits easily into any music-making workflow – all while costing significantly less than previous generations.
The release of Mikro also brings an all-new experience for getting started with Maschine. Whether making their first beat, or brushing up on the basics, NI’s comprehensive guides for getting started mean it has never been easier for musicians and producers to take the first steps on their Maschine journey.
Maschine Mikro will be available from September 18th, 2018, priced at $249 USD / 249 EUR / £199 GBP.
Traktor Kontrol S2
The Mikro and A-Series Keyboards are complemented by the arrival of new entry-level DJ hardware, the Traktor Kontrol S2, a portable 2-channel DJ system that gives DJs everything they need to easily create powerful sets with FX, samples, and more.
The Traktor Kontrol S2 also includes a full version of the new Traktor Pro 3 software.
The Traktor Kontrol S2 has undergone a complete redesign, with a visual language that aligns closely with TRAKTOR’s club-standard heritage.
The system features 16 RGB pads for triggering samples and loops, as well as for setting and triggering cue points. It also provides full integration with Mixer FX in Traktor Pro 3, with a dedicated control section on each channel.
Traktor Kontrol S2 is scheduled for fall 2018, priced at $299 USD / 299 EUR / £239 GBP.
More information: Native Instruments
