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Native Komplete Kontrol S-series MK1 Manual

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Table of Contents
1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 1
2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................ 2
2.1. Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 2
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3 ................................................... 3
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0 ................................................... 3
2.4. Box Contents ................................................................................................... 4
2.5. System Requirements ....................................................................................... 4
2.6. Accessibility ..................................................................................................... 5
2.6.1. Keyboard Overview ................................................................................ 5
2.6.2. Activating Accessibility Features .............................................................. 6
2.6.3. Training Mode ........................................................................................ 7
2.6.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts .............................................. 7
3. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow ......................................................................... 9
4. Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................ 10
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer ....................................................... 10
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application ............................................................. 11
4.3. Setting up Host Integration .............................................................................. 13
4.4. Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard ................................................................. 14
4.5. Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard ...................................... 15
5. Software Overview .................................................................................................... 17
5.1. Header .......................................................................................................... 17
5.2. Browser ......................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1. Library Pane ........................................................................................ 19
5.2.2. Product Selector ................................................................................... 20
5.2.3. Files Pane ............................................................................................ 21
5.2.4. Browser on the Keyboard ...................................................................... 23
5.3. Perform Panel ................................................................................................ 23
5.4. Plug-in Panel .................................................................................................. 24
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel ........................................................................................ 24
5.6. Plug-in Area ................................................................................................... 25
5.7. Sampler Plug-In .............................................................................................. 25
5.7.1. Envelopes ............................................................................................ 26
5.8. Audio Plug-In ................................................................................................. 28
6. Keyboard Overview .................................................................................................. 30
6.1. Transport Section ........................................................................................... 31
6.2. Perform Section .............................................................................................. 31
6.3. Control Section ............................................................................................... 32
6.4. NAVIGATE Section ......................................................................................... 33
6.5. Keybed and Light Guide .................................................................................. 34
6.6. Touch Strips ................................................................................................... 34
6.7. Transpose Buttons .......................................................................................... 35
7. Global Controls and Preferences ............................................................................... 36
7.1. Instrument Views ............................................................................................ 36
7.1.1. Default View ......................................................................................... 37
7.1.2. Additional View ..................................................................................... 37
7.1.3. Edit View ............................................................................................. 38
7.2. Switching Instances ........................................................................................ 39
7.3. Transport and Tempo ...................................................................................... 40
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock .............................................................................. 40
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo ................................................................................... 41
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume ................................................................................. 41
7.5. Preferences ................................................................................................... 42
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page .................................................................... 42
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page ...................................................................... 43
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page ................................................................. 44
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page ................................................................... 45
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page ................................................................. 48
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page ................................................................. 50
7.5.7. Preferences – Hardware Page .............................................................. 51
7.6. Loading a Plug-in in Default State .................................................................... 51
8. MIDI Communication ................................................................................................ 53
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers ............................................. 54
8.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller ......................................................... 56
8.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller ........................................... 57
8.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller ......................................... 57
8.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode ....................................................................... 58
8.1.5. Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping .............................................. 59
8.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances .......................................................... 59
8.2. Host Automation ............................................................................................. 60
8.2.1. Recording Automation .......................................................................... 60
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel .................................................... 60
8.3. Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode ................................................................... 61
8.4. Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller ......................................... 62
9. Host Integration ........................................................................................................ 63
9.1. Integration with MASCHINE ............................................................................ 63
9.2. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand ......................................... 65
9.3. Integration with Ableton Live ............................................................................ 65
9.4. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo ................................................ 66
9.5. Integration with Non-supported Hosts .............................................................. 66
10. Browsing the Library ............................................................................................... 68
10.1. Browser Basics ............................................................................................. 68
10.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ................... 68
10.1.2. Loops and One-shots .......................................................................... 69
10.1.3. Browse Modes ................................................................................... 69
10.1.4. About the Library and Meta-Information ............................................... 70
10.1.5. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks .............................. 70
10.2. Opening the Browser .................................................................................... 71
10.3. Loading Preset Files ..................................................................................... 72
10.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content .................................... 72
10.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product .................................................................... 73
10.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank ........................................................................ 75
10.7. Resetting the Product Selection ..................................................................... 76
10.8. Types and Characters Tags ........................................................................... 77
10.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters ..................................... 79
10.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level ........................................ 80
10.9. Working with Favorites .................................................................................. 81
10.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites ..................................................... 81
10.9.2. Displaying Favorites in the Results List ................................................ 82
10.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites ............................................ 83
10.10. Performing a Text Search ............................................................................ 84
10.11. Displaying Preset File Information ................................................................ 84
10.12. Auditioning your Preset Files ....................................................................... 85
10.13. Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay ............................................................ 85
11. Working with Effects ................................................................................................ 87
11.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel ................................................................... 87
11.2. Adding Effects .............................................................................................. 87
11.3. Selecting Plug-in Slots .................................................................................. 89
11.4. Reordering Effects ........................................................................................ 89
11.5. Scrolling the Plug-in Chain ............................................................................. 90
11.6. Bypassing Effects ......................................................................................... 90
11.7. Removing Effects .......................................................................................... 91
12. Working with Loops and One-Shot Samples ............................................................. 92
12.1. Sampler Plug-In and Audio Plug-In Use Cases ............................................... 92
12.2. Loading One-Shot Samples and Loops .......................................................... 92
12.3. Opening the Audio Plug-In or Sampler Plug-In ................................................ 93
12.4. Switching between the Audio Plug-In and the Sampler Plug-In ........................ 94
12.5. Playback Behavior of Audio Plug-In in Host Software ...................................... 94
13. Managing the Library .............................................................................................. 95
13.1. Saving Preset Files to the User Library ........................................................... 95
13.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library ............................................. 97
13.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files ....................................... 97
13.4. Syncing Multiple Instances ........................................................................... 100
13.5. Working with the Files Pane ......................................................................... 101
13.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane .......................... 101
13.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar ............................... 102
13.5.3. Navigating to Recent File Locations .................................................... 102
13.5.4. Working with File Location Favorites ................................................... 102
13.6. Loading VST Plug-ins .................................................................................. 103
13.7. Installing NKS Instruments ........................................................................... 104
13.8. Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files ............................... 106
14. Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters ................................. 108
14.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects ....................... 108
14.2. Adjusting Parameters ................................................................................... 108
14.3. Switching Parameter Pages ......................................................................... 108
14.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel ............................. 109
15. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords ............................................... 111
15.1. A Note about Music Theory .......................................................................... 111
15.2. Activating the Scale Engine .......................................................................... 112
15.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale ...................................................................... 113
15.4. Playing Chords ............................................................................................ 113
15.5. Editing Scales and Chords ........................................................................... 114
15.6. Setting the SCALE Parameters ..................................................................... 114
15.6.1. SCALE Root Note .............................................................................. 115
15.6.2. SCALE Bank and Type ...................................................................... 115
15.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter ................................................................ 119
15.8. Setting the CHORD Parameters ................................................................... 121
15.8.1. CHORD Mode ................................................................................... 121
15.8.2. CHORD Type .................................................................................... 122
15.8.3. CHORD Position ............................................................................... 124
16. Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences ........................................ 125
16.1. Playing Arpeggiator Sequences .................................................................... 125
16.2. Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator ........................................... 126
16.3. Editing the Arpeggiator ................................................................................. 126
16.4. MAIN Parameters ........................................................................................ 127
16.4.1. MAIN Mode ....................................................................................... 127
16.4.2. MAIN Type ........................................................................................ 128
16.5. RHYTHM Parameters .................................................................................. 128
16.5.1. RHYTHM Rate .................................................................................. 128
16.5.2. RHYTHM Sequence .......................................................................... 129
16.5.3. RHYTHM Swing ................................................................................ 129
16.6. OTHER Parameters ..................................................................................... 130
16.6.1. OTHER Octaves ................................................................................ 130
16.6.2. OTHER Dynamic ............................................................................... 131
16.6.3. OTHER Gate ..................................................................................... 131
16.7. ADVANCED Parameters .............................................................................. 131
16.7.1. ADVANCED Retrigger ........................................................................ 132
16.7.2. ADVANCED Repeat ........................................................................... 132
16.7.3. ADVANCED Offset ............................................................................ 132
16.7.4. ADVANCED Inversion ........................................................................ 132
16.8. RANGE Parameters ..................................................................................... 133
16.8.1. RANGE Min. Key ............................................................................... 133
16.8.2. RANGE Max. Key .............................................................................. 133
16.9. HOLD Parameter ......................................................................................... 134
17. Configuring Touch Strips ........................................................................................ 135
17.1. Accessing Touch Strip Settings ..................................................................... 135
17.2. Configuring Pitch Strip ................................................................................. 136
17.2.1. Adjusting Absolute Mode .................................................................... 137
17.2.2. Enabling Relative Mode ..................................................................... 137
17.3. Configuring Modulation Strip ......................................................................... 138
17.3.1. Modulation Strip Modes ..................................................................... 138
17.3.2. Selecting and Editing a Modulation Strip Mode .................................... 140
1. DISCLAIMER
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is
subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication
may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior
written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments
GmbH.
Mac, macOS, GarageBand, Logic and iTunes are registered trademarks of Apple Inc., registered
in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States
and/or other countries.
Ableton Live™ and LINK™ are a trademarks of Ableton AG.
ASIO and VST are a trademark and software of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply
any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 2.1.3 (06/2019)
Hardware version: KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK1
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but in
making this a better product.
Disclaimer
1
2. WELCOME TO KOMPLETE KONTROL
Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL!
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-
Series—form a tightly integrated music production and performance system that brings all the
sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the heart of your workflow.
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers advanced integration with a number of hosts and provides full con-
trol of any Instruments supporting NKS, both from Native Instruments and partners. The keyboard
lets you browse your Instruments, Loops, One-Shots and Effects in an intuitive way and play them
creatively with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s unique Scale engine and Arpeggiator.
We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do.
—The team at Native Instruments
2.1. Document Conventions
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential is-
sues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can be expec-
ted:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task
more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the
given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your
full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
• Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
• Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the soft-
ware is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text
appearing somewhere on the screen.
• Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see this
formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
2
• Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
• Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
• References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g., “Press
[Shift] + [Enter]”).
• Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard (or just key-
board) as the hardware controller and KOMPLETE KONTROL software as the software installed
on your computer.
2.2. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.3
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
Audio Plug-in
The new Audio plug-in specializes in keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the project in your
host software and has the optional ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop. Further-
more, you can transpose the loop while it plays so that it fits the key of your song.
For more information on the Audio plug-in, refer to Audio Plug-In.
For more information on using the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot Sam-
ples.
MCU Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2
KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series MK2 now supports integration in hosts with MCU control.
MIDI Control Takeover Mode for Third-Party Controllers
When using third-party controllers, you can now enable Takeover mode to prevent potential pa-
rameter jumps caused by mismatching knob positions between software and hardware.
For more information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
Improvements to Host Integration
Previously, you had to start KOMPLETE KONTROL as a stand-alone application to scan your li-
brary for Instruments, Samples, and Effects before using the plug-in in your host. This step is now
no longer necessary. Instead, when you use KOMPLETE KONTROL in your host directly after in-
stallation, a dialog is presented, allowing you to scan your library.
2.3. New Features in KOMPLETE KONTROL 2.1.0
The following new features have been added to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
3
MIDI Mapping for Third-Party Controllers
• It is now possible to control some of KOMPLETE KONTROL's parameters via a third-party
MIDI controller. For more information, refer to MIDI Communication.
Sounds.com Integration
• Browse on Sounds.com, create your own collections of loops and one-shots and send them di-
rectly to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Improvements to the Browser
• Samples are now cataloged in separate Loops and One-shots tabs in the Browser. For more
information, refer to Loops and One-shots.
• Previews of Loops selected in the Browser will be played in sync with the current project. When
a loop is selected with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync with the
project if transport is running. For more information, refer to Loops and One-shots
• Filters and product selections will be remembered when switching between Content types and
Factory/User Libraries in the Browser.
• Browser content synchronization between multiple running instances. When running multiple
instances of KOMPLETE KONTROL, either as Standalone and/or as a plug-in, updates to the
Library will be synced across the instances. For example, if you delete a sample from your
User Library in one instance, the sample will no longer be present in the other instances. Simi-
larly, if you save a preset in one instance, that preset will then be available in the other instan-
ces also.
2.4. Box Contents
The box contains the following items:
• KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• USB cable
• Information flyer providing:
• the hardware serial number of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard
• a web link for downloading the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and the KOMPLETE SE-
LECT software bundle
• Safety Instructions flyer
2.5. System Requirements
For KOMPLETE KONTROL to fully function as indented, your system needs to meet certain re-
quirements. The latest KOMPLETE KONTROL system requirements and compatibility information
is available here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/komplete-kontrol-s-series/specifications/
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
4
KOMPLETE
KOMPLETE KONTROL is optimized for use with KOMPLETE SELECT, KOMPLETE and KOM-
PLETE ULTIMATE.
The latest KOMPLETE system requirements and compatibility information is available here:
http://www.native-instruments.com/products/komplete/
2.6. Accessibility
KOMPLETE KONTROL offers a set of accessibility features for visually-impaired users. These are
focused exclusively on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard itself and include speech output via
your computer for the following features:
• Perform, Transpose, Page left / right, and key navigation buttons.
• All Browser functions.
• Instance switching.
• The current edit mode, including the Plug-in Panel and the Perform panel (Scale, Arp, Touch
Strip).
• Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit modes.
The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with KOM-
PLETE KONTROL’s host integration and Apple VoiceOver in Apple Logic Pro X and
GarageBand.
2.6.1. Keyboard Overview
The buttons and knobs on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard are organized in the following
groups:
• Transpose
• Perform
• Transport
• Control section
• Navigate
The Transpose section is located at the far left of the keyboard next to the keybed and directly
above the two Touch Strips. It contains two buttons that are arranged in a row.
The buttons are (from left to right):
• OCT –
• OCT +
The Perform section is located at the top left of the keyboard. It contains three buttons that are
arranged in a row.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
5
The buttons are (from left to right):
• SHIFT
• SCALE (EDIT)
• ARP (EDIT)
The Transport section is located directly below the Perform section. It contains six buttons that are
arranged in two rows.
The buttons in the first row are (from left to right):
• LOOP
• RWD
• FFW
The buttons in the second row are (from left to right):
• PLAY (RESTART)
• REC (COUNT-IN)
• STOP
The Control section is located in the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. It contains
eight knobs that are arranged in a row at the top of the keyboard. Directly to the left of these are
two small buttons to switch the parameter pages left and right.
The Navigate section is located at the top right of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. It con-
tains ten buttons and a large Control encoder. These are arranged as follows:
2.6.2. Activating Accessibility Features
In order to activate or deactivate the accessibility features from the KOMPLETE KONTROL key-
board while the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running:
1. Press and hold the SHIFT button on the top left of the keyboard.
2. While holding SHIFT, press the PRESET Up button on the top right of the keyboard.
The speech output confirms that the accessibility features have been activated or deactiva-
ted.
The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
plug-in. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be
opened after initial installation and after installing additional Instruments and Effects.
This will ensure that all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects are displayed
correctly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
6
Activating the accessibility features automatically switches KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
Browse Mode to Hardware.
2.6.3. Training Mode
KOMPLETE KONTROL Training Mode makes it easy to locate a specific button or parameter with-
out accidentally triggering an action. When Training Mode is activated, all button presses and pa-
rameter names are announced but the corresponding action is not triggered.
Activating Training Mode
• To activate or deactivate Training Mode from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard while the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software is running, double-press the SHIFT button on the top left of
the keyboard.
Training Mode is only available when the accessibility features have been activated.
2.6.4. Feature Overview and Keyboard Shortcuts
The following overview outlines the availability of accessibility features for different aspects of
KOMPLETE KONTROL from both the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software. In the table you also can find the relevant keyboard shortcut.
Feature Accessi-
ble from
Key-
board
Keyboard Shortcut
Accessibili-
ty Mode
Enable or disable Accessibility mode Yes SHIFT + PRESET up
Browser Browse for Factory and User Preset files Yes Page left button or Page right
button
Switch between Category and Vendor sorting Yes SHIFT + Knob 1
Set Preset file Favorites Yes SHIFT + Knob 4
Sort by Favorites SHIFT + Knob 3
Save and edit User Preset files No
Browse for NKS plug-ins from other vendors Yes Supported by default
Instrument
control
Adjust key Instrument parameters Yes Knob 1 – 8
Custom map Instrument parameters No
Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord Parameters Yes SHIFT + SCALE Edit
Adjust Scale & Chord parameters Knob 1 – 8
Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit
Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
7
Feature Accessi-
ble from
Key-
board
Keyboard Shortcut
Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page right
Touch
Strips
Accessing Touch Strip Settings Yes SHIFT + OCT- + OCT+
Adjusting the left Pitch Strip to Absolute Mode 1. SHIFT + OCT-
2. Turn Knob 1
Adjusting the left Pitch Strip to Relative Mode 1. SHIFT + OCT-
2. Turn Knob 9
Configuring the right Modulation Strip 1. SHIFT + OCT+
2. Turn Knob 1
Training
mode
Find a control without accidentally triggering ac-
tions
Yes
Enabling or disabling Training mode Yes Double-press SHIFT
Preferen-
ces
Adjust software & hardware preferences No
Software
dialog
Be notified if a dialog box opens in the software (di-
alog content is not available for speech output)
Yes Supported by default
Accessibility for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration is only available when us-
ing Apple VoiceOver in Logic Pro X and GarageBand. For more information about
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration features, refer to Host Integration.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL
8
3. THE KOMPLETE KONTROL WORKFLOW
KOMPLETE KONTROL brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard
(NKS) to the center of your workflow. Its advanced integration in a number of hosts enables you to
quickly capture ideas, with immediate access to the sounds you need, all directly from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow is streamlined to remove any obstacles when sketching out
a new song in a supported host:
1. Select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in with the navigation controls on
the keyboard. This is made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host integration.
2. Find Preset files you like from any of the Instruments and Effects in your KOMPLETE KON-
TROL Library by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s filters and Preview
functions.
3. Use the keyboard’s Control section to adjust the loaded Instrument and Effect(s) and create
your own unique sound.
4. Optionally, you can enable KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features to enrich your play-
ing with the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator.
5. Record a new clip in the host, conveniently controlling transport and loop functions directly
from the keyboard. Again, made possible by KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced host inte-
gration.
6. If you need to start over, undo and redo functions are right at your fingertips. To further refine
your recording, you can apply quantization and automation to a clip by pressing the corre-
sponding buttons on the keyboard.
You have quickly captured a musical idea and can continue sketching out a new song by re-
peating the process and layering more tracks.
Key Features
The following key features facilitate the KOMPLETE KONTROL workflow:
• Browser: The Browser is your interface for finding, loading and organizing Instruments, Loops,
One-Shots, Effects, and Preset files from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. For more infor-
mation, refer to Browsing the Library,Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
• Instrument control: The Touch Strips and knobs on the keyboard are pre-mapped to all KOM-
PLETE and NKS Instruments, Loops and One-shots for immediate control. For more informa-
tion, refer to Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters and Configuring
Touch Strips.
• Smart Play: The Scale engine and the Arpeggiator let you play and generate scales, chords,
and arpeggiator sequences. For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords and Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
• Host integration: Advanced integration in a number of hosts allows you control core function-
ality directly from the keyboard. For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration and
Host Integration.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflow
9
4. SETTING UP KOMPLETE KONTROL
This section provides basic setup information for using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone
software, and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL in supported
hosts.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is installed both as a stand-alone application as well as a
VST, Audio Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and
MIDI interfaces, which you can configure in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences. When KOM-
PLETE KONTROL is used as a plug-in within a host, the communication with your audio and MIDI
interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI configuration of the host, and how to load plug-
ins, please refer to its documentation.
4.1. Connecting the Keyboard to the Computer
This section assumes that you have assembled and connected the power supply ac-
cording to the instructions printed on the Safety Instructions flyer found in the prod-
uct box.
To connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to your computer:
1. Attach the device end of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard.
2. Attach the computer end of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on your
computer.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
10
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the keyboard to switch it on.
The keyboard is now detected by the operating system.
4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application
When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as a
stand-alone application independently from a host.
By default, the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use an-
other audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need to configure the appli-
cation in the Preferences.
Configuring Audio Interface
1. In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu click on Edit > Preferences to open the Preferences.
2. Click on Audio to display the Audio page.
3. Select the hardware driver supported by your audio interface from the Driver drop-down
menu.
4. Select the audio interface from the Device drop-down menu.
5. Under Routings, select the left and right output channels of your audio interface you want to
use for KOMPLETE KONTROL’s master output in the Komplete Kontrol Out 1 L and Kom-
plete Kontrol Out 1 R drop-down menus.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
11
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Enabling MIDI Control
1. Click on MIDI to display the MIDI page.
2. Click on Input to display the available devices for incoming MIDI signals.
3. Click the Komplete Kontrol checkboxes to activate incoming MIDI signals from the key-
board.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
12
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
The software is configured and ready to be controlled with the keyboard.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart
Play features with other MIDI instruments.
4.3. Setting up Host Integration
KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for per-
forming and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Apple GarageBand
• Ableton Live 9
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 7/8
Before using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to control a supported host, a few configuration
steps are required:
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
13
Configuring Your Host for Use with the Keyboard
For some of KOMPLETE KONTROL’s advanced integration features to function as intended, the
host must support these features. For an overview of which features that are supported by which
host, refer to the following Knowledge Base article: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/arti-
cles/210280325.
For detailed instructions about setting up supported hosts for use with the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard, refer to these Knowledge Base articles:
• Setting Up Apple Logic Pro X for KOMPLETE KONTROL:https://support.native-instru-
ments.com/hc/articles/210279905
• Setting Up Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL:https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/
articles/209557689
• Setting Up Apple GarageBand for KOMPLETE KONTROL:https://support.native-instru-
ments.com/hc/articles/210844489
• Setting Up Steinberg Cubase / Nuendo for KOMPLETE KONTROL:https://support.native-in-
struments.com/hc/articles/209557849
You can also find instructions about configuring Ableton Live for use with KOM-
PLETE KONTROL in the Ableton Live Setup document available as a PDF file in the
Host Integration Files subfolder of the KOMPLETE KONTROL installation folder on
your hard drive.
4.4. Connecting Pedals to the Keyboard
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard provides you two pedal inputs (in the form of 1/4" sockets)
on its rear panel: SUSTAIN and EXPRESSION.
The pedal inputs on the rear panel of the keyboard.
These inputs allow you to connect sustain and expression pedals in order to further refine your
performance.
• SUSTAIN: Lets you connect a footswitch to control sustain of the notes you play. This is an
on/off switch.
• EXPRESSION: Lets you connect an expression pedal to control e.g., velocity. This is a continu-
ous control.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
14
You can define the MIDI messages assigned to the pedal inputs in the Controller Ed-
itor application. For more information, refer to the Controller Editor Manual.
Connecting Pedals
1. Connect the sustain pedal to the SUSTAIN input at the rear panel of the keyboard.
2. Connect the expression pedal to the EXPRESSION input at the rear panel of the keyboard.
Setting the Polarity for the Sustain Pedal
The keyboard automatically configures the polarity for the connected sustain pedal when you
switch on the keyboard.
• Set your sustain pedal to the ‘off’ or ‘non-pressed’ state when switching on the keyboard to
ensure the polarity is configured correctly.
If the sustain pedal acts inversely, you can correct the polarity by following the steps below:
1. Switch off the keyboard.
2. Set your sustain pedal to the ‘off’ or ‘non-pressed’ state.
3. Switch on the keyboard.
The correct polarity for your sustain pedal is set.
4.5. Connecting External MIDI Equipment to the Keyboard
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard has dedicated MIDI sockets that allow you to directly con-
nect other MIDI devices using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable and integrate the keyboard into your MIDI
setup.
The MIDI sockets on the rear panel of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
To connect your external MIDI equipment:
1. Connect the device receiving MIDI signals to the MIDI OUT socket on the rear panel of the
keyboard using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
2. Connect the device sending MIDI signals to the MIDI IN socket on the rear panel of the key-
board using a 5-pin DIN MIDI cable.
The MIDI equipment is connected.
Depending on your use case, additional configuration is required in the software:
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
15
• If KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application, you need to activate the cor-
responding MIDI inputs and outputs of the keyboard on the MIDI page of the Preferences. For
more information refer to Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller.
• If KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a plug-in in a host, the MIDI configuration is managed
by the host. For more information refer to Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL
16
5. SOFTWARE OVERVIEW
This section gives an overview of the areas and controls of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
Overview of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
(1) Header: Provides access to general functions like the Main menu, the Preset display, the
Transport and Master Volume controls, as well as options to show and hide user interface areas.
For more information, refer to Header.
(2) Plug-in area: Shows your loaded Instrument, Loop, One-shot or Effect and enables you control
it directly in the software. For more information, refer to Plug-in Area.
(3) Browser: Provides access to your Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects. It also enables
you to add, edit, and manage your Preset files. For more information, refer to Browser.
5.1. Header
The header is where you find general settings that affect KOMPLETE KONTROL globally. It also
lets you access additional user interface areas.
The header.
(1) KOMPLETE KONTROL logo: Opens the About screen, which shows the version number of
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
(2) Browser button: Shows or hides the Browser. For more information, refer to Browser.
(3) KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: Opens the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, which contains a
number of general functions and settings, including the Preferences.
Software Overview
17
(4) Preset display: Displays the name of the loaded Preset file or KONTAKT key switch. The ar-
row buttons on the right skip to the next Preset file in the Browser’s Results list.
(5) Perform panelbutton: Shows or hides the Perform panel, which gives you access to the pa-
rameters of the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator. The Perform panel button lights up blue when
the Scale engine and/or the Arpeggiator are enabled. For more information, refer to Perform Pan-
el.
(6) Plug-in panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in panel, which allows you to customize the
parameter mapping for the Control section on the keyboard for every Preset file. For more informa-
tion, refer to Plug-in Panel.
(7) Plug-in chain panel button: Shows or hides the Plug-in chain panel and lights up white when
enabled. For more information, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel.
(8) View button: Switches between Default view and Additional view of the loaded Instrument.
The View button only appears if the loaded Instrument contains an Additional view. The View but-
ton is not available when an Effect is selected.
(9) MIDI/Keyboard button: Shows the currently connected keyboard, S25, S49, S61, or S88. If
multiple instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (for example in a host),
clicking the button connects the keyboard to this instance. This indicator only appears if at least
one compatible device is connected. When a third-party keyboard is used, the MIDI button will be
displayed instead of the Keyboard. Use the MIDI button to assign third-party controllers to Native
Map. For more information, refer to Switching Instances.
(10) Transport controls: Lets you start, stop, and reset the internal clock. When KOM-
PLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in in a host, the transport automatically follows the host
transport and this feature is greyed out. For more information, refer to Transport and Tempo.
(11) Tempo control: Lets you adjust the tempo in BPM (beats per minute). For more information,
refer to Transport and Tempo.
(12) Master Volume control: Lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KON-
TROL. The meter shows the current peak level of the output signal. For more information, refer to
Adjusting Master Volume.
(13) CPU meter: Represents the current load on your computer’s processor; it should not go
above 70% to avoid clicks and interruptions.
(14) NI logo: The NI logo opens the About screen, which shows the version number of the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software.
5.2. Browser
The Browser provides you access to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and lets you add, edit,
and organize Preset files. It consists of the Library pane together with the Product selector, and of
the Files pane which are explained in the following overviews.
For more information on using the Browser and managing your Preset files, refer to Browsing the
Library, Working with Effects, and Managing the Library.
Software Overview
18
5.2.1. Library Pane
The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Loops, One-shots, Effects, and Preset
files. It consists of the following elements:
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
9
11
10
The Library pane.
(1) Library: Displays the Library pane.
(2) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops or One-
shots, or Effects. This is dependant on which Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain is selected. For more
information on switching between Product Types, refer to Product Types: Instruments, Loops,
One-shots and Effects.
(3) Content selector: The Globe icon selects factory content and the User icon selects user con-
tent. Only Preset files of the selected content type are displayed in the Results list (8). For more
information, refer to Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content.
(4) Product selector: Selects a particular Product or Effect, Product category, and Bank of the se-
lected Product. Only Preset files matching your selection are displayed in the Results list (8). For
more information, refer to Product Selector.
(5) TYPES: Browse for Preset files based on Type and Sub-Type tags that have been applied to
them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to TYPES. For more
information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
Software Overview
19
(6) CHARACTERS: Lets you browse for Preset files based on Characters tags that have been ap-
plied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to CHARAC-
TERS. For more information, refer to Types and Characters Tags.
(7) Favorites: When the icon is enabled, only favorite Preset files are displayed in the Results list
(8). For more information, refer to Working with Favorites.
(8) Results list: Displays all Preset files that match your entered search criteria. For more informa-
tion, refer to Loading Preset Files.
(9) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing and editing the KOMPLETE KONTROL Li-
brary:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information for the selected Preset file(s).
• The EDIT button opens the Attribute editor for displaying and editing the tags and properties
of the selected Preset file(s).
For more information, refer to Displaying Preset File Information.
(10) Prehear controls: Lets you audition Preset files. For more information, refer to Auditioning
your Preset Files.
(11) Search field: Lets you perform a text search. For more information, refer to Performing a Text
Search.
5.2.2. Product Selector
When browsing for Instruments, Loops, One-shots or Effects, the Product selector enables you to
limit your search to a specific Category/Vendor, Product, and Bank. Only Preset files matching
your selection are displayed in the Results list.
Software Overview
20
The Product selector.
(1) Product selector header: The header displays the selected Product. If there is no selection it
shows a generic label (All Instruments or All Effects). A click on the header opens or closes the
Product selector.
(2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or Vendor.
(3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
If Category is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the follow-
ing categories:
• DRUMS & PERCUSSION
• SAMPLED INSTRUMENTS
• SYNTHESIZERS
• NO CATEGORY
If Vendor is selected in the Category / Vendor selector, the Product list is sorted by the names of
the manufacturers.
For more information, refer to Filtering Preset Files by Product and Filtering Preset Files by Bank.
5.2.3. Files Pane
The Files pane contains following elements:
Software Overview
21
The Files pane in the Browser.
(1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to Working with the Files Pane.
(2) Favorite bar: Displays all your favorite folders. A click on any favorite folder lets you jump di-
rectly to that particular path and display its content in the Result list (5). For more information, refer
to Working with File Location Favorites.
(3) Location bar: Displays the selected path. The Location bar provides various tools to quickly
navigate your file system. For more information, refer to Navigating to File Locations with the Loca-
tion Bar.
(4) Recent Locations button: Opens a list of the last visited locations for quickly jumping to any
of them. For more information, refer to Navigating to Recent File Locations.
(5) Results list: Displays the content (files and folders) of the folder shown in the Location bar.
Only files compatible with KOMPLETE KONTROL are displayed. For more information, refer to
Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane.
(6) Control bar: Provides useful tools when browsing your file system:
• The Information button (i) displays additional information about the selected files.
• The IMPORT button lets you import the content of the selected folder to the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL Library. Before any files are imported, you can choose which tags will be assigned to the
files in the Attribute editor.
Software Overview
22
For more information, refer to Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files and Importing
KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files.
5.2.4. Browser on the Keyboard
The following image provides the overview of the Browser parameters shown on the nine displays
of the keyboard.
The Browser on the keyboard´s displays.
(1) Shows the selected content type (factory or user content).
(2) Shows the selected Product Category.
(3) Shows the selected Product.
(4) – (5) Shows the selected BANK and SUB-BANK.
(6) – (7) Shows the selected TYPE and SUB-TYPE.
(8) Shows the Results list.
5.3. Perform Panel
The Perform panel lets you access all the parameters related to the Scale engine, the Arpeggiator,
and the Touch Strips.
The Perform panel.
(1) SCALE: Clicking the round button left of SCALE switches the Scale engine on or off. Clicking
the SCALE label displays the Scale engine’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing
Scales and Chords for details.
(2) ARP: Clicking the round button left of ARP switches the Arpeggiator on or off. Clicking the ARP
label displays the Arpeggiator’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Se-
quences for details.
(3) TOUCHSTRIP: Clicking the TOUCHSTRIP label displays the Touch Strips’ parameters. See
Configuring Touch Strips for details.
Software Overview
23
(4) Parameter pages: If multiple pages of parameters are available, you can switch between them
here.
For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords.
5.4. Plug-in Panel
The Plug-in Panel lets you view and customize the parameters mapped to the Control section on
the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard for individual Preset files. The amount of pages and param-
eters vary depending on the loaded Instrument or Effect.
The Plug-in panel.
For more information, refer to Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
5.5. Plug-in Chain Panel
The Plug-in chain panel is situated at the top of the Plug-in area. The Plug-in chain is the place
where you can directly load Instrument Plug-ins and Samples (Plug-in slot 1), and Effect Plug-ins
(Plug-in slot 2 onwards) and arrange them in horizontal series. Each Plug-in is loaded into a Plug-
in slot to create the Plug-in chain. The arrangement of the Plug-ins is customizable, but only an
Instrument or a Sample can be loaded in to the first Plug-in slot.
Overview of the Plug-in Chain panel.
(1) Plug-in chain: Displays the loaded Instrument or Sample, and Effects.
(2) Plug-in slot: Each Plug-in slot represents a Plug-in and displays the Product’s name and im-
age. Use the Plug-in slots to directly load Plug-ins, bypass Effects and customize the order.
Software Overview
24
For more information, refer to Working with Effects.
5.6. Plug-in Area
The Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software is where your Instruments, Loops, One-
shots and Effects are displayed once you have loaded them from the Browser. Each Product offers
a different set of controls and parameters that are all easily controlled directly on the computer
screen or from the keyboard. Parameter changes are mutually reflected by both the displays on
the keyboard and the Instrument’s user interface in the Plug-in area.
For most Instruments, additional views are available that give you access to another
set of controls. See Instrument Views for details.
The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form.
5.7. Sampler Plug-In
When loading a sample from the One-shots tab in the Browser, the sample will be automatically
loaded into the Sampler plug-in so it can be played immediately. Important parameters can be ac-
cessed via the GUI, but all parameters for the Sampler plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in
Panel or a connected keyboard.
For more information on using the Sampler plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot
Samples.
Software Overview
25
Sampler plug-in.
(1) Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the Sample.
(2) Start: Determines the Start point of the sample. When Loop is active, the Loop Point deter-
mines the start of the loop.
(3) PITCH: Defines the pitch of your sample and adjusts the pitch within three octaves up or down.
As this is a traditional sampler.
(4) ENVELOPE: Selects one of three envelope types (One-shot, AHD and ADSR). For more infor-
mation, refer to Envelopes.
(5) Loop Point: Sets the point at which the loop will start playing. The Loop Point can be set inde-
pendently of the Start Point.
(6) LOOP: When the ON button is enabled, the sample will loop at a length determined by the
Loop Point and End Point.
(7) X FADE: Determines the type of fade between the loop points.
(8) End Point: Sets the End point of the sample. When Loop is active, the End Point determines
the length of the loop.
(9) Timeline: Shows the time scale in seconds.
5.7.1. Envelopes
An envelope allows you to modify the shape and timing of your sample, so you can create more
expressive and dynamic sounds. There are three Envelope types available in the Sampler plug-in;
One Shot, AHD and ADSR. Each Envelope will affect the playback and behavior of the sample.
One-shot
One-shot operates like a typical vintage drum machine; the sample is played in its entirety from
beginning to end, with no envelope. When this type is selected, no parameters are displayed.
The One-shot Envelope.
Software Overview
26
AHD
AHD disables the Sustain and Release controls of the ADSR envelope and replaces them with the
Hold parameter. AHD mode is ideal for triggering a sample for a certain amount of time, regardless
of how long the pad is held.
The AHD Envelope.
ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
HOLD: Hold determines how long the envelope will stay at its maximum level.
DECAY: Decay is used to adjust how fast the sample takes to fade to out.
ADSR
The ADSR Envelope is generally used for longer, sustained samples that require complex dynamic
control.
The ADSR Envelope.
ATTACK: Attack determines how quickly the sample reaches full volume after being triggered.
DECAY: Decay determines how fast the envelope drops to the Sustain level.
SUSTAIN: Sustain determines the constant level being kept after Decay until the note ends.
RELEASE: Release determines how long the sound takes to fade out after the note has ended.
Software Overview
27
5.8. Audio Plug-In
When you load a sample of content type Loop from the Browser, the sample is automatically loa-
ded into the Audio plug-in so you can play it immediately. The Audio plug-in specializes in keeping
audio loops playing in-sync with the project in your host software and has the optional ability to do
so without influencing the key of the loop. Furthermore, you can transpose the loop while it plays
so that it fits the key of your song. Important parameters can be accessed via the GUI, but all pa-
rameters for the Audio plug-in can be accessed via the Plug-in panel or a connected keyboard. As
for any Instrument or the Sampler plug-in, the Audio plug-in uses the first Plug-in slot in the Plug-in
chain.
For more information on using the Audio plug-in, refer to Working with Loops and One-Shot Sam-
ples.
The Audio plug-in provides you with the following elements and parameters:
Audio Plug-in.
(1) Timeline: Shows the timeline of the loop in musical units, including bars and beats.
(2) Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the loaded loop. When a sample is played back, a
playhead is shown in the waveform display. With the scroll wheel of your mouse, you can zoom in
and out the waveform display. Right-clicking on the waveform display opens a context menu for
finding the loop on your computer.
(3) Start Marker: Determines the start point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust the
the Start Marker only from within the software.
(4) End Marker: Determines the end point of the loop by moving it left or right. You can adjust the
the End Marker only from within the software.
(5) Fade: Sets a simple fade-in/fade-out amount to avoid pops or clicks that may occur when play-
ing loops with the Audio Plug-in.
(6) Tune: Transposes the tune of the loop within the range of -36 to +36 semitones. You can use
this control to set the playback pitch of the loop to 'C', and then the loop's pitch will match the pitch
of notes programmed into the host sequencer. This parameter is only available in Stretch and
Formant Engine mode (8).
(7) Pitchbend: Sets the Pitchbend range of the loop from -12 to +12 which is relative to the Tune
parameter. This parameter controls the effect of the Pitch Wheel/Slider on your MIDI controller.
This parameter is only available in Stretch and Formant Engine mode (8).
Software Overview
28
(8) Engine: Here you can choose from three different playback engine modes from the drop-down
menu:
• Re-pitch: This playback engine mode matches the tempo of the loop to the host sequencer's
tempo by changing the playback rate of the loop, and playback rate changes will result in pitch
changes to the loop. Like a vinyl record, playing it faster will also cause the pitch of the loop to
rise, whereas slowing it down causes the overall pitch to drop. This mode is therefore more
suitable for non-pitched material, like drums and percussion, and has the benefit that the transi-
ents of sounds remain sharp and also uses significantly less CPU than the other Engine
modes. Since tempo and pitch are not independently adjustable with this Engine, any pitch au-
tomation you may have done via Events entered will be ignored, only the rhythm of the Events
will be used to gate the Loop on and off.
• Stretch: This playback engine mode provides complete independence between tempo and
pitch. With this engine, you can change the tempo of a loop without changing its pitch, you can
change its pitch without changing its tempo, or you can change both the tempo and pitch simul-
taneously. This mode even allows you to automate pitch changes by entering notes to the host
sequencer. As this mode provides complete tempo and pitch independence, and also works on
polyphonic material, it requires more CPU power than other Engines.
• Formant: This playback engine mode is best suited to pitched (tonal) audio as it preserves the
formant of the sound. By preserving the formant, it retains the intrinsic character and avoids
any shifts in pitch that would normally result in the undesirable cartoon-like effects on vocals
when they are pitched upwards or downwards.
(9) Tempo: Sets the original tempo of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play it in
sync, no matter what tempo you choose in your host sequencer. This is useful if your host software
has miscalculated the tempo while importing the loop. However, be aware that changing Tempo
during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
(10) Length: Sets the original length of your loop so that the Audio plug-in can accurately play it in
sync, no matter what tempo you choose for your host sequencer. This is useful if your host soft-
ware has miscalculated the length while importing the loop. However, be aware that changing
Length during playback could affect the synchronization of your loop.
All parameters of the Audio plug-in can be adjusted by clicking the parameter and dragging the
mouse upwards or downwards. Pressing the [SHIFT] key on your computer keyboard while drag-
ging sets finer increments.
Software Overview
29
6. KEYBOARD OVERVIEW
The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is tightly integrated into the software and can be used to
browse, control and play your Products as well as to control supported hosts.
The keyboard is available in four sizes: The S25, S49, and S61 are equipped with the same top-
quality semi-weighted Fatar keybed with aftertouch. The S88 comes with professional, fully-weigh-
ted, hammer-action keys, also made by Fatar. Beyond the keybed, all KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboards come with identical features.
The keyboard is equipped with the following sections:
Top View
KOMPLETE KONTROL S25.
(1) PERFORM section Lets you edit and control the Smart Play features, e.g., playing scales,
chords, and arpeggiator sequences. The settings made in the PERFORM section are displayed in
the Control section (5) and are reflected by the Light Guide and keybed (7). For more information,
refer to Perform Section.
(2) TRANSPORT section: Controls the transport of supported hosts. For more information, refer
to Transport Section.
(3) TRANSPOSE buttons: The OCT- and OCT+ buttons let you transpose the entire keybed one
octave down or up, respectively. For more information, refer to Transpose Buttons.
(4)Touch Strips: The Pitch Strip and the Modulation Strip are automatically assigned to corre-
sponding controls of the loaded Instrument. For more information, refer to Touch Strips.
(5) Control section: The knobs and displays are automatically assigned to parameters of the loa-
ded Product or selected mode. The Page buttons are used to skip to another set of parameters.
For more information, refer to Control Section.
Keyboard Overview
30
(6) NAVIGATE section: Lets you browse and load Products, switch between active instances of
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, switch between tracks in hosts, and switch between plug-in
instances. Additionally, you can adjust the Master volume. For more information, refer to NAVI-
GATE Section.
(7) Keybed and Light Guide: Reflect the Smart Play functions by switching LEDs on or off to indi-
cate active and inactive keys. The Light Guide also reflects the settings of the loaded Instruments
and can be very helpful to illustrate e.g., BATTERY or KONTAKT mappings. For more information,
refer to Keybed and Light Guide.
6.1. Transport Section
In supported hosts, the TRANSPORT section at the far left on the keyboard provides you quick
and easy access to functions like play, record, loop, etc.
TRANSPORT section.
(1) LOOP: Switches between standard and loop playback.
(2) RWD: Moves the song position backward.
(3) FFW: Moves the song position forward.
(4) PLAY (RESTART): Starts playback. SHIFT + PLAY(RESTART) starts playback from the begin-
ning.
(5) REC (COUNT-IN): Switches record on or off. SHIFT + REC(COUNT-IN) switches the count-in
on or off.
(6) STOP: Stops playback.
6.2. Perform Section
The buttons of the PERFORM section on the far left of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard let
you switch the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator on or off and access their parameter for editing.
The parameters will be visible and editable via the displays and knobs in the Control section.
Keyboard Overview
31
The PERFORM section.
(1) SHIFT: Accesses the secondary function of active modes and controls labeled as such, for ex-
ample the Edit functions of the SCALE (Edit) (2) and ARP (Edit)(3) buttons.
(2) SCALE (EDIT): Switches the Scale engine on or off. For more information, refer to Smart Play
– Playing and Editing Scales and Chords.
(3) ARP (EDIT): Switches the Arpeggiator on or off and lets you edit the Arp parameters. For more
information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences.
6.3. Control Section
The Control section is located at the center of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The knobs,
buttons, and displays are automatically assigned to parameters of the loaded Product or selected
mode. They provide immediate control and allow for deep editing of various aspects of KOM-
PLETE KONTROL.
Control section overview.
(1) Page buttons: Skip to the next page (5) and thus remap the knobs (2) and displays (3) to an-
other set of parameters.
(2) Knobs: Control parameters of the loaded Product or selected mode. As the knobs are touch-
sensitive, you can tap them to see their value displayed by their corresponding display.
(3) Displays: Constantly give you information about the mapping between the knobs and the loa-
ded Product or perform parameters.
Keyboard Overview
32
(4) PRESETdisplay: Tells you the loaded Preset file. If you are playing a KONTAKT Instrument
with key switches, the name of the key switch will show up in the PRESET display after pressing
the corresponding key (learn more about key switches in the user manual of your KONTAKT In-
strument).
(5) PAGEdisplay: Tells you the current control mapping. The PAGE display reflects the mapping
by displaying e.g., 1/6 or ARP.
6.4. NAVIGATE Section
The NAVIGATE section lets you browse and load your products.
NAVIGATE section.
(1) Control encoder: Lets you scroll the Results list as well as through the TYPES and CHARAC-
TERS tags when in the Browser. Additionally, by pressing SHIFT and simultaneously turning the
Control encoder you can adjust the overall volume of the active KOMPLETE KONTROL instance.
For more information, refer to Browsing the Library.
(2) PRESETbuttons: Let you skip to the next or previous Preset file of the loaded Product.
(3) ENTER: Confirms the selection in the Browser and enters the next level in the hierarchy of the
Browser. For more information, refer to Browsing the Library.
(4) Navigate arrows: Let you select Plug-in slots in the Plug-in chain. Let you switch between
plug-in pages in a supported host application. For more information, refer to Working with Effects.
(5) BACK: Lets you move one step back in the hierarchy of the Browser when using the On-
screen overlay. For more information, refer to Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay.
(6) INSTANCE: Lets you switch between active instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software
in case you are using an unsupported host application. For more information, refer to Switching
Instances.
(7) BROWSE: Calls up the Browser. For more information, refer to Browsing the Library.
Keyboard Overview
33
6.5. Keybed and Light Guide
The keybed enables you to play the loaded Instrument, Loop or One-shot. The Light Guide above
the keybed visualizes the key mapping of loaded Instruments and samples by color coding. Active
and inactive keys respectively samples are indicated by the LEDs. The Light Guide also reflects
the Smart Play settings. This means when you select e.g., a scale or chord, the LEDs correspond-
ing to the keys contained in that scale or chord will light up, whereas inactive keys remain unlit.
The Light Guide also gives you visual feedback when you play back incoming MIDI note patterns
from the host.
The keybed and the Light Guide.
For more information, refer to Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters,
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords, and Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeg-
giator Sequences.
6.6. Touch Strips
The two Touch Strips let you control pitch and modulation parameters of the loaded Instrument.
The Touch Strips on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
The left Touch Strip, called Pitch Strip, is automatically assigned to the pitch bend parameter of the
loaded Instrument and does not need to be assigned via MIDI learn. It reflects the behavior of tra-
ditional pitch wheels, or pitch bend wheels, but gives you the possibility to decide for yourself how
fast the strip will spring back to the default state by configuration.
Depending on the loaded Preset file, the right Touch Strip, called Modulation Strip, is either auto-
matically assigned in the same way as the left one, or it must be assigned to an Instrument param-
eter via MIDI learn. It can be used like a traditional modulation wheel, or mod wheel, but you can
also configure it to apply modulation in intricate ways not possible with traditional mod wheels.
For more information, refer to Configuring Touch Strips.
Keyboard Overview
34
6.7. Transpose Buttons
Transpose buttons.
The OCT- and OCT+ buttons let you transpose the entire keybed one octave down or up, respec-
tively. Pressing both buttons simultaneously resets the keybed to the central octave.
Keyboard Overview
35
7. GLOBAL CONTROLS AND PREFERENCES
This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header of
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
7.1. Instrument Views
Once you have loaded an Instrument from the Browser, it appears in the Plug-in area of the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software. Most KOMPLETE Instruments come equipped with more than one
view, giving you access to another set of controls or letting you edit certain features in finer detail.
The three possible Instrument views are Default View, Additional View, and Edit View which can
be selected directly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
Instrument views in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
• Alternatively, you can switch between Default View and Additional View by clicking on the
View button in the Header (+ icon).
All Instrument parameters can be controlled at all time from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard,
regardless of the selected Instrument view in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
The available views may vary with the loaded Instrument.
Global Controls and Preferences
36
7.1.1. Default View
The Default View is the view that first appears when you load an Instrument from the Browser. It
gives you access to some of the most important features of each NKS Instrument with an easy-to-
use interface.
POLYPLEX in Default view.
7.1.2. Additional View
Most NKS Instruments have more parameters that can be displayed at once in small surface and
therefore come with a second, Additional View. The Additional View can give you access to de-
tailed edit controls or to a completely different set of controls altogether depending on the loaded
Instrument.
POLYPLEX in Additional view.
Besides of selecting Additional View via the KOMPLETE KONTROL Menu and the application
menu, you can also do this by clicking the + button in the KOMPLETE KONTROL header. Clicking
it again will return to the Default View.
Global Controls and Preferences
37
The + button opens and closes the Additional view.
7.1.3. Edit View
Edit view is only available for Instruments powered by KONTAKT or REAKTOR.
In the Edit View you have also the possibility to open any KOMPLETE Instrument that can be loa-
ded or played by either the KONTAKT PLAYER or REAKTOR PLAYER. This gives you access to
all the flexible controls and features you would normally have when using KONTAKT or REAKTOR
in stand-alone mode.
POLYPLEX in Edit View.
Edit view enables you to access files that cannot be loaded from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL Browser, e.g., KONTAKT Multis which can be loaded from the
KONTAKT Browser in edit view.
Global Controls and Preferences
38
7.2. Switching Instances
When two or more instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (e.g., as a plug-
in on different tracks of the host), you can choose which instance you want to control from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
Switching to an Instance from the Software
• To switch the keyboard to a particular instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click
the Connect button (keyboard icon) in the header of that instance.
Automatic Switching in a Host
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host with advanced integration, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode,
depending on the content of the selected track.
• If you select a track that hosts the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard automatically
switches to this instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. This allows you to immedi-
ately control all of your Product’s parameters from the keyboard.
• If you select a track that does not host the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in, the keyboard auto-
matically switches to MIDI mode. This allows you to assign the available controls on the key-
board to parameters in the host or in an inserted plug-in via MIDI learn (if supported).
• To select a track in a supported host from the keyboard, press the Up or Down buttons in the
NAVIGATE section until the track is highlighted.
Switching to an Instance from the Keyboard
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host without advanced integration, you can-
not rely on automatic switching between instances. However, you can still select a particular in-
stance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from the keyboard by using the on-screen overlay.
To display and switch between KOMPLETE KONTROL instances from the keyboard, follow the in-
structions below:
1. Press the INSTANCE button to call up the on-screen overlay showing all active instances of
the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
2. Use the Control encoder in the NAVIGATE section to select an instance in the on-screen
overlay.
3. Press the Control encoder to switch to the selected instance and close the on-screen over-
lay.
You can now control the selected instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from the
keyboard.
Global Controls and Preferences
39
7.3. Transport and Tempo
If KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as a stand-alone application, it features its own Transport and
Tempo controls. They are used by sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments as well as
the Arpeggiator. Additionally, the tempo is used by all Instruments that allow you to set timing pa-
rameters in relation to the musical tempo (e.g., rhythmic modulation, delay effects).
You can find the Transport and Tempo controls in the Header:
Transport and tempo controls in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
(1) Play button: Starts and stops the internal clock. This can be used to control the playback of
sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments.
(2) Reset button: Resets the internal clock to its start position. Consequently, sequencers in KON-
TAKT and REAKTOR Instruments will start their playback from the beginning. The same applies to
the Arpeggiator.
(3) Tempo control: Sets the tempo in BPM (beats per minute).
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to
the host. Therefore the Transport and Tempo controls are grayed out and inactive.
7.3.1. Resetting the Clock
You can reset the clock in the software and from the keyboard.
Resetting the Clock in the Software
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock.
2. Click the Play button to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
• Click the Reset button to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the beginning.
Global Controls and Preferences
40
Resetting the Clock from the Keyboard
When the internal clock is stopped:
1. Press STOP to reset the internal clock.
2. Press PLAY (Restart) to start playback from the beginning.
When the internal clock is stopped:
• Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to start playback from the
beginning.
When the internal clock is running:
• Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the
beginning.
7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo
You can adjust the tempo in the software and from the keyboard.
Adjusting Tempo in the Software
The Tempo control allows you to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute):
1. Click the display and drag the mouse up or down.
2. Alternatively, double-click the display and enter a value numerically.
The tempo adjusts in increments of one.
Adjusting Tempo from the Keyboard
You can also use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard to set the tempo in BPM (beats per mi-
nute):
• Hold SHIFT and push and turn the Control encoder.
The tempo is adjusted in increments of 1 BPM.
7.4. Adjusting Master Volume
The Master Volume slider lets you adjust the overall output volume of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
The Volume meter shows the current peak level of the output signal.
Master Volume controls.
In order to adjust the output volume:
• Click and drag the slider to the left or to the right.
This will adjust the output volume in 0.5 dB increments from -30 dB to +10 dB. Below -30 dB,
the keyboard’s volume control is exponentially scaled and quickly lowers the output signal to
complete silence.
Global Controls and Preferences
41
Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard
To adjust the output volume on the keyboard:
• Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Control encoder.
7.5. Preferences
In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL.
To open the Preferences:
• Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
7.5.1. Preferences – Audio Page
The Audio page holds settings related to your audio interface when KOMPLETE KONTROL is
running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the audio configuration is man-
aged by the host, and the Audio page is not available.
The Routings section allows you to configure the connections between the virtual outputs of
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the physical outputs of your audio interface.
Global Controls and Preferences
42
Preferences panel — Audio page.
Setting Description
Driver Here you can select the audio driver.
Device This allows you to choose from the available devices if you have connected more than one audio interface.
Status This shows you whether your audio interface is currently running.
Sample
Rate
This displays the selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart KOMPLETE KONTROL after
changing the sample rate.
Buffer
Size
macOS: This slider allows you to adjust the buffer size of your audio interface in samples. Lower values
result in a more immediate playing response but increase the CPU load, and may result in audible clicks
and pops. Larger values decrease the CPU load but introduce a larger latency (a small delay between hit-
ting a pad and hearing it). It is recommended to find the lowest value that does not cause clicks and pops
even when playing more demanding Products.
Windows: When using an ASIO driver, the Audio page shows an ASIO Config button instead of the Buf-
fer Size slider. Click this button to open the settings window of the selected ASIO driver.
Latency This shows the delays introduced by the current Buffer Size setting.
Routings Under Routings, you will be presented with a list of the 16 stereo outputs from KOMPLETE KONTROL: In
the right column, you can assign them to the outputs of your audio interface. Click the fields in the right
column to select the desired outputs via a drop-down menu.
7.5.2. Preferences – MIDI Page
The MIDI page allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports that you want to use when
KOMPLETE KONTROL is running as a stand-alone application.
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the MIDI configuration is managed
by the host, and the MIDI page is not available.
Global Controls and Preferences
43
Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer).
Element Description
Input Clicking Input displays a list of all the available MIDI inputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate
each input by clicking the checkbox next to its name.
Output Clicking Output displays a list of all the available MIDI outputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate
each input by clicking the checkbox next to its name.
Takeover
Mode
When using third-party controllers, you can select Pickup from the Takeover mode drop-down menu to
prevent potential parameter jumps caused by mismatching knob positions between software and hard-
ware. For more information, refer to Enabling Takeover Mode.
The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features with
other MIDI instruments.
7.5.3. Preferences – General Page
The General page holds Usage Data Tracking settings. Usage Data Tracking technology enables
KOMPLETE KONTROL to automatically track anonymous usage data that you can choose to
share with us.
Usage Data Tracking can be enabled or disabled in the General page of the Preferences in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software. However, we encourage all users to keep Data Tracking ena-
bled as it provides a valuable tool for understanding the performance of Native Instruments appli-
cations when they are used in real life situations. The data sent to Native Instruments is one hun-
dred percent anonymous and will not affect performance.
Global Controls and Preferences
44
For more detailed information about Usage Data Tracking, please refer to the following Knowledge
Base article on the Native Instruments website: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/
articles/209545029
Usage Data Tracking in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences.
Enabling or Disabling Usage Data Tracking
To enable or disable Usage Data Tracking:
1. Open the General page of the Preferences by clicking Preferences… in the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL menu.
2. Click the Allow usage data tracking checkbox to enable or disable user data tracking.
7.5.4. Preferences – Library Page
The Library page allows you to edit the locations of all KOMPLETE KONTROL Library files (both
Factory and User) that appear in the Library pane of the Browser.
At the top of the page, the Factory and User buttons allow you to switch between the Factory
pane and the User pane.
Factory Pane
The Factory pane shows all factory libraries available. These libraries will appear in the Factory
view of the Browser’s Library pane.
Global Controls and Preferences
45
Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer,
click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path.
Product column Shows the name of each product. These names cannot be edited.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., changed its location), select it in the list and click the
Rescan button to rescan that library.
User Pane
The User pane shows all user libraries currently used. These include KOMPLETE KONTROL’s
standard user directory as well as any other user directory you might have defined. These libraries
will appear in the User view of the Browser’s Library pane.
Global Controls and Preferences
46
Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane.
Element Description
Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer,
click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path.
Alias column Shows the alias stored for each library. Click an alias to edit it. Defining aliases for your user folders is
not mandatory, but it can be of great help when working on different computers (see description be-
low). After adding a location (see Add below), click the field in the new row and in the Alias column
to set the alias for that new location. The alias of the default user folder, Native Instruments User
Directory, cannot be edited — this is the location where all your user files will be stored by default.
Scan user con-
tent for changes
at start-up
Enabled by default, this option automatically detects any new added user content when starting
KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Add button Click Add to manually add directories to the user library. See below for more details.
Remove button Click Remove to remove the selected user library. Files will only be removed from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL Browser, not from your hard disk.
Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g., added/removed files), select it in the list and click the
Rescan button to rescan that library.
You can resize the Preferences panel at your convenience using the usual method
on your operating system. You can also resize each column by clicking and dragging
the limit between both column headers.
Adding Folders to the User Library
In the User pane of the Library page, you can add other folders to the user content of your KOM-
PLETE KONTROL Library. To do this:
1. Click Add at the bottom of the pane.A folder selection dialog opens up.
Global Controls and Preferences
47
2. In the dialog, navigate to the desired folder on your computer and click OK (Choose on ma-
cOS).
All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files found in the selected folder are added to your
user content in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files include ens, rkplr, nrkt, nksn, nfm8,
nabs, nki, nmsv, nbkt, nis.
Furthermore, the attributes (Instrument/Bank/Sub-Bank, Type/Sub-Type/Characters tags, as well
as properties) of all imported files will be retained.
By adding a folder to the user content of your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library, you make their files
available in the Browser’s Library pane for quick searching and loading.
Paths to folders added via the IMPORT button in the Browser’s Files pane will also
show up here. The only difference between adding folders via the Add button in
Preferences panel described here, and via the IMPORT button in the Files pane of
the Browser is that the latter allows you to directly tag the files as they are imported.
Note that the selected folder cannot contain, or be contained within, a folder already listed in the
User or Factory pane. If KOMPLETE KONTROL detects such a folder as you press OK (Choose
on macOS) in the folder selection dialog, a Duplicate Location message appears: Click OK to
return to the folder selection dialog and select another folder on your computer.
Removing Folders from the User Library
You can also remove any user folder from your library—except the default user content directory
Native Instruments User Content.
7.5.5. Preferences – Plug-ins Page
The Plug-ins page allows you to manage your VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
At the top of the page, the Manager and Locations buttons allow you to switch between the Man-
ager pane and the Locations pane.
Manager Pane
The Manager Pane allows you to view and manage all VST plug-ins available in KOM-
PLETE KONTROL. By default, all available plug-ins are activated for use in KOMPLETE KON-
TROL.
• To deactivate a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL, click on the checkbox icon next to
its name so it is unchecked.
Global Controls and Preferences
48
The option to Always use latest version of NI Plug-ins selects whether or not your Library con-
tent is always loaded with the latest version of the associated plug-in. If this option is disabled,
your Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the associated plug-in found on
the computer.
For example, this option is required if you have installed both the full version of RE-
AKTOR 5 as well as a KOMPLETE Instrument that came with REAKTOR 6 Player.
By disabling the option, the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library will be loaded with the full
version of REAKTOR 5, while the KOMPLETE Instrument will be loaded with REAK-
TOR 6 Player. This is necessary since the REAKTOR 5 Factory Library is not au-
thorized for use with REAKTOR 6 Player.
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Manager pane.
Element Description
Checkbox column Activates or deactivates a plug-in for use in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Plug-in column Lists all available VST plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Always use latest ver-
sion of NI Plug-ins
If this option is enabled (default), Library content is loaded with the latest version of the associ-
ated plug-in.
If this option is disabled, Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the asso-
ciated plug-in.
Global Controls and Preferences
49
Locations Pane
The Locations pane allows you manage the folders containing your plug-ins on the hard drive.
KOMPLETE KONTROL scans these folders for VST plug-ins and adds them to the Manager
pane. You can Add and Remove folders from the list, as well as use the Rescan function to up-
date the available plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL according to any changes made to the fold-
ers or their contents.
• To display the Locations pane, click the Locations button at the top of the Plug-ins page.
Preferences panel — the Plug-ins page's Locations pane.
Setting Description
Plug-in column Lists all folders that KOMPLETE KONTROL scans for VST plug-ins.
Add Opens a file dialogue that lets you add another folder to the list.
Remove Removes the selected folder from the list.
Rescan Scans all folders in the list for compatible plug-ins and updates the Manager pane accordingly.
7.5.6. Preferences - Features Page
Using the Features page, you can enable different configurations of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Whenever a feature toggle is activated or deactivated, the software must be restarted for the
changes to take effect.
Element Description
Auto-Scan of Sounds.com Content Automatically scans the software for content from Sounds.com
Browser Tag Remapping Remaps the tags found in the Browser
Global Controls and Preferences
50
7.5.7. Preferences – Hardware Page
The Hardware page enables you to customize how the keys react to your playing, as well as
switch the Light Guide on or off.
• To display the Hardware page click the Hardware tab on the left of the Preferences panel
while the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is connected.
Preferences panel — Hardware page.
Setting Description
Keyboard
Velocity Scaling Velocity Scaling determines how your playing is translated into velocity values: starting from Soft 3
(a soft touch is enough to get a big velocity value) through Linear (default) to Hard 3 (you really have
to press the key hard to get a big velocity value).
Light Guide
Enabled Light Guide allows you to switch the colored LEDs above the keybed on or off. The Light Guide visu-
alizes MIDI patterns being played back from the host as well as shows you the active keys in any
scale from the Perform Panel.
Navigate
Browse Mode Switches between the Hardware and On-Screen Overlay modes for browsing with the keyboard.
Accessibility
Enabled Enables the text-to-speech feature for visually impaired users.
Volume Controls the volume of the text-to-speech feature.
7.6. Loading a Plug-in in Default State
You can load a Plug-in in default state directly from the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu:
• In the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu select e.g., Instruments > Native Instruments > Mas-
sive.
Global Controls and Preferences
51
The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values.
Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
Global Controls and Preferences
52
8. MIDI COMMUNICATION
KOMPLETE KONTROL provides you with flexible MIDI control and host automation capabilities for
easy integration with your MIDI environment. In this section you are provided with overall informa-
tion about MIDI communication and Host automation and you learn how to use the keyboard in
MIDI mode and as stand-alone MIDI controller.
Incoming MIDI
KOMPLETE KONTROL and the Instruments you load inside it can be controlled via MIDI and the
host (when KOMPLETE KONTROL is loaded as a plug-in):
• Triggering Instruments via MIDI notes: By default, incoming MIDI notes trigger the loaded In-
strument and will also be visually reflected by the Light Guide.
• Controlling parameters via host automation: You can control parameters of both KOM-
PLETE KONTROL and your loaded Instruments via host automation (when KOMPLETE KON-
TROL is loaded as a plug-in).
Receiving MIDI Clock
KOMPLETE KONTROL does not receive MIDI Clock. However, when using KOMPLETE KON-
TROL as a plug-in, it is automatically synchronized to the host tempo. The tempo display in KOM-
PLETE KONTROL’s header is grayed out and tempo is adjusted in the host.
Outgoing MIDI
You can also send MIDI data from KOMPLETE KONTROL:
• Triggering MIDI instruments and recording MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI
Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) messages to the host and to any MIDI
application or device.
• Controlling MIDI applications and devices: KOMPLETE KONTROL’s MIDI mode allows you
to send Control Change and Program Change messages to any MIDI application or device.
• Routing and recording processed MIDI notes: KOMPLETE KONTROL outputs the MIDI
notes generated by the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator through the MIDI outputs of the
stand-alone application as well as the plug-in. You can route the MIDI notes to other MIDI in-
struments or record them as a MIDI pattern in the host.
MIDI output is only supported by the stand-alone application as well as the VST and
AAX versions of the plug-in. The AU (Audio Unit) version of the plug-in does not
support MIDI output.
MIDI Communication
53
8.1. Mapping MIDI Controls to Third-Party Controllers
MIDI Mapping enhances the user experience and provides more control over sound, workflows
and performance. KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards are ready-mapped to the software. Third-
party keyboards and controllers can also be used to control some of the parameters in the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software. These parameters include the eight knobs of the Native Map, param-
eter page switching, preset switching and plug-in switching.
Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab.
4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller.
The third-party controller is now ready to be used.
Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to select
another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign MIDI
CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to your key-
board:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
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54
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
Enabling Takeover Mode Pickup for Knobs to prevent Parameter Jumps
When switching parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software do not match
with the knob positions on your third party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps,
you can enable the Takeover mode Pickup in the Preferences page MIDI.
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When Pickup is enabled, turning the knobs on your third party MIDI controller will only change the
value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up) the respective
value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the knob positions
using white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates the knob posi-
tion in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
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55
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be configured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode. A
MIDI button can also be configured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to the
two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must configure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
8.1.1. Setting up a Third-Party Controller
To map a third-party controller to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software:
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1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer.
2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL.
3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab.
4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller.
The third-party controller is now ready to be used.
8.1.2. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller
To map a knob on your third party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel.
2. Select a MIDI Learn knob in the software and then turn a knob on your keyboard.
3. It is now connected and the knobs should move in line with each other.
4. To map the remaining knobs, repeat this process.
MIDI Learn – Knobs page.
8.1.3. Assigning Buttons to a Third-Party Controller
You can also map buttons on your third-party controller to the software. This will allow you to select
another page of eight control knobs in the software using your keyboard. You can assign MIDI
CCs to move between parameter pages and switch between presets. To map a button to your key-
board:
1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software.
2. Select the Buttons tab.
3. Select a button in the software and then press and button on you keyboard.
4. It is now connected and the button should act in accordance with the software.
5. To map the remaining buttons, repeat these steps.
MIDI Learn – Buttons page.
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57
8.1.4. Enabling Takeover Mode
When you switch parameter pages, it can happen that knob positions in the software mismatch
with the knob positions on your third-party MIDI controller. To prevent potential parameter jumps
when turning the knobs, you can enable Takeover mode by selecting Pickup in the Preferences
page MIDI.
Takeover mode option on the MIDI page in the Preferences.
When the Takeover mode is enabled, turning the knobs on your third-party MIDI controller will only
change the value of the corresponding parameter, when the knob pointer reaches (picks up) the
respective value in the software. KOMPLETE KONTROL highlights the difference between the
knob positions with white circles around the knobs in the Plug-in panel. The white circle indicates
the knob position in the software. The knob pointer indicates the position on the hardware.
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58
Differences between knob positions in the software and on the hardware.
8.1.5. Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping
When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be configured
to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode. A
MIDI button can also be configured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to the
two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode. To use the MIDI
mapping functionality with a third-party controller, you must configure your third-party controller to
use Trigger mode.
8.1.6. Share Mapping Across Instances
You need to map your keyboard to KOMPLETE KONTROL only once and you can then instantiate
new instances of the software, and the mapping will continue working across all of them.
Instances that are already open as the mapping is changed, will not receive the new
mapping automatically; for them to be updated to the new mapping you must close
your DAW and reopen it.
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8.2. Host Automation
When you load KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in in a host, the parameters of the loaded Instru-
ment, the Scale parameters, and the Arpeggiator parameters can be automated from the host.
8.2.1. Recording Automation
Once your host is set up to record automation you can perform the following actions in the soft-
ware as well as from the keyboard:
• You can enable or disable Scale and Arpeggiator functions by clicking individual buttons in the
software or by pressing the corresponding buttons on the keyboard.
• You can select values of parameters by turning individual knobs in the software or on the key-
board.
For detailed information about recording automation in your host, refer to the docu-
mentation of your host software.
Some hosts allow you to handle automation by using automation IDs that are mapped to specific
parameters of the plug-in. KOMPLETE KONTROL comes with a predefined list of automation IDs
which allows the host find them automatically.
8.2.2. Automation IDs for the Perform Panel
The following automation IDs are reserved for parameters in KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Perform
panel:
Automation ID Parameter
000 Reserved for Instance Recognition and Automatic Focus Follow
001 Scale On / Off
002 Root Note (Scale)
003 Scale Type (Scale)
004 Key Mode (Scale)
006 Chord Mode (Scale)
007 Chord Type (Scale)
026 Arp On / Off
027 Mode (Arp)
028 Type (Arp)
029 Rate (Arp)
030 Sequence (Arp)
031 Swing (Arp)
032 Octaves (Arp)
033 Dynamic (Arp)
034 Gate (Arp)
035 Retrigger (Arp)
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Automation ID Parameter
036 Repeat (Arp)
037 Offset (Arp)
038 Inversion (Arp)
039 Min. Key (Arp)
040 Max. Key (Arp)
041 Hold (Arp)
8.3. Using the Keyboard in MIDI Mode
Besides using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard in combination with the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL software, you can also use it in MIDI mode as a versatile MIDI controller to pilot MIDI appli-
cations or devices, both via USB or via 5-pin DIN MIDI connections.
KOMPLETE KONTROL sends MIDI Note, Pitch Bend, and Channel Pressure (aftertouch) mes-
sages to trigger MIDI instruments, as well as Control Change and Program Change messages to
control any MIDI application or device.
• When you switch on the keyboard and the displays show the message PRESS BROWSE, you
are controlling an instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
• When you switch on the keyboard and the displays show various MIDI CC numbers, the key-
board is in MIDI mode. The keyboard directly launches into MIDI mode when the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL software is not running.
Switching to MIDI Mode
To switch the keyboard between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and MIDI mode:
1. Press SHIFT + INSTANCE on the keyboard.
2. Alternatively, you can call up the on-screen-overlay by pressing the INSTANCE button and
select Switch to MIDI mode from the available options.
3. To leave MIDI mode, press SHIFT + INSTANCE.
When using the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in in a supported host, the keyboard
automatically switches between controlling the KOMPLETE KONTROL software and
MIDI mode, depending on the content of the selected track.
MIDI Assignment
The MIDI mode’s versatility is made possible by the Controller Editor application, which allows you
to freely define MIDI assignments for the controls on the keyboard. The Controller Editor is instal-
led during the KOMPLETE KONTROL installation procedure. For more information, refer to the
Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF file in the Documentation subfolder of the Controller
Editor installation folder on your hard drive.
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61
8.4. Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone MIDI Controller
If you power up the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard without a USB connection (while the power
supply is connected), you can use it as a stand-alone MIDI controller by connecting MIDI devices
to the 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets on the keyboard’s rear panel.
The keybed and the controls on the keyboard send out MIDI messages according to the default
Template for stand-alone operation.
You can change the default Template for stand-alone operation in the Controller Edi-
tor application by right-clicking the Template and selecting Set as Standalone De-
fault. For more information, refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF
file in the Documentation subfolder of the Controller Editor installation folder on your
hard drive.
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62
9. HOST INTEGRATION
When using advanced host integration, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard becomes the center-
piece of your studio setup. You can use it to control not only the Instrument, Sample or Effect loa-
ded in KOMPLETE KONTROL but also core functionality of supported hosts.
Before you can make use of advanced host integration you need to set it up first. For
more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Advanced integration of KOMPLETE KONTROL is available in the following hosts:
• MASCHINE 2
• Apple Logic Pro X
• Apple GarageBand
• Ableton Live 9
• Steinberg Cubase Artist 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Cubase Pro 8.5/9/9.5/10
• Steinberg Nuendo 7/8
For more information on the integration of the supported hosts, refer to the section for the respec-
tive host:
• Integration with MASCHINE
• Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
• Integration with Ableton Live
• Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
9.1. Integration with MASCHINE
If you own MASCHINE, you can control many of MASCHINE’s functions directly from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard are
listed below.
Connect to MASCHINE using the Keyboard
1. Press INSTANCE and select the MASCHINE instance in the on-screen overlay.
2. Press the Control encoder to connect the keyboard to MASCHINE.
Transport Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Basic Transport
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Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start/pause playback PLAY (RESTART)
Restart playback at the beginning of the Loop range SHIFT + PLAY (RESTART)
Enable/disable recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Record with count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Enable/disable the metronome SHIFT + STOP
Loop Range
Move whole Loop range LOOP + Control encoder
Move Loop range’s start point LOOP + Navigate Left + Control encoder
Move Loop range’s end point LOOP + Navigate Right + Control encoder
Include all Scenes in Loop range SHIFT + LOOP
Playhead Jumps
Move song position backward by Pattern Grid increments RWD
Move song position forward by Pattern Grid increments FFW
Move song position backward by Step Grid increments SHIFT + RWD
Move song position forward by Step Grid increments SHIFT + FFW
Edit Control
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Enable/disable Scale engine for selected Group SCALE (EDIT)
Enable/disable Arpeggiator for selected Group ARP (EDIT)
Edit Scale engine for selected Group SHIFT + SCALE (EDIT)
Edit Arpeggiator for selected Group SHIFT + ARP (EDIT)
Transpose
Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Edit Touch Strip settings for Pitch Strip SHIFT + OCT-
Edit Touch Strip settings for Modulation Strip SHIFT + OCT+
Navigation
Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Action in MASCHINE
Control Encoder
Move song position by Pattern Grid increments Control encoder (turn)
Adjust Slot volume SHIFT + Control encoder (turn)
Set Preset file as Favorite when browsing SHIFT + Control encoder (push)
Navigate Arrows
Select previous Plug-in Slot for selected Sound Slot Left Navigate arrow
Select next Plug-in Slot for selected Sound Slot Right Navigate arrow
Select previous Plug-in page Page left
Select next Plug-in page Page right
Select previous Sound Slot of selected Group Up Navigate arrow
Select next Sound Slot of selected Group Down Navigate arrow
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Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Action in MASCHINE
Select previous Group SHIFT + Up Navigate arrow
Select next Group SHIFT + Down Navigate arrow
Other
Open Browser BROWSE
Switch between MASCHINE and KOMPLETE KONTROL instances INSTANCE
Enter MIDI Mode SHIFT + INSTANCE
Select previous Preset file PRESET Up
Select next Preset file PRESET Down
Go one step back in on-screen overlay BACK
Advance one step in on-screen overlay ENTER
9.2. Integration with Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand
If you own Apple Logic Pro X or GarageBand, you can control many of their functions directly from
the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the key-
board are listed below.
Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (RESTART)
Start recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Enable/disable the metronome SHIFT + STOP
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move loop by its own length LOOP + Control encoder
Move song position in one bar increments Control encoder
Select one track up Navigate Up
Select one track down Navigate Down
Undo action SHIFT + Navigate Left
Redo action SHIFT + Navigate Right
Move song position backward RWD
Move song position forward FFW
9.3. Integration with Ableton Live
If you own Ableton Live, you can control many of its functions directly from the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard are listed below.
Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (RESTART)
Start recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Enable/disable metronome SHIFT + STOP
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move loop by its own length LOOP + Control encoder
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Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Move song position in one bar increments Control encoder
Select one Track up Navigate Up
Select one Track down Navigate Down
Undo action SHIFT + Navigate Left
Redo action SHIFT + Navigate Right
Move song position backward RWD
Move song position forward FFW
9.4. Integration with Steinberg Cubase and Nuendo
If you own Steinberg Cubase or Nuendo, you can control many of their functions directly from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. The available functions mapped to the sections of the keyboard
are listed below.
Action in Cubase and Nuendo Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series
Start playback PLAY (RESTART)
Start recording REC (COUNT-IN)
Enable/disable count-in SHIFT + REC (COUNT-IN)
Stop playback/recording STOP
Enable/disable the metronome SHIFT + STOP
Enable/disable loop mode LOOP
Move loop by its own length LOOP + Control encoder
Move song position in one bar increments Control encoder
Select one track up Navigate Up
Select one track down Navigate Down
Undo action SHIFT + Navigate Left
Redo action SHIFT + Navigate Right
Move song position backward RWD
Move song position forward FFW
9.5. Integration with Non-supported Hosts
If you are using the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in in other hosts, track selection and automatic
track focus are not supported. However, by pressing the INSTANCE button on your KOMPLETE
KONTROL keyboard, you can call up an overlay on the computer screen which enables you to
switch between all loaded instances of the plug-in.
Instances in the on-screen overlay.
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66
This also works across multiple hosts, which will be listed in the on-screen overlay. After calling up
an instance from the on-screen overlay, you will get full control over the KOMPLETE KONTROL
plug-in from the hardware. Since automatic track focus is not supported in these hosts, you have
to manually arm the corresponding track in order to route the MIDI notes from the hardware's key-
bed to the plug-in.
The transport control buttons of the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard can be used with any host
which supports the MCU (Mackie Control Universal) protocol.
Full KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in control (including Browser, Native Map, Light Guide and the
perform features) is available in any host software which supports the available plug-in formats:
• macOS: VST 64-Bit, AU 64-Bit, AAX 64-Bit
• Windows: VST 32 and 64-Bit, AAX 32 and 64-Bit
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10. BROWSING THE LIBRARY
The Browser is where you access your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library with all its Instruments,
Loops, One-shots and Effects. You can search, filter, and load Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Ef-
fect Preset files as well as add them to your personal Favorites from the KOMPLETE KONTROL
software. You can also use your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, or a third-party controller, to
access the Browser, enabling you to search for Presets using only the hardware controls.
You can also save Preset files and tag them in KOMPLETE KONTROL to further add to your per-
sonal user content and build your personal sound library. They are automatically added to the User
section of the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library pane. Adding and editing tags can only be done us-
ing the software. For more information refer to section Saving Preset Files to the User Library and
Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files.
Browsing for Instruments or Effects
Since the same workflows apply to Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, this section refers
to all product types as Products. The Browser automatically switches the product type to either Ef-
fects or Instruments, Loops, and One-shots, depending on the selected slot in the Plug-in chain.
For more information on Product Types and about switching between Product Types, refer to Prod-
uct Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects.
Browse Mode Hardware is the preferred for the Workflow Descriptions
When browsing with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard it is recommended to use Browse
Mode Hardware as it enhances the user experience compared to the On-screen overlay. There-
fore this section describes the workflows using Browse Mode Hardware which needs to be selec-
ted in the software in advance. For more information, refer to Browse Modes.
If you want to learn more about the workflows using the On-screen overlay, refer to Browsing via
the On-Screen Overlay.
For a detailed overview of the Browser elements, refer to Browser.
10.1. Browser Basics
This section describes general concepts related to the Browser.
10.1.1. Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and
Effects
Although the Library contains Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects, it is not possible to
browse for these four Product Types at the same time. Depending on the selected Plug-in slot the,
Product Type in the Browser switches to “Instrument” or “Effect”:
• When you start KOMPLETE KONTROL or when you select the first Plug-in slot in the Plug-in
chain, the Product Type is set to Instruments and is represented by the respective icon in the
Browser.
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68
• When the first Plug-in Slot is selected, you can choose between Instruments, Loops and One-
shots. The Product Type icon will be highlighted accordingly. Instruments is selected as the de-
fault Product Type.
• When you select any other Plug-in slot, the Product Type is set to Effects, which is reflected by
the respective icon in the Browser.
For more information on the Plug-in chain and usage, refer to Plug-in Chain Panel and Working
with Effects.
10.1.2. Loops and One-shots
The Browser divides samples into Loops and One-Shots. One-shots are typically sampled instru-
ments or vocals, while loops are usually sections of music. Both filetypes can come from existing
expansion packs and sounds.com.
When a Loop is selected in the Browser with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately
in-sync with the host if transport is running. If a Loop preview begins part-way through, the Loop
will play once more in full length to ensure you hear the entire Loop in context with your project.
Loops and One-shots can also be dragged directly from the Browser and dropped onto an audio
track within your host DAW.
10.1.3. Browse Modes
KOMPLETE KONTROL provides two ways of browsing with the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard,
called Browse Modes:
• On-Screen Overlay: By default, pressing the BROWSE button calls up the on-screen overlay
on the computer screen, which gives you a full overview over the current state of the Browser,
controlled from the NAVIGATE section on the keyboard. For more information about the on-
screen overlay, refer to Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay.
• Hardware: Alternatively, you can use the knobs and displays on the keyboard for browsing
your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. In this case, the Browser functions are mapped directly to
the keyboard’s Control section, making the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser workflow available
without using the computer screen.
Selecting Browse Mode Hardware
To enable Browse Mode Hardware:
1. Open the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences.
2. Select the Keyboard Page.
3. Select Hardware from the Browse Mode drop-down menu.
The Browser functions are now mapped to the Control section and can be controlled with the
page buttons and knobs.
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69
When using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Accessibility features, the Browse Mode is
automatically switched to Hardware.
10.1.4. About the Library and Meta-Information
To organize, find, keep track of, and provide you thousands of Preset files at any time ready for
loading, KOMPLETE KONTROL makes use of a Library. The Library contains the factory content
of your KOMPLETE Instruments, Loops, and One-shots, NKS Instruments, Effects, as well as your
own user content.
Tags
To help you find the right Preset file quickly and efficiently, the Library implements various techni-
ques that go far beyond the classic folder structure of your operating system—the usage of tags.
For example, each Preset file included in the Library contains tags which describe the Preset file
according to following aspects:
• The content type of the Preset file, i.e. whether it originates from a Product’s factory library or
if it was created by a user.
• The Product where the Preset file come from—this can include, e.g., a hierarchical structure
with a Product category, a particular Product, and possibly a Bank of a Product.
• A variable amount of tags used to describe various characteristics of the Preset file, for exam-
ple, the type of effect, the sonic character, the context in which it is used—in a word, anything
that might help you find the file.
Included Preset Files in the Library
The Preset files included in the Library are all KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant files found in the
folders whose paths are listed in the Library page of the Preferences panel.
You can also save the sounds you created in KOMPLETE KONTROL to the User content section
of the Library pane.
10.1.5. Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks
Besides of browsing KOMPLETE KONTROL Library the Browser also allows you to navigate your
file system in a classic way. For each way the Browser provides a single pane with its own tools:
• The Library pane allows you to browse the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. This is the prefer-
red way to search for files meeting particular musical requirements. This pane also allows you
to tag your own Preset files to your liking.
• The Files pane allows you to browse your hard disks by using the hierarchical folder structure
of your operating system. For example, you can use it to navigate KOMPLETE KONTROL-rele-
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70
vant files that have not been imported into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library—and you can
import them from there.
The Library pane and the Files pane can be accessed by clicking the corresponding tab at the top
of the Browser.
Click the desired tab to show the corresponding pane of the Browser.
Browsing and loading files from the file system using the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard is not possible. The Browser called up from the keyboard can only load
files that have already been added to the Library. It is best to always import all your
files to the Library and tag them using the software Browser before use.
10.2. Opening the Browser
To open the Browser:
• Click on the Browser button (the magnifier symbol) in the header.
Alternatively you can also open the Browser by selecting View > Browser in the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL menu.
In stand-alone mode, you can also open/close the Browser from your computer key-
board via the [B] key.
Calling up the Browser on the Keyboard
When the Plug-in chain is entirely empty the displays show PRESS BROWSE.
In order to call up the Browser on the keyboard’s displays:
• Press the BROWSE button.
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71
10.3. Loading Preset Files
When the Browser is open, you can directly load any of the Preset files shown in the Results list.
When loading a Preset file the corresponding product automatically opens in the Plug-in area.
• To load a Preset file, double click the corresponding entry in the Results list.
The Preset file and the corresponding Product opens in the Plug-in area.
Loading a Preset File using the Keyboard
To load a Preset file using the Keyboard:
1. Open the Browser by pressing the BROWSE button.
2. Select a Preset file in the Results list by turning Knob 8 in the Control section or by turning
the Control encoder in the NAVIGATE section.
3. Load the selected Preset file by pressing ENTER in the NAVIGATE section or by pressing
the Control encoder in the NAVIGATE section.
The Preset file together with the product is loaded and the Browser closes automatically,
showing the Product parameters in the Control section.
10.4. Choosing Between Factory Content and User Content
As a default setting, Factory content is selected in the Browser. The Content selector shows the
User content icon, which is used to switch between Factory and User Libraries. When switching
between Factory and User Libraries in the Browser, all tags and product selections will be remem-
bered.
The Content selector.
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72
• Click the User icon to search for User content in the Browser. The User Library is enabled
when the icon lights up. To switch back to Factory content, click the User icon again to dese-
lect it.
Choosing Between Factory and User Content on the Keyboard
In order to choose between Factory and User content on the keyboard:
• Press the left and right Page buttons to choose between FACTORY content and USER con-
tent. By default, the FACTORY content is selected.
10.5. Filtering Preset Files by Product
The Product selector allows you to filter Preset files according to a certain Product.
By default the Product selector header displays All Instruments or All Effects. This means that
no certain Product is selected. In order to filter the Preset files in the Results list by a certain Prod-
uct you need to select that Product in the Product selector:
1. Click on the arrow in Product selector header.
The Product selector expands, showing you the Product list with all the Instruments, Loops,
One-shots or Effects available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
2. Select either Category or Vendor in the Category / Vendor selector to filter the Products
accordingly.
3. Scroll through the Product groups to find the Product you are looking for.
4. Click on the Product image to select it.
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73
The Product selector header shows the Product name. You can now browse for all Preset
files associated with the selected Product in the Results list.
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74
Loading a Product with its Default Preset File
You can also directly load a Product with its default Preset file:
1. Hover the mouse over the Product entry in the Product selector.
2. Click on the arrow symbol that appears in the upper right corner of the Product entry.
The Product with its default Preset file is loaded.
Filtering Preset Files by Product using the Keyboard
In order filter Preset files by Product on the keyboard:
1. Press and hold SHIFT to access the secondary Browser functions.
2. While holding SHIFT press turn Knob 1 to either select CATEGORY or VENDOR for sorting
the Product list accordingly. By default the Product list is showing all Instruments or Effects.
3. Release SHIFT.
4. Turn Knob 1 to select a category or a vendor, respectively.
5. Turn Knob 2 to scroll through the Product list and find a Product to your liking.
You can now browse for all Preset files associated with your selection in the Results list.
10.6. Filtering Preset Files by Bank
Banks can be additional Libraries (for example Expansions), different versions of the original Fac-
tory Library, or any other content categorization specific to a particular Product.
When you select specific Products in the Product list, an additional Bank drop-down menu ap-
pears under the closed Product selector. The Bank drop-down menu allows you to select a particu-
lar Bank of Preset files for the selected Product if available.
The Bank menu showing All Banks for POLYPLEX
To select a particular Bank of Preset files for the selected Product:
1. Click the arrow in the Banks menu to expand it.
2. Choose a Bank from the available entries.
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Upon your selection the Bank menu closes and displays the selected Bank. The Results list
further narrow its content accordingly.
You can remove the selected Bank by clicking the little cross in the closed Bank menu.
Selecting a Bank of Preset Files using the Keyboard
In order to select a particular Preset file Bank of the selected Product:
1. Turn Knob 3 to select the desired Bank of the Product.
2. If available, you can use Knob 4 to select a sub-bank.
The Results list only displays the associated Preset files.
10.7. Resetting the Product Selection
In order to select another Product, or show Preset files for all Products in your KOMPLETE KON-
TROL Library, you have to reset the selection.
To reset the selection in the Product selector:
• Click the little cross at the right of the Product name.
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The selection is reset. The Product selector displays the generic label All Instruments, All
Loops, All One-shots or All Effects. The TYPES and CHARACTERS tags and the Results
list below the Product selector now includes Preset files for all Instruments, Loops, One-
shots and Effects.
Products are only shown in the Product selector if the Library contains files for them.
If a particular Instrument does not show up, make sure it is installed correctly and
has been updated to the latest available version.
Resetting the Instrument Selection on the Keyboard
To reset the Product selection:
• Turn Knob 2 counterclockwise until ALL PRODUCTS is shown in the display below.
The Product selection is reset.
10.8. Types and Characters Tags
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
The TYPES and CHARACTERS tags menus enable you to search for Preset files according to
particular characteristics of a sound. Recommended but not mandatorily the TYPES and CHAR-
ACTERS tags bring best results in combination with a selected Instrument.
TYPES and CHARACTERS tags for MASSIVE
As soon the desired tags are selected, the search is limited to the Preset files with corresponding
tags. Tags can also be deselected to broaden the search.
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TYPES
TYPES tags are structured into two hierarchical levels—top-level tags and sub-level tags.
• At first the TYPES menu displays the available top-level tags only.
• As soon as a tag in the top level is selected, the second level appears underneath with sub-
tags of the selected top-tag.
• The hierarchical structure means that the sets of sub-tags are specific to each tag of the level
above.
CHARACTERS
The CHARACTERS tags provides an additional level that is independent of the TYPES levels:
• In general, CHARACTERS tags refer to technical terms (e.g., Arpeggiated, Percussive, Syn-
thetic).
• The CHARACTERS tags are always displayed. You can start your search with the CHARAC-
TERS menu before, or even without, using the TYPES tags.
• However, the list of tags available in the CHARACTERS menu will vary depending on the se-
lected TYPES tags. If no file contains both the Types and Characters tags that you have selec-
ted, the Type tags will prevail and the Characters tags will be deselected.
If you don’t select any tag in the TYPES or the CHARACTERS menus, the Result list will include
all available files for the selected Instrument.
Both the Types as well as the Characters tags menus can be collapsed and expanded by clicking
on the arrows to allow for a larger Results list display.
Expanded TYPES and CHARACTERS menus.
Collapsed TYPES and CHARACTERS menus.
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10.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
In this tutorial you will learn how to find a bass line Preset file for the MONARK Instrument using
the Types tags. To start, select the MONARK Instrument in the Product selector. The TYPES sec-
tion currently shows only top-level tags:
The MONARK Instrument is selected in the Product selector.
To find a bass sound:
1. Under TYPES, select the Bass tag.
Once selected, the second level of tags will appear underneath with Sub-Types like Fin-
gered, Picked, etc.
2. Select the Sub-Type matching the desired characteristic for your bass sound. By selecting
any of these tags, e.g., Synth, you will narrow your search to this particular Sub-Type of
bass sounds.
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3. Select the Analog tag from the CHARACTERS tags.
The Results list is filtered according to the selected Types and Characters tags.
This method allows you to quickly find Preset files for an Instrument with similar characteristics.
Searching for Preset Files by Types and Characters Using the Keyboard
In order to find a bass sound:
1. Turn Knob 5 (All Types) to select the Bass tag from the Types menu.
Upon your selection the second level of tags appears above Knob 6 displaying All Sub-
Types.
2. Turn Knob 6 to select the Sub-Type matching the desired characteristic for your bass line,
e.g., Distorted Bass.
The Results list is filtered accordingly to the Types and Characters tags.
10.8.2. Selecting Multiple Tags from the Same Level
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
In both TYPES and CHARACTERS menus, you can select multiple tags from the same level:
1. Hold [Shift] on your computer keyboard and click two tags at a particular level to select these
tags and all tags in-between.
2. Hold [Ctrl] ([Cmd] on macOS) on your computer keyboard and click any number of tags at a
particular level to select these tags.
The result list will include all files that correspond to at least one of the selected tags.
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Selecting multiple tags from the same level using the keyboard is not possible. Nev-
ertheless, the display on the keyboard will show (multi) when multiple tags are se-
lected in the software.
10.9. Working with Favorites
Favorites in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser allow you to quickly view and browse your most
frequently used Preset files. Any Preset file can be assigned to be a Favorite. The Favorites serve
as an additional filter in the Library pane. When activated, the Results list will only show Preset
files that have been assigned to be a Favorite, and also match all other selected filters, including
the search query entered into the search field.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser showing all Favorites tagged with the Type Bass.
10.9.1. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites
To add a Preset file to the Favorites:
1. Place the mouse cursor over any selected or unselected entry in the Results list.
The entry is highlighted and the Set Favorite icon on right appears.
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2. Click on the Set Favorite icon to add the corresponding Preset file to the Favorites.
The Preset file is added to the Favorites, indicated by the lit Set Favorite icon next to its
name.
You can add any Preset file in the Results list to the Favorites, no matter if it is selected or not.
Adding Preset Files to the Favorites on the Keyboard
In order to add a Preset file to the Favorites on the keyboard:
1. Turn Knob 8 to select the Preset file you want to add to the Favorites in the Results list.
2. Press and hold SHIFT.
The displays below Knob 3 and Knob 4 now display the Favorite parameters.
3. While holding SHIFT turn Knob 4 clockwise until the value SET turns to ON in the display
below.
The Preset file is added to the Favorites.
10.9.2. Displaying Favorites in the Results List
To activate the Favorites filter:
• Click on the Favorites icon next to the search field to activate the Favorites filter.
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The Favorites icon is now lit and the Results list shows all favorite Preset files.
Displaying all Favorites in the Results list on the Keyboard
In order to display all Favorites in the Results list on the keyboard:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
The displays below Knob 3 and Knob 4 now display the Favorite parameters.
2. While holding SHIFT turn Knob 3 clockwise until the value FILTER FAVORITE turns to ON in
the display below.
The Results list shows all favorite Preset files.
10.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites
To remove a Preset file from the Favorites:
• Click on the lit Set Favorite icon to remove the corresponding Preset file from the Favorites.
The Preset file is removed from the Favorites, indicated by the hidden Set Favorite icon. The
next time you select the Favorites filter, the Preset file will not be shown in the Results list.
You can also remove a Preset file from the Favorites when the Results list is not filtered by Favor-
ites.
Removing Preset files from the Favorites on the Keyboard
In order to remove a Preset file from the Favorites on the keyboard:
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1. Select a favorite Preset file.
2. Press and hold SHIFT.
The displays below Knob 3 and Knob 4 now display the Favorite parameters.
3. While holding SHIFT turn Knob 4 clockwise until the value SET turns to OFF in the display
below.
The Preset file is removed from the Favorites.
10.10. Performing a Text Search
In the search field you can enter your search query. The search considers all properties such as
Preset file names, Instruments, Banks, Type and Characters tags, directly as you type.
The search field.
1. Click in the search field.
2. Type the desired text to limit the Results to files containing this text.
As you start typing, the list of matches will start narrowing in the result list below.
You can also limit the search by selecting Types and Characters tags.
In order to reset both text search tag search, use the Reset button (showing a little cross) on the
right side of the search field. The Instrument selection is not affected.
10.11. Displaying Preset File Information
• Click the Information button (showing a little “i”) next to the EDIT button in the right part of
the Control bar to display information on the file(s) selected in the result list.
A box appears above with various information on the selected file(s): File Format, Date
modified, File Size, Type, as well as the Author and Manufacturer properties, if any.
The Information box provides various information on the selected file(s).
If the selected files have different characteristics, the corresponding fields in the Information box
will show multi.
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10.12. Auditioning your Preset Files
When you are browsing Preset files, you can audition Preset files by using the Prehear feature at
the bottom of the Browser. For this you need to enable the Prehear feature.
The Prehear controls.
1. Click the Prehear button (showing a little speaker icon) to enable/disable Prehear.
When Prehear is enabled, you can directly hear Preset files as you select them in the Result
list of the Library pane or Files pane.
2. Drag the Prehear Volume slider next to the Prehear button to adjust the volume of the Preset
files you are pre-listening to.
3. Click on any entry in the Results list.
In order to hear audio of the Prehear feature it is mandatory to configure the audio
interface in the Preferences of KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Auditioning Your Preset Files using the Keyboard
You can also enable/disable the Prehear feature on the keyboard:
1. Press and hold SHIFT to call up the Browser’s secondary functions in the displays.
The display below Knob 7 shows the PREHEAR parameter.
2. While holding SHIFT turn Knob 7 clockwise or counterclockwise until the current value in the
display below turns to ON or to OFF, respectively.
3. Turn Knob 8 to adjust the volume of the Preset files you are pre-listening to.
4. Release SHIFT.
5. Turn Knob 8 to select another Preset file in the Results list.
Upon selection this Preset file is played back and the previous Preset file stops playing in-
stantly.
When you disable Prehear, the playback of any Preset file still being pre-listened is stopped.
10.13. Browsing via the On-Screen Overlay
When the default Browse mode, On-Screen Overlay is selected in the Preferences, pressing the
BROWSE button on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard brings up a large and easy-to-see on-
screen overlay on your computer screen. This way, you get instant access to many features com-
mon to the KOMPLETE KONTROL software’s Browser. By sing the on-screen overlay you can
progressively refine your search to find the sounds you need with ease.
For more information on selecting another Browse mode, refer to Browse Modes.
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Browser Overview in the On-Screen Overlay
Overview of the Browser in the on-screen overlay.
(1) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops and One-
shots, or Effects.
(2) Content selector: Selects the files that are browsed. Switch the User icon off to search the
factory content, or on to search the user content.
(3) Product selector: Select to open a drop-down menu where you can select a particular Product
and sometimes the Bank of the selected Product. Only the files matching your selection will be dis-
played in the Results list (7).
(4) TYPES tags: Search for files based on Type and Sub-Type tags that have been applied.
(5) CHARACTERS tags: Search for files based on Character tags that have been applied.
(6) Favorites list: Select the icon to display the Favorites list and unselect the icon to hide the Fa-
vorites list.
(7) Results list: The Results list displays all files that match your query, as specified via the vari-
ous tools above.
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11. WORKING WITH EFFECTS
In this section you learn how to work with the Plug-in chain in terms of adding Effects, and organiz-
ing the Plug-in chain. Also, this section assumes you are familiar using the Browser and already
loaded an Instrument.
For more information on using the Browser, refer to Browsing the Library.
11.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel
In order to work with the Plug-in chain in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software you need to make
sure the Plug-in chain panel is displayed.
If this is not the case you can display the Plug-in chain panel by the following action:
• Click on the Plug-in chain panel button in the Header.
The Plug-in chain panel and the loaded Instrument are displayed. You can now add Effects
to the Plug-in chain.
On the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard only the selected Plug-in slot is displayed.
11.2. Adding Effects
Once an Instrument, Loop or One-shot has been loaded into the first Plug-in slot, you can then
add Effects to the Plug-in chain. To add an Effect to the Plug-in chain:
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1. Click on the empty Plug-in slot to select it.
The Product Type icon in the Browser changes to Effects.
The Product selector provides you with a list of the available Effects.
2. Browse for an Effect to your liking.
The Effect is loaded. Its image (or a generic icon for non-NKS Plug-ins) and name are shown
in the second Plug-in slot. To add more Effects to the Plug-in chain, repeat the aforemen-
tioned steps.
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Adding Effects using the Keyboard
Once an Instrument, Loop or One-shot has been loaded into the first Plug-in slot, you can then
add an Effect to the Plug-in chain:
1. Press the right Navigate Arrow button until you select the first empty Plug-in slot.
The displays show PRESS BROWSE.
2. Press the BROWSE button to open the Browser.
The left display shows FACTORY EFFECTS indicating you are currently browsing for Ef-
fects.
3. Select an Effect and press the Control encoder to load the selection.
The Effect is now added to the Plug-in chain. To add more Effects to the Plug-in chain, re-
peat these steps.
11.3. Selecting Plug-in Slots
When you have several Effects added to the Plug-in chain you can directly jump to a Plug-in slot in
order for adjusting the included Effect.
In order to jump to another Plug-in slot and display the Effect’s controls:
• Click on the Plug-in slot you want to select.
Selecting another Plug-in Slot using the Keyboard
In order to select another Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain using the keyboard:
• Press the left or right Navigate Arrow button to select the previous or next Plug-in slot in the
Plug-in chain.
The Plug-in controls are mapped to the Knobs accordingly.
11.4. Reordering Effects
If you want to reorder your Effects in the Plug-in chain you can easily move them by drag and
drop.
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In order to move an Effect in the Plug-in chain:
1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot you want to move.
2. Click and hold the left mouse button and move the mouse pointer to the desired position in
the Plug-in chain.
The white line between the borders of the Plug-in slots is the current position for dropping the
Plug-in slot.
3. Drop the Effect into a new position in the effects chain.
The Plug-in slot now sits at another position in the Plug-in chain and the other Plug-in slots
have moved accordingly.
Reordering Effects is not supported on the KOMPLETE KONTROL Keyboard.
11.5. Scrolling the Plug-in Chain
Theoretically, it is possible to add an unlimited amount of Effects to the Plug-in chain. If the Plug-in
chain exceeds the space on the GUI due to numerous Effects loaded, big scroll arrows appear on
the left and/or on the right border.
Right scroll arrow.
In order to scroll through the Plug-in chain:
• Click the scroll arrow for the respective direction.
11.6. Bypassing Effects
If you temporarily want to listen to the Instrument without a specific Effect for an A/B comparison
but do not want to delete it from the Plug-in chain, you can bypass Effects.
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In order to bypass an Effect:
1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot containing the Effect you want to bypass.
Additional controls are displayed.
2. Click the Bypass button at the top left of the Plug-in slot.
The Effect is now bypassed and the image is grayed out.
Bypassing Effects is not supported on KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard.
11.7. Removing Effects
In order to remove an Effect from the Plug-in chain:
1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot containing the Effect you want to remove.
Additional controls are displayed.
2. Click the Remove button at the top right of the Plug-in slot.
The Effect is now removed from the Plug-in chain.
Removing Effects from the Plug-in chain is not supported on KOMPLETE KONTROL
Keyboard.
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12. WORKING WITH LOOPS AND ONE-SHOT SAM-
PLES
In KOMPLETE KONTROL you can also work with loops and One-shot samples using the Sampler
plug-in or the Audio plug-in. In this section you will learn about the different use cases of the Sam-
pler plug-in and the Audio plug-in, how you load samples, how you open the Sampler plug-in and
the Audio plug-in, and how to switch between the Sampler plug-in and the Audio plug-in.
12.1. Sampler Plug-In and Audio Plug-In Use Cases
The Sampler plug-in and the Audio plug-in have different use cases and provide different parame-
ters for adjustments:
• With the Sampler plug-in you can define the start point and end point of the loaded sample,
and modify the shape and timing. For more information on the parameters of the Sampler plug-
in, refer to Sampler Plug-In.
• The Audio plug-in specializes in keeping audio loops playing in-sync with the sequencer in your
host software and has the optional ability to do so without influencing the key of the loop. Fur-
thermore, you can transpose the loop while it plays so that it fits the key of your song. For more
information on the parameters of the Audio plug-in, refer to Audio Plug-In.
12.2. Loading One-Shot Samples and Loops
When you load a sample of the content type One-shot from the Browser, the sample will be auto-
matically loaded into the Sampler plug-in. When you load a sample of the content type Loop from
the Browser, the sample will be automatically loaded into the Audio plug-in. However, once the
Sampler plug-in or the Audio plug-in is opened, you can still load loops and One-shot samples into
either of them.
To load a loop or One-shot sample from the Browser:
1. Select the first Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain.
2. Select the content type Loop or One-shot sample in the Browser.
3. Refine your search using TYPES and CHARACTER tags.
4. Drag the loop or One-shot sample from the Results list into the Plug-in area.
The loop or One-shot sample is loaded into the corresponding plug-in. You can now play and
edit it using the parameters.
When the Audio plug-in is opened, loops and samples from the Browser will be loa-
ded into the Audio plug-in. When the Sampler plug-in is opened, loops and samples
from the Browser will be loaded into the Sampler plug-in.
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92
It is not possible to manually save Presets for the Audio plug-in. The Save and Save
As… entries in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu are grayed out when the Au-
dio plug-in is opened.
12.3. Opening the Audio Plug-In or Sampler Plug-In
You can open an empty Audio plug-in or Sampler plug-in using the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu
in the header. This enables you to load samples of each content type into the Audio plug-in or
Sampler plug-in.
To open the Audio plug-in or Sampler empty:
1. Open the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu in the header.
2. Select Instruments > Internal > Audio to open the Audio-plug-in, or select Instruments > In-
ternal > Sampler to open the Sampler plug-in.
The Audio plug-in or Sampler plug-in has opened. It uses the first Plug-in slot in the Plug-in
chain. You can now load loops or One-shot samples from the Browser via drag and drop.
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93
12.4. Switching between the Audio Plug-In and the Sampler
Plug-In
When you intend to use the loaded loop in the Audio plug-in with the Sampler plug-in instead, you
can switch from Audio plug-in to Sampler plug-in. Switching from Audio plug-in to Sampler plug-in
retains the loaded loop and vice versa.
To switch from the Audio plug-in to the Sampler plug-in or vice versa:
1. Select the first Plug-in Slot in the Plug-in chain.
2. Open the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu in the header and select Instruments > Internal >
Sampler, or Instruments > Internal > Audio.
The Audio plug-in has switched to Sampler plug-in. The loop retains loaded.
12.5. Playback Behavior of Audio Plug-In in Host Software
When you start your host software, the loop will be triggered and play continuously. However, the
loop will only be audible in locations where you placed notes in the host sequencer. Furthermore,
when you use the playback engine mode Stretch, the pitch of the loop will be transposed based
on the pitch of the note used. For example, note C3 will play the sample at its original pitch, while
C4 will play the sample at one octave higher.
You can also play loops with the keyboard in your host software:
• When the transport is not running, you can trigger the loop by pressing a key.
• When the transport is running and you press a key, a gate will open at the positions where
notes are placed in the host sequencer.
For more information on playback engine mode, refer to Audio Plug-In.
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94
13. MANAGING THE LIBRARY
With the Browser you can also organize your own Preset files. In this section you will learn how
you save and manage your own Preset files in the User Library and how to import KOM-
PLETE KONTROL-compatible user files.
The workflows for organizing Instrument, Loops, and One-shots Preset files are identical to the
workflows for organizing Effect Preset files. The Product Type cannot be selected in the Browser
directly as this is determined by the Plug-in chain. For more information on Product Types and
switching between Product Types, refer to Product Types: Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Ef-
fects.
For detailed overview of the Browser elements, refer to Browser.
13.1. Saving Preset Files to the User Library
KOMPLETE KONTROL allows you to conveniently save any sound you created with your Instru-
ments and Effects in a new user Preset file. Your saved Preset files are automatically added to the
user content section of the Library pane and can be filtered and searched like any other Preset
file in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. On your hard drive, the user Preset files are saved in
the following folder (sorted by Instrument, in corresponding subfolders):
• Windows: C:\Users\<your user name>\Documents\Native Instruments\User
Content\
• macOS: Macintosh HD/Users/<your user name>/Documents/Native Instru-
ments/User Content/
The Preset files saved for KOMPLETE Instruments with KOMPLETE KONTROL are compatible
with the stand-alone and plug-in versions. This way you can, for example, open a KONTAKT file
you saved with KOMPLETE KONTROL in the KONTAKT stand-alone application or the plug-in by
opening the file from the user content folder described above.
The Preset files you save in KOMPLETE KONTROL are compatible with MA-
SCHINE. To add them to the user content section of MASCHINE’s Library pane,
click on Rescan in the User pane of the Library page in the MASCHINE Preferen-
ces.
Saving a Preset File
Follow the instructions to save a sound in a new Preset file:
1. Select the Instrument or Effect Plug-in slot for which you wish to save a Preset file.
2. In the File submenu of the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu, click on Save.
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95
Or, if you want to save a Preset file you are working on with a new name, click on Save As…
in the File submenu of the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
3. Enter a name for your new Preset file and click Save in the Save Preset dialog to save the
Preset file.
Your new Preset file immediately appears in the user content section of the Library pane.
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96
13.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library
You can delete user Preset files directly from the Results list:
1. Right-click the desired Preset file and select Delete from the context menu. If you want to
delete several user Preset files at once, first select them as described above, and right-click
any of them.
A warning dialog opens to inform you that the Preset file will be not only removed from the
KOMPLETE KONTROL Library but also deleted from your hard disk.
2. Click OK to confirm the deletion (or Cancel to keep the file).
The Preset file is deleted from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and from your hard disk.
When browsing factory content, the Delete entry is not available in the context
menu.
13.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files
When you save user Preset files in KOMPLETE KONTROL, they are automatically assigned to In-
struments and Banks depending on the Instrument you are using. To further define the attributes of
your user Preset files, you can edit the Types and Characters tags as well as the general proper-
ties of the file. This allows you to organize your user content in a meaningful way and search for
your files using the Types and Characters tags in the Library pane.
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The Types and Characters tags are also recognized by the MASCHINE Browser.
This way, you can easily find the user Preset files you saved with KOMPLETE KON-
TROL in the User content section of MASCHINE’s Library pane.
The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects.
To assign tags to your Preset file and change its properties:
1. Select the Preset file in the Results list and click EDIT in the Control bar to open the Attribute
Editor.
2. Click on TYPES to edit the Types tags for your Preset file.
3. Click and drag the upper edge of the Attribute Editor upwards to increase its size. This
makes it easier to navigate in the list of available tags.
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4. Assign the appropriate tags to your Preset file by clicking the checkboxes next to the corre-
sponding name.
5. Click on CHARACTERS to edit the Characters tags for your Preset file. You can assign them
in the same way you assigned the Type tags, by clicking on the appropriate checkboxes.
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6. Click on PROPERTIES to edit additional information included in your Preset file. You can en-
ter your name in the Author field, or, in case you intend to share the Preset file, leave a note
in the Comment field for other users to read.
7. To apply any changes made in the Attribute Editor, click APPLY.
Your Preset file is now tagged according to your selection of Types and Characters and the
properties are saved. Close the Attribute Editor by clicking on EDIT.
13.4. Syncing Multiple Instances
When running multiple instances of KOMPLETE KONTROL, either as Standalone and/or as a
plug-in, updates to the Library will be synced across all instances. If you delete a sample from your
User Library in one instance, the sample will no longer be present in the other instances. Similarly,
if you save a Preset in one instance, that Preset will also be available in the other instances.
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13.5. Working with the Files Pane
This section details the actions you can perform that help you to browse for files on your hard
disks using the Files pane. The Results list of the Files pane shows the files and folders found in
the path selected in the Location bar above.
Only KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files are shown in the Results list.
The Results list of the Files pane.
13.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane
In the Files pane the Results list offers a context menu with additional commands. You can open it
with a right-click on the selected entry or entries.
The context menu in the result list of the Files pane.
Following commands are available:
Command Description
Add to Favorites (folders only) Adds the selected folder to your Favorites.
Import to Library (folders only) Imports the selected folder(s) into the Library.
Refresh Refreshes the display of the list, in case items have been modified in that folder.
Find in Explorer / Find in Finder Opens an Explorer/Finder window pointing to the selected folder.
Sort by Name Sorts the Result list according to the item names.
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Command Description
Sort by Date Sorts the Result list according to the item dates.
13.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar
The Location bar shows and lets you modify the selected path. At any time the Results list will dis-
play the content of the path shown here.
The Location bar
The Location bar provides following tools:
• Up arrow: Use the Up arrow on the left to go one level up in your file system.
• Selected path: Within the path displayed, you can:
• Click any folder name to jump to that folder.
• Click any right-pointing arrow after a folder name to open a list of its subfolders, and se-
lect any entry in the list to jump to that folder.
• If all the levels cannot be displayed in the path, click the double left-pointing arrow left of
the path to display the remaining upper levels (up to the Workspace, representing the high-
est level in your file system), and select any entry in the list to jump to that location.
13.5.3. Navigating to Recent File Locations
The Recent Locations button shows a clock icon at the right of the Location bar:
The Recent Location button.
The last 10 locations you have visited are stored by KOMPLETE KONTROL and available here:
• Click the Recent Location button and select any recently visited location from the list.
This location is loaded in the Location bar and its content displayed in the result list.
13.5.4. Working with File Location Favorites
Located at the top of the Files pane, the favorite bar displays all your favorite folders. Favorite
folders are shortcuts to specific locations in your file system.
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102
The Favorite bar, at the top of the Files pane.
Favorite folders can be useful if you often return to the same location while browsing your file sys-
tem in the Files pane. The default favorite folders are the roots of each of your hard disks, your
desktop folder, and your user folder.
Jumping to Favorite Folders
• Click any favorite folder in the Favorite bar to jump to that location.
The selected location is loaded in the Location bar and its content appears in the Results list.
Adding and Removing Favorite Folders
You can add your own favorite folders to the Favorites bar. This is done in the Results list:
1. Navigate to the parent folder containing the folder you want to use as a favorite so that this
folder appears in the Results list.
2. In the Results list, right-click the desired folder and select Add to Favorites from the context
menu.
You can also remove any Favorite from the Favorite bar:
• To remove a favorite folder, right-click it in the Favorite bar and select Remove from Favor-
ites.
13.6. Loading VST Plug-ins
KOMPLETE Instruments and VST plug-ins supporting the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) are au-
tomatically loaded when you call up a Preset file from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
However, you can also load plug-ins directly, allowing you to integrate any VST plug-in in KOM-
PLETE KONTROL. This way you can play your VST plug-ins using the Smart Play features, map
their parameters to the controls on the keyboard, and save Preset files for them in your KOM-
PLETE KONTROL User Library.
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103
To load a VST plug-in in KOMPLETE KONTROL:
• Select the plug-in you want to load in the Plug-ins submenu of the KOMPLETE KONTROL
menu.
If your VST plug-ins do not show up in the Plug-ins submenu, check if the VST
plug-in folders on your hard drive are correctly added to the Locations pane on the
Preferences’ Plug-ins page.
13.7. Installing NKS Instruments
Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) is a software instrument format that allows third-party developers to
integrate with KOMPLETE KONTROL and MASCHINE hardware and software at the same deep
level as KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects.
The Native Kontrol Standard includes:
• Seamless integration into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser for a unified browsing experi-
ence.
• Full parameter mapping for instant hands-on control.
• Support of KOMPLETE KONTROL features such as the Light Guide.
NKS Instruments can be found in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser next to your KOM-
PLETE Instruments. All of their Preset files are fully tagged, so filtering in the Browser gives you
matching results from both KOMPLETE Instruments and NKS Instruments. And when you load a
Preset file from an NKS Instrument, its parameters are automatically mapped to the controls on
the keyboard.
Installing VST Plug-ins with NKS Support
VST plug-ins with NKS support are automatically added to your Library when you start KOM-
PLETE KONTROL for the first time after completing their installation. The folders containing the
Preset files for NKS support can be managed in the Factory pane on the Library page of the Pref-
erences. For more information, refer to Preferences – Library Page.
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104
Installing KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments with NKS Support
Third-party developers of KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments provide you with a folder that
contains all Instrument files, including Preset files and samples. Instead of running an installer, this
folder needs to be stored on the hard drive. The Instrument can then be activated with Native Ac-
cess, which also adds it to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. If you are using KONTAKT or RE-
AKTOR, the Instrument is automatically added to their respective Browser.
To activate your KONTAKT Instrument with NKS support and add it to the KOMPLETE KONTROL
Library, follow the steps below:
1. Start the stand-alone version of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.
2. Open the File sub-menu in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu and click on Manage Prod-
ucts…
Native Access opens, showing all installed products.
3. Click on Add a serial in the top-left corner of Native Access.
4. Enter the serial number of the Instrument and click ADD SERIAL.
Native Access asks you to browse to the folder containing the Instrument files. Before you do
this, ensure that you have copied the folder to its final location on your computer.
5. Click BROWSE and open the folder containing the Instrument files in the file dialog.
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105
6. Click on INSTALL to add the Instrument to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
The Instrument is installed. KOMPLETE KONTROL automatically scans for the new content
and adds it to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and the KONTAKT Browser reference the In-
strument files contained in the folder. It is recommended to not delete or move the
folder afterwards, otherwise KOMPLETE KONTROL and KONTAKT will not be able
to find the Instrument files. If an Instrument cannot be found, use the Rescan func-
tion on the Preferences’ Library page to update the Library with the correct folder lo-
cation.
13.8. Importing KOMPLETE KONTROL-Compatible User Files
Apart from the huge KOMPLETE factory library, you might want to use, e.g., your own REAKTOR
ensembles or KONTAKT Instrument files you received from other users.
You can load them directly from the Files pane, but you won’t be able to find and load them from
the keyboard’s on-screen Browser nor from the Library pane.
For this you will have to import the files into the Library first. Importing files does not mean they will
be moved from the directory they currently reside in, they will only be referenced by the Browser.
That’s why whenever you move files, make sure to update the paths to their respective directories
in the Library page of the Preferences panel.
The Files pane allows you to import whole folders. All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files
found in the selected folder(s) will be imported.
Procedure
To import a folder, do the following:
1. In the Files pane, navigate to the folder containing the files you want to import.
2. Select the desired folder.
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106
3. Click the IMPORT button at the bottom right of the Browser.
You will be presented with the Attribute Editor.
4. In the Attribute Editor, tag the files you are about to import to the Library.
5. Click OK at the bottom right of the Browser to import the files to the Library.
All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files found in the selected folder(s) are imported to
your Library. They are added as user content. Furthermore, the paths of the imported folders
are added to the list of user libraries in the User pane of the Library page in the Preferen-
ces panel.
You can also apply/remove tags at any time after they are imported. However, it may
be best to tag files upon import, since it will make it easier to find them later.
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14. CONTROLLING INSTRUMENT, LOOP, ONE-SHOT
AND EFFECT PARAMETERS
This section introduces you to controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect parameters using
the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and explains how to customize parameter mappings.
14.1. About Pre-Mapped Instruments, Loops, One-shots and
Effects
All KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments are pre-mapped, which means that the keyboard’s knobs
and Touch Strips are automatically assigned to key parameters as soon as you load an Instrument
in KOMPLETE KONTROL. You do not have to manually configure a mapping or assign knobs via
MIDI learn.
You can customize the parameter mapping for each Preset file in the Plug-in Panel
of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. For more information, refer to Customizing
Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel.
14.2. Adjusting Parameters
Once you have loaded an Instrument or Effect, the eight knobs on the keyboard are automatically
assigned to eight Instrument parameters. Whenever you turn a knob on the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL keyboard, the mapped parameter visually reflects the movement in the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL software.
• To adjust an Instrument parameter, turn the corresponding knob on the keyboard. The map-
ping of each knob is indicated by the displays.
14.3. Switching Parameter Pages
Many Instruments and Effects are equipped with much more than eight parameters. To provide
quick access to additional parameters, the Page buttons (left and right arrows) to the left of the
Control section let you skip through parameter pages. This remaps the knobs to a different set of
Instrument parameters.
• To skip to another parameter page and remap the eight knobs to a new set of controls, press
the Page buttons left or right.
The PAGE display indicates the current parameter page and the total number of available
pages for the loaded Product.
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108
14.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in
Panel
You can customize the parameter mapping for an Instrument’s Preset file by enabling Edit mode in
the Plug-in panel.
• To enable or disable the Plug-in panel’s Edit mode, click on the Edit mode button in the up-
per right corner.
The Edit mode allows you to:
• Add, delete, and replace parameters in the mapping.
• Learn parameters to controls.
• Rename controls.
• Add pages to the Control section, or delete existing pages.
• Add and rename sections on the pages to group controls.
To make your changes permanent, save the Preset file to the KOMPLETE KON-
TROL User Library. For more information, refer to Saving Preset Files to the User
Library.
Plug-in Panel Edit Mode
The Edit mode of the Plug-in panel.
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109
Each page (1) of the Control section on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard shows up as a label
at the top of the Plug-in panel.
1. Click on a label to view and edit the controls on this page. The current page is highlighted.
2. To delete a page, click on the cross icon next to its label.
The Add Page button (2) allows you to add more pages to the Control section for the current Pre-
set file, while the Learn button (3) enables Learn mode for the Plug-in panel.
• In Learn mode, select a control in the Plug-in panel and move any parameter on the Instru-
ment’s panel to learn this parameter to the selected control (highlighted in blue).
Controls can be grouped to sections (4) to show related parameters in a coherent manner.
1. Double-click on the empty space above a parameter, enter a name, and then press [enter] or
click elsewhere to create a new section starting with the chosen parameter.
2. To rename an existing section, double-click on it and enter a new name. Press [enter] or click
elsewhere to confirm the changes.
The name of each control is shown below the corresponding knob in the Plug-in panel (5).
• To change the name of a control, double-click on it and enter a new name. Press [enter] or
click elsewhere to confirm the changes.
If you place the mouse over a control (6) in Edit mode, additional options allow for changing the
parameter mapping of this control.
1. Click on the arrow icon at the left of the control’s knob and select a parameter from the drop-
down menu to map it to this control.
2. Click on the cross icon at the right of the control’s knob to delete this control from the current
page.
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110
15. SMART PLAY – PLAYING AND EDITING SCALES
AND CHORDS
KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Scale engine comes equipped with a vast amount of scales that you can
select and use to play your Instruments. This opens up possibilities to play an Instrument such as
a piano according to, e.g., the minor pentatonic scale without hitting a “false” note. In Chord mode
you can use the provided scales to combine individual note harmonies into chords. Combined with
the Arpeggiator, you can even play scales automatically simply by pressing down a key on the
KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard or receiving an incoming MIDI note.
When you select a scale in the Perform panel and switch the Scale engine on, the scale gets map-
ped onto the keyboard and is reflected by the Light Guide. This means that regardless of what
keys you actually press down on the keyboard—or what MIDI notes you send from the host—the
notes that are being played back are always mapped onto the closest notes contained in the scale
that you selected.
15.1. A Note about Music Theory
KOMPLETE KONTROL has built-in scales and harmonies that you can use to play your Instru-
ments, Loops and One-shots with chords and arpeggiator sequences.
Scales
Traditionally music is built by combining elements of rhythm and harmony. There are many excep-
tions to this, but to understand the concepts of scales, chords and arpeggiator sequences let’s
start from there.
All notes and keys correspond to a pitch—or tone frequency. On a keyboard, each key typically
represents a semitone, meaning that it is a “half step” higher or lower in pitch than the next key
(though other tunings exist as well). To play melodies or chords that sound good together, notes
are usually grouped together in scales. In the Western music tradition, a scale typically covers sev-
en white keys and five black keys on a keyboard or piano: an octave. It is called so because the
eighth key that follows the seventh contiguous white key plays the same note as the first of the
seven. That key is called the root note. A scale then, is a certain combination of white and black
keys (each representing a semitone) within an octave. By playing only the keys belonging to some
scale, you are certain to stay “in key” within that scale. Important to note though, is that scales are
not made up by absolute note values, but rather consist of relative changes in pitch—or steps
along the scale. For example, the major scale consists of “whole step–whole step–half step–
whole step–whole step–whole step–half step,” which means that you can transpose the scale up
and down a keyboard; choose any root note you want and play the scale from there.
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111
Chords
Polyphonic Instruments let you play multiple notes simultaneously—in other words chords. As an
example, let’s see how to build up a chord by selecting individual notes from a scale and playing
them simultaneously. In this case, we’ll use the C major scale. As we saw above, the major scale
starts with two whole steps, followed by a half step, and then three more whole steps until it ends
with another half step. We can use this knowledge to play a C major chord by pressing the root
note C, then pressing another key two whole steps above C (the E note) and then yet another key
a half step and a whole step further up the keyboard (the G note) all simultaneously. This C major
chord corresponds to a root note (C), a third (E) and a fifth (G), which is the note interval of a ma-
jor triad. By playing a triad chord you have just learned the concept of musical harmony, where
notes are stacked together into chords and played simultaneously.
Arpeggiator Sequences
In above section you read about the combination of notes and playing them together as chords.
You can also play them like diachronic note sequences, quite like playing the harp—or arpeg-
giator sequence. If chords have to do with adding harmony to a note, then arpeggiator se-
quences add time and rhythm. Instead of playing a chord consisting of three notes simultaneously,
you can play the same three notes as a sequence in a given order (e.g., top-down) and at a cer-
tain rate (e.g., 1/16 notes). This is also a way for monophonic Instruments to play “chords.”
15.2. Activating the Scale Engine
In order to activate the Scale engine:
1. Click the Perform panel button in the Header to show the Perform panel.
The Perform panel appears.
2. To switch on the Scale engine, click the check box next to SCALE in the Perform section so
it is filled blue.
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112
Activating the Scale Engine on the Keyboard
• To switch on the Scale engine, press SCALE (EDIT) in the PERFORM section on the key-
board.
15.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale
To select and play a scale on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, follow these instructions:
1. Press SHIFT + SCALE (Edit) to map the displays and knobs of the Control section to the
Scale engine parameters.
2. To select a scale, turn Knob 2 (BANK, by default set to MAIN) and Knob 3 (TYPE, by default
set to MAJOR) until you find a scale you like.
3. To play the scale you selected, ensure that the SCALE (Edit) button is lit.
The keys on the keyboard are now mapped to the notes in the selected scale. The mapping
is reflected visually by the Light Guide. Pressing any unlit key automatically activates the
nearest lit key so that only notes belonging to the selected scales are being played back.
4. To map the knobs and displays to Instrument parameters again, press SHIFT + SCALE (Ed-
it). You can also press the BACK button in the NAVIGATE section. The Scale engine will still
be switched on.
If you selected Scale Type CHROM, all keys are mapped.
15.4. Playing Chords
You can play chords in the usual way by pressing any number of keys simultaneously (or send
multiple MIDI notes simultaneously from the host), but KOMPLETE KONTROL also lets you create
and play chords by using Smart Play.
To play multiple notes in a chord simultaneously, the loaded Instrument must be able
to handle polyphony.
To play a chord by only pressing a single key on the keyboard, follow these instructions:
1. Press SHIFT + SCALE (EDIT) to map the displays and knobs of the Control section to the
Scale engine parameters.
2. To activate Chord mode, set CHORD to HARM by turning Knob 5 (by default set to OFF).
3. Define the intervals of your chord with the Chord Type parameter that appears on the dis-
play below Knob 6 (by default set to 1-3-5).
4. To enable playing full chords, ensure that the SCALE (EDIT) button is lit.
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113
Chord mode is activated and set to Harmonizer. Pressing any key automatically activates
and plays back the nearest lit key according to the mapping by selected scale. It also plays
back the third and the fifth note above the pressed key in the selected scale, in accordance
with the interval value set by Knob 6 (1-3-5, meaning the first, third, and fifth note of a chord).
All played back notes are indicated by the Light Guide.
5. To map the knobs and displays to Instrument parameters again, press SHIFT + SCALE (ED-
IT). You can also press the BACK button in the NAVIGATE section. The Scale engine re-
mains switched on.
15.5. Editing Scales and Chords
You have the possibility to tailor the scales and chords to your needs using the Scale engine pa-
rameters.
• To edit the Scale engine parameters in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click on
SCALE in the Perform panel so it is highlighted.
• To enable Scale Edit mode and map the Scale engine parameters to the keyboard’s Control
section, press SHIFT + SCALE (EDIT).
The PAGE display in the keyboard’s Control section reads SCALE, indicating that you are
editing the Scale engine parameters.
Available SCALE Parameters
• To select the scale to be mapped to the keys of the keyboard and set its root note, use the
SCALE parameters Root Note, Bank, and Type.
• To define how the selected scale is mapped to the keys of the keyboard, use the KEY MODE
parameter.
• To automatically generate custom chords while playing on the keyboard, use the CHORD pa-
rameters Mode, Type, and Position.
15.6. Setting the SCALE Parameters
The SCALE parameters Root Note, Bank, and Type allow you to select the scale to be mapped
to the keys of the keyboard and set its root note.
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114
The SCALE parameters Root Note, Bank, and Type.
15.6.1. SCALE Root Note
The first SCALE parameter is Root Note. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 1 of the Control
section in Scale Edit mode. Setting the root note of a scale means deciding what key the scale will
begin with. The following notes of the scale depend on which scale pattern you select with the
SCALEType parameter (see below). You can transpose any scale pattern up or down by selecting
a different Root Note.
The Light Guide indicates the selected Root Note via fully lit LEDs, while other ac-
tive keys are half-lit.
The Root Note setting includes the following values:
• C , C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A#, B
15.6.2. SCALE Bank and Type
The second and third SCALE parameters from the left are Bank and Type. On the keyboard, they
are mapped to Knob 2 and Knob 3 of the Control section in Scale Edit mode. Use them to decide
the scale pattern according to which the notes will be mapped onto the keys of the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard. Each Bank consists of 15 thematically related scales, which can be
selected by using the Type control.
For example, using the default Root Note value C combined with the default TypeMajor from the
default BankMain, you get the scale C major, which spans over one octave and contains the notes
C, D, E, F, G, A, and B (followed by C again). If instead you select G as your Root Note, the G
major scale contains the notes G, A, B, C, D, E, and F# (followed by G again). You will notice that
the distance between each note follows the same pattern of “whole step–whole step–half step–
whole step–whole step–whole step–half step,” which is the pattern of the Major scale.
If you are triggering an Instrument via an incoming MIDI pattern from the host, the notes of the
MIDI pattern will be mapped onto the closest keys belonging to the selected Type. This means
that, for example (with Root Note set to C) a MIDI pattern consisting of the notes C-D-D# will be
played back as such if Type is set to Chromatic (named CHROM on the keyboard) from
BankMain, but instead as C-D-E if Type is set to Major.
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115
The Light Guide indicates the active keys in the selected Type via lit LEDs, while in-
active keys are unlit.
The following scales are available:
Main Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Chromatic Main Chrom 1 ♭2 2 ♭3 3 4 ♭5 5 ♭6 6 ♭7 7
Major Main Major 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Minor Main Minor 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Harm Min Main Harm Min 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7
Maj Pent Main Maj Pent 1 2 3 5 6
Min Pent Main Min Pent 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7
Blues Main Blues 1 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭7
Japanese Main Japanese 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6
Freygish Main Freygish 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Gypsy Main Gypsy 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7
Arabic Main Arabic 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7
Altered Main Altered 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 ♭6 ♭7
Whole Tone Main WH Tone 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 ♭7
H-W Dim Main H-W Dim 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
W-H Dim Main W-H Dim 1 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 ♯5 6 7
Modes Scales:
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Ionian Modes Ionian 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Dorian Modes Dorian 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7
Phrygian Modes Phrygian 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Lydian Modes Lydian 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7
Mixolydian Modes Mixolyd 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7
Aeolian Modes Aeolian 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Locrian Modes Locrian 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Ionian b2 Modes Ion b2 1 ♭2 3 4 5 6 7
Dorian b5 Modes Dor b5 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 6 ♭7
Harm Phryg Modes Har Phry 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7
Phryg Major Modes Phry Maj 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 6 7
Lydian b3 Modes Lyd b3 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 6 7
Major Locrian Modes Maj Loc 1 2 3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Minor Locrian Modes Min Loc 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Super Locrian Modes Sup Loc 1 ♭2 ♭3 ♭4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
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Jazz Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Lydian ♭7 Jazz Lyd ♭7 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Altered Jazz Altered 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 ♭6 ♭7
Diminished Jazz Diminshd 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Mixo b13 Jazz Mix b13 1 2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Mixo b9 b13 Jazz Mixb9b13 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Lydian ♭7 b2 Jazz Lyd ♭7b2 1 ♭2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Bebop Jazz Bebop 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 7
Whole Tone Jazz Whole Tn 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 ♭7
Blues Maj Jazz Blues Ma 1 2 ♭3 3 5 6
Blues Min Jazz Blues Mi 1 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭7
Blues Combined Jazz BluesCmb 1 2 ♭3 3 4 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Lydian #5 Jazz Lyd #5 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 6 7
Jazz Minor Jazz Jazz Mi 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7
Half Dim Jazz Half Dim 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Augmented Jazz Augmentd 1 ♭3 3 5 ♯5 7
World Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Hungarian Min World Hung Min 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7
Hungarian Maj World Hung Maj 1 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Neapolitan World Neapoltn 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7
Spanish World Spanish 1 ♭2 ♭3 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Greek World Greek 1 2 ♭3 ♭4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Jewish 1 World Jewish 1 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Jewish 2 World Jewish 2 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Indian 1 World Indian 1 1 ♭2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7
Indian 2 World Indian 2 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 6 7
Indian 3 World Indian 3 1 ♭2 2 4 5 ♭6 6
Indian 4 World Indian 4 1 ♯2 3 4 5 ♯6 7
Mid East 1 World M East 1 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7
Mid East 2 World M East 2 1 ♭2 3 4 ♭5 ♭6 7
Mid East 3 World M East 3 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 ♭5 6 ♭7
Mid East 4 World M East 4 1 ♭2 3 4 ♭5 6 ♭7
5-Tone Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Penta I 5-Tone Pent I 1 2 3 5 6
Penta II 5-Tone Pent II 1 2 4 5 ♭7
Penta III 5-Tone Pent III 1 ♭3 4 ♭6 ♭7
Penta IV 5-Tone Pent IV 1 2 4 5 6
Penta V 5-Tone Pent V 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7
Hirajoshi 5-Tone Hira 1 2 ♭3 5 b6
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Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Insen 5-Tone Insen 1 ♭2 4 5 ♭7
Kokin Joshi 5-Tone Kokin 1 2 4 5 b6
Akebono 5-Tone Akebono 1 2 ♭3 5 6
Ryukuan 5-Tone Ryukuan 1 3 4 5 7
Abhogi 5-Tone Abhogi 1 2 ♭3 4 6
Bhupkali 5-Tone Bhupkali 1 2 3 5 b6
Hindolam 5-Tone Hindolam 1 ♭3 4 ♭6 ♭7
Bhupalam 5-Tone Bhupalam 1 ♭2 ♭3 5 b6
Amritavarshini 5-Tone Amrita 1 3 ♯4 5 7
Modern Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Octatonic Modern Octatonc 1 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 ♯5 6 7
Acoustic Modern Acoustic 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Augmented Modern Augmentd 1 ♭3 3 5 ♯5 7
Tritone Modern Tritone 1 ♭2 3 ♭5 5 ♭7
Leading Wh Tone Modern Lead Wh 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 ♯6 7
Enigmatic Modern Enigmatc 1 ♭2 3 ♯4 ♯5 ♯6 7
Scriabin Modern Scriabin 1 2 3 ♯4 6 ♭7
Tcherepnin Modern Tcherepn 1 ♯1 ♯2 3 4 5 ♯5 6 7
Messiaen I Modern Mes I 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 #6
Messiaen II Modern Mes II 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7
Messiaen III Modern Mes III 1 2 ♭3 3 ♯4 5 ♭6 ♭7 7
Messiaen IV Modern Mes IV 1 ♭2 2 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 7
Messiaen V Modern Mes V 1 ♭2 4 ♯4 5 7
Messiaen VI Modern Mes VI 1 2 3 4 ♯4 ♯5 ♯6 7
Messiaen VII Modern Mes VII 1 ♭2 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 6 7
Major Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Natural Major Natural 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Lydian Major Lydian 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7
Mixolydian Major Mixolyd 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7
Major Minor Major Maj Min 1 2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Harmonic Major Major Har Maj 1 2 3 4 5 ♭6 7
Dbl Har Major Major Dbl Maj 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 7
Neapolitan Maj Major Nea Maj 1 ♭2 3 4 5 6 7
Major Locrian Major Maj Loc 1 2 3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Blues Major Major Blues Ma 1 2 ♭3 3 5 6
Bebop Major Major Bebop Ma 1 2 3 4 5 ♯5 6 7
Hexa 1 Major Hexa 1 1 2 3 5 6 7
Hexa 2 Major Hexa 2 1 2 3 4 5 6
Penta 1 Major Penta 1 1 2 3 5 6
Penta 2 Major Penta 2 1 3 4 5 7
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Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Penta 3 Major Penta 3 1 3 5 6 7
Minor Scales
Scale Bank Type Degree Formula
Natural Minor Natural 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Dorian Minor Dorian 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7
Phrygian Minor Phrygian 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Minor Major Minor Min Maj 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 7
Harmonic Minor Minor Har Min 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7
Dbl Har Minor Minor Dbl Min 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7
Neapolitan Min Minor Nea Min 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7
Minor Locrian Minor Min Loc 1 2 ♭3 4 ♭5 ♭6 ♭7
Blues Min Minor Blues Mi 1 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭7
Bebop Minor Minor Bebop Mi 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 7
Hexa 1 Minor Hexa 1 1 2 ♭3 5 ♭6 ♭7
Hexa 2 Minor Hexa 2 1 2 ♭3 4 5 b6
Penta 1 Minor Penta 1 1 2 ♭3 5 b6
Penta 2 Minor Penta 2 1 ♭3 4 5 ♭7
Penta 3 Minor Penta 3 1 ♭3 5 ♭6 ♭7
15.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter
The only KEY MODE parameter is Mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 3 of the Control
section in Scale Edit mode. It defines how the selected is mapped to the keys of the keyboard.
This is also reflected by the Light Guide.
The KEY MODE parameter Mode.
The KEY MODE menu consists of the following three modes, which are described in detail below:
• Guide
• Mapped (default value)
• Easy
Mapped Mode (Default)
In Mapped mode, the notes are mapped to the keyboard according to the selected scale. Notes
outside of the selected scale are not active. Pressing the corresponding keys will trigger the next
available note in the selected scale. The Light Guide highlights the active keys via lit LEDs. The
Root Note is indicated by a brighter lit LED.
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Both sections Root Note and Scale Type describe the use of Scale on the assump-
tion that the KEY MODE is set to its default value Mapped.
Guide Mode
In Guide mode, the notes are mapped to the keyboard in the same way as in Mapped mode, how-
ever notes outside of the selected scale remain active. The mapping only affects the representa-
tion of the scale by means of the Light Guide.
Easy Mode
In Easy mode, the notes of the selected scale are mapped to the keyboard so that any scale can
be played using the white keys of the keyboard only. The black keys are inactive and pressing
them will not trigger any other notes.
Selecting the 12-step Chromatic scale in KEY MODEEasy maps the keys in the
same way as in the Mapped mode.
The Root Note is always mapped to the middle C key (commonly called C3). If the selected scale
consists of seven notes, it matches the seven white keys of a single octave on the keyboard. In
this case, the Root Note coincides with the key C across all octaves of the keyboard. If instead the
selected scale consists of more or less than seven notes, it does not match the seven white keys
of a single octave on the keyboard and the Root Note is shifted throughout adjacent octaves ac-
cordingly.
The Light Guide highlights all white keys of the keyboard. The Root Note is indicated by a brighter
lit LED.
For two examples of the Easy mode mappings in Major and Minor, see below.
Scale Type Mapping in Key Mode: Easy
White Keys C3 D3 E3 F3 G3 A3 B3
Major
Corresponding Mapping R 2 3 4 5 6 7
Example with Root Note: C C D E F G A B
Minor
Corresponding Mapping R 2 b3 4 5 b6 b7
Example with Root Note: C C D Eb F G Ab Bb
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15.8. Setting the CHORD Parameters
15.8.1. CHORD Mode
The first CHORD parameter is Mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 5 of the Control sec-
tion in Scale Edit mode. Use it to generate chords from single notes, either from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard or from incoming MIDI notes from the host.
The CHORD parameter Mode.
The Light Guide indicates the keys being played back in a chord via fully lit LEDs,
while active keys are half-lit and inactive keys are unlit.
CHORDMode has one inactive (Off) and two active states, which are described in detail below:
• Off
• Harm
• Chd Set
Harm
If CHORDMode is set to Harm, the CHORDType menu allows you to specify the interval of notes
in the selected SCALEType that will constitute the chord: E.g., a triad in the form of the root note,
the third note, and the fifth note (CHORDType value 1-3-5).
The CHORD parameter Mode, set value Harm.
Chd Set
If CHORDMode is set to Chd Set, the CHORDType menu allows you to choose from a selection
of major and minor chords depending on the current Root Note.
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The CHORD parameter Mode, set value Chd Set.
The SCALE Type and KEY MODE parameters are not available when CHORD
Mode is set to Chd Set.
15.8.2. CHORD Type
The second CHORD parameter is Type. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 6 of the Control
section in Scale Edit mode. Use it to define a chord that will be generated from a single note used
as input.
The CHORD parameter Type.
The Light Guide indicates the keys being played back in a chord via fully lit LEDs,
while active keys are half-lit and inactive keys are unlit.
The available CHORD Type values depend on whether CHORD Mode is set to Harm or Chd Set,
as described in detail below.
CHORD Type, CHORD Mode Set to Harmonizer
The CHORD parameter Type, set value 1-3-5 (Mode set to Harm).
If CHORDMode is set to Harm, then CHORDType will offer you a selection of individual notes
present in the selected SCALEType. This means that for all scales except the 12-tone Chrom
scale (see further below), you can select the interval of notes that will make up your chord.
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The note interval is added onto the key of an incoming MIDI note, either from the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard or from the host. For example, you can select to play a C minor triad
by setting Root Note to C, SCALEType to Minor, CHORDMode to Harm, and CHORDType to
1-3-5. If all of this seems complex, try setting a random value and use the keyboard’s Light Guide
to see what keys are active, inactive, and played back.
When CHORDMode is set to Harm, the CHORDType setting includes the following values:
Chord Type Interval Added to Played Note
Octave Octave
1-3 3rd
1-5 5th
1-3-5 3rd and 5th
1-4-5 4th and 5th
1-3-5-7 3rd, 5th and 7th
1-4-7 4th and 7th
CHORD Type, CHORD Mode Set to Chd Set
The CHORD parameter Type, set value Maj 1 (Mode set to Chd Set).
If CHORDMode is set to Chd Set and, for example, the Root Note is set to C, then the
CHORDType menu presents you with a list of selectable chords. Values are, e.g., Maj 4 and
Min 7, which would generate a major and minor chord, respectively—both using C as the chord’s
root note.
When CHORDMode is set to Chd Set, the CHORDType setting includes the following values:
• Maj 1, Maj 2, Maj 3, Maj 4, Maj 5, Maj 6, Maj 7, Maj 8, Min 1, Min 2, Min 3, Min 4, Min 5, Min
6, Min 7, Min 8
CHORD Type and the Chromatic Scale
The Chrom scale consists of every semitone in an octave. This means that when you play every
white key and every black key of an octave up or down, you are playing the 12-step Chrom scale.
Since all semitones of an octave are present in the Scale, you can use all keys to form chords. In
turn, selecting Chrom as SCALEType means that you can select virtually any CHORDType. The
following chords are available and can be generated:
Chord Type Semitones Added above Played Note
Octave 12
Perf 4 (Perfect 4) 5
Perf 5 (Perfect 5) 7
Major 4 and 7
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Chord Type Semitones Added above Played Note
Minor 3 and 7
Sus 4 (Suspended 4) 5 and 7
Maj 7 (Major 7) 4, 7 and 11
Min 7 (Minor 7) 3, 7 and 10
Dom 7 (Dominant 7) 4, 7 and 10
Dom 79(Dominant 9) 4, 7, 10 and 14
Min 7 b5 (Minor 7 b5) 3, 6 and 10
Dim 7 (Diminished 7) 3, 6 and 9
Aug (Augumented) 4 and 8
Quartal 5, 10 and 15
Trichord 5 and 11
15.8.3. CHORD Position
The third CHORD parameter is Position. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 7 of the Control
section in Scale Edit mode. Use it to spread the notes of a chord generated from a single note and
to aid a more musical transition between chords.
The CHORD parameter Position.
The Position parameter is available when CHORDType is set to Harm or Chd Set and includes
the following values:
Position Description
Root The root-position of the selected chord is always played.
-1 to -8 Decreasing Position with negative values moves the highest note of the current chord down by an octave, this
inverts the chord to a lower position in the selected scale.
+1 to +8 Increasing Position with positive values moves the lowest note of the current chord up by an octave, this in-
verts the chord to a higher position in the selected scale.
Auto This provides a more human feel in the transition from one chord to another. The notes used to form each
chord are automatically selected to provide the best inversion.
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16. SMART PLAY – PLAYING AND EDITING ARPEG-
GIATOR SEQUENCES
Smart Play features a flexible and versatile Arpeggiator that lets you play your Instruments, Loops
and One-shots in note sequences according to the keys you press on the keyboard. You can also
use the Arpeggiator in combination with the scales and chords created with the Scale engine. To
play an arpeggiated note sequence you only need to press any key on the KOMPLETE KONTROL
keyboard or receive an incoming MIDI note from the host.
Activating the Arpeggiator in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Software
• Click the Perform panel button in the Header to show the Perform panel.
The Perform panel appears in KOMPLETE KONTROL.
• To switch on the Arpeggiator, click the blue check box next to ARP in the Perform panel so it
is filled.
Activating the Arpeggiator on the Keyboard
• To switch on the Arpeggiator, press ARP (EDIT) in the PERFORM section on the keyboard.
16.1. Playing Arpeggiator Sequences
KOMPLETE KONTROL lets you create and play complex arpeggiator sequences using
Smart Play.
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Playing Arpeggiator Sequences
1. Switch on the Arpeggiator by pressing the ARP (Edit) button on the keyboard.
2. Press a number of keys to start the Arpeggiator.
3. The Arpeggiator automatically plays back the notes corresponding to the pressed keys as a
sequence, rather than simultaneously.
Editing Arpeggiator Parameters
You can also edit the Arpeggiator parameters in the Control section for further tweaking of the se-
quence:
1. Press SHIFT + ARP (EDIT) to map the displays and knobs of the Control section to the Ar-
peggiator parameters.
2. To change the direction of the sequence to e.g., UP-DOWN, turn Knob 2 (TYPE, by default
set to UP).
3. To adjust the OCTAVES reach of the Arpeggiator, turn Knob 6 (by default set to 1) to e.g., 4.
The notes corresponding to any keys you press are played back as a sequence, up and then
down again over four octaves.
4. To map the knobs and displays to Instrument parameters again, press SHIFT + ARP (EDIT).
You can also press the BACK button in the NAVIGATE section. The Arpeggiator will still be
switched on.
16.2. Using a Sustain Pedal to Control the Arpeggiator
You can use a sustain pedal to control the Arpeggiator.
• Pressing the sustain pedal while keys are held and then releasing those keys continues the ar-
peggiator sequence. This way the footswitch behaves as a trigger for the Arpeggiator. When a
new key is pressed, the new note is added to the current sequence.
• Releasing the sustain pedal with no keys pressed stops the sequence and all playing notes.
Releasing the sustain pedal with keys still pressed removes all notes from the sequence except
those corresponding to the pressed keys. The sequence continues with the pressed keys only.
16.3. Editing the Arpeggiator
The Arpeggiator’s parameters give you many possibilities to shape your own note sequences.
• To edit the Arpeggiator parameters in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click on ARP in
the Perform panel so it is highlighted.
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• To enable Arpeggiator Edit mode and map the Arpeggiator parameters to the keyboard’s
Control section, press SHIFT + ARP (EDIT).
The PAGE display in the keyboard’s Control section reads ARP, indicating that you are edit-
ing the Arpeggiator parameters. Note that the Arpeggiator Edit mode consists of two pages.
Available Arpeggiator Parameters
• To switch between Arp and Note Repeat mode and change the playback direction of the ar-
peggiator sequence, use the MAIN parameters Mode and Type.
• To create interesting rhythms for the arpeggiator sequence, use the RHYTHM parameters
Rate, Sequence, and Swing.
• To change the range of available notes for the arpeggiator sequence, as well as their velocity
and length, use the OTHER parameters Octaves, Dynamic, and Gate.
• To explore alternative versions of the same arpeggiator sequence, use the ADVANCED param-
eters Retrigger, Repeat, Offset, and Inversion.
• To change the range of keys that trigger the arpeggiator sequence, use the RANGE parame-
ters Min. Key and Max. Key.
• To latch the playback of the arpeggiator sequence, use the HOLD parameter.
16.4. MAIN Parameters
The MAIN parameters Mode and Type allow you to switch between Arp and Note Repeat mode
and change the playback direction of the arpeggiator sequence.
The MAIN parameters Mode and Type.
16.4.1. MAIN Mode
The first MAIN parameter is Mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 1 of the Control section
in Arp Edit mode. lt lets you select either Arp or Note Repeat. Depending on your selection, a dif-
ferent set of Arpeggiator parameters will be available for further editing.
The Mode setting consists of the following two modes:
• Arp mode, which generates arpeggiator sequences based on chords you play on the key-
board, or the output of the Scale engine. With ARP switched on and Mode set to Arp, any
chord you created using the Scale engine will play as an arpeggiated note sequence. In this
case, you only need to press one key on the keyboard to hear the arpeggiated notes play out
according to the selected scale.
• Note Repeat mode, which deactivates the Arpeggiator and instead repeats whichever note is
input until KOMPLETE KONTROL receives a MIDI note-off message. Use the parameters
Rate, Swing, and Gate to change the rhythm of the repeats.
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16.4.2. MAIN Type
The second MAIN parameter, Type, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped
to Knob 2 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It sets the sequential order of the arpeggiated
notes. Choose whether your arpeggiated chord should be played from the root note and up, the
other way around, or even simultaneously. Selecting Order Played will play back the notes in the
order you pressed down the corresponding keys on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. Auto-
mating the Type parameter in the host can create interesting variations and textures.
The Type setting includes the following values:
• Up, Down, Up & Down (UP-DOWN on the keyboard), Order Played (PLAYED on the key-
board), Chord
16.5. RHYTHM Parameters
The RHYTHM parameters Rate, Sequence, and Swing allow you to create interesting rhythms for
the arpeggiator sequence.
The RHYTHM parameters Rate, Sequence, and Swing.
16.5.1. RHYTHM Rate
The first RHYTHM parameter, Rate, is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode. On the key-
board, it is mapped to Knob 3 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It sets the beat of the Arpeg-
giator in relation to global tempo in musical values, ranging from 1/1 to 1/128. All note values (ex-
cept 1/1 and 1/128) are available as basic notes, dotted notes, and triplets. Dotted notes are 1.5
times longer than the corresponding basic notes. Triplets are 2/3 the duration of their correspond-
ing basic notes, so that e.g., three 1/4 notes are equal in duration to two basic 1/4 notes.
The Rate setting includes the following values:
• 1/1
• 1/2 Dotted (1/2 D)
• 1/1 Triplet (1/1 T)
• 1/2
• 1/4 Dotted (1/4 D)
• 1/2 Triplet (1/2 T)
• 1/4
• 1/8 Dotted (1/8 D)
• 1/4 Triplet (1/4 T)
• 1/8
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• 1/16 Dotted (1/16 D)
• 1/8 Triplet (1/8 T)
• 1/16
• 1/32 Dotted (1/32 D)
• 1/16 Triplet (1/16 T)
• 1/32
• 1/64 Dotted (1/64 D)
• 1/32 Triplet (1/32 T)
• 1/64
• 1/128 Dotted (1/128 D)
• 1/64 Triplet (1/64 T)
• 1/128
16.5.2. RHYTHM Sequence
The second RHYTHM parameter, Sequence, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is
mapped to Knob 4 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It gives you a way of adding interesting
rhythms to your arpeggiated notes. Select one of eight different sequences and apply it to the ar-
peggiator sequence you are playing. Combine Sequence with the Rate parameter to create a
huge variety of rhythms at different tempos. If Rate is set to a basic or dotted value, then Se-
quence applies a 16-step sequencer to the notes. If Rate is instead set to a triplet value, then
Sequence applies a 12-step sequencer to the notes.
You can switch sequences in real time during playback. For example, if sequence 1 is running and
you instead select sequence 2 after the fourth MIDI note in a pattern has been played back, then
sequence 2 starts when the fifth MIDI note in the pattern is played back.
The Sequence setting includes the following values:
• Off, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
To display the set value of the SEQUENCE parameter, tap Knob 4.
16.5.3. RHYTHM Swing
The third RHYTHM parameter, Swing, is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode. On the
keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 5 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. Adding Swing to your
note sequence can make it feel less quantized and sound more natural. Swing works by introduc-
ing a delay to every second note in a sequence. Doing so often adds a certain groove to the mu-
sic.
Swing is a drag control that lets you select a value between 0% and 100%:
1. Set a value of 0% to play the note sequence without swing.
2. Increase the Swing value to add swing by delaying every second note. The delay length is a
percentage of the current step size.
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To display the set value of the SWING parameter, tap Knob 5.
Using Swing in combination with the Gate parameter adds further variations in note duration. For
example, if Gate is set to 100%, KOMPLETE KONTROL sends a MIDI note-off message before
each note and plays back the sequence legato. If Gate is set to values larger or smaller than
100%, then notes will be scaled after the value of the Swing parameter has been applied, leaving
the groove intact.
16.6. OTHER Parameters
The OTHER parameters Octaves, Dynamic, and Gate allow you to change the range of available
notes for the arpeggiator sequence, as well as their velocity and length.
The OTHER parameters Octaves, Dynamic, and Gate.
16.6.1. OTHER Octaves
The first OTHER parameter, Octaves, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is map-
ped to Knob 6 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It lets you decide the range of the arpeggia-
tor sequence. You can choose to play back your sequence within the octave of only the keys you
pressed on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, or you can select up to eight octaves and let the
corresponding notes of your chord or scale be played back in as many octaves.
Depending on the settings you have made to the Type parameter, the octaves played back can be
above (e.g., Up), below (e.g., Down) or both above and below (Up & Down) the pressed keys.
The Octaves setting includes the following values:
• 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
To display the set value of the OCTAVES parameter, tap Knob 6.
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16.6.2. OTHER Dynamic
The second OTHER parameter, Dynamic, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard it is
mapped to Knob 7 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It reads the velocity of the input—e.g.,
a key you pressed on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard or an incoming MIDI note from the
host—and scales it by the factor you set with the Dynamic parameter. The scaling is applied per
note. The velocity of each played note is taken and multiplied by the value set with the Dynamic
parameter.
Dynamic is a drag control that lets you set a value between 1.0% and 200.0%.
To display the set value of the DYNAMIC parameter, tap Knob 7.
16.6.3. OTHER Gate
The third OTHER Parameter, Gate, is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode. On the key-
board, it is mapped to Knob 8 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It lets you decide the length
of the notes in your sequence. Setting a value between 1% and 99% makes the duration of the
notes shorter than they otherwise would be. Setting a value between 101% and 200% instead
elongates the duration of the notes by the selected value.
Gate is a drag control that lets you set a value between 1.0% and 200.0%.
To display the set value of the GATE parameter, tap Knob 8.
16.7. ADVANCED Parameters
The ADVANCED parameters Retrigger, Repeat, Offset, and Inversion allow you to explore alter-
native versions of the same arpeggiator sequence.
The ADVANCED parameters Retrigger, Repeat, Offset, and Inversion.
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16.7.1. ADVANCED Retrigger
The first ADVANCED parameter, Retrigger, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is
mapped to Knob 1 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Retrigger sets
a number of steps in the arpeggiator sequence after which the sequence restarts its cycle, regard-
less of the number of pitches in the sequence.
For example:
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 5 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5) and Retrigger is set to
3, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - repeat.
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 5 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5) and Retrigger is set to
8, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - repeat.
Rests in a Sequence are treated as steps:
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of 6 pitches, the Sequence is 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - 4 - 5 - 6 –
rest, and Retrigger is set to 5, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - 4 -repeat.
16.7.2. ADVANCED Repeat
The second ADVANCED parameter, Repeat, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is
mapped to Knob 2 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Repeat sets a
number by which each step in the arpeggiator sequence is repeated.
For example:
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 3 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3) and Repeat is set to 3, the
Arpeggiator output is 1 - 1 - 1 - 2 - 2 - 2 - 3 - 3 - 3 - repeat.
16.7.3. ADVANCED Offset
The third ADVANCED parameter, Offset, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is
mapped to Knob 3 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Offset sets a
number by which the steps in the arpeggiator sequence are shifted in the cycle.
For example:
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 5 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5) and Offset is set to 0,
the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - repeat.
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 5 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5) and Offset is set to +1,
the Arpeggiator output is 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 - 1 - repeat.
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 5 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5) and Offset is set to -1,
the Arpeggiator output is 5 - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - repeat.
16.7.4. ADVANCED Inversion
The fourth ADVANCED parameter, Inversion, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it
is mapped to Knob 4 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Inversion
adds inverted alternations of the arpeggiator sequence to the cycle.
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For example:
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 3 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3), Type is set to Up, and Inver-
sion is set to 0, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - repeat.
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 3 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3), Type is set to Up, and Inver-
sion is set to 1, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - 2 - 3 - repeat.
• If the arpeggiator sequence consists of a 3 note cycle (1 - 2 - 3), Type is set to Up, and Inver-
sion is set to 2, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 – (2 - 3 - 1 octave up) - (3 - 1 - 2 octave up) -
repeat.
16.8. RANGE Parameters
The RANGE parameters Min. Key and Max. Key allow you to change the range of keys that trig-
ger the arpeggiator sequence.
The RANGE parameters Min. Key and Max. Key.
16.8.1. RANGE Min. Key
The first RANGE parameter, Min. Key, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is map-
ped to Knob 5 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Min. Key sets the
lowest key that can be used as an input for the arpeggiator sequence.
The Arpeggiator can still generate pitches below the Min. Key setting.
16.8.2. RANGE Max. Key
The second RANGE parameter, Max. Key, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is
mapped to Knob 6 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Max. Key sets
the highest key that can be used as an input for the arpeggiator sequence.
The Arpeggiator can still generate pitches above the Max. Key setting.
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16.9. HOLD Parameter
The HOLD parameter On/Off is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode. On the keyboard, it
is mapped to Knob 8 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. The HOLD
function allows you to latch the notes played by the Arpeggiator. When set to On, the Arpeggiator
will continuously play a sequence according to the last pressed keys on the keyboard.
The HOLD parameter On / Off.
HOLDOn/Off is a switch control that lets you select the values On and Off.
1. Pressing any key while HOLD is On will set a new sequence.
2. To stop the Arpeggiator playback, set the HOLD parameter to Off.
Alternatively, you can switch the Arpeggiator completely off to stop playback by
pressing ARP (Edit) in the keyboard’s PERFORM section. When you switch the Ar-
peggiator back on, HOLD will still be active and you can continue to play latched
note sequences with the Arpeggiator.
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17. CONFIGURING TOUCH STRIPS
In this section you learn how to configure the Touch Strips and about the effect on the usage.
17.1. Accessing Touch Strip Settings
In order to configure the behavior of the Touch Strips, you can open the Perform Panel in the
KOMPLETE KONTROL software or access the parameters directly from the keyboard’s Control
section.
The Touch Strip settings in the Perform Panel are only accessible while the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard is connected.
To open the Perform Panel and view the Touch Strip settings in the KOMPLETE KONTROL soft-
ware:
1. Click on the Perform Panel button in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Header to open the Per-
form Panel.
2. Click on TOUCHSTRIP to view the Touch Strip settings.
The Touch Strip settings for the Pitch Strip are shown in the Perform Panel.
3. In order to display the Modulation Strip settings, click on Modulation.
The Touch Strip settings for the Modulation Strip are shown in the Perform Panel.
Configuring Touch Strips
135
Accessing Touch Strip Settings on the Keyboard
To access the Touch Strip settings from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard:
1. Press SHIFT + OCT- for accessing Pitch Strip settings or press SHIFT + OCT+ for accessing
Modulation Strip settings.
The Touch Strip settings are displayed in the Control section and can be tweaked using the
knobs. The set of parameters for the Modulation Strip differs depending on the selected
mode.
2. To leave Touch Strip Settings press SHIFT + OCT- / OCT+.
The Touch Strip settings can also be accessed from the hardware when using the KOM-
PLETE KONTROL keyboard in stand-alone operation. See Using the Keyboard as Stand-Alone
MIDI Controller for details.
17.2. Configuring Pitch Strip
The Pitch Strip (left Touch Strip) on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard can be configured in ei-
ther Absolute mode or Relative mode.
Absolute Mode (default)
In Absolute mode, the Pitch Strip behaves like a standard pitch bend control. The Pitch Strip simu-
lates a simple spring that can be deflected both up and down from its default middle position.
When you touch your finger on the Pitch Strip, the value instantly jumps to the corresponding posi-
tion and stays there as long as your finger remains on the Pitch Strip. When you remove your fin-
ger, the value moves back to the default position.
Configuring Touch Strips
136
Relative Mode
The Pitch Strip can also be set to Relative mode. This defines how the controlled parameter re-
sponds to the movement of the finger on the Pitch Strip. When using Relative mode, the current
value of the controlled parameter is preserved when you put your finger anywhere on the Pitch
Strip. You can then move your finger up and down to change the parameter by the corresponding
amount. This enables you to create smooth parameter changes using the Pitch Strip.
17.2.1. Adjusting Absolute Mode
You can adjust the rate at which the spring rebounds to its default position.
1. In the Touch Strip settings select the Pitch page.
2. Turn the Strength control to adjust the rebound rate.
The higher the Strength setting, the quicker the value will jump back.
Adjusting Absolute Mode on the Hardware
You can also access the Strength setting on the keyboard:
1. Press SHIFT + OCT- to view and edit the Pitch Strip parameters in the Control section.
2. Turn Knob 1 to adjust the STRENGTH parameter.
17.2.2. Enabling Relative Mode
To enable Relative mode for the Pitch Strip:
1. Go to the Pitch page of the Touch Strip settings.
2. Click on the Touch Ctl menu (default value Absolute).
Configuring Touch Strips
137
3. Click on the entry Relative in the drop-down list.
Relative mode is now enabled.
Switching to Relative Mode on the Hardware
You can also switch to Relative Mode on the keyboard:
1. Press SHIFT + OCT- to view and edit the Pitch Strip parameters in the Control section.
2. Turn Knob 9 to switch to RELATIVE behavior.
17.3. Configuring Modulation Strip
The right Touch Strip on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is a highly versatile modulation con-
trol that can be individually configured using Modulation Strip Modes with distinctive parameters.
17.3.1. Modulation Strip Modes
This Modulation Strip has five distinct modes, each of them offering a unique type of interaction
with the control. A dedicated set of parameters per mode allows you to personalize the behavior of
the Modulation Strip. All Modulation Strip modes and their parameters are described in detail be-
low.
Standard Mode
This is the default mode for the Modulation Strip on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and cor-
responds to the usual behavior for a modulation control. In this mode the Touch Strip reads the
position of your finger and applies the value to the assigned Instrument parameter. Wherever you
put your finger on the strip, the value instantly jumps to the corresponding position and remains
there. This behavior is called Absolute (alternatively, Standard can be set to Relative, see below).
In Standard mode, the following additional settings are available for the Modulation Strip:
Configuring Touch Strips
138
• Display menu: Lets you select one of two ways to display the current state of the Modulation
Strip: Bar or Dot. Bar displays a bar of lit LEDs from the default position of the strip to the cur-
rent value; whereas Dot displays a dot of lit LEDs at the current value.
• Touch Ctl menu: Lets you select between Absolute (default behaviour) and Relative. When us-
ing Relative, the current value of the controlled parameter is preserved when you put your fin-
ger anywhere on the Modulation Strip. You can then move your finger up and down to change
the parameter by the corresponding amount.
Spring Mode
This mode simulates a simple spring that can be deflected both up and down from its default posi-
tion, which is the middle of the Modulation Strip. The current position of the spring (the parameter
value) is indicated by a blue LED. If you put your finger on the strip, the value instantly jumps to
the corresponding position and stays there as long as you keep your finger on the strip. When you
remove your finger, the value springs back to its default position. This behavior is called Absolute
(alternatively, Standard can be set to Relative, see below). This mode mimics the behavior of the
Pitch Strip. In Spring mode, the following additional settings are available for the Modulation Strip:
• Display menu: Lets you select one of two ways to display the current state of the Modulation
Strip: Bar or Dot. Bar displays a bar of lit LEDs from the default position of the strip to the cur-
rent value; whereas Dot displays a dot of lit LEDs at the current value.
• Strength slider: Adjusts the rate at which the spring rebounds to its default position. The higher
the Strength setting, the quicker the value will spring back to its default position.
• Touch Ctl menu: Lets you select between Absolute (default behaviour) and Relative. When us-
ing Relative, the current value of the controlled parameter is preserved when you put your fin-
ger anywhere on the Modulation Strip. You can then move your finger up and down to change
the parameter by the corresponding amount.
Ball Mode
This mode simulates a ball that is attracted by the gravity of your finger. The current position of the
ball (the parameter value) is indicated by a blue LED. If you put your finger on the strip, the ball will
move towards your finger and stop as it reaches the finger’s position. If you remove your finger
before, the ball sustains its momentum and continues to move along the Modulation Strip until the
friction of the surface causes it to slow down and stop. Alternatively, you can “throw” the ball by
putting your finger on the ball’s current position, dragging it in any direction, and removing your
finger. The faster you drag your finger, the faster the ball will get. In Ball mode, the following addi-
tional settings are available for the Modulation Strip:
• Display menu: Lets you select one of two ways to display the current state of the Modulation
Strip: Bar or Dot. Bar displays a bar of lit LEDs from the default position of the strip to the cur-
rent value; whereas Dot displays a dot of lit LEDs at the current value.
• Friction slider: Adjusts the friction of the surface that slows down the ball once you have re-
moved your finger. The higher the Friction value, the quicker the ball will decelerate and stop.
When fully left, the ball never stops. When fully right, the ball stops instantly.
• Gravity slider: Adjusts the attraction of your finger on the ball: The higher the Gravity value,
the faster the ball will move. This parameter doesn’t affect the ball movement if you throw the
ball with your finger (see above).
Configuring Touch Strips
139
• Walls button: Sets the behavior of the ball when it reaches the range limits. If Walls is set to
on, the ball bounces off the range limit and continues its trip in the opposite direction. If Walls is
set to off, the ball jumps to the opposite range limit and continues from there in the same direc-
tion.
Tempo Mode
Just like Ball mode, Tempo mode simulates a ball that is attracted by the gravity of your finger.
The current position of the ball (the parameter value) is indicated by a blue LED. You can play it in
the same way as Ball mode (see above), however in this case the ball adopts its movement to a
steady beat instead of slowing down and stopping. This enables you to create tempo-synced mod-
ulations with the Modulation Strip. When using KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plug-in, the tempo is
defined by the host. When using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application, you can set
the tempo in the header of the software interface. In Ball mode, the following additional settings
are available for the Modulation Strip:
• Display menu: Lets you select one of two ways to display the current state of the Modulation
Strip: Bar or Dot. Bar displays a bar of lit LEDs from the default position of the strip to the cur-
rent value; whereas Dot displays a dot of lit LEDs at the current value.
• Rate menu: Lets you select one of 13 beat divisions to set the beat of the ball’s movement rela-
tive to the tempo, from 1/8 to 4/1, including triplet and dotted time signatures.
• Friction slider: Adjusts the rate at which the ball movement catches up with the tempo. The
higher the Friction value, the quicker the ball will match the beat as set in the Rate menu.
When fully right, the ball matches the given beat instantly.
• Gravity slider: Adjusts the attraction of your finger on the ball: The higher the Gravity value,
the faster the ball will move. This parameter doesn’t affect the ball movement if you throw the
ball with your finger (see above).
• Walls button: Sets the behavior of the ball when it reaches the range limits. If Walls is set to
on, the ball bounces off the range limit and continues its trip in the opposite direction. If Walls is
set to off, the ball jumps to the opposite range limit and continues from there in the same direc-
tion.
Stepped Mode
This mode divides the Modulation Strip into two to five sections, indicated by white LEDs. When
being pressed with a finger, each section triggers one of two to five evenly spaced parameter val-
ues across the whole modulation range. The currently active section (parameter value) is indicated
by three blue LEDs. In Stepped mode, the following additional settings are available for the Modu-
lation Strip:
• Divisions menu: Lets you select the number of sections the Modulation Strip is divided into.
17.3.2. Selecting and Editing a Modulation Strip Mode
In the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, you can select a mode for Modulation Strip and edit its
parameters by performing the following procedure:
1. Go to the Modulation page of the Touch Strip settings.
Configuring Touch Strips
140
2. Select a Mode for the Modulation Strip.
3. Edit any of the mode’s additional parameters on the Modulation page of the Touch Strip set-
tings.
Selecting and Editing a Modulation Strip Mode from Hardware
You can also select a Mode and edit its additional parameters on the keyboard:
1. Press SHIFT + OCT+ to view the Modulation Strip parameters in the Control section.
2. Select a mode by turning Knob 1.
The additional parameters per mode are mapped to the other knobs of the Control section.
3. Edit the parameters by turning the respective knobs.
Configuring Touch Strips
141
… 147


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