Native Instruments had quite the selection of announcements for the NAMM Show 2025, and along with some additions and updates to their own collection of instruments, sample libraries and plug-ins, there was a interesting development concerning their NKS protocol. With the launch of the NKS Hardware Partner Program, a number of industry-leading brands will soon be able to bring enhanced integration with NKS-capable software to their own hardware controllers.
Update: 26 February 2025
Native Instruments have just announced that the new NKS support is now live, and available for users of Akai, Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio controllers. As part of this launch, owners of NKS-ready hardware from Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio will receive a free license for Komplete 15 Select ($99 value), providing them with a range of premium sounds aimed at beatmaking, songwriting and electronic production. Akai Professional users will receive a tailored Komplete 15 Select with MPK purchases, featuring acclaimed tools like Massive X, Battery 4 and iZotope’s Nectar 4 Elements.
NKS
Since its introduction in 2018, the NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) format has provided users of NI’s Maschine and Komplete Kontrol (now simply Kontrol) hardware controllers with in-depth integration with a wide range of software instruments, sample libraries and plug-ins. It allows for seamless browsing of sounds directly from a hardware controller, as well as automatically mapping software parameters to physical controls, avoiding the need to configure each instrument with MIDI learn-style functions. It’s not just the company’s own software that enjoys the benefits, either, with hundreds of third-party products currently boasting NKS support.
While the software side of things has been open to other developers for some time, until recently, taking advantage of NKS software meant that users would need to own one of Native Instruments own hardware controllers. That’s all set to change with the introduction of the new partnerships, with Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio all set to introduce support for the standard across a selection of their popular hardware ranges. Once the features have been rolled out, users will be able to pair their hardware up with the Komplete Kontrol software and browse, load, and control a portfolio of over 2000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects.
Current Partners
- Akai Professional: NKS integration now supports the MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play and MPK Mini Plus).
- Novation: NKS enhances the Launchkey MK3 and MK4, FLkey and SL MK3 controllers, complementing their seamless DAW integrations. This additional integration expands Novation’s streamlined workflows to more creators.
- Nektar: The velocity-sensitive LX MK3 features intuitive NKS integration, offering producers an expanded creative workflow. Available once product launches.
- Korg: The advanced MIDI 2.0-compatible Keystage controllers bring enhanced flexibility and sound-design options through NKS, catering to both studio producers and live performers.
- M-Audio: The current-generation Oxygen Series keyboards will feature NKS compatibility, providing cutting-edge tools for studio and stage.
"This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration. It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform, making professional-grade tools, instruments and technology more accessible to creators everywhere." - Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments
SOS Podcast
We spoke to Native Instruments' Simon Cross just before NAMM 2025 for one of our Behind The Brand podcasts, check out the link below to take a listen.
www.soundonsound.com/music-business/native-instruments-behind-brand-sos-podcast
Exclusive Akai MPC Offerings
In addition to NKS integration, Native Instruments and Akai Professional are collaborating to bring their existing high-quality content to the MPC platform:
- Expansions: Five expertly crafted MPC Expansions include one-shots, samples, and FX chains designed to elevate production and performance.
- MPC Edition Play Series: Five MPC Play Editions instruments blend high-quality presets with intuitive controls, creating flavourful and distinctive sonic palettes tailored for a wide range of musical styles.
"This partnership between Akai Professional and Native Instruments marks a revolutionary step forward in music creation and performance. By uniting the MPC’s iconic standalone workflow and feature-rich hardware with Native Instruments world-class sounds, we’re empowering creators with tools that inspire and transform their craft. This collaboration not only enhances the MPC experience but also brings unmatched creative possibilities to musicians and producers worldwide — including countless users of our controllers — enabling them to bring their visions to life like never before." - Joe Richardson, EVP, Chief Commercial Officer, inMusic (owner of Akai Professional)
Both the Expansions and MPC Editions Play Series Editions will be available in mid-February 2025.
The new NKS integration will be available to all partner brands over the coming months. Interested owners can sign up for updates and more details using the link below.
