Native Instruments’ Native Kontrol Standard programme integrates its software with thousands of Akai, Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio instrumentsNAMM 2025: Native Instruments has announced the Native Kontrol Standard Hardware Partner Program, joining forces with industry-leading brands including Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio. Now, producers are able to use Native Instruments software with a range of controllers made by those companies – totalling over 2,000 instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.
“This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration,” Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments, says in a press release. “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.”

READ MORE: NAMM 2025 Live: Latest rumours, news and products from the biggest music technology show in the world

The key factor in these new partnerships is NKS, a standardised software designed to be compatible across a wide range of instruments and effects offered by the partners.
Here are some specific products from the partners that are NKS-compatible:

Akai Professional: NKS integration now supports the MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, and MPK Mini Plus). There are also exclusive offerings for Akai MPC users including five MPC expansions and Play Editions instruments.
Novation: NKS enhances the Launchkey MK3 and MK4, FLkey, and SL MK3 controllers, complementing its seamless DAW integrations. This additional integration expands Novation’s streamlined workflows to more creators.
Nektar: The velocity-sensitive LX MK3 brings intuitive NKS integration, offering producers an expanded creative workflow.
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.

To further promote this new partnership program, NI is offering its flagship production bundle, Komplete 15 Select, free to owners of NKS-compatible hardware. There are three primary editions:

Beats Edition: Synths and sound packs ideal for pop, hip-hop, and R&B.
Band Edition: Guitars, keys, and studio effects designed for songwriters and live performers.
Electronic Edition: Advanced synths and tools for house, techno, and trance producers.

NAMM attendees can hear Simon Cross and Akai Professional’s Chief Marketing Officer, Joe Richardson discuss this new partnership at the NAMM 2025 Global Media Day. They can also check out NKS in action at each of the partners’ booths listed below:

Akai Professional and M-Audio (booth 204A)
Novation (booth 10810)
Nektar (booth 16223)
Korg (booths 119 and 6903)

For more info, head to Native Instruments.
The post Native Instruments’ Native Kontrol Standard programme integrates its software with thousands of Akai, Novation, Nektar, Korg and M-Audio instruments appeared first on MusicTech.