The new Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) ecosystem from Native Instruments is now officially live, allowing producers to use Native Instruments software with a range of controllers made by leading brands.

NKS is essentially a standardised software designed to be compatible across a wide range of instruments and effects offered by a number of significant partners. The launch follows an initial announcement from Native Instruments made during January’s NAMM event.

• READ MORE: Native Instruments Komplete 15 is still the essential mega bundle

This new technical standard from the brand means virtual instruments are precisely connected to the controls on your physical hardware, so there’s no need to spend time creating, saving, and loading custom mappings.

NKS integration is now available for leading controllers from Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio, providing access to over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.

As of 26 February, NKS compatibility now extends to the following controllers:

• Akai Professional: MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, MPK Mini Plus)
• Novation: Launchkey MK3 & MK4, FLkey, SL MK3
• Korg: Keystage MIDI 2.0 controllers
• M-Audio: Oxygen Series keyboards

And, in April 2025, it will also be compatible with the Nektar Impact LX MK3. Check out the video below to see how NKS works in action:

As part of the launch, owners of NKS-ready hardware from Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio will receive Komplete 15 Select ($99 value) for free, offering a multitude of sounds tailored for beats, songwriting, or electronic production. Akai Professional users will receive a tailored Komplete 15 Select with MPK purchases, featuring tools such as Massive X, Battery 4, and iZotope’s Nectar 4 Elements.

“This expansion reinforces our commitment to an open and connected music industry,” comments Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments. “By integrating NKS across leading hardware brands, we’re ensuring more musicians can access professional tools without workflow limitations.”

Find out more over at Native Instruments.

The post Native Instruments’ NKS ecosystem is officially live, offering easy integration with leading controllers appeared first on MusicTech.