Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 Controller Keyboard

Buying a NI keyboard makes sense if you are using NI software, in which case the integration is really good.The A25 is solidly built, but keep in mind that it is not the smallest 25 keys keyboard out there, it’s pretty chunky and not particularly portable.The keybed feels excellent and so do the wheels. The integration with the Komplete Kontrol shell software is seamless and can make your virtual instruments and plugins really come to life. The transport controls work perfectly in both Logic Pro and Studio 1.

I bought this as a midi controller for Cubase. It fired up first time and is a really superb bit of kit. I won't repeat what the manufacturer says in the adverts other than to say that it does all those things and if anything, more. I didn't expect anything great from the keyboard, but in fact it's very high quality. The keys are full sized and with a great feel so that you can actually play it. The whole build is very high quality too. To be honest I don't know how they do it for the price, unless they hope that having bought this people will go on to buy more of their software and kit. I did!

This is an excellent keyboard for those wanting DAW integration and use Native Instrument plug-ins. It's not a performance keyboard, but ideal where space is limited in front of a computer monitor. Set up was problematic in Windows. In device manager, after installation, the unit was shown as having a missing driver. The keyboard needs a driver which Windows Update does not find automatically. The way to deal with this is by asking Windows Update to display hidden updates. Without this driver it is not possible to download firmware updates. Once installed it worked seamlessly as a DAW controller with both Cubase and Propellerhead Reason. Given the price, the key bed is quite playable but has viciously sharp corners to the keys. When spanning octaves, the edges of one's fingers are painfully reminded of the fact that the edges are razor-like. I'd have been happy to pay a little more for a slightly upgraded set of keys. Otherwise this is a truly excellent product for the money.

This keyboard was recommended by Pentatonix for their a cappella course.I've played a piano for many years, and found the A49 keyboard responsive and easy to play.It is light, I can pick it up and sit it on my lap.I used it with Apple Garageband, and also the supplied Komplete Kontrol software.It took a while to figure out the Mac permissions to get the keyboard to work with the software and I raised a ticket and got a quick answer about setting those.Very happy with this keyboard, and particularly "The Gentleman" sampled piano. Sounds great.

OK, it doesn't have the amount of knobs and sliders of an Arturia Keylab, or the amount of integrated control the S series NI keyboards have with Komplete or the Arturia has with their products, as a fuss free, standards compliant, well made, sleek, solid controller keyboard you can't go wrong with this at the price.

I got this to replace a very old 25 note keyboard i was using that stopped workingThis is a fantasic bit of kit If you have Kontact Komplete then you neede this, it makes life much better when finding sounds. it works with your DAW perfectly so much so it has a replaced a harware control fader i was using due to being able to control the mixer on the DAW It is very well built Begining to think I should I got the bigger one now

As always native instruments do not disappoint . This is a superb keyboard and is ideal for those who are restricted on space . It may be smaller in size but does not compromise on quality. Highly recommended. The service and delivery from the supplier was fantastic and my delivery arrived three days before it was planned . Well packed and everything arrived in security sealed packaging . I have further purchases to make in the coming months and will definitely be using this company again . Well done MUSICMATTERS ....exceptional service . Thank you

Fine except: all buttons (inc. octave shift, much used on 2 octave keys) have a very loud click, and are hard to press fast, they are stiff and need a lot of pressure; 2 wheels, pitch and mod, are also very stiff.I do my music at low-medium volume, this clicking is really annoying. If on headphones perhaps not hear.Buttons and wheels should be very easy to press, light touch is needed when playing. So this for me is a big ergonomic problem.