Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 [Deep Review] | Reviewer's Revival

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61 [Exciting In-Depth] Review

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Unless you've been imprisoned in Iqaluit, Nunavut, since the early 1990s, you’re no doubt very familiar with music technology mega brand, “Native Instruments” (NI). Chances are, the percentage of contemporary music producers, home-recordists, and DAW users who don’t own at least one NI product, is probably so low that it’s negligible to measure. Be that as it may, NI has pretty much always been the industry leader – perhaps even the industry creator – of all samples-based virtual instrumentation. Well, in regard to the personal computer and software DAW domains that is.

As magnanimous as NI’s sample and software archive is, they've not been strangers to the hardware side of the equation either. In particular, their Traktor rigs became tremendously popular with our musical wannabe cousins (DJs), and many a fine home recording was captured using Komplete Audio devices. Machine hybrid systems, which married percussive pad controllers to software samples, allowed electronic music artists to get as creative and hip-hoppy as their one drop hearts desired. The small studio and home producer crowd really sat up and took notice when NI released their industry-shaking line of dedicated keyboard controllers: Komplete Kontrol “S” series – in 49, 61 and 88 key configurations.

The original Komplete keyboards were decidedly high end, pro-grade midi controllers. Fatar keybeds, illuminated guide lights under each key, large LED display panels, deluxe encoder knobs and so forth, made them the perfect physical companions to most nearly every VI (virtual instrument) in NI’s vast arsenal. Furthermore, both Machine and Komplete hardware devices helped NI introduce a new software control standard to the masses: “Native Kontrol Standard”; otherwise known as NKS. These top-grade devices came with premium features and premium price tags.

Not to be easily outdone by less costly competition, nor miss an opportunity to maintain a strong presence in the budget to mid-tiered market segments, Native Instruments has brilliantly developed an affordable line of good quality, value-conscious alternatives to their premium range of hardware. Our present investigation spotlights one of these: The Komplete Kontrol A61. This little darling rings the till for a modest $259 (usd) at most retail shops. Is it a good buy?
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Let’s find out . . .
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