KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 / S61 Setup: From Registration to First Use

A complete guide from purchase to first use

Native Instruments’ new KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 / S61
features improvements to its color displays, parameter knobs, pitch bend and modulation wheels for excellent control.
USB power also makes connecting it easier.

After purchasing the product, you need to set it up.
If setup feels daunting, this guide takes you from unboxing the KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 / S61 to using it.

Video: Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL S49 / S61

Questions and answers from the YouTube video

I bought mine secondhand and received an error saying the serial number was already registered. Could it cause problems if I do not register it to my own account?

If the product is not linked to your account, you may not qualify for future updates or purchases of upgrades or crossgrades. Repairs may also fall outside support, so please check with the manufacturer.

Visit the Native Instruments product page

Downloading Native Access

Unpack the product and locate the activation card.

Visit the setup URL printed on the card.
https://www.native-instruments.com/setup-kontrol/

You need Native Access software to register and use the product.
Download the version for your computer.

Next, install the downloaded Native Access software.

On Mac

Double-click the installer to open this window.
Drag and drop the application into the Applications folder.

Open the Applications folder and double-click Native Access to launch it.

On Windows

The installer is inside the downloaded ZIP file.
Double-click it to start.

Click Next in the dialog to proceed.

A shortcut is created on the desktop. Double-click it to launch the application.

Registering KOMPLETE KONTROL to your account

If you already have a Native Instruments account, enter your registered email address and password and click LOG IN.

If you do not yet have an account, follow these steps to create one.

Click Create a Native Instruments account.

• 1. Enter your email address.
• 2. Choose and enter an account password.
  Use at least 10 characters, including at least one special character such as %, ! or #.
• 3. Check the box for the terms and click CREATE ACCOUNT.

Your account registration is complete.

Click Add a serial.

Enter the serial number printed on the activation card included with the product.
If you have lost the card, the serial number is also on a sticker on the underside of the KOMPLETE KONTROL.

When this screen appears, product registration is complete.
Click Close to close the window.

Downloading the product software

After registering, you can download the software associated with KOMPLETE KONTROL.

Click the reload icon.

Click Not installed to see the products available for installation.
Alongside the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, the selection includes synthesizers and acoustic instrument libraries.

Click INSTALL ALL to download and install all available products at once.
Alternatively, click INSTALL beside an individual product to install it separately.

Storing large libraries on an external hard drive

Some instrument libraries require substantial storage.
You may prefer to install them on an external hard drive.

Click Install to open a dialog like the one below.

Under Content location, click BROWSE and select a folder on the external drive to change the installation destination.

If the drive used for downloading does not have enough free space, also select a folder on the external drive under Download location.

After checking these settings, click CONFIRM to start downloading and installing the product.
This can take some time, so wait until everything finishes.

Once complete, the products appear under Installed products.
The software is now ready for use with KOMPLETE KONTROL.

Connecting KOMPLETE KONTROL

Next, connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL.

Use the included USB cable to connect the KOMPLETE KONTROL to your computer.

Finally, turn on the power button on the back of the KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Setup is now complete.

Configuring KOMPLETE KONTROL

　
Let’s launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software.

On Mac, find the software under Applications → Native Instruments → KOMPLETE KONTROL.

On Windows, a shortcut is created on the desktop.

When the KOMPLETE KONTROL software launches, the preferences window opens.
Under Device on the Audio tab, choose where the software’s sound will be output.

Buffer Size controls the delay, or latency, between playing a key and hearing its sound.
A smaller value reduces latency but increases CPU load.
A larger value increases latency but reduces CPU load.

The right value depends on your computer’s specifications, so find one that lets you play comfortably.

Next, select the MIDI tab and check KOMPLETE KONTROL (Port 1).
This sends performance data from the keyboard to the instrument you have opened.
This completes the process from registration to using KOMPLETE KONTROL.
Configure these settings carefully and enjoy making music.

Frequently asked questions

Q1. What should I do first after purchasing KOMPLETE KONTROL S49/S61?

Visit the setup URL on the activation card and download and install Native Access. Then create or sign in to a Native Instruments account and enter the serial number to register the product.

Q2. Is Native Access installation different on Mac and Windows?

Yes. On Mac, drag and drop the application into the Applications folder. On Windows, double-click the downloaded installer to run it. Follow the dialogs to complete installation.

Q3. Where can I install large instrument libraries?

In the dialog opened by Install, click BROWSE under Content location and select a folder on an external hard drive. You can also select an external drive for the download location if space is limited.

Q4. Can I adjust audio latency after setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL?

Yes. Open the Audio tab in the software’s preferences and adjust Buffer Size. A smaller value increases CPU load, so find a suitable balance.