Table of Contents 1. Disclaimer .................................................................................................................. 1 2. Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL ............................................................................ 2.1. Document Conventions ..................................................................................... 2.2. Box Contents ................................................................................................... 2.3.
7.2. Switching Instances ........................................................................................ 7.3. Transport and Tempo ...................................................................................... 7.3.1. Resetting the Clock .............................................................................. 7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo ................................................................................... 7.4. Adjusting Master Volume ............................................
10.3. Editing the Tags and Properties of User Preset Files ....................................... 10.4. Syncing Multiple Instances ............................................................................ 10.5. Working with the Files Pane .......................................................................... 10.5.1. Additional Results List Features List in the Files Pane ........................... 10.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar ................................ 10.5.3.
13.6.2. ADVANCED Repeat ........................................................................... 106 13.6.3. ADVANCED Offset ............................................................................ 106 13.6.4. ADVANCED Inversion ........................................................................ 106 13.7. RANGE Parameters ..................................................................................... 106 13.7.1. RANGE Min. Key ...............................................................
Disclaimer 1. DISCLAIMER The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL 2. WELCOME TO KOMPLETE KONTROL Thank you for choosing KOMPLETE KONTROL! The KOMPLETE KONTROL software and its dedicated keyboard—the KOMPLETE KONTROL M32—form a tightly integrated music production and performance system that brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the heart of your workflow.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL • Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller. • Important names and concepts are printed in bold. • References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g., “Press [Shift] + [Enter]”). • Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow. Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL • Perform, Transpose, Page left / right, and key navigation buttons. • All Browser functions. • The current edit mode, including the Plug-in Panel and the Perform panel (Scale, Arp). • Names of parameters and parameter sections when touching knobs, including all edit modes. The accessibility features are particularly useful when combined with KOMPLETE KONTROL’s host integration and Apple VoiceOver in Apple Logic Pro X and GarageBand. 2.4.1.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL • TEMPO The buttons in the second row are (from left to right): • PLAY (Restart) • REC (Count-In) • STOP The Solo and Mute buttons are located to the right of the Transport section. The two buttons are arranged in a row. The buttons are (from left to right): • Mute • Solo The Preset buttons are located to the bottom right of the Perform and Edit section, above the Solo and Mute buttons. The four buttons are arranged in a column.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL The speech output confirms that the accessibility features have been activated or deactivated. The accessibility features are designed to be used with the KOMPLETE KONTROL plug-in. However, the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone application must be opened after initial installation and after installing additional Instruments and Effects. This will ensure that all Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects are displayed correctly in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser. 2.4.3.
Welcome to KOMPLETE KONTROL Feature Accessible from Keyboard Instrument control Adjust key Instrument parameters Yes Custom map Instrument parameters No Smart Play Accessing Scale and Chord Parameters Yes Adjust Scale & Chord parameters Keyboard Shortcut Knob 1 – 8 SHIFT + SCALE Edit Knob 1 – 8 Accessing Arp Parameters Yes SHIFT + ARP Edit Adjust Arp parameters Knob 1 – 8 Selecting Parameter Pages Page left or Page right Tempo Adjust BPM Yes Training mode Find a control without acc
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflows 3. THE KOMPLETE KONTROL WORKFLOWS KOMPLETE KONTROL brings all the sounds from KOMPLETE and the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) to the center of your workflows, the stand-alone workflow and the host integration workflow. Stand-alone Workflow When using KOMPLETE KONTROL in stand-alone mode, the workflow is the following: 1. Find Preset files you like from any of the Instruments, Loops, One-Shots and Effects by browsing with the keyboard, supported by the Browser’s filters. 2.
The KOMPLETE KONTROL Workflows • Instrument and Effect control: The knobs and Touch Strips on the keyboard are pre-mapped to all KOMPLETE and NKS Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects for immediate control. For more information, refer to Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters. • Smart Play: The Scale engine and the Arpeggiator let you play and generate scales, chords, and arpeggiator sequences.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL 4. SETTING UP KOMPLETE KONTROL This section provides basic setup information for using the KOMPLETE KONTROL stand-alone software, and guides you through the process of integrating KOMPLETE KONTROL in supported hosts. The KOMPLETE KONTROL software is installed both as a stand-alone application as well as a VST, Audio Unit, and AAX plug-in.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL 4.2. Setting up the Stand-Alone Application When you launch the KOMPLETE KONTROL software from its installation directory, it starts as a stand-alone application independently from a host. By default, the application uses the standard audio interface of your computer. In order to use another audio interface, and receive MIDI notes from the keyboard, you need to configure the application in the Preferences. Configuring Audio Interface 1.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer). The software is configured and ready to be controlled with the keyboard. The MIDI Output settings are required for using KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Smart Play features with other MIDI instruments. 4.3. Setting up Host Integration KOMPLETE KONTROL integrates with a number of hosts to facilitate a fluent workflow for performing and recording music with your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Setting up KOMPLETE KONTROL 4.3.2. Setting up Ableton Live Ableton Live must be configured for advanced integration with KOMPLETE KONTROL. Configuring Ableton Live for KOMPLETE KONTROL Once the MIDI Remote Script and the Instrument Rack file are installed in the correct location, you need to add KOMPLETE KONTROL as a control surface in Ableton Live's preferences: 1. Launch Ableton Live. 2. In Ableton Live, go to the Preferences and open the Link / MIDI tab. 3.
Software Overview 5. SOFTWARE OVERVIEW This section gives an overview of the areas and controls of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Overview of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. (1) Header: Provides access to general functions like the Main menu, the Preset display, the Transport and Master Volume controls, as well as options to show and hide user interface areas. For more information, refer to Header.
Software Overview (4) Preset display: Displays the name of the loaded Preset file or KONTAKT key switch. The arrow buttons on the right skip to the next Preset file in the Browser’s Results list. (5) Perform panelbutton: Shows or hides the Perform panel, which gives you access to the parameters of the Scale engine and the Arpeggiator. The Perform panel button lights up blue when the Scale engine and/or the Arpeggiator are enabled. For more information, refer to Perform Panel.
Software Overview 5.2.1. Library Pane The Library pane is where you browse for Instruments, Loops, One-shots, Effects, and Preset files. It consists of the following elements: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 11 8 9 10 The Library pane. (1) Library: Displays the Library pane. (2) Product Type icon: Displays if you are currently browsing for Instruments, Loops or Oneshots, or Effects. This is dependant on which Plug-in slot in the Plug-in chain is selected.
Software Overview (6) CHARACTERS: Lets you browse for Preset files based on Characters tags that have been applied to them. You can collapse or expand this section by clicking on the arrow next to CHARACTERS. For more information, refer to Types and Characters Tags. (7) Favorites: When the icon is enabled, only favorite Preset files are displayed in the Results list (8). For more information, refer to Working with Favorites.
Software Overview The Product selector. (1) Product selector header: The header displays the selected Product. If there is no selection it shows a generic label (All Instruments or All Effects). A click on the header opens or closes the Product selector. (2) Category / Vendor selector: Allows you to sort the Product list by Category or Vendor. (3) Product list: Displays all Products that are available in your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Software Overview The Files pane in the Browser. (1) Files: Displays the Files pane. For more information, refer to Working with the Files Pane. (2) Favorite bar: Displays all your favorite folders. A click on any favorite folder lets you jump directly to that particular path and display its content in the Result list (5). For more information, refer to Working with File Location Favorites. (3) Location bar: Displays the selected path.
Software Overview 5.3. Perform Panel The Perform panel. (1) SCALE: Clicking the round button left of SCALE switches the Scale engine on or off. Clicking the SCALE label displays the Scale engine’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords for details. (2) ARP: Clicking the round button left of ARP switches the Arpeggiator on or off. Clicking the ARP label displays the Arpeggiator’s parameters. See Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences for details.
Software Overview Overview of the Plug-in Chain panel. (1) Plug-in chain: Displays the loaded Instrument and Effects. (2) Plug-in slot: Each Plug-in slot represents a Plug-in and displays the Product’s name and image. Use the Plug-in slots to directly load Plug-ins, bypass Effects and customize the order. For more information, refer to Working with Effects. 5.6.
Software Overview The Plug-in area displaying the Instrument Form. 5.7. Sampler When loading a sample from the Loops and One-shots tab in the Browser, the sample will be automatically loaded into the Sampler so it can be played immediately. Important parameters can be accessed via the GUI, but all parameters for the Sampler can be accessed via the Plug-in Panel or a connected keyboard. Sampler. (1) Waveform display: Shows the waveform of the Sample. (2) Start: Determines the Start point of the sample.
Software Overview (6) LOOP: When the ON button is enabled, the sample will loop at a length determined by the Loop Point and End Point. (7) X FADE: Determines the type of fade between the loop points. (8) End Point: Sets the End point of the sample. When Loop is active, the End Point determines the length of the loop. (9) Timeline: Shows the time scale in seconds. 5.7.1. Envelopes An envelope allows you to modify the shape and timing of your sample, so you can create more expressive and dynamic sounds.
Software Overview SUSTAIN: Sustain determines the constant level being kept after Decay until the note ends. RELEASE: Release determines how long the sound takes to fade out after the note has ended.
Keyboard Overview 6. KEYBOARD OVERVIEW The KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is tightly integrated into the software and can be used to browse, control and play your Products as well as to control supported hosts. The M32 keyboard is available in one size. It is equipped with a top-quality, semi-weighted keybed. Beyond the keybed, all keyboards come with identical features. The keyboard is equipped with the following sections: Top View KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 top view.
Keyboard Overview (8) Transpose buttons: Transpose the keybed up or down by an octave, or set the note velocity for all keys to a fixed value of 127. When KOMPLETE KONTROL is used as plug-in in MASCHINE, you can switch between playing a single sound chromatically, and playing a Group across 16 keys. For more information, refer to Transpose Buttons.
Keyboard Overview (3) ARP (Edit): Switches the Arpeggiator on or off, and allows you to edit the Arp parameters. For more information, refer to Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences. (4) IDEAS: Opens the Ideas view in MASCHINE when used as a plug-in. For more information, refer to Host Integration. (5) QUANTIZE (AUTO): Enables you to quantize events to the step grid and lets you activate or deactivate automation in supported hosts. For more information, refer to Host Integration.
Keyboard Overview Navigation and Mode buttons overview. (1) BROWSER: Activates Browser control functions. For more information, refer to Browsing the Library. (2) PLUG-IN (MIDI): Accesses plug-in control functions for the selected plug-in. For more information, refer to Working with Effects. Using SHIFT + PLUG-IN (MIDI) accesses MIDI mode that allows you to use the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard as a MIDI controller.
Keyboard Overview The OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) down button transposes the entire keyboard one octave down. Using SHIFT + OCTAVE (Fixed Velocity) sets the note velocity for all keys to a fixed value of 127. By default, the keys are sensitive to velocity: The harder you hit them, the louder the Sound will be. With Fixed Velocity enabled, your keys play at the same volume no matter how hard you hit them. The OCTAVE (Key Mode) up button transposes the entire keybed one octave up.
Global Controls and Preferences 7. GLOBAL CONTROLS AND PREFERENCES This sections introduces the global controls and the Preferences you can access via the Header of KOMPLETE KONTROL. 7.1. Instrument Views Once you have loaded an Instrument from the Browser, it appears in the Plug-in area of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. Most KOMPLETE Instruments come equipped with more than one view, giving you access to another set of controls or letting you edit certain features in finer detail.
Global Controls and Preferences 7.1.1. Default View The Default View is the view that first appears when you load an Instrument from the Browser. It gives you access to some of the most important features of each NKS Instrument with an easy-touse interface. POLYPLEX in Default view. 7.1.2. Additional View Most NKS Instruments have more parameters that can be displayed at once in small surface and therefore come with a second, Additional View.
Global Controls and Preferences The + button opens and closes the Additional view. 7.1.3. Edit View Edit view is only available for Instruments powered by KONTAKT or REAKTOR. In the Edit View you have also the possibility to open any KOMPLETE Instrument that can be loaded or played by either the KONTAKT PLAYER or REAKTOR PLAYER. This gives you access to all the flexible controls and features you would normally have when using KONTAKT or REAKTOR in stand-alone mode. POLYPLEX in Edit View.
Global Controls and Preferences 7.2. Switching Instances When two or more instances of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software are running (e.g., as a plugin on different tracks of the host), you can choose which instance you want to control from the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. Switching to an Instance from the Software • To switch the keyboard to a particular instance of the KOMPLETE KONTROL software, click the Connect button (keyboard icon) in the header of that instance.
Global Controls and Preferences You can find the Transport and Tempo controls in the Header: Transport and tempo controls in KOMPLETE KONTROL. (1) Play button: Starts and stops the internal clock. This can be used to control the playback of sequenced KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments. (2) Reset button: Resets the internal clock to its start position. Consequently, sequencers in KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments will start their playback from the beginning. The same applies to the Arpeggiator.
Global Controls and Preferences • Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to start playback from the beginning. When the internal clock is running: • Press SHIFT and PLAY (Restart) to reset the internal clock and to resume playback from the beginning. 7.3.2. Adjusting Tempo You can adjust the tempo in the software and from the keyboard. Adjusting Tempo in the Software The Tempo control allows you to set the tempo in BPM (beats per minute): 1.
Global Controls and Preferences Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard To adjust the output volume on the keyboard: • Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Knob 1. Adjusting Master Volume with the Keyboard To adjust the output volume on the keyboard: • Press and hold SHIFT and turn the Knob 1. 7.5. Preferences In the Preferences you can specify various settings for KOMPLETE KONTROL. To open the Preferences: • Click Edit > Preferences in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu: 7.5.1.
Global Controls and Preferences Preferences panel — Audio page. Setting Description Driver Here you can select the audio driver. Device This allows you to choose from the available devices if you have connected more than one audio interface. Status This shows you whether your audio interface is currently running. Sample Rate This displays the selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart KOMPLETE KONTROL after changing the sample rate.
Global Controls and Preferences Preferences panel — MIDI page (entries may vary on your computer). Element Description Input Clicking Input displays a list of all the available MIDI inputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its name. Output Clicking Output displays a list of all the available MIDI outputs of your system. You can activate/deactivate each input by clicking the checkbox next to its name.
Global Controls and Preferences Usage Data Tracking in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Preferences. Enabling or Disabling Usage Data Tracking To enable or disable Usage Data Tracking: 1. Open the General page of the Preferences by clicking Preferences… in the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu. 2. Click the Allow usage data tracking checkbox to enable or disable user data tracking. 7.5.4.
Global Controls and Preferences Preferences panel – the Library page’s Factory pane. Element Description Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path. Product column Shows the name of each product. These names cannot be edited. Rescan button If you have made any change to a library (e.g.
Global Controls and Preferences Preferences panel – the Library page’s User pane. Element Description Location column Shows the path of each library. If you have moved any library to another location on your computer, click the folder icon on the left of that library and select its new path. Alias column Shows the alias stored for each library. Click an alias to edit it.
Global Controls and Preferences 2. In the dialog, navigate to the desired folder on your computer and click OK (Choose on macOS). All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files found in the selected folder are added to your user content in KOMPLETE KONTROL. KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files include ens, rkplr, nrkt, nksn, nfm8, nabs, nki, nmsv, nbkt, nis. Furthermore, the attributes (Instrument/Bank/Sub-Bank, Type/Sub-Type/Characters tags, as well as properties) of all imported files will be retained.
Global Controls and Preferences The option to Always use latest version of NI Plug-ins selects whether or not your Library content is always loaded with the latest version of the associated plug-in. If this option is disabled, your Library content is loaded with the lowest required version of the associated plug-in found on the computer. For example, this option is required if you have installed both the full version of REAKTOR 5 as well as a KOMPLETE Instrument that came with REAKTOR 6 Player.
Global Controls and Preferences Locations Pane The Locations pane allows you manage the folders containing your plug-ins on the hard drive. KOMPLETE KONTROL scans these folders for VST plug-ins and adds them to the Manager pane. You can Add and Remove folders from the list, as well as use the Rescan function to update the available plug-ins in KOMPLETE KONTROL according to any changes made to the folders or their contents.
Global Controls and Preferences The Plug-in is loaded. All parameters are set to their default values. Loading Plug-ins in default state is only possible in the software.
Browsing the Library 8. BROWSING THE LIBRARY The Browser is where you access your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library with all its Instruments, Loops, One-shots and Effects. You can search, filter, and load Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Preset files as well as add them to your personal Favorites from the KOMPLETE KONTROL software. You can also use your KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, or a third-party controller, to access the Browser, enabling you to search for Presets using only the hardware controls.
Browsing the Library 8.1.2. Loops and One-shots The Browser divides samples into Loops and One-Shots. One-shots are typically sampled instruments or vocals, while loops are usually sections of music. Both filetypes can come from existing expansion packs and sounds.com. When a Loop is selected in the Browser with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync with the host if transport is running.
Browsing the Library • The Files pane allows you to browse your hard disks by using the hierarchical folder structure of your operating system. For example, you can use it to navigate KOMPLETE KONTROL-relevant files that have not been imported into the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library—and you can import them from there. The Library pane and the Files pane can be accessed by clicking the corresponding tab at the top of the Browser. Click the desired tab to show the corresponding pane of the Browser.
Browsing the Library 8.3. Loading Preset Files When the Browser is open, you can directly load any of the Preset files shown in the Results list. When loading a Preset file the corresponding product automatically opens in the Plug-in area. • To load a Preset file, double click the corresponding entry in the Results list. The Preset file and the corresponding Product opens in the Plug-in area.
Browsing the Library • Click the User icon to search for User content in the Browser. The User Library is enabled when the icon lights up. To switch back to Factory content, click the User icon again to deselect it. Choosing Between Factory and User Content on the Keyboard In order to choose between Factory and User content on the keyboard: • Press the Page Left (M) or Page Right (S) button to choose between FACTORY content and USER content. By default, the FACTORY content is selected. 8.5.
Browsing the Library The Product selector header shows the Product name. You can now browse for all Preset files associated with the selected Product in the Results list.
Browsing the Library Loading a Product with its Default Preset File You can also directly load a Product with its default Preset file: 1. Hover the mouse over the Product entry in the Product selector. 2. Click on the arrow symbol that appears in the upper right corner of the Product entry. The Product with its default Preset file is loaded. Filtering Preset Files by Product using the Keyboard On the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard the Products list provides you with all Products in alphabetical order.
Browsing the Library Upon your selection the Bank menu closes and displays the selected Bank. The Results list further narrow its content accordingly. You can remove the selected Bank by clicking the little cross in the closed Bank menu. Filtering by Bank is not supported Filtering Preset files by Bank using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard is not supported. The Results list always provides you with all Preset files of the Product. 8.7.
Browsing the Library Products are only shown in the Product selector if the Library contains files for them. If a particular Instrument does not show up, make sure it is installed correctly and has been updated to the latest available version. Resetting the Instrument selection on the Keyboard To reset the Product selection: 1. Skip directly to the Products Filter by pushing the 4-D encoder to the left until PRODUCTS is shown in the first display line. 2.
Browsing the Library TYPES TYPES tags are structured into two hierarchical levels—top-level tags and sub-level tags. • At first the TYPES menu displays the available top-level tags only. • As soon as a tag in the top level is selected, the second level appears underneath with subtags of the selected top-tag. • The hierarchical structure means that the sets of sub-tags are specific to each tag of the level above.
Browsing the Library 8.8.1. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects. In this tutorial you will learn how to find a bass line Preset file for the MONARK Instrument using the Types tags. To start, select the MONARK Instrument in the Product selector. The TYPES section currently shows only top-level tags: The MONARK Instrument is selected in the Product selector. To find a bass sound: 1. Under TYPES, select the Bass tag.
Browsing the Library 3. Select the Analog tag from the CHARACTERS tags. The Results list is filtered according to the selected Types and Characters tags. This method allows you to quickly find Preset files for an Instrument with similar characteristics. Filtering Preset Files by Types and Characters Using the Keyboard In order to find a bass sound: 1. Skip to the TYPES filter by pushing the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right until TYPES is shown in the first display line. 2.
Browsing the Library The result list will include all files that correspond to at least one of the selected tags. Selecting multiple tags from the same level using the keyboard is not possible. Nevertheless, the display on the keyboard will show a * when multiple tags are selected in the software. 8.9. Working with Favorites Favorites in the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser allow you to quickly view and browse your most frequently used Preset files. Any Preset file can be assigned to be a Favorite.
Browsing the Library 2. Click on the Set Favorite icon to add the corresponding Preset file to the Favorites. The Preset file is added to the Favorites, indicated by the lit Set Favorite icon next to its name. You can add any Preset file in the Results list to the Favorites, no matter if it is selected or not. Adding Preset Files to the Favorites on the Keyboard In order to add a Preset file to the Favorites on the keyboard: 1.
Browsing the Library Displaying all Favorite Preset Files on the Keyboard In order to display all Favorites in the Results list on the keyboard: • Press SHIFT + BROWSER. The Results list shows all favorite Preset files. 8.9.3. Removing Preset Files from the Favorites To remove a Preset file from the Favorites: • Click on the lit Set Favorite icon to remove the corresponding Preset file from the Favorites. The Preset file is removed from the Favorites, indicated by the hidden Set Favorite icon.
Browsing the Library 8.10. Performing a Text Search In the search field you can enter your search query. The search considers all properties such as Preset file names, Instruments, Banks, Type and Characters tags, directly as you type. The search field. 1. Click in the search field. 2. Type the desired text to limit the Results to files containing this text. As you start typing, the list of matches will start narrowing in the result list below.
Browsing the Library 1. Click the Prehear button (showing a little speaker icon) to enable/disable Prehear. When Prehear is enabled, you can directly hear Preset files as you select them in the Result list of the Library pane or Files pane. 2. Drag the Prehear Volume slider next to the Prehear button to adjust the volume of the Preset files you are pre-listening to. 3. Click on any entry in the Results list.
Working with Effects 9. WORKING WITH EFFECTS In this section you learn how to work with the Plug-in chain in terms of adding Effects, and organizing the Plug-in chain. Also, this section assumes you are familiar using the Browser and already loaded an Instrument. For more information on using the Browser, refer to Browsing the Library. 9.1. Opening the Plug-in Chain Panel In order to work with the Plug-in chain in the KOMPLETE KONTROL software you need to make sure the Plug-in chain panel is displayed.
Working with Effects The Product Type icon in the Browser changes to Effects. The Product selector provides you with a list of the available Effects. 2. Browse for an Effect to your liking. The Effect is loaded. Its image (or a generic icon for non-NKS Plug-ins) and name are shown in the second Plug-in slot. To add more Effects to the Plug-in chain, repeat the aforementioned steps.
Working with Effects Adding Effects using the Keyboard Once an Instrument, Loop or One-shot has been loaded into the first Plug-in slot, you can then add an Effect to the Plug-in chain: 1. Push the 4-D encoder right until you reach the first empty Plug-in slot. The display shows Press BROWSE Empty Slot. 2. Press the BROWSER button to access the Browser controls. 3. Select an Effect, then search for a Preset using the TYPES tags. Scroll down to the Results list to browse the Presets for the Effect. 4.
Working with Effects In order to move an Effect in the Plug-in chain: 1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot you want to move. 2. Click and hold the left mouse button and move the mouse pointer to the desired position in the Plug-in chain. The white line between the borders of the Plug-in slots is the current position for dropping the Plug-in slot. 3. Drop the Effect into a new position in the effects chain.
Working with Effects 9.6. Bypassing Effects If you temporarily want to listen to the Instrument without a specific Effect for an A/B comparison but do not want to delete it from the Plug-in chain, you can bypass Effects. In order to bypass an Effect: 1. Hover the mouse over the Plug-in slot containing the Effect you want to bypass. Additional controls are displayed. 2. Click the Bypass button at the top left of the Plug-in slot. The Effect is now bypassed and the image is grayed out.
Working with Effects 1. Press PLUG-IN to access the Plug-in chain. 2. Push the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right to select the Plug-in slot containing the Effect you want to remove. 3. Press and hold SHIFT + push the 4-D encoder up. 4. Press the 4-D encoder to confirm. 5. The Effect is removed from the Plug-in chain.
Managing the Library 10. MANAGING THE LIBRARY With the Browser you can also organize your own Preset files. In this section you will learn how you save and manage your own Preset files in the User Library and how to import KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible user files. The workflows for organizing Instrument, Loops, and One-shots Preset files are identical to the workflows for organizing Effect Preset files. The Product Type cannot be selected in the Browser directly as this is determined by the Plug-in chain.
Managing the Library Or, if you want to save a Preset file you are working on with a new name, click on Save As… in the File submenu of the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu. 3. Enter a name for your new Preset file and click Save in the Save Preset dialog to save the Preset file. Your new Preset file immediately appears in the user content section of the Library pane.
Managing the Library 10.2. Deleting User Preset Files from the User Library You can delete user Preset files directly from the Results list: 1. Right-click the desired Preset file and select Delete from the context menu. If you want to delete several user Preset files at once, first select them as described above, and right-click any of them. A warning dialog opens to inform you that the Preset file will be not only removed from the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library but also deleted from your hard disk. 2.
Managing the Library The Types and Characters tags are also recognized by the MASCHINE Browser. This way, you can easily find the user Preset files you saved with KOMPLETE KONTROL in the User content section of MASCHINE’s Library pane. The CHARACTERS menu is not available when browsing Effects. To assign tags to your Preset file and change its properties: 1. Select the Preset file in the Results list and click EDIT in the Control bar to open the Attribute Editor. 2.
Managing the Library 4. Assign the appropriate tags to your Preset file by clicking the checkboxes next to the corresponding name. 5. Click on CHARACTERS to edit the Characters tags for your Preset file. You can assign them in the same way you assigned the Type tags, by clicking on the appropriate checkboxes.
Managing the Library 6. Click on PROPERTIES to edit additional information included in your Preset file. You can enter your name in the Author field, or, in case you intend to share the Preset file, leave a note in the Comment field for other users to read. 7. To apply any changes made in the Attribute Editor, click APPLY. Your Preset file is now tagged according to your selection of Types and Characters and the properties are saved. Close the Attribute Editor by clicking on EDIT. 10.4.
Managing the Library 10.5. Working with the Files Pane This section details the actions you can perform that help you to browse for files on your hard disks using the Files pane. The Results list of the Files pane shows the files and folders found in the path selected in the Location bar above. Only KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files are shown in the Results list. The Results list of the Files pane. 10.5.1.
Managing the Library Command Sort by Date Description Sorts the Result list according to the item dates. 10.5.2. Navigating to File Locations with the Location Bar The Location bar shows and lets you modify the selected path. At any time the Results list will display the content of the path shown here. The Location bar The Location bar provides following tools: • Up arrow: Use the Up arrow on the left to go one level up in your file system.
Managing the Library The Favorite bar, at the top of the Files pane. Favorite folders can be useful if you often return to the same location while browsing your file system in the Files pane. The default favorite folders are the roots of each of your hard disks, your desktop folder, and your user folder. Jumping to Favorite Folders 1. Click any favorite folder in the Favorite bar to jump to that location. 2.
Managing the Library However, you can also load plug-ins directly, allowing you to integrate any VST plug-in in KOMPLETE KONTROL. This way you can play your VST plug-ins using the Smart Play features, map their parameters to the controls on the keyboard, and save Preset files for them in your KOMPLETE KONTROL User Library. To load a VST plug-in in KOMPLETE KONTROL: • Select the plug-in you want to load in the Plug-ins submenu of the KOMPLETE KONTROL menu.
Managing the Library Installing KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments with NKS Support Third-party developers of KONTAKT and REAKTOR Instruments provide you with a folder that contains all Instrument files, including Preset files and samples. Instead of running an installer, this folder needs to be stored on the hard drive. The Instrument can then be activated with Native Access, which also adds it to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Library.
Managing the Library 6. Click on INSTALL to add the Instrument to your KOMPLETE KONTROL Library. The Instrument is installed. KOMPLETE KONTROL automatically scans for the new content and adds it to the KOMPLETE KONTROL Browser. The KOMPLETE KONTROL Library and the KONTAKT Browser reference the Instrument files contained in the folder. It is recommended to not delete or move the folder afterwards, otherwise KOMPLETE KONTROL and KONTAKT will not be able to find the Instrument files.
Managing the Library 3. Click the IMPORT button at the bottom right of the Browser. You will be presented with the Attribute Editor. 4. In the Attribute Editor, tag the files you are about to import to the Library. 5. Click OK at the bottom right of the Browser to import the files to the Library. All KOMPLETE KONTROL-compatible files found in the selected folder(s) are imported to your Library. They are added as user content.
Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters 11. CONTROLLING INSTRUMENT, LOOP, ONE-SHOT AND EFFECT PARAMETERS This section introduces you to controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect parameters using the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard and explains how to customize parameter mappings. 11.1.
Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters 11.4. Customizing Parameter Mappings using the Plug-in Panel You can customize the parameter mapping for an Instrument’s Preset file by enabling Edit mode in the Plug-in panel. • To enable or disable the Plug-in panel’s Edit mode, click on the Edit mode button in the upper right corner. The Edit mode allows you to: • Add, delete, and replace parameters in the mapping. • Learn parameters to controls. • Rename controls.
Controlling Instrument, Loop, One-shot and Effect Parameters Each page (1) of the Control section on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard shows up as a label at the top of the Plug-in panel. 1. Click on a label to view and edit the controls on this page. The current page is highlighted. 2. To delete a page, click on the cross icon next to its label.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords 12. SMART PLAY – PLAYING AND EDITING SCALES AND CHORDS KOMPLETE KONTROL’s Scale engine comes equipped with a vast amount of scales that you can select and use to play your Instruments, Loops and One-shots. This opens up possibilities to play an Instrument such as a piano according to, e.g., the minor pentatonic scale without hitting a “false” note. In Chord mode you can use the provided scales to combine individual note harmonies into chords.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Chords Polyphonic Instruments let you play multiple notes simultaneously—in other words chords. As an example, let’s see how to build up a chord by selecting individual notes from a scale and playing them simultaneously. In this case, we’ll use the C major scale. As we saw above, the major scale starts with two whole steps, followed by a half step, and then three more whole steps until it ends with another half step.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Activating the Scale Engine on the Keyboard • To switch on the Scale engine, press SCALE (Edit) in the Perform and Edit section on the keyboard. 12.3. Selecting and Playing a Scale To select and play a scale on the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard, follow these instructions: 1. Press SHIFT + SCALE (Edit) to map the knobs of the Control section to the Scale engine parameters. 2.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Chord mode is activated and set to Harmonizer. Pressing any key automatically activates and plays back the nearest lit key according to the mapping by selected scale. It also plays back the third and the fifth note above the pressed key in the selected scale, in accordance with the interval value set by Knob 6 (1-3-5, meaning the first, third, and fifth note of a chord). 5. To map the knobs to Instrument parameters again, press PLUG-IN.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords 12.6.1. SCALE Root Note The first SCALE parameter is Root Note. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 1 of the Control section in Scale Edit mode. Setting the root note of a scale means deciding what key the scale will begin with. The following notes of the scale depend on which scale pattern you select with the SCALEType parameter (see below). You can transpose any scale pattern up or down by selecting a different Root Note.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Scale Bank Type Degree Formula Whole Tone Main WH Tone 1 2 3 ♯4 ♯5 ♭7 H-W Dim Main H-W Dim 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7 W-H Dim Main W-H Dim 1 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 ♯5 6 7 Modes Scales: Scale Bank Type Degree Formula Ionian Modes Ionian 1234567 Dorian Modes Dorian 1 2 ♭3 4 5 6 ♭7 Phrygian Modes Phrygian 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 Lydian Modes Lydian 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7 Mixolydian Modes Mixolyd 1 2 3 4 5 6 ♭7 Aeolian Modes Aeolian 1 2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Scale Bank Type Degree Formula Hungarian Maj World Hung Maj 1 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7 Neapolitan World Neapoltn 1 ♭2 ♭3 4 5 ♭6 7 Spanish World Spanish 1 ♭2 ♭3 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 Greek World Greek 1 2 ♭3 ♭4 5 ♭6 ♭7 Jewish 1 World Jewish 1 1 ♭2 3 4 5 ♭6 ♭7 Jewish 2 World Jewish 2 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7 Indian 1 World Indian 1 1 ♭2 ♭3 ♯4 5 ♭6 7 Indian 2 World Indian 2 1 2 ♭3 ♯4 5 6 7 Indian 3 World Indian 3 1 ♭2 2 4 5 ♭6 6 Indian 4 World I
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Scale Bank Type Degree Formula Messiaen II Modern Mes II 1 ♭2 ♯2 3 ♯4 5 6 ♭7 Messiaen III Modern Mes III 1 2 ♭3 3 ♯4 5 ♭6 ♭7 7 Messiaen IV Modern Mes IV 1 ♭2 2 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 7 Messiaen V Modern Mes V 1 ♭2 4 ♯4 5 7 Messiaen VI Modern Mes VI 1 2 3 4 ♯4 ♯5 ♯6 7 Messiaen VII Modern Mes VII 1 ♭2 2 ♭3 4 ♯4 5 ♭6 6 7 Major Scales Bank Type Natural Scale Major Natural Degree Formula 1234567 Lydian Major Lydian 1 2 3 ♯4 5 6 7 Mixol
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords 12.7. Setting the KEY MODE Parameter The only KEY MODE parameter is Mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 3 of the Control section in Scale Edit mode. It defines how the selected is mapped to the keys of the keyboard. The KEY MODE parameter Mode.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords The Root Note is always mapped to the middle C key (commonly called C3). If the selected scale consists of seven notes, it matches the seven white keys of a single octave on the keyboard. In this case, the Root Note coincides with the key C across all octaves of the keyboard.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Harm If CHORDMode is set to Harm, the CHORDType menu allows you to specify the interval of notes in the selected SCALEType that will constitute the chord: E.g., a triad in the form of the root note, the third note, and the fifth note (CHORDType value 1-3-5). The CHORD parameter Mode, set value Harm.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords CHORD Type, CHORD Mode Set to Harmonizer The CHORD parameter Type, set value 1-3-5 (Mode set to Harm). If CHORDMode is set to Harm, then CHORDType will offer you a selection of individual notes present in the selected SCALEType. This means that for all scales except the 12-tone Chrom scale (see further below), you can select the interval of notes that will make up your chord.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords CHORD Type and the Chromatic Scale The Chrom scale consists of every semitone in an octave. This means that when you play every white key and every black key of an octave up or down, you are playing the 12-step Chrom scale. Since all semitones of an octave are present in the Scale, you can use all keys to form chords. In turn, selecting Chrom as SCALEType means that you can select virtually any CHORDType.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Scales and Chords Position Auto Description This provides a more human feel in the transition from one chord to another. The notes used to form each chord are automatically selected to provide the best inversion.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences 13. SMART PLAY – PLAYING AND EDITING ARPEGGIATOR SEQUENCES Smart Play features a flexible and versatile Arpeggiator that lets you play your Instruments, Loops and One-shots in note sequences according to the keys you press on the keyboard. You can also use the Arpeggiator in combination with the scales and chords created with the Scale engine.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences Playing Arpeggiator Sequences 1. Switch on the Arpeggiator by pressing the ARP (Edit) button on the keyboard. 2. Press a number of keys to start the Arpeggiator. 3. The Arpeggiator automatically plays back the notes corresponding to the pressed keys as a sequence, rather than simultaneously. Editing Arpeggiator Parameters You can also edit the Arpeggiator parameters in the Control section for further tweaking of the sequence: 1.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences • To change the range of available notes for the arpeggiator sequence, as well as their velocity and length, use the OTHER parameters Octaves, Dynamic, and Gate. • To explore alternative versions of the same arpeggiator sequence, use the ADVANCED parameters Retrigger, Repeat, Offset, and Inversion. • To change the range of keys that trigger the arpeggiator sequence, use the RANGE parameters Min. Key and Max. Key.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences • Up, Down, Up & Down (UP-DOWN on the keyboard), Order Played (PLAYED on the keyboard), Chord 13.4. RHYTHM Parameters The RHYTHM parameters Rate, Sequence, and Swing allow you to create interesting rhythms for the arpeggiator sequence. The RHYTHM parameters Rate, Sequence, and Swing. 13.4.1. RHYTHM Rate The first RHYTHM parameter, Rate, is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences • 1/128 Dotted (1/128 D) • 1/64 Triplet (1/64 T) • 1/128 13.4.2. RHYTHM Sequence The second RHYTHM parameter, Sequence, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 4 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It gives you a way of adding interesting rhythms to your arpeggiated notes. Select one of eight different sequences and apply it to the arpeggiator sequence you are playing.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences Using Swing in combination with the Gate parameter adds further variations in note duration. For example, if Gate is set to 100%, KOMPLETE KONTROL sends a MIDI note-off message before each note and plays back the sequence legato. If Gate is set to values larger or smaller than 100%, then notes will be scaled after the value of the Swing parameter has been applied, leaving the groove intact. 13.5.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences To display the set value of the DYNAMIC parameter, tap Knob 7. 13.5.3. OTHER Gate The third OTHER Parameter, Gate, is available in both Arp and Note Repeat mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 8 of the Control section in Arp Edit mode. It lets you decide the length of the notes in your sequence. Setting a value between 1% and 99% makes the duration of the notes shorter than they otherwise would be.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences • If the arpeggiator sequence consists of 6 pitches, the Sequence is 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - 4 - 5 - 6 – rest, and Retrigger is set to 5, the Arpeggiator output is 1 - 2 - 3 - rest - 4 -repeat. 13.6.2. ADVANCED Repeat The second ADVANCED parameter, Repeat, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 2 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences The RANGE parameters Min. Key and Max. Key. 13.7.1. RANGE Min. Key The first RANGE parameter, Min. Key, is only available in Arp mode. On the keyboard, it is mapped to Knob 5 of the Control section when page 2 is selected in Arp Edit mode. Min. Key sets the lowest key that can be used as an input for the arpeggiator sequence. The Arpeggiator can still generate pitches below the Min. Key setting. 13.7.2. RANGE Max.
Smart Play – Playing and Editing Arpeggiator Sequences The HOLD parameter On / Off. HOLDOn/Off is a switch control that lets you select the values On and Off. 1. Pressing any key while HOLD is On will set a new sequence. 2. To stop the Arpeggiator playback, set the HOLD parameter to Off. Alternatively, you can switch the Arpeggiator completely off to stop playback by pressing ARP (Edit) in the keyboard’s PERFORM section.
MIDI Communication 14. MIDI COMMUNICATION KOMPLETE KONTROL provides you with flexible MIDI control and host automation capabilities for easy integration with your MIDI environment. In this section you are provided with overall information about MIDI communication and Host automation.
MIDI Communication 1. Connect your third-party controller to your computer. 2. Start KOMPLETE KONTROL. 3. Open the Preferences dialog, and select the MIDI tab. 4. Click the checkbox next to the corresponding name of the third-party controller. The third-party controller is now ready to be used. Assigning Knobs to a Third-Party Controller To map a knob on your third party controller to KOMPLETE KONTROL: 1. Click MIDI in the panel header of the software, to open the MIDI Learn panel. 2.
MIDI Communication Hardware Configuration for MIDI Mapping When using the MIDI mapping feature in KOMPLETE KONTROL, a MIDI button can be configured to send a CC message on push and also on release. This mode is referred to as ‘Toggle’ mode. A MIDI button can also be configured to send a single message when it is clicked, as opposed to the two that are sent in Toggle mode. This mode is referred to as ‘Trigger’ mode.
MIDI Communication Automation ID Parameter 000 Reserved for Instance Recognition and Automatic Focus Follow 001 Scale On / Off 002 Root Note (Scale) 003 Scale Type (Scale) 004 Key Mode (Scale) 006 Chord Mode (Scale) 007 Chord Type (Scale) 026 Arp On / Off 027 Mode (Arp) 028 Type (Arp) 029 Rate (Arp) 030 Sequence (Arp) 031 Swing (Arp) 032 Octaves (Arp) 033 Dynamic (Arp) 034 Gate (Arp) 035 Retrigger (Arp) 036 Repeat (Arp) 037 Offset (Arp) 038 Inversion (Arp) 039 Min
Host Integration 15. HOST INTEGRATION When using advanced host integration, the KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard becomes the centerpiece of your studio setup. You can use it to control not only the Instrument, Sample or Effect loaded in KOMPLETE KONTROL but also core functionality of supported hosts. Before you can make use of advanced host integration you need to set it up first. For more information, refer to Setting up Host Integration.
Host Integration 15.1.1. Basic Control Functions The available basic control functions of MASCHINE mapped to the keyboard’s controls are grouped in the tables below.
Host Integration Action in MASCHINE Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 Select Group Push 4-D encoder left or right Select Scene SHIFT + push 4-D encoder left or right Create new Scene Select Pattern 1. Hold SHIFT + push 4-D encoder to the right until New Scene Create is displayed. 2. Press 4-D encoder to create a new Scene. Push 4-D encoder up or down Create new Pattern 1. Push 4-D encoder down until New Pattern Create is displayed. 2. Press 4-D encoder to create a new Pattern.
Host Integration Transport Control Action in Ableton Live Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 Start playback PLAY (Restart) Start recording REC (Count-In) Restart playback/recording PLAY (Restart) Stop playback/recording at current position STOP Relocate playhead position to song start when stopped STOP Start Arranger recording together with playback SHIFT + REC (Count-In) Scroll playhead position Turn 4-D encoder Enable/disable loop mode LOOP Enable/disable metronome METRO Tap tempo TEMPO
Host Integration Action in Ableton Live Switching Instance Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 1. Press SHIFT + TRACK (Instance). 2. Turn the 4-D encoder to select the instance. 3. Press 4-D encoder to confirm.
Host Integration Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 Change Scale engine parameters SHIFT + SCALE (Edit) Enable/disable Arpeggiator ARP (Edit) Browser Control Action in Logic Pro X and GarageBand Button on KOMPLETE KONTROL M32 Select Browser fields Push 4-D encoder left/right Search Browser tags and Preset files Turn 4-D encoder Select Browser tags Press 4-D encoder Load the selected Preset in the Results list Press 4-D encoder Clear Browser Filters SHIFT +
