NI
N
I have never
exactly been
known as a
‘budget’ brand.
That’s not to say
their products are
overpriced, but
– for hardware at least – they’re
rarely the most affordable option
around. That changes with the
launch of the A-Series, a range of
wallet-friendly controller keyboards
available in 61, 49 or 25 key form.
At just shy of £120, the A25
isn’t the cheapest MIDI keyboard out
there, but it’s certainly well within
reach of entry-level and cash-
strapped producers. The price drop,
however, isn’t matched by a drop in
quality, and in terms of build and
capabilities these controllers punch
well above their weight. Hardware-
wise, the matt black look and sturdy
controls match the design of the
higher-end Maschine and S-Series
hardware, and for an affordable
keyboard this looks and feels great.
The keys themselves are a
synth-action semi-weighted design,
and while the feel isn’t up there with
NI’s more expensive S-Series – and
lacks aftertouch – it doesn’t feel too
lightweight or cheap. The same can
be said for the sturdy-feeling pitch
and mod wheels.
What makes the A-Series really
stand out at this price, however, is
the bundled software and sounds. As
with the latest Maschine Mikro
reviewed over the page, the A-Series
ships with the full Maschine
application, plus a stripped-down
but still high-quality Factory Library
of samples and presets. The
controllers also come with the full
versions of the Prism and Monark
synth, as well as The Gentleman and
Scarbee Mk 1 Kontakt libraries,
offering piano and electric piano
sounds respectively. Alongside the
well-built and tightly integrated
controller, you’d be pushed to fi nd a
more fully-rounded entry-level
package at this price point.
Feature-wise, the A-Series
controllers offer a stripped down
version of the S-Series’ capabilities.
As with those bigger controllers, the
hardware is designed to take
advantage of NI’s Komplete Kontrol
plugin and NKS system, which offers
tight, pre-mapped control over NI’s
own software tools and a growing
library of third party instruments and
effects. Control here is primarily
handled by the eight touch-sensitive
rotaries that line the top of the
interface, used to adjust plugin
parameters and macro assignments.
These are joined by a multi-
directional rotary/button which
handles navigation along with a
small LED screen and selection of
transport/function buttons.
Naturally, many of the more
advanced S-Series features have
been jettisoned. The two screens are
gone, putting emphasis back on your
laptop. The keyboard Light Guide is
lost here too, as is the touch-
sensitive Smart Strip. The A-Series
can still make full use of Komplete
Kontrol’s chord, scale and arp modes
though, and on the whole the level of
control doesn’t feel lacking. There’s
still decent DAW interaction, with
Logic and Garageband mappings
supplied at launch and Live, Cubase
and others due in the coming weeks.
THE PROS & CONS
+
Look and feel that
punches above the
‘budget’ price point
Excellent package of
included software
Tight integration with
NI’s NKS system
-
No aftertouch
Lacks the Light
Guide and Smart
Strip of its
bigger siblings
FM VERDICT
9.2
A quality controller
combined with a well-
rounded software bundle.
Maybe the best value entry-
level package on the market
NI Komplete Kontrol A25 | Reviews
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FMU338.rev_NI_A25.indd 91 31/10/2018 09:24