Native Instruments Announce New Releases for 2018
Native Instruments have just announced a stack of new products for 2018, from a brand new series of MIDI keyboards to some much-anticipated software updates.
Making music production and DJ’ing accessible for everyone has been the goal with these new releases. In fact, the phrase ‘For the Music In You’ has been the driving point, and perfectly encompasses the notion that everybody can make music.
So, let’s take a look at the new products Native Instruments have announced!
Komplete 12
Komplete 12 Select – £159 
This version of Komplete includes the essential products to get started making music, from powerful synths such as Massive, to The Gentleman Piano, to Organs and Drums.
Komplete 12 – £469
The standard version of Komplete is a very com[rehensive collection and includes all major synths, such as Massive, Kontakt 6 (and many libraries), Reaktor 6 (and many synth ensembles), as well as many effects such as Guitar Rig, Replika and much more. Komplete 12 also includes expansions for the first time ever.
Komplete 12 Ultimate – £959
Komplete 12 Ultimate expands even further on the standard version of Komplete, and includes all Reaktor synth ensembles, Abbey Road Drummer libraries, and cinematic tools such as Symphony Ensemble Essentials, Action Strikes and Rise & Hit, to name a few. There are also more expansions.
Komplete 12 Collectors Edition – £1279
The Komplete 12 Collectors Edition includes all software Native Instruments has made to date. This is every synth, effect, Kontakt Library (including the Full Symphony Ensemble series, which on it’s own costs £799), and expansion pack.
Upgrades and updates are available to every product for existing users.
Komplete Kontrol A-Series Keyboards
In an attempt to bring music making to a more affordable market, Native Instruments have introduced a new range of keyboards, named the A25, A49 & A61.
Similar to their bigger brother, the S-Series, The A-Series are fully NKS compatible, feature touch-sensitive dials and DAW control, an NI customer designed keybed and a suite of NI software.
In Fact, the only major differences between the A-Series and the S-Series is the keybed, the full-colour screens which are found on the S49, S61 & S88, and the included software.
The software included with the A-Series include:
- THE GENTLEMAN – classic upright piano
- MONARK – iconic mono synth
- SCARBEE MARK 1 – electric piano
- REAKTOR PRISM – polyphonic synthesizer
- REAKTOR BLOCKS WIRED – modular synths
- REAKTOR 6 PLAYER – powerful player for REAKTOR instruments
- KONTAKT 6 PLAYER – including 50 instruments
- GUITAR RIG 5 PLAYER – custom amp, 17 cabinets, and 13 effects
- KOMPLETE KONTROL Software
- MASCHINE ESSENTIALS
Maschine Mikro MK3
Maschine Mikro has always been a great little tool for beat-making, and is a great alternative to Machine MK3 as it offers a lot of functionality in a tiny package. Maschine Mikro MK3 is now even more portable, and easier to play with bigger pads, OLED display, and dual-touch smart strip.
Maschine Mikro MK3 comes included with Maschine Software, and a host of samples and effects (around 1.6GB) to get you making music right out of the box. This can be expanded upon via your own samples, or Maschine packs which are now included with copies of Komplete 12.
Traktor Kontrol S2 & S4
Traktor is Native Instruments’ DJ platform, and offers some of the most comprehensive hardware and software on the market. These new releases see the Traktor line improved and expanded upon.
Traktor Kontrol S2
The Traktor Kontrol S2 is a DJ controller designed for the aspiring DJ – someone who is looking to get into the world of DJ’ing. There are a ton of features packed into this unit, including spin-to-nudge, and scratch capabilities.
The layout is that of an industry standard, so anybody looking to progress will be familiar with how everything is laid out, from the position of the jog wheels to the pads used for triggering samples.
The newest version of Traktor, Traktor Pro 3 is also included with the Kontrol S2.
Traktor Kontrol S4
Kontrol S4 is a DJ controller aimed at seasoned veterans of DJ’ing, semi-pro users and mobile DJ’s, to name a few.
Built to last, the S4 is packed with all the features you need from multiple FX, 3 jog wheels modes (Turntable, Jog & Beatgrid), high-resolution displays and much more.
A standout feature of the S4 is the haptic feedback available in both jog wheels. This feedback is created by small motors within, and provides adjustable resistance to the wheels, as well as subtle vibrations when lining up the beat grid. As this is software based, more usability will be added in the future. Capacitive touch also lets you backspin, regardless of the resistance or haptic feedback controls currently set.
Traktor Kontrol Pro 3 is also included with Kontrol S4.