
At NAMM 2025, Native Instruments unveiled its Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Hardware Partner Program, a major step forward for music producers seeking seamless integration between software and hardware. Industry giants Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio have joined the NKS ecosystem, connecting creators to over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from more than 250 brands.
Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments, stated, “This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration. It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform.”
Unlocking Seamless Music Production
NKS bridges virtual instruments and effects with hardware, allowing supported controllers to work directly with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol software. This ensures intuitive mappings, hands-on control, and minimal setup time for producers. Key partners include:
Akai Professional: NKS now supports the MPK Mini Series.
Novation: Integration enhances Launchkey, FLkey, and SL MK3 controllers.
Nektar: LX MK3 controllers bring expanded creative workflows.
Korg: MIDI 2.0-compatible Keystage controllers deliver advanced flexibility.
M-Audio: Oxygen Series keyboards integrate with NKS for studio and live use.
NKS integration will roll out in the coming months, and hardware owners can sign up for updates at native-instruments.com/nks.
Collaboration with Akai Professional
Native Instruments and Akai Professional are also launching exclusive content for MPC users. Five MPC Expansions and five MPC Edition Play Series instruments will bring top-tier sounds to the iconic standalone platform. These include one-shots, samples, and presets tailored for diverse genres, available mid-February.
Joe Richardson, EVP at inMusic, praised the partnership, stating, “This collaboration not only enhances the MPC experience but brings unmatched creative possibilities to musicians and producers worldwide.”
Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Included
As part of the NKS Hardware Partner Program, new hardware owners will receive Komplete 15 Select free of charge. The bundle, worth over $1,000, includes synths, effects, and instruments tailored to different production styles. Akai Professional buyers will also gain access to premium tools like Massive X and iZotope’s Ozone Elements.
Looking Ahead
Native Instruments aims to set a new industry standard through partnerships and innovation. By building an interconnected ecosystem, the company empowers musicians of all genres to focus on creativity.
For those attending NAMM 2025, live demonstrations and presentations will be held at the booths of participating partners. Discover the future of music production with Native Instruments’ groundbreaking advancements.
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