Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25

NI is turning the game around

At the end of 2018, Native Instruments released an interesting line of affordable MIDI keyboards that look just as impressive and support the NKS standard for easy control of Native Instruments' gigantic instrument library.

NKS is cool

And this is a very cool feature. The fact is that when connecting a regular MIDI keyboard to a virtual instrument, you need to additionally specify what and how the buttons and knobs will control. Needless to say, with frequent switching of patches or changing synths, this turns into a headache? The NKS standard is a potential cure for this disease, making the connection process convenient and intuitive.

NKS is convenient

It not only instantly ties all the buttons, faders and knobs to the synthesizer controls, but also allows you to switch presets directly from the keyboard (and listen to them in advance), switch from one instrument to another on the fly, switch effects, search for sounds by tags, and do many more useful things. And for all this, there is a separate monochrome screen that makes feedback as easy as possible. In general, there is a good chance that NKS will become an industry standard, since Waves, U-He, Softube and three dozen other well-known software manufacturers have already joined the process.

The best set of bonus software on the market

You can feel all the delights of NKS literally right away, since the Komplete Kontrol A25 comes with a rather serious, albeit truncated, software package from NI. Namely, the Maschine virtual beat studio, the Kontakt uber-sampler, the Reaktor synthesizer pack, the Blocks modular synthesizer, and the Guitar Rig set of guitar gadgets. This is probably the most serious software gift set on the market and should be enough for a beginner musician. And when there is not enough, then the entire package can be upgraded to a full version at a discount.

Comfortable keyboard with aftertouch and Smart Play mode

But not NKS alone. The keyboard itself turned out to be very good and comfortable. Here you have a full-fledged display for managing settings, and 8 digital endless controls, and a comfortable keyboard with aftertouch, built-in arpeggiator and Smart Play function. The latter allows you to select the desired key in advance and transfer all the necessary notes to the white keys so as not to fall "by the notes". Well, the build quality and design are excellent here: the A25 is pleasant to hold in your hands (although the plastic is easily soiled), it is pleasant to play on it and it looks much more expensive than its price. Considering that most manufacturers of MIDI keyboards don't bother much with the design, the guys from NI are a fat plus.

Not for beatmakers

In general, the A25 series turned out to be successful and it is praised literally from everywhere. Only the lack of a block with drum pads or a dislike for NI instruments can turn away from a purchase. Then it will be easier to take something more affordable and versatile like the Akai MPK Mini mkII.