Going to buy this keyboard and since I have some legit and non legit Native software, I'm wondering how should I register this keyboard.

Should I just be able to use legit komplete Kontrol software along non legit plugins for example or should I use a non legit Komplete Kontrol app too?

Thanks

 

That is fine. You can run the legit Komplete Kontrol, but if you want to run non legit Kontakt libraries inside it or Maschine you will need to grab Kontakt from the sister site. Same with Maschine if you want to download non legit sample libraries.

 

I would decide on one side permanently.

Hardware = Native Instruments
Software = Team R2R, V.R., and others

Then you won't have to constantly stress when something doesn't work.

 

Hi not exactly shure what you mean but the fact is: You have to register this keyboard unfortunately through Native access. Othewise it is not going to work. You should also download the additional update software. Beyond that - especially as you are merging legit, non-legit I would suggest to go non-legit for Kontakt and Komplete Kontrol. That way you can use either libraries or software solutions without a hazzle.

 

So maybe I can just register the keyboard online and install the non-legit komplete kontrol app/vst on my laptop right?

I have all my native instruments plugins cracked and Kontakt filled with a lot of non-legit libraries

Thanks everyone for the quick replies

 

All hardware runs completely offline, you don't need to register with NI, you already have a 2-year warranty on your product (that's how it is in Europe), and NI will use your email address and user details for marketing purposes.

Just use: Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol v3.5.1 Incl Patched and Keygen-R2R

If the hardware ever breaks, contact your dealer. NI has virtually no support anymore because they fired people a few years ago, as they were bought out. If you buy from Thomann, you even get a 3-year warranty and a money-back guarantee.
www.thomann.de/de/native_instruments_komplete_kontrol_s88_mk3.htm You can set the language in the top right corner.

 

But I saw on some unboxing videos that as you first power on the keyboard, it asks you to register the keyboard online and is blocked into that screen I think.

Also, what if I want to update the keyboard to its latest firmware?

Thanks!

 

Oh, sorry, I reread it, and yes, you're right. NI is actually violating all basic rights, which is pretty brazen and actually illegal.

The Native Kontrol S88 MK3 keyboard indeed requires registration online when first powered on. It will be blocked on that screen until the keyboard is registered via Native Access software by entering the serial number, which activates the device for use.

Regarding updating the keyboard firmware, the process generally involves:

- Connecting the keyboard to your computer.
- Using Native Access software to check for firmware updates.
- Downloading and installing the latest firmware directly through the Native Access app.
- The firmware can be updated fairly quickly (under 5 minutes), but it's important not to interrupt the update process to avoid "bricking" the keyboard.
- Firmware updates include important new features such as standalone MIDI templates, on-device arpeggiator, simultaneous MIDI output via USB and MIDI ports, and compatibility with more plugins.
- Make sure to keep the keyboard connected and powered during the update without interruptions.
- Native Instruments provides a Hardware Connection Service app which is essential for proper communication and firmware update functionality.

 

You can use Mk1/Mk2 keyboard without any registration and with plugins from R2R and other teams.
Not sure about MK3

 

I would kindly disagree with the above - as I do own your keyboard, but in the 61 key version. This keyboard requires - as stupid as that might be - an online registration, otherwise it is not going to work. So the registration is not a warranty matter, but the only way to turn this keyboard from a piece of plastic into something that you can use to make music with

 

So I should download official Native Access, register and update the keyboard through there.

After that, regarding the Komplete Kontrol app, it is better to use the cracked version as I have most of their software as non-legit then right?

 

So what is the better option to use it with cracked NI apps and Kontakt non-legit libraries?

Thanks!

 

This is from the manual, right at the bottom, please turn it off!

Usage Data Settings https://www.native-instruments.com/...ontrol_S_Series_MK3_Manual_English_171023.pdf

The Usage Data settings let you choose whether you want to disable usage data tracking. The following setting is available:

• Allow Usage Data Tracking?: Lets you deactivate or activate usage data tracking (active by default). Usage data tracking technology enables Kontrol MK3 to automatically track anonymous usage data. This provides a valuable tool for understanding the performance of Native Instruments products when they are used in real-life situations, which will help us improve our products.

Therefore, we encourage all users to keep usage data tracking activated, but the choice of whether or not you want to share this information with Native Instruments is yours. The data sent to Native Instruments will not affect performance. For more information about usage data tracking, refer to this Knowledge Base article on the Native Instruments website.

License Information The License display shows the license agreements for the various software elements involved in your device.

The following controls are available:

• You can turn Knob 1 to select the license agreement to display.
• You can turn Knob 8 to scroll the displayed license agreement.

 

After the forced registration, you should simply unplug the modem and set up your new keyboard, log out of NI, and check your startup folder to see if NI has anything installed that starts automatically. Change the data permissions (see previous post) to "Disagree," then I would simply install the R2R version.

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Yes, the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S88 MK3 requires mandatory registration via Native Access for full setup and use. The keyboard will display a welcome message upon initial use, prompting you to add your serial number to Native Access, and will remain in this state until registration, a firmware update, and installation of the necessary software (such as Komplete Kontrol, Kontakt, and the Hardware Connection Service) are complete.

Without registration, features such as integration with NI software or bundled instruments (e.g., Komplete Select) are unavailable, and the keyboard cannot be used as a full-featured controller. This is standard for NI hardware to unlock licenses and enable updates. To set up: Download Native Access, create an account, enter your serial number (found on the flyer or the bottom of the keyboard), and install the firmware and software. If you experience issues (e.g., a persistent message), check the connection, update the firmware, and ensure the Hardware Connection Service is running.

 

So funny and stupid shit...
BTW I have installed legit KONTAKT side by side with bobdules version

 

Not only that, if you ever sell one (or buy one used), you have to transfer the license to the new owner (or from the old owner). Otherwise you've got a fancy paperweight. And yeah, this means both users have to have a Native account. This is the high grade bullshit I've come to expect from them, and I've bought several of their products (which I otherwise do like).

Having said that, you only need the HW license activated, then it'll happily work with k'd versions. Sometimes Machine or Komplete Kontrol decides that only one of your Kontakt installations (as it tries to detect the latest one) is out of date and for whatever reason doesn't show the unofficial ones Changing the plugin ID seems to work though. Also I'm not sure if the unofficial versions come with the drivers for the keyboard, but that's easily solved by getting the official ones directly.

 

that crazy, I'm speechless
looked briefly through github Komplete Kontrol is actively hacked or improved there

 

Last edited: Oct 7, 2025 at 3:19 PM

This is nothing compared to UAD's protection. You need an account to activate your card or satellite, just like with Native.

However, plug-ins are linked to a "system" that only includes a maximum of 6 interfaces. It's impossible to transfer them to a second system, which you can create in your account.

If you have multiple UAD devices for the studio and live, for example, and you want to use the plug-ins you purchased on each, you MUST NOT configure two systems. Instead, put all the equipment in the same system in your account.

If you configure two systems, you MUST repurchase the plug-ins or bundles for the second system. It's crazy...

The worst part is, if you make the mistake, because you don't understand this "subtlety" of UAD, you have to go through customer service to have them transfer your equipment from the second system to the first. It's impossible to do it by yourself.