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    Akai And Native Instruments Collab for MPC 3

    By Updated:4 Mins Read
    Person using a red AKAI MPC ONE+ music production controller with a display screen and pads, wearing headphones, with 'MPC3' and 'Native Instruments' logos overlaid on the image.

    Native Instruments has just made a groundbreaking announcement at NAMM 2025, unveiling its Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) Hardware Partner Program. Designed to streamline and enhance music production, this initiative bridges the gap between hardware and software, offering music producers unparalleled creative possibilities. Major industry players like Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio have joined the program, ensuring seamless integration of their renowned controllers with Native Instruments’ software ecosystem.

    A collection of Akai music production equipment, including keyboards and drum pads with various control interfaces and displays, in different colors such as black and red.
    Akai MPC 3 Collection of Instruments

    This marks a significant evolution for Native Instruments’ vision of creating an open and connected platform for music creators. With over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects from 250+ brands, producers now have access to a diverse and premium library of sounds—all at their fingertips.

    Two Akai music production devices are shown: a red MPC One+ with a digital display of musical notes and a series of knobs and pads; and a larger silver device being operated by a person, displaying a colorful graph on its screen. Text reads,
    AKAI Professional MPC 3

    Pioneering a Unified Music Production Ecosystem

    At the core of this development is the Native Kontrol Standard (NKS), a technology that unifies virtual instruments, effects, and hardware. This integration allows music makers to bypass complex setups, delivering an intuitive workflow that keeps their focus squarely on creativity.

    Simon Cross, Chief Product Officer at Native Instruments, underscores the collaborative spirit of this expansion, stating:

    “This expansion highlights the impact of collaboration. It marks an important milestone in our mission to provide musicians with an open, connected platform, making professional-grade tools, instruments, and technology more accessible to creators everywhere.”

    What the NKS Hardware Partner Program Offers

    The NKS Hardware Partner Program enables basic integration for partner controllers, giving users access to Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol desktop software. With this, musicians can fully explore the 2,000+ NKS-compatible instruments and effects library. Supported hardware now benefits from:

    • Intuitive Mappings: Supported controllers offer plug-and-play functionality, allowing hands-on control without the need for extensive configuration.
    • Future-Ready Features: The program sets the stage for advanced functionality in upcoming products, ensuring creators remain at the forefront of innovation.
    • Streamlined Workflows: Producers can stay immersed in their music-making process without unnecessary distractions.
    A line-up of five AKAI Professional MPC Edition music software packages with distinct designs: Analog Dreams with a purple grid background, Cloud Supply featuring a cloud explosion, Homage showcasing music equipment on a wooden surface, Niakht with a black and white smoky design, and Sway with colorful abstract shapes.
    Akai And Native Instruments Expansion Packs Are Available Now.

    Industry Leaders Joining the NKS Ecosystem

    The partnership with Akai Professional, Novation, Nektar, Korg, and M-Audio is a game-changer for music production. Here’s how each brand’s hardware integrates with NKS:

    • Akai Professional:
      The MPK Mini Series (MPK Mini, MPK Mini Play, and MPK Mini Plus) now features NKS compatibility, bringing Akai’s widely loved compact controllers into the Native Instruments fold.
    • Novation:
      NKS integration enhances the Launchkey MK3 and MK4, FLkey, and SL MK3 controllers, expanding their already exceptional DAW workflows. The addition of NKS compatibility means creators can now combine Novation’s ease of use with Komplete Kontrol’s powerful sound library.
    • Nektar:
      The LX MK3 Series gains velocity-sensitive NKS functionality, enabling producers to enjoy expressive control and streamlined creative workflows.
    • Korg:
      With MIDI 2.0-ready Keystage controllers, Korg brings its signature innovation into the NKS ecosystem. These controllers cater to both live performers and studio producers, offering advanced sound design possibilities.
    • M-Audio:
      The Oxygen Series keyboards now boast NKS integration, empowering music makers with cutting-edge tools for studio and stage performances alike.
    A person operates an AKAI Professional music production device with a touch screen interface. A shelf with books and a potted plant is visible nearby. The scene includes various art supplies and a speaker in the background.
    Akai And Native Instruments

    Why This Matters

    For producers, this expansion eliminates the frustration of incompatible hardware and software. By integrating their favourite controllers with Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol platform, music makers gain a seamless and expressive workflow that fosters creativity and innovation. The addition of industry-leading hardware ensures that the NKS ecosystem continues to set the standard for music production.

    Close-up of a digital audio workstation interface showing multicolored tracks and waveforms on a screen, with music production tools and controls visible at the bottom.
    Akai Professional Unveils MPC 3 Feature

    What’s Next for Native Instruments?

    This launch is just the beginning. Native Instruments has hinted at upcoming advanced features and hardware updates within the NKS framework, promising even greater possibilities for musicians. As the ecosystem grows, users can expect enhanced tools to further connect their creative processes.

    Explore the future of music production with Native Instruments and its NKS Hardware Partner Program.

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    Fahad Al Sheri's avatar

    Fahad Al Sheri has spent the better part of five years in the UAE watching how quickly this country moves — and making sure readers are never the last to know. As UAE News & Business Editor at What's Hot in UAE, he covers the policies, infrastructure projects, and regulatory changes that shape daily life across all seven emirates.His work sits at the intersection of government affairs and ground-level impact. A new bridge that cuts your commute by nine minutes. A change to end-of-service rules that affects your contract. A metro expansion that unlocks a new part of the city. These are the stories Fahad follows from announcement to delivery.Before joining What's Hot in UAE, Fahad contributed to regional business and current affairs coverage across several UAE-based platforms, developing a network of sources within government communications, urban planning, and the private sector. He reads every official gazette update so you don't have to.Based in Dubai, he covers the UAE with the attention to detail that only comes from genuinely living inside the story.Follow Fahad's work on Muck Rack and Mastodon.

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