11/19/2023 0 Comments Native instrument kontakt libraries![]() Firstly, an improved Database system offers extensive search and file-management facilities, a crucial necessity for anyone with a burgeoning library of sounds (for more on Kontakt 's file architecture and hierachy, see the box below). However, there are now five tabs at the top bringing new functions into play. The InterfaceĪs before, the Kontakt screen is divided into two main windows - the Browser and the Instrument Rack, and the Browser still provides the means to navigate your computer's drive directories. The Browser, showing the drag-and-drop Effects. Even when Kontakt is addressed through only one physical or virtual port, all 64 parts can still be used to layer sounds - although only 16 MIDI channels are available between them. When run as a plug-in within a host sequencer, you will need software capable of supporting virtual MIDI ports to access all 64 channels. It is also 64-part multitimbral, having four 16-part banks, or Multi-pages, each of which is addressable on its own physical MIDI port when run as the stand-alone version. The polyphony is theoretically unlimited, depending on your PC's capabilities. Version 2 employs a 192kHz, 32-bit sample engine able to replay samples up to 24-bit resolution. ![]() This can be done on line (via any computer) or by snail-mail. As is now customary with current NI products, you have full functionality of the program for 30 days, after which you must authorise the software using NI's key code system. For reasons I'll explain later, if you are a Sonar user (like myself.) and would normally install the DXi plug-in version, it is advisable to install the stand-alone, DXi and VST versions. This is very reassuring if you wish to return to using the earlier version for any reason. Note that version 2 of Kontakt installs into its own folder, so anyone nervous about upgrading from version 1.xx can relax - your old installation remains unharmed. The program is provided in stand-alone, DXi, VST, RTAS, and Audio Units flavours, and installation proved straightforward. Mac users can apparently get away with 800MHz G4 processors, although my test was carried out on a PC, so I can't comment further! NI recommend a minimum spec of 512MB of RAM on both platforms, and that Pentium PCs should have processors no slower than 1GHz (Athlon XP-based machines have a suggested minimum speed of 1.4GHz, though). Kontakt 2 is a cross-platform application, although it only runs under Windows XP and Mac OS X from revision 10.2.6 and up. Version 2 has had a major cosmetic overhaul, with loads of new features and a much improved interface. ![]() Samples can be streamed directly from disk and processed by a large variety of effects: time-stretching, filtering, modulation, looping and beat-slicing are just a small selection of the armoury of tools on offer. To recap briefly, Kontakt is a sophisticated software sampler, offering sample creation from compatible file formats, sample manipulation and performance capabilities similar to programs such as Tascam's Gigastudio, Steinberg's Halion and Emagic/Apple's EXS24. Version 1.0.2 of NI's Kontakt was reviewed back in SOS August 2002, and has since become a major player amongst software samplers. Moreover, NI will be extending its subscription model and we will not be surprised if the standalone Komplete download / SSD version goes the way of the dodo at some point.Native Instruments' Kontakt has become one of the most popular software samplers since its release in 2002, and the new version, with its many excellent new features, should keep it near the top of the heap. We expect Native Instruments will focus on Kontakt, Maschine and Traktor with additional DSP mojo amply supplied by iZotope and Brainworx. That shouldn’t be a big problem considering NI is part of Soundwide. I also think many NI users want more new instruments and effects (and not just new sound packs). We’re all crossing our fingers for an early update to all NI plug-ins (Komplete, Maschine) for native compatibility with Apple Silicon computers. ![]() On the other hand, there’s nothing in stone to say about Komplete 14, yet. ![]() So nothing super-special that would make a for a big new version, but incremental updates and a new factory library are pretty awesome. In addition to Retina compatibility for the plug-in and the browser, a new Factory Library, and two new effects ( Psyche Delay and Ring Modulator), the list only contains bug fixes and performance updates. So it seems clear that Native Instruments will be releasing a new version of the sample player and engine soon. Apparently, a beta tester couldn’t keep his hands still and posted the changelog from NI Kontakt 7 as a screenshot from the Native Access installation software. ![]()
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