Native Instruments updates industry standard sampler platform Kontakt 6
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 effects · Source: Native Instruments
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 wavetable · Source: Native Instruments
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 debugger · Source: Native Instruments
It feels like decades since the release of version 5 but finally we have a full version update and we’re trying not to feel underwhelmed with Kontakt 6.
Kontakt 6
It is the 6th generation of what has become the industry standard sampled instrument player and development platform. It hosts a huge number of instruments covering masses of genres and housing untold Terrabytes of library. Pretty much everyone who makes music with sample-based virtual instruments uses it in one form or another.
Version 6 brings some new sounds, some new effects and a wavetable engine. Another application called “Creator Tools” is included which lets anyone design and create their own scripted instruments. The new instruments include Analog Dreams, Ethereal Earth and Hybrid Keys. The new effects include the Replika delay, some reverbs and a wah-wah. Is there no end to this crazy diversity?
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 wavetable · Source: Native Instruments
So…. the screenshot looks similar to version 5 plus the added fun of a debugger.
Native Instruments Kontakt 6 debugger · Source: Native Instruments
Wavetable
Wavetable synthesis becomes part of the toolset. All the new instruments incorporate this new module. How you use it or what you do with it is not clear at the moment but I guess it’s a sort of combining of sampling and synthesis techniques.
Building
It’s great to open up the instrument building facilities to more users. This will ensure that Kontakt remains the industry standard in sample-based instrument hosts. Kontakt has the sample engine and efficiency to support huge libraries, with high-end audio manipulation. The effects count is up to 92 modules which can all be incorporated into your instrument. Masses of musical modulation is available along with advanced scripting to get things really complex.
Upgrade enough?
It’s had a nice GUI update and the wavetable side could offer some new textures but largely it’s the same deal really. There are no staggering new features. There are some nice new instruments which are always welcome but I imagine most of us will be using Kontakt in exactly the same way we always have been. It’s already completely awesome but I can’t help feeling a little disappointed that there’s not more innovation in this update. Maybe that will become more obvious in time.
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