Native Instruments Kontakt

Native Instruments have been leaders in the production of software synthesizer plug-ins for some time now. With the release of software samplers such as IK Multimedia SampleTank and Steinberg HALion, NI offers KONTAKT - the ultimate sampler plug-in for your computer! KONTAKT works on both Mac and PC platforms in Stand-Alone or plug-in compatible applications, supporting ASIO 2.0, DirectSound, MME, SoundManager, VST 2.0, Audio Units, Core Audio, RTAS, DXi, DirectConnect, and MAS/FreeMIDI formats.

KONTAKT comes with five CD's full of samples ranging from basic drums, guitar, piano, bass, and samples from each of NI's own line of outstanding synth plug-ins to get you started. At the left of KONTAKT's window is a file browser for searching your disks for samples to drag and drop into KONTAKT's editing windows. Samples are loaded entirely into available RAM which means if you want to use a 200 MB sample, you need at least 200 MB of RAM available to KONTAKT. This is not like HALion which loads only the attack of a sample into RAM and streams the rest from hard disk. The result is KONTAKT has a heavy RAM requirement but is guaranteed to have quick and responsive playback of your samples with no clicks, errors or audible latency.

When you open KONTAKT you have an empty 'instance' which can support up to 16 instruments. Each instrument can be assigned to any MIDI channel. They each have their own key range, velocity range, and polyphony settings. It also displays the instrument name and RAM usage with global Tune, Pan, Solo, Mute and Volume controls. Samples can be freely assigned to key and velocity zones in the Mapping editor by simple drag and drop. Samples can also be layered over the same keys or at various velocity zones on the same key. Crossfades between samples assigned to neighboring keys or velocity crossfades can be set automatically with a drop-down menu or manually with small handles in the Mapping editor. The Loop Editor lets you quickly and easily assign in/out points for up to 8 different loops per sample. Multiple loops lets you create stuttering effects and other wacky stuff. There's a Zero-X mode for tweaking the loop's crossfade point, auto-find loop start/end points, resynthesis and timestretching functions.

KONTAKT has a lot of tricks available to mangle samples into something new. It operates in one of three modes: Sampler, Tone Machine or Time Machine. Sampler mode is the basic mode where your intent is to play-back samples such as those from libraries. KONTAKT supports Akai S1000 and S3000, SoundFont2, GigaStudio, HALion, EXS24, SND, WAV, SDII, AIFF, and NI Battery files. Tuning and Reverse can be used to alter the source sample. The Tone and Time Machines offer interesting sample mangling features based on granular resynthesis. The Time Machine does real-time time stretching and pitch shifting. Assign a sample to a range of keys, for example, and each key can play the sample at a different tempo but maintain the same pitch. Tone Machine gives the sample the pitch of any key played. The Granular Synthesis process here can yield some strange results too.
KONTAKT offers a bunch of lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and notch filters with 6 to 36 dB/oct slopes and resonance, and they sound great. There's also 1-, 2-, and 3-band EQ's, a phaser, and two vocal formant filters. Nearly every parameter of KONTAKT can be modulated from sources like the LFOs, envelopes, step modulators, envelope followers and controllers. All relevant modulators can be synchronized to MIDI clock. Control- or right-click on any control or knob to assign a modulation source or MIDI controller number to it. You can even assign several knobs to the same controller. And it can 'learn' an incoming MIDI controller number from your MIDI controller for quickly and easily assigning knobs on your controller to the parameters of your choice. KONTAKT also offers three types of envelopes: a DBD (Decay 1, Breakpoint, Decay 2) for pitch sweeps, a basic AHDSR envelope, and a flexible 32 point envelope as seen in Absynth and FM7 (pictured below), which allows you to create very rhythmic and looped effects. The cool Step Modulator is an analog style sequencer with up to 32 steps and is used to rhythmically modulate any modulatable destination like the filter cutoff, pitch, etc.In addition there are insert and send effects for each instrument which include EQ, reverb, chorus, delay, lowfi, stereo enhancer, distortion, flanger, phaser, compressor, chorus, or any of KONTAKT's 14 filters. The File Browser window can also be switched to a structure view, in which all the actual modules, zones, groups, instruments, etc. that are being used by the sampler appear so you can easily navigate your way around all he modules in your instrument. And each plug-in instance can support up to 32 outputs in supporting host applications, and 16 outputs in stand-alone mode with an appropriate soundcardAs of this writing, KONTAKT is yet another leading plug-in from Native Instruments! It offers superior sample manipulation with synth-like filtering and modulation that goes beyond what other soft- and hard-ware samplers offer. The user interface is awkward and takes getting used to, but it is very streamlined, efficient, and everything is done graphically within one window. The samples that come with KONTAKT (developed by Yellow Tools) are not the greatest but show you how realistic and creative you can get with sample mapping, layering, modulating, etc. If you were looking to go virtual with your studio, KONTAKT is the affordable sampler that will replace your hardware sampler!

Famous user BT says, "Kontakt is the most comprehensive and elaborate sample engine I've ever worked with. The only software sampler you'll ever need." Paul Hartnoll of Orbital says "Kontakt is the best software sampler that we have ever seen, very simple and easy to use. Yet with it's modular structure it can be as complex as you want. It's an incredible creative device..."
Specifications
Polyphony - Hardware Dependent (Up to 256 per instrument)
Sampler - Sample Formats: Akai S1000 and S3000, SoundFont2, GigaStudio, HALion, EXS24, SND, WAV, SDII, AIFF, Battery and Reaktor files
Interfaces: ASIO 2.0, DirectSound, MME, SoundManager, VST 2.0, DXi, DirectConnect, and MAS/FreeMIDI
LFO - Sine, Triangle, Rectangle, Sawtooth, Random, Multi waveforms
Filter - Sampler filters: Lowpass 1-, 2-, 4-, 6-pole; Highpass 1-, 2-, 4-pole, Bandpass 1+1, 2+2 pole; Notch 2+2 pole; Multimode 3x2 pole.
Equalizers: Parametric 1-, 2-, 3-band EQ.
Effect Filters: Phaser, Vowel A, Vowel B.
Effects - Send Effects: Panning Delay, Stereo Chorus, Stereo Flanger, Stereo Phaser, Reverb
Insert Effects: Distortion, Saturation, LowFi, Compressor, Stereo Enhancer, Filter/EQ
Keyboard - Virtual in Mapping Editor from C-2 to C8 (10 octave range), Velocity (range 1-127)
Macintosh - Minimum: Mac OS 9.2 or higher, G3 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM
Recommended: Mac OS 9.2 or higher, G4 733, 512 MB
VST 2, Audio Units, Core Audio, RTAS, Direct Connect, MAS, Sound Manager, FreeMidi, OMS
Windows/PC - Minimum: Windows XP, Pentium III/ Athlon 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM
Recommended: Windows XP, Pentium III/ Athlon 700 MHz, 512 MB
VST 2, DXi, ASIO, DirectSound, RTAS (XP only)
Date Produced - 2002
Est. Value - $399

Native Instruments FM7

The FM7 from NATIVE INSTRUMENTS could be the best software synthesizer ever! The FM7 is based upon the classic and legendary sounds of FM synthesis found in Yamaha's DX-series, from the DX7 to the DX200! The FM7's brilliant user-interface makes FM synthesis understandable, and for the first time, visually intuitive. And since the FM7 can import SysEx patch files, of which thousands can be downloaded from the internet, you have virtually every Yamaha FM synthesizer and more available to you in an easy to use and totally modern software plug-in compatible with every major computer music program (ASIO, MME, DirectX, SoundManager, VST, DXi, Audio Unit, RTAS, MAS, DirectConnect)! The FM7 can read all programs from the original DX7, DX7-II, DX11, TX81Z, TX7, DX21, DX27, DX100, TX802 and it reproduces the sounds of these machines exactly, if not better!
As part of NI's Vintage Line, the FM7 not only recreates the look and sound of DX-synths, but in many ways it surpasses what those original FM synthesizers could do. To get you started, it ships with two 128-patch banks of new sounds, a set of 128 DX200 patches, and the factory and some additional presets from the original vintage DX7. The FM7 is not just a DX emulator in the form of another software plug-in. It is a genuine FM algorithm synthesizer that takes the concept to the next level! It adds distortion and filter operators, extensive modulation capabilities, a comprehensive effects section, audio input and much more to the traditional FM architecture.

The FM7 has eight operators, each of which can be selected and graphically edited on-screen or via MIDI controller. The first six operators (A-F) are modeled after the DX-series. Operators are unique to FM synthesis. Each one generates a waveform which can be used as a carrier (the sound that is heard) or a modulator (like the way an LFO is a wave that modulates an audible carrier wave). Whereas the original DX-synths only used sine waves for their operators, the FM7's operators offer a choice of 32 waveforms from simple sine to complex TX and formant waves. Additionally, the original FM synthesizers had 32 preset algorithms for designating and routing which operators will be carriers and/or modulators. FM7 has a fully programmable FM matrix in which you can freely adjust the signal routing from one operator to another, and you can even make the operators modulate themselves in a feedback loop. The original 32 DX-algorithms can be chosen from the FM Matrix's presets menu.
Specifications
Polyphony - CPU Dependent
Oscillators - 6 FM Operators with 32 waveforms plus 1 distortion Operator and 1 dual resonant multimode filter Operator (with low/band/highpass)
LFO - 2 LFOs per voice, 32 waveforms each (same as in Operators), Sample-and-Hold, Modulation Matrix
Keyboard - 6-octave 73-note simulated keyboard (complete 12-octave 145-note keyboard range)
Effects - Stereo effects section with chorus, flanger delay, can be used for external audio signals; Unison mode, Portamento
Interfaces - Runs stand-alone with ASIO, MME, DirectX, Sound Manager, or as a plug-in using VST-2.0, MAS, DXi, Core Audio, RTAS, and DirectConnect
Macintosh - Mac OS 8.6 or higher, G4 400 MHz, 128 MB RAM, OMS or FreeMIDI
Windows/PC - Windows 98/ME/2000/XP, Pentium 450 MHz, 128 MB RAM, 16 bit sound card
Date Produced - 2002
Est. Value - $299 (list)

Native Instruments Dynamo

DYNAMO is a lite version of REAKTOR, the powerful virtual synthesizer, sampler and effects processor from Native Instruments. Dynamo comes with 25 presets from the Premium Library of Reaktor sounds. These presets feature awesome drum machines, effects, samplers + transformers, FM-synths + hybrids, sequenced-synths, and subtractive-synths; all created by top sound designers. Dynamo can act as a stand-alone software synth using ASIO, SoundManager, and DirectSound or as a plug-in using VST-2.0, MAS, MME, and DirectConnect for Pro Tools. And it's available for both Mac and PC.

When you load a library preset you get its control panel on screen. You can edit every parameter available to suit your needs. Editing can be done on the fly, recorded into your sequences, and Dynamo works with 4CONTROL for enhanced hands-on real-time control! Although Dynamo gives you access to some amazing sounds from the Reaktor synth, you do not have the ability to create your own new modules or synthesizers. A major feature absent from Dynamo is the ability to select, route and design various synthesizers from some 200 modules available in Reaktor. You can save your tweaked versions of the library presets however.

Because of Reaktor's steep learning-curve, Dynamo offers not only an affordable but easier to use solution to Reaktor. Dynamo still sounds just as good as Reaktor but comes at less than half the price! Native Instruments also plans to extend the library of sounds periodically adding new presets available as free downloads!

Anyone interested in software synthesizers should look at Dynamo. Its 32-bit real-time synthesis offers state of the art emulation of general purpose analog to digital sounds. It doesn't limit itself to the specific recreation of any one particular vintage instrument and it is much easier to operate than Reaktor. Download the audio and program demos and see if it's right for you!

Native Instruments B4

The Native Instruments B4 is a software plug-in that emulates the look and sounds of the classic Hammond B3 tonewheel organ and rotating speaker. With an authentic looking B3 complete with drawbars, dual manuals (keyboards) and a pedal keyboard, the plug-in is very visual and intuitive to use. It even features a nifty rear-view for tweaking more adjustment parameters, kind of like the real thing! Unlike the old B3's however, the new plug-in adds flexibility in sound generation and seamless integration into the studio that the original never had.. and at a fraction of the cost.
The B4 can create all the classic B3 type sounds with stunning clarity and detail while emulating the effects of rotating speakers, tube circuitry and other electro-mechanical functions that made the B3 a legend. The sounds are physically modeled and Native Instruments has included such B3 nuances as harmonic foldback, drawbar crosstalk and loudness robbing for an authentic recreation.The B4 plug-in should be part of any VST set-up. Sure it could be used to make church music or take you out to the ball game. But it is also capable of sounds used by such legendary artists as Pink Floyd to Herbie Hancock to Air to Portishead. For use on Macintosh or Windows, by itself or as a plug-in with any VST 2.0, Audio Units, or RTAS compatible music apps. Demo sounds and Plug-In demos and updates are available at Native Instruments and their B4 Page.

NEWS: The new DXi B4 update is now available and can be downloaded. It adds full DXi support to the B4 Organ and allows the perfect integration into Cakewalk's digital multitrack recording system Sonar. You can now use the B4 as a Sonar plug-in and benefit from all DXi features, such as seamless control and automation via MIDI track, routing to audio tracks and auxiliary sends, and much more.

Available as of November, 2001 comes the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Studio Collection Pro Tools Edition. This is a bundle of RTAS plug-ins for Pro Tools which include the B4, Pro-52 vintage synth, and Battery drum sampler. For $999 (list) these synths and sampler can be used seamlessly within Pro Tools (TDM/LE/Free).
Specifications
Polyphony - Unlimited (depending on CPU power)
Oscillators - 91 modeled tonewheels
Keyboard - 2 manuals and pedal keyboard; 9 drawbars per manual
Speaker - Emulated rotary speaker
Effects - scanner vibrato/chorus; tube distortion sound
Memory - Save Patches directly to your hard disk or as part of a VST sequence/MIDI file.
Macintosh - Mac OS 8.6 or higher, PPC 604, 233 MHz, 64 MB RAM
VST 2, Audio Units, RTAS, Core Audio, Core MIDI, ASIO
Windows/PC - Windows 98/2000/ME/XP, Pentium 233 MHz, 64 MB RAM.
VST 2, DXi, RTAS (XP only), ASIO, MME
Date Produced - 2000
Est. Value - $199
$999 for Native Instruments Studio Collection For Pro Tools Edition (includes: Pro-52, B4, Battery)

Native Instruments ABSYNTH

ABSYNTH is a wonderfully organic software synthesizer for the Macintosh and PC! It is a semi-modular synthesizer with the ability to layer multiple synthesis techniques for really unique textures, pads, tones, soundscapes, rhythmic effects and other synth sounds ranging from analog to digital. ABSYNTH was originally released in 2000 by Rhizomatic Software as an internet download. Native Instruments saw the potential for ABSYNTH and have worked with Rhizomatic to make a new and truly professional version.

ABSYNTH not only sounds great but looks cool too! Its alien-organic design is the perfect visual complement to the alien-organic sounds it can generate! ABSYNTH offers several synthesis methods including subtractive synthesis, FM and AM via three independent oscillators. You start by choosing synthesis methods in the Patch Window (pictured below) and then adding or layering additional filters, effects and other modules. A patch can have multiple oscillators and up to four filters, three ring modulators, a waveshaper and a delay effect.

ABSYNTH offers a Waveform Editor where you can freely draw in your own waveforms and hear the results in real time. These waveforms can be used by the oscillators, LFOs, and as waveshaping distortion functions. This is a truly unique feature to ABSYNTH among competing soft-synths. The Spectral Waveform Editor allows you to trim individual harmonics for entirely new timbres. And waveforms can be Transformed using normalization, DC offset, phase inversion and offset, reverse, fractalize, filter, FM, and more.
ABSYNTH has three discrete LFOs. Each of them can modulate pitch, amplitude, filter, FM depth, pan or delay time. There is also Sample and Hold for each LFO for that classic analog synth effect. The LFO's waveforms can be drawn and edited within the Waveform Editor. There are plenty of envelopes as well. The Graphical Envelope Editor allows you to see and edit your envelopes. They contain up to 68 breakpoints per envelope so your sound can drone out with multiple decays, attacks, sustains and other evolving or rhythmic dynamics. This allows you to easily and truly sculpt your sounds like never before! The Envelope Function Generator allows you to build tempo driven or percussive rhythms using the envelopes. The envelopes can be used to shape the amplitude and/or the pitch, filters, or other synth parameters. As for effects, Delays can be modulated by the three LFOs and MIDI controllers for truly surreal delay effects. Delay times range from as little as one sample to 10 seconds.

ABSYNTH 2 released in 2003 added Mac OS X support including CoreAudio and CoreMidi support (and most recently RTAS). In addition, ABSYNTH2 can import any-sized samples for processing through it's modules. There's also Granular sampling, and full MIDI/Host tempo synchronization for all envelopes, effects times and LFO's. Other improvements include sonically enhanced oscillators and filters (improved analog-style 2-, 4- and 8-pole low pass and all pass filters), more envelope controller functions and 128 brand new Preset patches. ABSYNTH 2 continues to support Mac OS 9 and Windows PC (VSTi, DXi, ASIO, DirectSound, MME, and Sound Manager). All of its parameters can be modulated by MIDI continuous controllers, aftertouch, velocity and note number. It is used by Richie Hawtin and many others (it was used extensively in the Matrix Reloaded soundtrack).

Absynth Sonic Expansion Sounds Vol. 1 is a library from Native Instruments Sound Line ($49) with 256 brand new presets for Absynth. Absynth is a powerful and flexible synthesizer, but programming it may seem a little overwhelming to some users; this collection gives you a whole new batch of bizarre and organic synth sounds, atmospheres, textures, loops, synth and acoustic type sounds to play with. Velocity, modulation, and MIDI controllers are programmed into each sound for dynamic, responsive, and inspiring sounds.


Specifications
Polyphony - Limit depends on CPU power
Oscillators - 3 oscillators (Preset Waveforms); Subtractive, FM, AM synthesis including 3 Ring Modulators and a WaveShaper; Freely drawable waveforms for oscillators
Filter - 4 filters per voice; Lowpass 6/12/24 dB/oct, Highpass 6/12/24 dB/oct, Bandpass, Notch, Comb
Envelopes - Many graphical envelopes with up to 68 breakpoints each
LFO - 3 LFOs; Freely drawable waveforms for LFOs
Keyboard - Virtual 86-note keyboard
Effects - Delay Effects, can be modulated by the 3 LFOs and MIDI controllers
Interfaces - Runs stand-alone and as a plug-in on Macintosh or PC; Supports VST 2.0, AudioUnits, DXi, ASIO, Soundmanager, CoreAudio, CoreMIDI, OMS
Macintosh - Mac OS 9.1 or higher, G3 400 MHz, 256 MB RAM; Mac OSX 10.2 or higher, G4 400 MHz, 256 MB RAM
Windows/PC - Windows XP, Pentium 500 MHz, 256 MB RAM
Date Produced - 2000 - By Rhizomatic Software
Spring 2001 - Native Instruments
Est. Value - $299