Native Instruments has launched Reaktor 6, the latest version of its flagship modular DSP environment, which introduces rackstyle modular patching and major enhancements for advanced builders.

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Featuring best-in-class DSP and sound quality, REAKTOR 6 delivers major innovations for instrument builders as well as being the most approachable version of the software for anyone interested in deep sound experimentation. REAKTOR 6 also introduces a major development in Blocks, a set of diverse modules allowing users to create custom synths in the same way a modular synthesizer is patched. REAKTOR 6 now comes at a new, reduced price, making it the most cost effective entry into custom device building to date.

“REAKTOR has represented the cutting edge of electronic sound for nearly two decades, so bringing such an iconic and mature software to the next level is an especially thrilling challenge”, says Mate Galic, CTO and President of Native Instruments. “Now our development team cannot wait to see how the REAKTOR community will utilize the new features of version 6 for a new generation of ingenious and novel instrument designs”.

Blocks is a new framework in REAKTOR 6, providing the speed and flexibility of modular synth patching combined with the benefits of working in the digital domain. REAKTOR 6 comes bundled with 30 Blocks in several categories, each with a specific purpose. Bento Box Blocks represent the core components of a modular synth setup. Boutique Blocks take inspiration from custom hardware that bring advanced sound shaping to the world of modular synthesis. Digilog Blocks create complex rhythms, process notes, and provide structure in patches. NI All-Star Blocks are single rack-style components of Native Instruments synths such as ROUNDS and MONARK.

The world of Blocks will continue to grow as the vibrant REAKTOR community builds and shares new Blocks and Blocks patches – all available for free online at NI’s REAKTOR User Library.
REAKTOR 6 features new enhancements for the advanced builders creating their own synthesizers, effects, and audio devices. Three key additions extend REAKTOR’s workflow efficiency and sampling power at the Core level.

Bundled wires are like multicore cables, making intra-level patching cleaner and more elegant. Scoped buses allow ‘wireless’ connectivity across multiple structure levels. The Table Framework feature allows flexible and efficient data sharing throughout REAKTOR, including from Primary to Core levels.

Online education provider Kadenze has developed a comprehensive new university-level course for the REAKTOR community. The course offers freely available content, giving users of all levels a way to expand their skillset when working in REAKTOR. Students will receive an in-depth look into various audio synthesis methods, including additive, subtractive, sampling, wavetable, physical modeling, and granular synthesis, as well as the various types of modulation synthesis. Users can get full accreditation for their studies at additional cost. The first course content will be available in time for the release of REAKTOR 6, with more to follow.

Reaktor 6 is available for purchase for $199 USD / 199 EUR / £169 GBP. Special update and educational pricing is also available.
Owners of previous versions of Reaktor and students enrolled in educational institutions can upgrade to Reaktor 6 for $99 USD / 99 EUR / £89 GBP.

More information: Native Instruments / Reaktor 6