Native Instruments has announced new pro-grade hardware and software for music production, including the second generation of the Komplete Kontrol S88 keyboard and Massive X, a completely new successor to the much-celebrated synth that spawned subcultures after it was launched 11 years ago.
These updates to NI’s flagship production products forms part of the largest release in the company’s 22-year history, also featuring the much-anticipated return of Traktor, the arrival of new entry level Maschine and Komplete Kontrol production hardware, and major updates to three online platforms.
The Fall 2018 announcements mark a key milestone on Native Instruments’ path to becoming a true platform provider for the whole music creation industry.
The company’s portfolio is expanding significantly to include products for creators of all styles and abilities, complementary online services, new educational content to guide experiences, and a range of affordable and intuitive entry level production and performance products.
Komplete 12
Since its release in 2003, Komplete has undisputedly become an essential purchase for producers, musicians, and sound designers, by bundling a wide range of innovative and high-quality software instruments and effects at an unbeatable price.
Each successive Komplete generation offers artists a jolt of inspiration, and the biggest update ever, Komplete 12, is no exception.
Komplete 12 is available in four differently-sized packages: Komplete 12, Select, Ultimate, and the new Collector’s Edition – a fifteenth anniversary celebration that packs 150 instruments, effects, and Expansions on to a silver aluminium HDD.
New additions include Kontakt 6, Session Guitarist – Electric Sunburst, the innovative kick and bass synth TRK-01, and for the first time ever, Expansions sound packs. Komplete 12 also includes Massive X – an entirely new instrument that honors and expands on the legacy of the legendary Massive synthesizer.
The world’s leading production suite receives its biggest update ever: New synths, new sampled instruments, new effects, and, for the first time ever, Expansions sound packs.
Komplete 12 will be available from October 1st, 2018:
- Komplete 12 Select: $199 USD / 199 EUR / £159 GBP.
- Komplete 12: $599 USD / 599 EUR / £479 GBP.
- Komplete 12 Ultimate: $1,199 USD / 1,199 EUR / £959 GBP.
- Komplete 12 Ultimate Collector’S Edition: $1,599 USD / 1,599 EUR / £1,279 GBP.
Kontakt 6
KONTAKT 6 is the next generation of the world’s leading sampler. Continuing the development from sampler to sampling platform, Kontakt has evolved into the host for an encyclopedic range of sampled instruments from countless instrument builders.
As a platform, Kontakt supports the whole music production industry, powering the instruments used by composers and producers, and providing a development framework for instrument builders.
For those using Kontakt mainly as a host for instruments, version 6 expands the on-board library with three new instruments: Analog Dreams invokes legendary synth sounds, Ethereal Earth combines sampled traditional instruments with digital synthesis, and Hybrid Keys provides a modern digital twist on classic keyboard instruments.
The instruments debut the Kontakt Play Series – a range of sonically rich sample libraries that combine powerful sound design with simple playability.
For instrument builders and advanced users who work in the edit view, new possibilities for sound design exist thanks to five new effects – three new reverbs, a Replika delay module, and a wah-wah – plus a new wavetable engine.
Creator Tools, a standalone application, rounds off the package.
Designed to improve the workflows of library builders and instrument creators, it consists of a Debugger and an Instrument Editor.
Kontakt 6 will be available from October 1st, 2018, priced at $399 USD / 399 EUR / £339 GBP. The update for owners of Kontakt 1-5 is $99 USD / 99 EUR / £89 GBP.
Komplete Kontrol S88
The new Komplete Kontrol S88 builds upon the acclaimed playability of its predecessor, adding more immersive visual feedback and deeper control for expanded creative possibilities.
The fully-weighted, hammer-action Fatar keybed gives an authentic piano-feel, whilst the hi-res color screens and Light Guide provide at-a-glance visual guidance.
With pre-mapped control of all Komplete Instruments and Effects and hundreds of NKS plug-ins, intuitive DAW integration, and full VST compatibility, the S88 is the ideal centerpiece for any studio or stage setup.
All S-Series keyboards now include Komplete 12 Select and Maschine Essentials software.
Komplete Kontrol S88 will be available from September 27th, 2018, priced at $999 USD / 999 EUR / £799 GBP.
Massive X
To say that Massive helped define the sound of electronic music over the last decade would be an understatement. Spawning subcultures and permeating pop sounds globally, the celebrated synth has long been an essential for serious producers, performers, and sound designers of all genres.
In February 2019, NI welcomes Massive X to the stage. With unparalleled signal processing power and a powerful modular approach, this entirely new synthesizer rips up the sound design rulebook to offer unprecedented sonic potential.
Created by the same team that built the original, Massive X reimagines what a state-of-the-art sound engine can be, with new subtractive filters, new insert effects, and a new performer for complex sound shaping.
Massive X will be available from February 2019. All Komplete 12, Komplete 12 Ultimate, and Komplete 12 Ultimate Collector’s Edition owners will see it added to their collections for free.
More information: Native Instruments
