With the release of the Komplete 15 music production suite, Native Instruments has also introduced a new version of its industry-standard instrument platform. Aphelion’s Orbit shares his thoughts on Kontakt 8.
What is it?
Kontakt is the flagship sampler and player from Native Instruments. The 8th update of this innovative tool introduces new libraries and production techniques for integration into your workflows.
Intro
I have been a dedicated user of Native Instruments for a long time, utilizing everything from the Maschine and keyboard hardware to the Maschine 2 software in standalone mode as a DAW. I’ve devised inventive methods to integrate their products into my sound creation and workflow, despite any limitations.
Setup
The installation process using Native Access was straightforward and perfect. Native Access is truly a blessing for content management. It provides the flexibility to select what to install, as well as when and where to do it. The capability to relocate these sizable libraries as needed is incredibly convenient.
First Impressions
Kontakt 8 represents a significant improvement as a creative tool, retaining the familiar essence of Kontakt 7 and its predecessors while introducing subtle browser modifications, tabs, and tool additions that integrate seamlessly into the workflow established in Kontakt 7.
In the past, I never felt compelled to explore or create my own instruments with Kontakt. However, with Kontakt 8, I am inclined to do just that.
Furthermore, searching for kits and one-shots in previous Native Instruments tools, except for Battery, was a daunting task. Native Instruments has now incorporated the best features of Komplete Kontrol and Battery, harnessing their power to enhance the workflow of Kontakt 8 effectively.
Like Battery & Komplete Kontrol?
If you appreciate Battery and Komplete Kontrol, you’ll find Kontakt 8’s interface comfortably familiar, as it builds on the redesigned interface of Kontakt 7. Kontakt 8 simplifies the process of adding or stacking instruments, akin to Komplete Kontrol, complete with an intuitive visual representation.
Upon opening your first Kontakt instrument, the ‘+’ sign to stack is readily apparent.
The introduction of loops and one-shot tabs is a significant enhancement.
Searching through expansions has become effortless, marking a transformative development within Kontakt 8.
Chords & Phrases
These two new tools enhance your Kontakt 8 experience by elevating the sounds within the same environment.
Similar tools have been integrated into recent DAW workflows, making their addition to Kontakt a logical step. They offer a profound and intricate level of control.
Let’s Take A Leap Faith
Leap is a sound/loop manipulation tool that might look and feel similar to Output Arcade, which I subscribe to, or some offerings from Excite Audio. If you’re familiar with any of these tools, the learning curve for Leap is minimal.
It’s an impressive addition that enhances Kontakt 8 even further. Plus, it allows you to import and edit samples from your library directly into the tool.
Pros
- One shot browser.
- Loop browser.
- Leap tool.
- Chords and Phrases tool.
Cons
- Pricey
- Is it worth the upgrade?
Final Thoughts
Before reviewing Kontakt 8, I examined Native Instruments’ rollout videos and some reviews by content creators. The reactions to Kontakt 8 are mixed and quite varied. In my opinion, the update is robust, and the new features like Leap, loops and one-shot tabs, Chords, and Phrases solidify its status as a comprehensive creative instrument. While the new tools aren’t revolutionary, they are potent within Kontakt 8 and promise to elevate production.
Deciding whether to upgrade from Komplete 14, given the new content and some redundancy, is a personal choice. For me, upgrading was an obvious decision, and I believe that both new and existing users should consider Komplete 15 and Kontakt 8.
Thanks Aphelion’s Orbit for your thoughts on the updated Kontakt! Visit the Native Instruments website for more details on Kontakt 8 and Komplete 15. New users can get the free Kontakt 8 Player as part of Komplete Start.
