Native Instruments has just released two new products geared towards underground techno music production, and Aphelion’s Orbit is back with his take on them.

What is it?

Native Instruments Play Series Nacht Kontakt library and Void Eclipse Expansion.

Who is it for?

Everyone, especially fans of the overarching techno genre, that includes acid, breakbeat, drum and bass, EDM, garage and any other variation you can think of. Individually and together this set has you covered.

First Impressions

These are separate products that overlap the techno genre. Nacht is a Kontakt library and Void Eclipse is an expansion pack that includes Battery and Maschine kits, and Massive and Monark presets.

I am a huge fan of the Play Series and for the money they are always an excellent value to add to your sound collection and spark inspiration. This set is no different than what I have come to expect from this series.

Nacht manages to capture a moment in time with familiar sounds, baselines, drums and FX’s that have you reaching for your old beat tapes and 12 inch record extended versions of club and dance favorites imported to the states from Germany during the late 80’s. Or the scene that was coming out of Detroit heading into the 90’s. It’s all here. The same can be said for the Void Eclipse expansion.

The Sounds

I know some will see the Play Series as just another rompler with over processed sounds, and some of that has validity. Although, this series allows you to edit those presets, mix and match the parts into a sound that fits your style. My point being is these sounds aren’t just techno they work well for trap, hip hop, pop, industrial and minimal styles as well.

Pros:

  • Sound great
  • Sounds go beyond the techno genre
  • Sound Editing for Play Series

Cons:

  • None.

Final Thoughts

I haven’t found a Play Series instrument or NI Expansion yet that I could not find a large number of usable sounds or the ability to create something unique.

Sometimes you just need a quick preset that jump starts an idea. Other times you want to be at your best and create something original. Well, it’s all here for you to dive into with Nacht and eclipse Void.

Thanks, Aphelion’s Orbit! Native Instruments has bundled these new products for a limited time, and you can get them at the NI store at a 50% discount until September 3rd, 2024.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Aphelion’s Orbit: During the day, I work as an IT programmer and tech support specialist; come afternoon, I transform into a beatmaker, songwriter, and sound designer, driven by a passion for unearthing unique sounds to rework, warp, and evolve into new musical pieces. Previously, I was a dedicated record collector, gathering thousands of rare vinyl records spanning rock, psychedelic rock, jazz, pop, and R&B.