Native Instruments Kontakt 5

The new version offers new filters and effect algorithms, time-stretching, vintage sampling modes, and more. It also introduces two new features for instrument design.

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The new suite of filters, developed by the mastermind behind the Massive synthesizer, is said to range from classic analog-style ladder and state-variable models to modern formant filters. According to NI, some of the 37 new filters also employ the new “Adaptive Resonance” concept, designed to automatically manage the filter characteristics to prevent unpleasant sonic artifacts from excessive resonance peaks. The new “TimeMachine Pro” time-stretching algorithm is also featured in Kontakt 5.

The effect assortment in Kontakt has been extended with several additions that focus on studio-style sound processing. The new “Solid G-EQ” and “Solid Bus Comp” algorithms – derived from the upcoming Solid Mix Series – enable equalization and compression, while the separately available Transient Designer has been integrated into the effect arsenal of Kontakt in its original form. Additionally, a new analog-modeled Tape Saturator is designed to add natural compression and organic overdrive, while the vintage sampling modes from Native Instruments’ groove-production system Maschine have been integrated into the feature set of Kontakt 5 as well to provide additional flavors of “vintage dirt”.

For ambitious sound designers and professional sample instrument creators, Kontakt 5 introduces both a new “instrument bus” system as well as KSP-based MIDI file support. The 16 internal stereo busses with their separate insert chains are designed for increased routing flexibility, and the MIDI file functions in the Kontakt Script Processor enable the creation of advanced types of Kontakt-based instruments with integrated MIDI playback features, as demonstrated in the upcoming separate Kontakt-based Studio Drummer instrument.

On top of its 43 GB factory library with its eight separate instrument collections, Kontakt 5 also includes a free download of the new Kontakt-based Retro Machines Mk2 instrument, which offers an assortment of classic synthesizers complete with vintage-style arpeggiator and chord player, and also takes advantage of the new analog-type filter models.

Pricing and Availability:

Kontakt 5 will be available in September 2011 for $399 / 379 EUR, and will also be included in the new Komplete 8 and Komplete 8 Ultimate bundles. An update for owners of previous Kontakt versions will be available for $119 / 99 EUR.

Additional information on Kontakt 5 is available here.