today launched Kontakt 2, the second generation of its flagship sampler audio application with a new sampling engine that features multiprocessor and AltiVec support for improved performance on G4/G5 machines. It also features comprehensive surround integration, the unique Kontakt Script Processor (KSP), integrated convolution effects, an improved interface and new "universal" import support. The company also announced Komplete Sound, a "massive" collection of NI's eight audio applications and Electronic Instruments 2 XT, an extended version of its Reaktor instrument collection. The company also introduced a new Absynth 3 Tutorial DVD for helping users with its semi-modular software synthesizer. Kontakt 2 is due in March for $580 ($170 upgrade).

NI Komplete Sound combines all eight products from the NI Soundline into a single package, including Reaktor (Vol 1 and Vol 2), Synthetic Drums, Battery Studio Drums, FM7 Sounds (Vol 1 and Vol 2), Absynth Sounds Vol 1, and B4 Tonewheel Set "Vintage Expansion". It will ship in March for $340. Owners of NI Komplete Care 2005 will be able to take advantage of an exclusive discount price of $230.



Electronic Instruments 2 XT is the extended version of the Reaktor instrument collection. The new version contains all the unique synthesizers, drum machines and effects from the collection as individual self-contained software instruments. Each of the eight instruments can be run both standalone as well as in all major plugin formats, without relying on a Reaktor or Reaktor
Session installation.




The eight instruments included are Photon (hybrid master synthesizer), Limelite (advanced beat composer), Metaphysical Function (soundscape synthesizer), Krypt (granular drum machine), Akkord (sequenced chord generator), Fast FX (advanced performance effects), Resochord (programmable polyphonic resonator), and Cyan (extended vintage chorus). The original ensemble versions are also included on the disc for optional editing in Reaktor. It ships with a printed manual covering all included instruments. It is due in February 2005 for $170.



Native Instruments also introduced its Absynth 3 Tutorial DVD, a practical guide to NI's unique semi-modular software synthesizer. Designed for producers, film composers and sound designers, the DVD "demystifies even the most advanced features of Absynth 3 in a beginner-friendly way and gives a solid working knowledge of this exceptionally versatile instrument," according to the company. It will be available in March 2005 for $60.



More details on Kontakt 2



The new surround integration in Kontakt 2 reflects the increasing role of surround in all areas of professional audio production, with support for multi-channel formats ranging from 3.0 up to 16.0, including industry standards like 5.1 and 7.1. All of the 13 effects are also fully surround-enabled, including a highly capable surround panning module that allows for precise sound field placement as well as sophisticated creative panning effects. Kontakt 2 also features an output browser that offers a convenient overview on channel
routing and output levels.



The KONTAKT Script Processor (KSP) offers an unlimited range of
sophisticated performance features. KSP is a fully programmable
processing engine that transforms and generates MIDI and control
events through versatile, easy-to-use script language. A KSP module can be an arpeggiator or a step sequencer, a MIDI recorder or a chord generator, a virtual guitar or a harp simulator. Kontakt 2 ships with a large assortment of pre-programmed KSP modules and the company says it will host a special online KSP User Library where users will be able to freely trade their custom-programmed KSP modules.



Kontakt 2's new convolution effect unit delivers ultra-realistic reverb effects, speaker and microphone simulation, and much more. It also includes a versatile library of high-quality impulse responses and new "Universal Import" functions, enabling it to read more than 30 different file and sample formats, including Acid,Akai S-5000/S-6000, AppleLoops, BATTERY 2, Emu EIV/EOS/ESi, Halion, Korg Triton, Kurzweil, MachFive, Reason NN-XT, REAKTOR,
Roland S-5XXX/7XXX and SoundFont 2.



NI says that the user interface of Kontakt 2 has been enhanced. The company says it has included a new "Multi Browser", a multi-channel-capable loop
editor with improved loop slicing, an extended mapping editor with list view and sample replace function, an enhanced group editor, multi-effect-modules for easy effect combinations, and an on-screen-keyboard.



Other new features in Kontakt 2 include a "RAM Purge" function that can free up large amounts of memory by unloading individual samples not being used in a track, "instrument banks" that hold up to 128 different instruments which can be selected via MIDI program change, two new filter models that bring the total number of filters up to 19, a new master section with tempo and tuning controls as well as a metronome, and a host of usability improvements including quick preset switching, unlimited undo/redo with undo history, and key commands.



Kontakt 2 ships with a new sample library containing a large number of studio-quality instruments. Included are a full symphonic orchestra, a Grand Piano, an electric piano taken from NI's Elektrik Piano, a multi-sampled
electric guitar, a collection of surround effects and more.