View this article at: http://www.macnn.com/articles/05/01/21/ni.debuts.kontakt.2/
Friday, Jan 21, 2005 10:25am
NI debuts Kontakt 2, other products at NAMM
 Native Instruments 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