May 15 - 4:30pm EDT   Native Instruments has released a new addition to its line of Soundpack libraries for KORE 2 and KORE Player, KONTAKT Retro Machines. The library emulates a number of classic electronic instruments invented in the 1970s and '80s, used in genres such as electro and hip-hop; five digital synths, 11 analog synths and six drum machines are reproduced, across 135 KoreSounds. Each instrument sound also has eight variations, such as pad, percussive and arpeggiated sounds. [full story]

December 11 - 11:10am EST   Native Instruments has released the demo version of KONTAKT 3, its latest pro sampling software. The program is said to have "universal" file import ability, and incorporates a wave editor which goes beyond standard functions such as looping, slicing and tempo sync. Users can draw envelopes directly within the waveform, and apply 18 different effects, such as amp and cabinet simulations. The full version of KONTAKT 3 also has over 33GB of stock samples, with 1,000 instruments in categories such as Orchestral, World, Band and Urban Beats. [full story]