Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT 3, the latest version of its industry-leading software sampler.
With its powerful high-resolution audio
engine, comprehensive sound shaping capabilities, unique KSP script
programming, and universal sample format compatibility, KONTAKT has
established the cutting edge of sampling technology for music production,
live performance and sound design. The new version is centered around a
highly sophisticated next-generation instrument library that sets new
standards both in its musical scope and in its creative value, while also
adding a wide range of new functions and refinements in all areas of the
software.
The new instrument library in KONTAKT 3 goes far beyond what samplers have
offered so far in terms of universal musical value. Over 1.000 highly
expressive and ready-to-play instruments enable KONTAKT 3 to fill nearly
every imaginable musical role and application "out of the box". The library
consists of six themed collections titled "Band", "Orchestral", "Synth",
"Urban Beats", "Vintage" and "World", all based on over 33 GB of
high-quality source material that takes full advantage of the unrivalled
sound shaping capabilities of the KONTAKT engine.
To unlock the full creative potential of the sample material, every single
instrument in each collection of the KONTAKT 3 library is outfitted with a
specialized "Performance View" panel that puts all essential sound
parameters at the user's fingertips for quick and convenient control. Drum
kits even include their own programmable step sequencer, world instruments
offer sophisticated tuning scale options, synthesizers come with
arpeggiators and detailed voicing controls. This advanced functionality is
based on KONTAKT's unique KSP scripting technology, and is unparalleled in a
software sampler instrument.
The comprehensive sound design capabilities of KONTAKT are further extended
in the new version through the addition of innovative Zone Envelopes. These
highly flexible free-form envelopes are directly applied on the waveform,
and add a deep yet intuitive new aspect to the powerful modulation features
of KONTAKT. A new sample editor now also enables direct editing of waveforms
for audio trimming, cutting and similar tasks directly within KONTAKT3.
Handling of loops and musical phrases greatly benefits from an improved wave
editor, which offers superior slice detection, a flexible beat grid feature
and the option to export sliced loops as MIDI files via drag&drop at any
time.
The ease-of-use and efficiency of KONTAKT 3 is profoundly increased on every
level, both through a substantial general user interface overhaul as well as
through various feature additions. This includes a new "Instrument
Navigator" and "Monitor Tab", a "Modulation Quick-Jump" feature, and an
enhanced mapping editor that makes creating and editing sound easier. The
user interface is further augmented with a new integrated help panel that
provides explanations and hints for nearly all functions and controls right
within the software, making it easier to fully take advantage of the vast
functionality that KONTAKT 3 offers.
Other improvements in KONTAKT 3 include several new effect algorithms,
additional supported sample formats, substantially faster loading times and
much more.
KONTAKT 3 is also fully compatible with KORE, the advanced host system from
Native Instruments.
KONTAKT 3 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $449
/ EUR 399. An update for owners of KONTAKT 2 will be offered at $149 / EUR
129.
For more information, please see
kontakt
