Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 7, a significantly expanded version of its studio-standard software bundle. The next generation of KOMPLETE now combines 24 instruments and effects – including five entirely new products – with over 10,000 sounds and 90 GByte of samples, resulting in a comprehensive suite with unparalleled versatility for music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 7 includes the latest versions of Native Instruments’ acclaimed full-featured instruments and effects, ranging from ABSYNTH 5, BATTERY 3.1, FM8, GUITAR RIG 4.1, KONTAKT 4.1 and MASSIVE to the upcoming REAKTOR 5.5. As the next generation of the legendary modular synthesis studio, the new REAKTOR version adds powerful modal and additive synthesis, a revised user interface, the unique “Lazerbass” synthesizer and many enhancements for both instrument builders and musicians.

KOMPLETE 7 also integrates a wealth of instruments and effects based on KONTAKT, KORE, REAKTOR and GUITAR RIG. Products added to the bundle include the acclaimed ABBEY ROAD 60s DRUMS vintage drum library, the radical performance effect THE FINGER by Tim Exile, the sampled electric bass SCARBEE MM-BASS and all four electric pianos from the SCARBEE VINTAGE KEYS series by sampling mastermind Thomas Scarbee, all four acoustic pianos of the CLASSIC PIANO COLLECTION, the cinematic ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS instrument and the distinctive REAKTOR SPARK synthesizer.

KOMPLETE 7 also incorporates five completely new products that further expand the creative potential of the bundle: The powerful studio reverb REFLEKTOR with its advanced zero-latency convolution engine; the highly expressive REAKTOR PRISM modal synthesizer designed by NI founder Stephan Schmitt; the performance effects suite TRAKTOR’S 12, derived from Native Instruments’ leading DJ software; the new VINTAGE ORGANS instrument with its comprehensive arsenal of painstakingly sampled electromagnetic organs; and the new RAMMFIRE amp emulation that was developed in close collaboration with one of Rammstein’s guitarists, Richard Z. Kruspe.

On the Mac, KOMPLETE 7 requires OS X 10.5 or later, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor or faster, 1 GB RAM, 16 GB free hard drive space, and a DVD drive.

KOMPLETE 7 will be available in September 2010 for a suggested retail price of $559 / 499 EUR. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 2/3/4/5/6 will be available for $229 / 199 EUR. Every copy of KOMPLETE 7 also includes an NI Online Shop voucher worth $60 / 50 EUR, valid towards any product from the KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects range that is not included in the bundle.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete

Discuss KOMPLETE 7 in our Instruments forum.

After months of preparation, Twisted Tools is proudly announcing the birth of their sound mangling devices for electronic music production and sound design. Instead of handing out cigars, they are serving up 6 free Reaktor ensembles along with their first commercial product, Vortex.

Vortex is a six track polyphonic sampler and sequencer for Native Instruments Reaktor 5. It comes pre-configured for Kore 2 and Maschine and features an original 200+ MB sample map with samples by artists such as c2, Richard Devine, Josh Hinden, Noklip, GlitchMachines.com, Mike Huckaby, Sonictwist, Tipper and Vinja.

Each sampler track has 4 modulation sequencer tracks labeled Gate, Roll, ModA and ModB. The modulation sequencers are color-coded and can be easily assigned to modulate any sampler parameter(s). There are also two cross-modulating LFOs which are also color-coded and assignable. Extensive cut/copy/paste/select/randomize functionality is available using an innovative Graphic Layer system.

Features:

• Six Track Sequencer, 4 Sequencers Per Track
• Six-Voice Polyphonic Granular Sampler
• Color-Coded Modulation System
• Two Cross Modulating LFOs
• Extensive Randomization Features
• MIDI Learn System with Controller Feedback
• Alternate View Option
• Multi-Out Support
• Extensive Cut/Copy/Paste/Select/Randomize Functionality
• Advanced ‘Graphic Layer’ Editing
• Scene Sequencing (create arrangements within each preset)
• Templates for Kore 2 and Maschine
• Comes with all of the Twisted Tools ‘freebie’ plugins as part of the download

Vortex requires Native Instruments Reaktor 5.15 for Mac or PC. Native Instruments Kore 2 or Maschine are also required if using their respective included templates.

You can purchase Vortex via direct download from Twisted Tools for $29. The 6 free Reaktor ensembles can be downloaded separately from Vortex after registering on their web site.

Twisted Tools is the brainchild of Igor Shilov (Reaktor designer SonicTwist) and Josh Hinden (Director of MIDI, Expression.edu). They aim to bring electronic musicians innovative and user friendly tools, with an emphasis on unique design and high quality sound. While their current emphasis is on developing instruments for the Native Instruments Reaktor platform, future development of Audio Unit and VST devices is planned.

twistedtools.com/shop/samplers/vortex

Discuss Vortex in our Instruments forum.

Redmatica presents the 64-bit version of its next generation creative sampling suite, Compendium Pro Bundle 2.1 at the Winter NAMM show, booth 6328 Hall A. The new set of applications includes Keymap Pro 2.1, AutoSampler 2.1 and ProManager 3.1.

Keymap Pro 2.1 is the direct 64-bit evolution of the acclaimed Keymap 1.5 sampled instruments editor, and extends its file support to all the major instrument formats on the market, including Apple EXS24, Native Instrument Kontakt, Digidesign Structure and Propellerheads Reason NNXT. Keymap Pro 2.1 incorporates a massive amount of innovative and never seen before features, including multiple playback personalities to match each corresponding instrument format, integrated direct multichannel recording (sampling) also from networked computers with autostart/stop/cut/map/loop, new DSP tools for looping the unloopable, new resynthesis algorithms for non-harmonic samples and loops, integrated AutoSampling features with AutoSampling Live mode for effortless interactive recording from sound sources, SoundDesign layers for using AudioUnit plugins as synthesis blocks in the playback chain, massively multimode envelopes, dimensional panning, continuous background rendering, and a stunning Core Animation based visual interface. Version 2.1 adds virtually unlimited 64-bit memory space support, support for 64-bit AudioUnit plugins, faster overall performance, and new remapping features, including the ability to build conversion maps and perform drum remapping from one layout to another with a single click.

AutoSampler 2.1 takes the original tool for automatically sampling hardware and software synths to 64-bit by presenting a new user interface and extending instrument creation format support to Redmatica Keymap, Apple EXS24, Native Instrument Kontakt, Digidesign Structure and Propellerheads Reason NNXT. It also offers a built-in mapping editor to build custom templates, a simplified view mode, autolooping algorithms taken directly from Keymap Pro 2.1, multichannel autosampling of up to 8 channels from local audio devices or networked computers, Key Switch autosampling, Round Robin autosampling, and much faster operations.

ProManager 3.1 is the completely redesigned next generation 64-bit version of the popular ExsManager 2 sampled library manager application. It now handles Redmatica Keymap, Apple EXS24, Native Instrument Kontakt, Digidesign Structure and Propellerheads Reason NNXT instrument formats simultaneously. The intuitive goal-based interface makes it easy to relink instruments to samples for quick loading, manage duplicate and unused files, or to completely reorganize the sample libraries. ProManager also offers browsing capabilities for both instruments and samples, an integrated streaming sample viewer, metadata tagging, and search and synchronization over the network. The new 64-bit support allows management of sample libraries of virtually unlimited size.

“Revolutionary Evolution was the concept behind the entire development of the Compendium Pro Bundle 2.1,” said Andrea Gozzi, Founder and Technical Director of Redmatica. “We didn’t just want to introduce a killer set of new features, but also offer new ways to use already existing technologies and make full use of the hardware available in modern computers. We are tremendously excited about going to 64-bit, as it allows our applications to make full use of modern computer hardware, and brings what was already a world class set of creative sampling applications to another level.”

The Compendium Pro Bundle 2.1 will be available in February 2010 with price set to $489.95 / €379.95, and as a free update for current Compendium Pro Bundle 2.0 users.

www.redmatica.com

Discuss Redmatica software in our Redmatica forum.

SONiVOX, a Boston based virtual instrument manufacturer today announced the availability of Sampla – Hip Hop Production Sampler, a new virtual sampler plug-in designed for fast, professional-quality sampling and beat creation for hip hop producers everywhere.

Sampla’s unique design bridges the gap between MPC style sampling and the computer based virtual instrument environment. Sampla allows users to easily record, slice, loop, and assign (keymap) their own recorded samples as well as any of their own wav, acid, aiff, and mp3 samples. In addition to the flexibility provided by Sampla’s sampler engine, Sampla’s “Learn Mode” allows users to interface their MIDI pad controllers and controller keyboards directly with Sampla. Whether the user is using a midi keyboard, MPC pad controller, or just their computer by itself, Sampla is designed to put serious control in the producer’s hands.

Sampla’s innovative design and functionality doesn’t stop with the application itself. Sampla is packed with a diverse and extensive factory sound bank, all recorded and programmed by SONiVOX’s award winning sound design team, with over 250 high end instrument presets and pad layouts. Included are acoustic and electronic drumkits, basses, keyboards, leads, guitars, strings, brass, pads, vocals, symphonic construction kits, scensorship bleeps and blips, as well as a selection of loops from the SONiVOX LoopLine series, all designed to deliver superior sonic and stylistic versatility.

• MPC style editing & slicing for easy instrument & beat creation
• Imports Wav, Acid, Broadcast Wav, Aiff, & MP3 Format Files
• Easy to use record functionality for real time sampling
• Over 250 factory preset instruments and pad layouts
• 16 user assignable pads
• Tempo Sync Stereo Delay, EQ, and Chorus Effects
• Assignable filter section with 10 filter types
• Graphic waveform display with zoom, click, and drag functionality
• Midi Learn & Save functionality, Sampla is instantly compatible with any MIDI keyboard or pad control
• Pad-Specific Variable Resolution Note Repeat and Pattern Arpeggiation Mode

The Mac version of Sampla requires OS X 10.4.1 or higher, an Intel processor, 4 GB free hard drive space, 512 MB RAM (2 GB is recommended), and a VST, AU or RTAS compatible host application (not required for Stand-Alone Mode)

Sampla is a part of SONiVOX’s Hip Hop production line of products that also includes Playa: Hip Hop Virtual Instrument, and Playa: Aggro Electro Boom. Sampla is available now with a MSRP of $149 and an introductory street price of $99.

www.sonivoxmi.com

Discuss Sampla in our Instruments forum.

Native Instruments today announced KOMPLETE 6, the latest version of its popular software bundle that has become a mainstay with professional musicians and producers. The new collection offers a veritable arsenal of acclaimed instruments and effects that cover all areas of modern music production, including powerful new versions of ABSYNTH, GUITAR RIG and KONTAKT, at a significantly reduced price point.

KOMPLETE 6 incorporates the latest ABSYNTH 5, KONTAKT 4 and GUITAR RIG 4 PRO versions, which add significant creative capabilities over their predecessors, complemented by BATTERY 3, FM8, MASSIVE and REAKTOR 5. All included products offer comprehensive compatibility for current host software versions and operating systems. ELEKTRIK PIANO is now included within the new KONTAKT factory library, while AKOUSTIK PIANO, B4 II and PRO-53 are no longer part of the bundle due to their discontinuation as individual products. Overall, KOMPLETE 6 includes an assortment of 7,000 individual preset sounds based on 60 GByte of premium sample material.

With its powerful selection of state-of-the-art instruments and effects at only half the price of the previous bundle generation, KOMPLETE 6 continues to mark the cutting edge of software instrument technology, and provides an invaluable resource for all areas of modern music production and performance.

KOMPLETE 6 will be available in October 2009 for a suggested retail price of $559 / 499 €. An update for owners of KOMPLETE 2/3/4/5 will be available for $169 / 149 €. Furthermore, Native Instruments will offer a special time-limited upgrade for owners of any version of KONTAKT or REAKTOR. These users will be able to purchase KOMPLETE 6 at a special price of $339 / 299 € until December 31st 2009.

KOMPLETE 6 will come in Stand-alone, VST, AU, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7 or higher) flavors, and requires Mac OS X 10.5, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, a DVD drive, and 4.5 GB free disc space / 65 GB for complete installation.

www.native-instruments.com/komplete6.info

Discuss KOMPLETE 6 in our Instruments forum.

Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT 4, a new version of their flagship software sampler. Taking the unrivalled performance and versatility of KONTAKT for music production, live performance and sound design even further, the fourth generation adds powerful “Authentic Expression Technology,” unique sample compression, an extended studio-grade sound library complete with a convenient new database system, and much more.

Already based on one of the most versatile sampler engines on the market, KONTAKT 4 establishes the next level in sampling with the addition of exclusive new Authentic Expression Technology (AET). With AET, the dynamic tonal behaviour of original instruments can be replicated in new and highly expressive ways. The technology enables the seamless transformation between the spectral characteristics of different sounds, achieved via a phase-corrected convolution technique based on FFT analysis of the original sample. AET avoids the typical shortcomings of conventional velocity layer techniques, and gives additional realism to sampled instruments like strings, brass, woodwinds and choirs. AET also makes it possible to combine and blend the spectral characteristics of any set of sounds in real time, opening up vast new possibilities for creative sound design.

KONTAKT 4 also overcomes existing performance barriers through a unique sample compression technology that allows musicians and producers to get substantially more out of their setups. Specifically developed for KONTAKT, the new NCW compression format reduces sample size by up to 50 percent. During playback in KONTAKT 4, the sample material is decompressed to its exact original format with minimal CPU load, and without any loss in audio fidelity. This substantially widens the typical performance bottleneck of today‘s computer systems, and results in profound performance gains for complex multi-timbral arrangements and high-polyphony instruments.

The acclaimed sound library of KONTAKT has been enhanced and expanded once again in its fourth revision. A major addition is a full- featured chamber choir collection, recorded exclusively for KONTAKT 4 and equipped with AET-based vowel morphing controls. Further additions include solo strings and a concert organ from the acclaimed VSL library, as well as a painstakingly sampled Mellotron that complements the extensive “Vintage” collection in the KONTAKT factory library. A new professional impulse response library also expands the value of the powerful convolution effect integrated in KONTAKT. Now at 44 GB, the KONTAKT 4 factory library provides a comprehensive arsenal of acoustic and synthetic instruments for all areas of professional composition and music production.

To utilize the KONTAKT library in the most efficient way, KONTAKT 4 also introduces a new sound browser with greatly enhanced convenience. Users can search for instruments, multis, samples and even effect presets based on clear musical attributes, making it easy to find the right material for any application and context. Drag-and-Drop assignment and support for custom attributes allow to easily manage even the most diverse sound collections, and get the most out of the unparalleled range of KONTAKT-compatible instrument content on the market.

Other improvements in KONTAKT 4 include the unique Kontakt Script Processor (KSP), which now offers a whole new level of functionality through powerful “Multi Scripts.” The new version also offers greatly enhanced design possibilities for Performance View panels, which brings improved usability and a more distinctive look to KONTAKT-based instruments.

KONTAKT 4 will be available in October 2009 for a suggested retail price of $399 / 379 €, and will also be part of the new KOMPLETE 6 bundle. An update for owners of previous versions of KONTAKT will be available for $149 / 129 €. It comes in Stand-alone, VST, AU, and RTAS (Pro Tools 7 or higher) flavors, and requires Mac OS X 10.5, an Intel Core Duo 1.66 GHz processor, 1 GB RAM, and 1 GB free disk space / 48 GB for a complete installation.

www.native-instruments.com/kontakt4.info

Discuss KONTAKT 4 in our Instruments forum.

Here’s something cool: Soundlab has released G-Player, a standalone and plug-in Giga player for OS X. Mac users have been longing for a proper solution to playing back Giga samples and Soundlab has delivered.

G-Player is the first native Giga player for OS X. G-Player was designed to play large orchestral sound libraries and supports disk streaming, dimensions, keyswitches and layered instruments. It’s the first player to do this all without the need to import samples.

G-Player supports VST and AudioUnit plug-ins formats. It’s available for $129 through their online store.

You can discuss G-Player here in our forums.

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