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
unrivaled 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 KONTAKT 3. 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.
Pricing and availability
KONTAKT 3 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of
€ 399 / £289.99. An
update for
owners of KONTAKT 2 will be offered.
If you purchased KONTAKT 2 (Full version, Update or
Crossgrade) after
September 1st 2007, you are eligible to receive the newest update
cost-free (Grace Period ends December 31st, 2007).