Native Instruments Announces KONTAKT 5

Berlin, August 1st, 2011 – Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT 5, 

the next generation of its leading software sampler. The new version

offers profoundly enhanced sound shaping through a host of new

high-quality filters and studio-grade effect algorithms, superior

time-stretching, vintage sampling modes, and more. Further accommodating

its role as the central sample library platform on the market, KONTAKT 5

also introduces two major new features for advanced instrument design.

In a further major expansion of its unrivaled sound shaping

capabilities, KONTAKT 5 introduces a completely new suite of

high-quality filters, developed by the creative mastermind behind the

acclaimed MASSIVE synthesizer. Ranging from classic analog-style ladder

and state-variable models to modern formant filters, some of the 37 new

filters also employ the unique new "Adaptive Resonance" concept, which

automatically manages the filter characteristics to prevent unpleasant

sonic artifacts from excessive resonance peaks. At the same time, the

superior new "TimeMachine Pro" time-stretching algorithm in KONTAKT 5

enables unprecedented sound quality for harmonic solo instruments and

similar demanding source material.

The comprehensive effect assortment in KONTAKT has been extended with

several key additions that focus on studio-style sound processing. The

new "Solid G-EQ" and "Solid Bus Comp" algorithms – derived from the

upcoming SOLID MIX SERIES – enable studio-grade equalization and

compression, while the separately available TRANSIENT DESIGNER has been

integrated into the effect arsenal of KONTAKT in its original form.

Additionally, a new analog-modeled Tape Saturator can add natural

compression and subtle organic overdrive, while the acclaimed vintage

sampling modes from Native Instruments' groove-production system

MASCHINE have been integrated into the feature set of KONTAKT 5 as well

to provide additional flavors of charismatic "vintage dirt".

For ambitious sound designers and professional sample instrument

creators, KONTAKT 5 introduces both a powerful new "instrument bus"

system as well as KSP-based MIDI file support. While the 16 internal

stereo busses with their separate insert chains open up greatly

increased routing flexibility, the MIDI file functions in the Kontakt

Script Processor enable the creation of advanced types of KONTAKT-based

instruments with versatile integrated MIDI playback features, as

demonstrated in the upcoming separate KONTAKT-based STUDIO DRUMMER

instrument.

On top of its acclaimed 43 GB factory library with its eight separate

instrument collections, KONTAKT 5 also includes a free download of the

new KONTAKT-based RETRO MACHINES MK2 instrument, which offers an

assortment of highly sought-after classic synthesizers complete with

vintage-style arpeggiator and chord player, and also takes advantage of

the new analog-type filter models.

KONTAKT 5 will be available in September 2011 for $399 / 379 EUR, and

will also be included in the new KOMPLETE 8 and KOMPLETE 8 ULTIMATE

bundles. An update for owners of previous KONTAKT versions will be

available for $119 / 99 EUR.

Additional information on KONTAKT 5 is available at

www.native-instruments.com/kontakt5

A digital press kit including picture material is available at

www.native-instruments.com/press.info

About Native Instruments:

Native Instruments is a leading manufacturer of software and hardware

for computer-based music production and DJing. The company's mission is

to develop innovative, fully integrated solutions for all professions,

styles and genres. The resulting products regularly push technological

boundaries and open up new creative horizons for professionals and

amateurs alike.