Details on NI's Kontakt 2 Sound Library Revealed
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March 23, 2005
Native Instruments has announced details on the library of the
upcoming Kontakt 2, which will weigh in at more
than 15 GB and make extensive use of the new "Kontakt Script Processor"
(KSP) for a wide range of advanced performance effects.
A special version of
the VSL orchestra, a Steinway Grand Piano, the
"Elektrik Guitar", and a church organ sampled in 5.1 surround are
some of the highlights of what will be the most powerful factory
library of any sampler on the market.
The Kontakt 2 library will include:
- A special version of the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL) specifically made for Kontakt 2, offering a full symphonic orchestra. The VSL orchestra in Kontakt 2 includes 30 instruments and takes advantage of the KSP engine for sophisticated performance effects including "Monophonic Legato" and "Repetition"
- A multi-sampled Steinway D Grand Piano that uses both the KSP engine and the integrated convolution engine to recreate the soundboard and sympathetic resonance of the sustain pedal samples
- An August Foerster Concert Piano with 10 velocity layers and a dedicated KSP module for control of release volume and sympathetic resonance
- The "Elektrik Guitar", an extensively sampled electric guitar which goes beyond the limitations of conventionally sampled instruments by utilizing the KSP engine for realistic playing behaviour, including various strumming styles as well as authentic handling of ghost notes, harmonics and flageolets
- The "Akkord Guitar", a KSP-based instrument that draws on a library of more than 3.500 acoustic guitar chord samples and allows for convenient creation of rhythmic guitar tracks due to an intelligent chord recognition mechanism
- A selection of church organs, including a massive cathedral organ sampled in full 5.1 surround for a truly overwhelming sonic experience
- A selection of electric pianos, including the Rhodes MK II from NIs Elektrik Piano
- The "Automatic Harp", a concert harp that enables glissandi and bisbigliandi thanks to a special KSP module
- A large assortment of tempo-synchronized loops from a huge variety of musical styles, taken in part from the Zero-G libraries "Altered States", "Sound of the 70s" and "Total Drum & Bass", all making extensive use of the Kontakt 2 Time Machine and Beat Machine modes
- A library of high-quality surround effects, recorded with the SPL-Brauner Atmos 5.1 microphone system
- A wide selection of synthesizer sounds sampled from classic vintage analog and digital synthesizers, including a special modular synth bank designed by Kevin Lamb
- An extensive assortment of both electronic and acoustic drum kits and percussion sounds, taken in part from the Battery 2 library
- A selection of over 300 impulse responses, providing a wide variety of reverbs, filter, special effects and instrument resonances for the integrated convolution effect module.
Kontakt 2 has a suggested retail price of $579 / 499 Euro and should be released soon. An upgrade for all previous versions of Kontakt will be available for $169 / 149 Euro. Owners of NI KOMPLETE CARE 2005 will receive the upgrade at no further costs. All NI Komplete 2 purchases that are registered after January 20th, 2005 are also entitled to a free Kontakt 2 upgrade.
For more information, visit their web site at www.native-instruments.com. |
