Native Instruments announces
KONTAKT PLAYER 2
Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT PLAYER 2, the second generation
of its popular platform for sample-based software instruments. Integrating
the powerful functionality of the award-winning flagship sampler KONTAKT
2, the KONTAKT PLAYER 2 platform opens up new creative possibilities
for instrument developers that benefit musicians and producers of all
styles and genres. With more than 70 instruments based on KONTAKT technology, and adopted
by companies like Best Service, EastWest, Gary Garritan, MakeMusic
and Sibelius, KONTAKT PLAYER has become the most successful platform
for sample-based software instruments on the market. KONTAKT PLAYER
2 builds on this success and allows for innovative, highly playable
instruments that leave existing technological and musical limitations
behind. The powerful Kontakt Script Processor (KSP) of KONTAKT 2 plays a central
role in KONTAKT PLAYER 2-based instruments. The virtually unlimited
flexibility of KSP allows for instruments with unprecedented functionality
and musicality, including extremely authentic emulations of acoustic
instruments with their natural articulations; drum and percussion instruments
that include their own step sequencer; synthesizers with integrated
arpeggiators and chord generators; and much more. Further advantages offered by the KONTAKT PLAYER 2 platform are virtually
unlimited polyphony and up to 64-part multitimbrality, advanced surround
capabilities, integrated effects including convolution and master effects,
a versatile library browser and optimized DFD technology. The first KONTAKT PLAYER 2 instruments
to be made available to musicians will be "Stradivari Solo Violin" from Gary Garritan, a breathtakingly
dynamic and highly musical emulation of the legendary violin; "Chris
Hein Guitars" from Best Service, an outstanding virtual guitar
instrument that authentically recreates a vast range of typical playing
styles; and "OTTO"
from Fixed Noise, a cutting-edge electronic sound workstation designed
and produced by avant-garde musician and sound designer Otto von Schirach. "Kontakt Player technology was a keystone of the success of our
award-winning Personal Orchestra", says Gary Garritan, founder
of the software instrument company of the same name. "The new
Kontakt Player 2 platform is an extremely exciting basis for us to
work with, and we are looking forward to fully exploiting its musical
capabilities in our upcoming instruments, of which the Stradivari
Violin is only the first." KONTAKT PLAYER 2 is based on the latest KONTAKT 2.1 engine, with the
corresponding update for KONTAKT users scheduled for release in April
2006.
The new version will add numerous improvements to KONTAKT 2, including
an ultra-high quality interpolation mode, a new "Performance View",
AKOUSTIK PIANO and BANDSTAND import, additional effects, and a large
number of performance and usability enhancements. For more information, please see
www.native-instruments.com/kontaktplayer2.info
The KONTAKT
1.5.3 update for Mac OS X and Windows XP
is available___There
is a new Kontakt
1.5.2 UpdateNew Features:
Multiple dimension controllers with AND / OR / AND NOT connection
Inverter module (pan, phase)
Exclusive Poly Mute Groups
Global voice count / DFD display / CPU
Giga batch converter (multiple instruments)
Release time voice stealing editable in structure view
Enhanced compressor mode Info
at the Native
Instruments Kontact Update Page
New Features in 1.2
Release trigger - the release of a note (note-off) can now trigger a group
Key activator - activate groups by a defined key of the keyboard
Controller activator - activate groups by a MIDI controller
MIDI controllers 7 and 10 can now be activated to control master volume and
master pan
"Direct From Disk" playing is now possible after installation of the
seperate DFD extension available on this updates page (first install the update
1.2, then install the seperate DFD extension!)
"Cycle Round Robbin" allows for consecutive cycling through groups
with multiple keystrokes
"Random" allows for random cycling through groups for playback
DXi2 support (Win only)
Introduction of a note-on counter
Note: A comprehensive explanation of all new features can be found here...
Improvements in 1.2
Import can now handle GigaSampler Dimensions
Improved Halion and EXS sample format import
Fixes in 1.2
Windows: Stereo send effects flanging and phasing don’t turn mono anymore
after reloading an instrument
Windows: Lofi insert and send have the same amount of Lofi
Windows: Editing of naming fields doesn’t interfere anymore with Cubase
SX Keyboard shortcuts
Windows: Tuning, panning and volume in the mapping and zone editor work properly
Windows: The Alt-tab key combination works properly
Windows and Mac: When no envelope is inserted an instrument stops playing after
releasing the played key, rather than playing forever
Windows and Mac: Zone layer crossfade is now possible
Mac: Panning delay is turned off when the knob is turned to zero
Mac: Fine increment can be activated with shift-key even after the mouse click
is already down
Mac: It’s possible to paste more than 1 zone in the time/tone machine
mode
Known issues in 1.2
Missing VST automation, but MIDI CCs are available
Changing view size causes graphic distortion
Some CD rom drives might cause problems importing AKAI
Mac & PC
Update 1.33 for Absynth now available
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