The free Kontakt Player includes many sample libraries compatible with both full version of Kontakt and Native Access software. To install third-party libraries, download their installer, extract it to your computer, launch Native Access and enter their serial number provided by their vendor.
It’s free
If you aren’t quite ready to invest in Kontakt yet, don’t despair; even without purchasing it you can still create amazing music using its free version. It comes equipped with extensive sample libraries from both Native Instruments and third-party developers as well as an impressive sound engine and advanced scripting capabilities – plus additional instrument building/editing tools in its full version!
Most third-party instruments don’t work with the free version of Kontakt, with some notable exceptions. Some vendors provide serial codes in their free libraries that enable full usage in Kontakt without any demo period; these serial codes can be registered in Native Access and appear as licensed instruments on your Library browser – however they will only work properly if your version of Kontakt matches up at least with that used for development of this instrument.
DrumMic’a is an excellent free acoustic drum kit library for Kontakt, offering numerous customizable sound settings and an intuitive user interface. Additionally, its built-in mixer makes individual drum sounds easily adjustable while also including an extensive collection of recorded grooves organized by musical genre.
Free Orchestra from Native Instruments is another fantastic free acoustic drum library. This sample-based kit is extremely flexible, as it includes round-robin variations for each drum as well as multiple dynamic layers. Furthermore, its user interface is straightforward with controls like volume envelopes and an effects rack built-in.
The full version of Kontakt offers many built-in effects and filters to help create unique sounds. Furthermore, its sample mapping feature allows you to alter both an instrument’s tempo as a whole as well as individual notes within its sample map; and can support up to 64 output channels simultaneously.
Native Instruments’ own library, Kontakt Factory Selection, is an acoustic instrument library with pianos, acoustic drums, world and ethnic percussion instruments and much more available for free in their Komplete Start bundle, available via Native Access.
It’s easy to use
Native Instruments offers the free Kontakt Player as a means of loading many sample libraries from both NI and third-party developers, giving access to standalone instruments or embedding them directly into any DAW via VST plugins. Non-Player libraries don’t appear in the Library Browser but can still be added quickly using Quick Load window and Library Files browser; additionally they require authorizing through Native Access via an XML file that contains library metadata which can be found on NI’s website.
The main distinction between the free Kontakt Player and its full version is the editor, which allows for mapping samples across keys, adjusting amplifiers and envelopes and scripting. You may still use it to adjust controls presented within libraries’ custom interfaces; if you wish to make more extensive adjustments such as moving entire zones from one key to another however, then full version will be necessary.
Kontakt is an innovative yet easy-to-use platform for building instruments, offering advanced sampling capabilities, unlimited polyphony and 64-part multitimbrality, an adaptable Library Files browser, optimized DFD technology, integrated effects and a powerful script processor. Many third-party sample library developers create instruments specifically for Kontakt to increase its sound palette even further.
Most libraries will include an accompanying.nks file; however, Bigcat Audio’s General Midi 1 sounds require full version of Kontakt to work properly – they won’t function with Native Access player unless registered through Native Access first. A licensed library from Native Instruments (NI) will receive extra attention and ensure compatibility with later versions of Kontakt; non-licensed libraries must register through Native Access first if used within Native Access player.
First step to getting started is downloading Native Access from NI’s website; here you will manage and install all products linked to your account. After that is done, load up products via Native Access or Kontakt file browser – each Instrument comes equipped with its own set of MIDI/audio routing settings once installed.
It’s powerful
Kontakt is an incredibly powerful sample player, but it also comes equipped with effects and filters that can enhance the sound even further. These effects and filters, known as Instruments, can be added to your Kontakt Library and activated simply by clicking them. Once clicked upon, their custom interface opens within your DAW. We suggest trying these instruments out first before including them in your projects; that way you’ll be sure to find one which best meets your individual requirements.
There are a number of free NI libraries for Kontakt that showcase its capabilities. Project Exodus is an impressive free library for electronic musicians and film score composers that features orchestral instruments such as grand piano and bagpipes as well as drones, drums, and electric guitars. Other free libraries available for Kontakt include Empyreal for creating amazing atmospheres as well as Analog Nightmares that allows you to produce strange yet out-of-space sounds.
Third-party developers also create libraries for Kontakt. These libraries may share some resources with Native Instruments plugins, including GUI images and scripts; however they may not include all the features found in full versions such as editing individual samples. Kontakt can run standalone or be integrated as a VST into DAWs – most users opt for the latter method.
NI’s free Kontakt Player lets you access any libraries licensed to it – these libraries are known as “Player” libraries compared to ones that don’t license it – however it should be noted that in order for these libraries to operate effectively the full version of Kontakt is required for proper operation.
Some of these free libraries can be found in the KOMPLETE Start Bundle, which comes bundled with Kontakt Player and Factory Selection; others may be purchased individually or through Kontakt Crossgrade; they will not work in demo mode of Kontakt as that expires after 15 minutes.
It’s compatible
Kontakt Player works with any sample library created by developers who have paid for use of the full Native Access software, but certain processing modules – including filters and modulators – may not be accessible in its Player version; users will still be able to utilize these modules via separate MIDI channels or audio output settings.
Kontakt’s sophisticated sound engine produces stunning quality, faithfully replicating all the subtleties and details of original samples. Furthermore, its extensive processing options enable users to add unique sonic textures into their music compositions – ideal for orchestral arrangements as well as electronic or experimental pieces alike! Its versatility also makes it suitable for many genres and musical styles ranging from orchestral arrangements through electronic compositions.
Versatile Instrument Building
Kontakt’s powerful scripting capabilities enable users to easily construct complex instruments tailored to their musical styles. Its comprehensive mapping and manipulation tools enable musicians to assign keyswitch triggers for different articulations types while applying effects and modulations techniques to produce distinct sonic textures.
An intuitive user interface makes navigating large numbers of sounds a snap, while an improved database system provides comprehensive search and file-management facilities. In the new Player version, users can view hierarchical displays of folders and subfolders on their hard drives for fast access to specific files they need.
Kontakt’s new Keyboard View is another enhancement that enhances its usability, providing a keyboard view which displays each instrument’s keyboard range and which keys act as keyswitch triggers. It is particularly useful when working with multi-articulation instruments as this enables quick selection of an articulation that matches up perfectly with song chord progression or melody lines.
The player is designed to work seamlessly with VST, AU, RTAS and AAX compatible sequencers, making it simple for users to connect it with any workstation of choice. Furthermore, Kontakt supports many National Instrument hardware controllers allowing even easier management with various control devices.
