Before you go.
Sonicstate have just launched a weekly newsletter, sign up for for the latest news, exclusive offers and more here..
We respect your privacy, Unsubscribe at any time.
NAMM: Eye To Eye KONTAKT 2 From Native
US
Second Gen sampler boasts new engine 21/01/05
Buying Choices
Affilliate Links help support the site
Press Release from NI
KONTAKT 2 is the second generation of NI´s award-winning flagship
sampler. With a powerful new sampling engine, comprehensive
surround integration, the unique KONTAKT Script Processor (KSP),
integrated convolution effects and unrivaled import capabilities,
KONTAKT 2 is simply the most advanced sampler ever.
At the heart of KONTAKT 2 lies a powerful new sampling engine that
offers virtually unlimited polyphony as well as 64-part
multi-timbrality, allowing for the most complex arrangements even
within a single instance of KONTAKT 2. Multiprocessor support
delivers up to 100% performance increase on dual processors
systems, while Altivec optimization gives a further performance
boost on Macintosh computers equipped with G4 and G5 processors.
The new surround integration in KONTAKT 2 is the definitive answer
to the increasing role of surround in all areas of professional
audio production, with support for multi-channel formats ranging
from 3.0 up to 16.0, including industry standards like 5.1 and
7.1. All of the 13 effects in KONTAKT 2 are also fully
surround-enabled, including a highly capable surround panning
module that allows for precise sound field placement as well as
sophisticated creative panning effects. KONTAKT 2 also features an
output browser that gives a convenient overview about channel
routing and output levels, making work in surround as effortless
as with traditional stereo setups.
The KONTAKT Script Processor (KSP) is a unique and extremely
powerful feature that outfits KONTAKT 2 with an unlimited range of
sophisticated performance features. KSP is a fully programmable
processing engine that transforms and generates MIDI and control
events on the basis of a versatile yet easy-to-learn script
language. A KSP module can be an arpeggiator or a step sequencer,
a MIDI recorder or a chord generator, a virtual guitar or a harp
simulator, or whatever the user wants it to be - complete with
definable on-screen-controls. KONTAKT 2 ships with a large
assortment of pre-programmed KSP modules that can be used out of
the box as well as modified according to individual needs. The NI
website will also host a special KSP User Library where KONTAKT 2
users will be able to freely trade their custom-programmed KSP
modules.
An especially powerful addition to the acclaimed sound shaping
potential of KONTAKT is the new convolution effect unit that
allows for ultra-realistic reverb effects, speaker and microphone
simulation, and much more. A versatile library of high-quality
impulse responses is included with KONTAKT 2.
Thanks to its new "Universal Import" capabilities, KONTAKT 2 is
also by far the most compatible sampler on the market. It reads
more than 30 different file and sample formats, now also including
Acid,Akai S-5000/S-6000, AppleLoops, BATTERY 2, Emu EIV/EOS/ESi,
Halion, Korg Triton, Kurzweil, MachFive, Reason NN-XT, REAKTOR,
Roland S-5XXX/7XXX and SoundFont 2.
The user interface of KONTAKT 2 is also greatly enhanced,
featuring a new "Multi Browser", a multi-channel-capable loop
editor with improved loop slicing, an extended mapping editor with
list view and sample replace function, an enhanced group editor,
multi-effect-modules for easy effect combinations, and an
on-screen-keyboard.
Additional new features in KONTAKT 2 include a "RAM Purge"
function that can free up large amounts of memory by unloading
individual samples not being used in a track, "instrument banks"
that hold up to 128 different instruments which can be selected
via MIDI program change, two new filter models that bring the
total number of filters up to 19, a new master section with tempo
and tuning controls as well as a metronome, and a host of
usability improvements including quick preset switching, unlimited
undo/redo with undo history, and key commands.
KONTAKT 2 ships with a massive new sample library containing a
large number of studio-quality instruments. Included are a full
symphonic orchestra, a Grand Piano, an electric piano taken from
NI´s acclaimed ELEKTRIK PIANO, a painstakingly multi-sampled
electric guitar, a collection of surround effects and more.
KONTAKT 2 will be available in March 2005 for a suggested retail
price of $579 / 499 Euro. 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.