After two years since the release of Kontakt 7, Native Instruments has finally dropped Kontakt 8! But is it worth upgrading? In my latest video, I break it all down for you. Let’s take a quick look at what’s new and why this update might (or might not) be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.
What is Kontakt, Anyway?
For those new to music production, Kontakt is essentially a sampler. You can use it standalone or as a plugin in your DAW. It lets you play virtual instruments with a MIDI keyboard, electronic drum kit, or even just a mouse. But what really sets it apart is its vast ecosystem of sample libraries.
From free instruments bundled with Kontakt to third-party libraries, the possibilities are endless. And if you’re a creator with the full version, you can even design your own libraries. There’s a free version (Kontakt Player) and a full version—but I’ll leave it to Google to tell you the nitty-gritty differences.
New Features in Kontakt 8
At first glance, Kontakt 8 might look a lot like Kontakt 7—but don’t be fooled. There are some exciting new tools under the hood:
1. Chords Tool
Ever wish you could play chords with just one finger? Now you can!
Load up an instrument, and the chords tool lets you play lush harmonies without any piano skills.
Randomize chords with a dice roll or lock them to a specific key (hello, D Minor!).
Add realism with “humanize” and “strum” functions—perfect for avoiding that robotic MIDI vibe.
2. Phrases Tool
Melody-making just got a whole lot easier.
Play pre-made melodies with a single key press.
Adjust tempo, swing, and dynamics, and lock everything to your chosen key.
Drag-and-drop melodies straight into your DAW for further tweaking.
These tools are lifesavers for anyone struggling with writer’s block or who, like me, can’t play piano to save their life!
3. Leap
Leap takes Kontakt’s backend sampler and gives it a sleek new interface.
Pre-made packages like Afro Beats or Trap Essentials let you layer drums, percussion, and melodies.
Sync, manipulate, and experiment with samples effortlessly—it’s intuitive and fun.
Who Is Kontakt 8 For?
Newbies: If you’re just starting out, the intuitive chord and phrase tools make composing a breeze. It’s like having a musical co-pilot!
Veterans: If you’re a seasoned pro who can already play piano or create melodies with ease, you might not find these tools revolutionary.
For me—a guitarist who can’t play piano—the new tools are fantastic. They streamline the creative process and let me focus on making music instead of fiddling with MIDI notes.
Final Thoughts
Kontakt 8 might not reinvent the wheel, but the new tools make it a worthy upgrade if you’re looking for ease and efficiency in your workflow. Check out my full video for a hands-on demo, and let me know in the comments if there’s a library you’d like me to review next!
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Catch you in the next one! 🎹
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