This collection contains 20 full drum kits adapted from the hot new MASCHINE library. With hard hitting urban kits, sounds recorded from specially produced vinyl dubplates, heavily processed acoustic drums and vintage analog samples, MASCHINE DRUM SELECTION truly provides a broad palette of modern club and electronic music styles.

Each kit consists of 16 high-quality sounds to which tuning, filter, saturation and other effects can be applied individually, allowing for plenty of sound-shaping potential.

Reaktor 5.5

REAKTOR 5.5 opens a universe of sound. It's a deep and powerful modular studio that sets no restrictions on creativity. More than 70 unique synthesizers, sound generators, grooveboxes, sequencers and effects are at your fingertips, with 3000+ more freely available in the Online User Library. Customize existing instruments, or create your own individual sound generator from scratch thanks to the fully modular architecture. REAKTOR 5.5 is a true playground for the creative mind.

The comprehensive and free 5.5 update¹ sees REAKTOR build on its past successes and add a number of exceptional new features as well as a stunning new instrument. The revamped and streamlined user interface makes using and creating instruments easier and more intuitive. Two new synthesis techniques – modal and additive – open up new sonic territory for the creation or modification of instruments. Lazerbass, a brand-new synthesizer from the makers of MASSIVE, is the first instrument to take advantage of the new additive synthesis module and is included in this update. Also included are the 15 instruments and effects from previous products REAKTOR ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENTS Vol. 1. and 2. Many other improvements and enhancements make using or creating instruments easier and more inspiring than ever before.

Read what's new in version 5.5...

REAKTOR is a world-class studio right out of the box. The library includes more than 70 ready-to-use instruments and effects created by Native Instruments and our network of instrument designers, with several thousands of presets for an incredibly wide range of sound generation and audio processing applications. You'll find a stunning variety of synthesizers, grooveboxes, sequencers, sample transformers, sound generators, sample players, and effects, providing nearly any synthesis, sampling and effects technique you can imagine. From classic synthesis and sample techniques up to exotic methods such as delay-line resonance, modal or granular synthesis - REAKTOR is capable of fulfilling all of your audio desires - there are no boundaries to your creativity.

Take a look at the REAKTOR Instrument Gallery

If you're looking for additional tools, over 3,000 instruments, constructed by REAKTOR users all over the world can be downloaded for free from the exclusive REAKTOR User Library. And if you create your own instruments, you can contribute to the highly innovative and dedicated community of REAKTOR programmers by uploading and sharing your own inventions.

Visit the User Library...

REAKTOR 5.5 can easily be expanded with a constantly growing range of synthesizers and multi-effects, available from September 1st, 2010 in the NI Online Shop:

REAKTOR PRISM - a unique polyphonic instrument.

THE FINGER - a distinctive multi-effect unit.²

REAKTOR SPARK - a highly dynamic synthesizer.²

Thank to its fully modular structure, REAKTOR always lets you take a look "behind the scenes" – seeing exactly how your instrument or effect is built. This enables you to change anything you want to get the individual sound you're looking for. If you are more interested in customizing existing instruments than building your own from scratch, REAKTOR has never been more accommodating: Take a synth and effect from REAKTOR or the User Library and combine them by simply wiring them up. Customize the look of instruments by adding individual backgrounds and control elements. Or go deeper and replace oscillators and filters, add a sequencer to trigger synth lines, or create completely new instruments from scratch. There is no limit to your imagination!

Kontakt 4

KONTAKT 4 is the industry standard sampler from Native Instruments. Its immense 43 GB sound library contains over 1,000 instruments, while the unique Authentic Expression Technology® and host of other fresh features makes this the most playable and powerful KONTAKT yet.

With the latest innovations it's probably the fastest sampler to work with: Background Loading dramatically reduces startup delays and the Quick Load Menu delivers instant access to your patches.

Brand new features of KONTAKT 4.1...

® Registered Trademark of Native Instruments GmbH

KONTAKT 4 contains a rich and diverse sound library. Seven stunning Instrument Collections are included: Choir, Orchestral, World, Vintage, Band, Synth and Urban Beats – containing 43 GB of professional quality samples and over 1,000 instruments. Each and every sound is instantly accessible via the attribute-based browser. Every instrument in KONTAKT 4 features extended Performance Views with controls that group together all the important parameters for a super-fast and efficient workflow.

Library details...
Watch the library video...

KONTAKT 4 offers endless possibilities to really get inside your samples. You can easily edit, loop, slice and time-stretch your sounds and pitch shift them in real time or tempo-sync them with the powerful Wave Editor. Draw your own custom envelopes directly into the sample waveform to easily and precisely modulate any parameter, or use step sequencers and flex envelopes to tweak your samples. Refine your sound even further with any of the 19 versatile studio-quality effects such as the convolution effect for super-realistic reverbs, or use the powerful surround sound features for cinematic productions.

"I spent 11 months arranging and programming electronic textures and rhythmic elements for the score to 'Avatar'. Whether this was the delicacy of the woodsprites falling on Jake in the forest, or the impact needed for the flying and battle cues, KONTAKT 4 provided me with the ability to create and customize sounds in a way that no other sampler can approach. Kontakt was the core of my work on Avatar."

Guitar Rig 4

GUITAR RIG 4 PRO is the ultimate all-in-one guitar and bass solution for perfect custom tone. The powerful and intuitive software comprises of a vast array of amps, cabinets, mics and effects, recreated in stunning detail. The latest version includes 3 new amps, 4 new super-flexible effects and above all, the revolutionary Control Room for that “big bucks” studio tone.

What's new in version 4...

The GUITAR RIG 4 PRO software offers 15 amazing guitar and bass amplifiers, modeled with the exacting precision of NATIVE INSTRUMENTS’ award-winning Dynamic Tube Response Technology®. Including the original multi-channel designs and model-specific tweaking options, these amps not only accurately convey the character, charm and feel of their real-world counterparts, but also offer a huge arsenal of tried-and-true tones for all genres. The included Matched Cabinets module offers a harmonized speaker setup for every single amp. It's easy to use yet super-flexible, providing you with classic sounds in seconds.

This all-new module opens a vast new world of tone with an unparalleled degree of natural sound reproduction and tonal clarity. With just a few fader moves you can create the sound of professional studio recordings that will definitely cut through the mix.

GUITAR RIG 4 PRO features numerous tools to help you achieve your best performance. Tape decks for super-easy recording and playback, a metronome and an integrated tuner all help keep the focus on your creativity. A loop machine allows guitar and bass loops to be created and layered on the fly. With GUITAR RIG 4 PRO, your own personal guitar assistant is on hand every time you plug in.

GUITAR RIG 4 PRO works perfectly as a stand-alone program and within any sequencer. This allows you to "reamp" your sound in a convenient way – record your performance, then tweak and change the tone afterwards in any way you like, as often as you want.

With RIG KONTROL 3
The RIG KONTROL 3 integrates seamlessly with GUITAR RIG 4 Pro, forming a hardware complement the software and offering hands-free control - in the studio or on stage. More Info...

With AUDIO KONTROL 1
The AUDIO KONTROL 1 is a high-end audio interface. Freely-assignable buttons and a controller knob combine with advanced MIDI key commands for full control of software applications. More Info...

Based on REAKTOR technology and derived from the live setup of Tim Exile, THE FINGER is a new type of live performance and remix effect which can be "played" like a musical instrument.

THE FINGER is opening up new ways for intuitive sound mangling, live remixing, and advanced tempo-synced effects processing - in the studio or on stage. Powered by REAKTOR, THE FINGER is available for use with the free REAKTOR 5 PLAYER, or the full version ofREAKTOR 5.5.*

THE FINGER provides more than 40 effects including real-time samplers/transformers (e.g. loop, re-arrange, reverse, scratch, heavy granular effects etc.), as well as filters, gaters, delays, reverbs, distortion, wave shapers, ring modulation and many others. Each effect has two parameters controlled by velocity or mod wheel, and is tempo-synced to a master clock or the tempo of your audio host.

The main advantage of THE FINGER is the ability t trigger effects via MIDI keyboard (or the "piano roll" in a sequencer). Four octaves of MIDI notes have a specific effect per sound with their own settings assigned to each. The order you trigger the notes is the order the effects get layered in, so chains can be arranged and re-arranged in no time. Make the last key a loop effect, and you can continue the chain from there, endlessly. This allows you to "play" and improvise with effects just like with a "real" instrument. When used within a host sequencer as an effects plug-in, you can record your playing as MIDI in the piano roll editor allowing to edit your effect chains in a much simpler way.

The potential for creative audio mayhem is pretty much inexhaustible, and it has never been more fun - that is the power of THE FINGER.

Read about the instrument's creator, Tim Exile and find out from the man himself what inspired the THE FINGER...

RammFire

Ideal for heavy room-filling riffs, super-fast attack and bone-crunching overdrive, RAMMFIRE is perfectly and directly modeled on the legendary Pre-500 Dual Rectifier Amp and recording setup of Richard Z. Kruspe (Rammstein). Designed and developed in close collaboration with the man himself, we've unlocked the secrets behind this iconic band's trademark sound.

This groundbreaking guitar amp emulation is for use with the free GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER and of course GUITAR RIG 4PRO /ESSENTIAL.

With a keen interest in technology, Kruspe is really an expert on tube amps and guitar recording. Over the years he also experimented with various amp and speaker simulations, but they just didn't work for him. Until now.

After meticulous work together with our developers at his personal studio, Richard Z. Kruspe was so impressed with the end result that he often uses it to record demos at home. Enjoying the quick and easy interface, Richard also brings his slick RAMMFIRE setup on tour, using it to warm up back-stage before gigs.

Richard Z. Kruspe's personal recording setup has been studied and meticulously modeled using the original recording chain, including some of the finest boutique studio gear available. With close assistance from Richard Z. Kruspe himself every detail of his setup was recreated, a task spanning from amp modeling, to recording real impulse responses from his studio, to Richard working on the sound design both for the Matched Cabinet module and the rack presets himself!

RAMMFIRE offers an instantly satisfying choice of authentic Richard Z. Kruspe sounds, yet gives the user total control over the specific ingredients when needed. The Control Room module offers the original channel strips to tweak the blend of different mics, cabinets and preamp settings, just like in Richard's real studio setup.

RAMMFIRE is a ready to use Amp and Cabinet emulation. Simply load it into the free GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER and give your guitar signal or audio tracks that true Rammstein power.

Moreover, GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER comes packed with additional features in the Factory Selection to fuel your productions with creative, modular effects processing in pristine sound quality.

Traktors 12

TRAKTOR'S 12 brings the intense buzz of the club to your studio productions or live stage performances. A dozen of TRAKTOR's tried and tested floor-rocking effects have been adapted for easy use within your DAW.*

TRAKTOR's 12 includes some of the most inspiring and contemporary sounds from TRAKTOR's arsenal – effects that have been road tested by top DJs in the world’s biggest clubs. Incredible delays, reverbs, and filters join TRAKTOR's unique and hugely popular Beatmasher, Transpose Stretch and Mulholland Drive, among others, to form a powerful studio tool with true club pedigree.

Details on all included effects...

TRAKTOR'S 12 is the result of top DJs looking to move beyond the standard effects available with most DAWs and bring the legendary power of TRAKTOR into their studio – without needing complicated workarounds. TRAKTOR's 12 is instantly and easily usable in any studio set up. Maintaining the feel and ease-of-use familiar from TRAKTOR, the FX are controlled by only four intuitive knobs and buttons – yet retain a insane amount of sound mangling potential. Any producer who wants to harness the excitement and suspense of TRAKTOR – whether he's a DJ or not – will love the dirty dozen!

See what renowned artists say about TRAKTOR'S 12

TRAKTOR'S 12 runs in the free GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER, meaning the Guitar Rig Factory Selection of tools and effects is also included - that's 22 that can be used on anything from vocals to keyboards and drums! Thanks to the flexible rack concept and integrated modulation possibilities, the creative potential is endless. TRAKTOR'S 12 boasts 120 multi-effect rack presets ranging from classic use-cases such as voice processing and remix tools to complex and dense special effects. Stemming from the work of acclaimed sound designers such as Denis Gökdag (DEEP FREQ) and Jeremiah Savage (SONIC FICTION), these presets put the full power of TRAKTOR'S 12 on display, offering instant usability and inspiration in any situation.

Scarbee MM-Bass

SCARBEE MM-BASS is based on the highly-regarded Scarbee Black Bass created by accomplished bassist and producer Thomas Hansen Skarbye and inspired by the sound of Bernard Edwards (Chic). Bringing you the warm and creamy fingered bass sound of the 70s known from countless disco and funk recordings, SCARBEE MM-BASS is an outstanding addition to our series of "Powered-by KONTAKT" instruments - ready for use with the free KONTAKT 4 PLAYER or KONTAKT 4.

The SCARBEE MM-BASS is also available as an Amped Version , including four different amp sounds.

The SCARBEE MM-BASS was recorded with flatwound strings to get that warm, creamy sound of 1970s disco and funk bass lines. The bass was recorded through a DI box to give maximum flexibility in the sound production. Furthermore, the full strings of the bass were sampled in order to reproduce the timbre changes that occur when you move between low and high frets - giving you rich, natural sound with all the overtones.

SCARBEE MM-BASS is much more than just a collection of samples. It features an extensive set of playing techniques including sustains, mutes, harmonics, hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides and more. And thanks to some sophisticated scripting, SCARBEE MM-BASS comes vividly to life with features such as a dynamic fretboard display, chord recognition, random alternation between varying release samples, random insertion of pickup hits and realistic vibrato - all to put the swagger into your groove.

Read the full features list here...

"When Thomas Hansen Skarbye first approached me about doing a bass sound dedicated to Bernard Edwards, naturally I was skeptical. Bernard's sound is so distinctive and so elusive that it seemed an impossible task. The first time I heard SCARBEE MM-Bass, I was stunned at how good it was, and how much it evokes the spirit and the sound of CHIC's vibe. It was clear that Thomas' passion and dedication to his craft, to the bass guitar, and to the legacy of Bernard Edwards was very profound, and that he had created something truly remarkable."

NILE RODGERS** - world renowned producer, musician, guitarist, and songwriter about MM-BASS (pictured here with his Chic co-founder, Bernard Edwards).

Reflektor

REFLEKTOR represents the pinnacle of digital signal processing - a definitive convolution reverb based on the groundbreaking Zero Latency Convolution technology developed by Native Instruments. This high-performance effect provides reverb ranging from super-realistic physical rooms to fully virtual acoustics, offering in-depth modeling parameters for creating unique spaces. It can perfectly emulate the sound of high-end, expensive digital reverb units and includes specially designed content for creative sound design. Combined with some highly usable and musical innovations such as the Sync and Reverse feature, this is the ultimate reverb for every production need, from classic to creative.

Native Instruments' patent pending Zero Latency Convolution technology is the basis for REFLEKTOR, the first KOMPLETE Effect powered by the amazing audio engine of GUITAR RIG 4 PRO.

Available for use in the free GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER or GUITAR RIG 4PRO /ESSENTIAL, REFLEKTOR's simplicity of use is matched by its incredibly smooth user experience. Forget about painful crackling noises and artifacts when adjusting parameters, experience a new, blazing workflow with ultra-fast Impulse Response (IR) computation instead! The all-new convolution algorithm speeds up and smoothes out any parameter adjustments, and – most importantly – also boasts a new level in CPU efficiency.

A highly flexible musical tool, REFLEKTOR adds a twist for producers with a sense for advanced techniques, producing anything from aspirated reverbs to far-out effects. The reverse mode offers an adjustable position for leaving early reflections in place. Combined with the dead-easy sync feature, which allows for syncing the pre-delay and decay both of original and reversed IRs. This unique feature is great for creating superb pumping beats or rhythmic effects. In addition, REFLEKTOR gives you full control over depth and pan, as well as stereo width, making this reverb a cut above the competition.

Shape your custom reverb sound with REFLEKTOR's effective musical parameters, starting from a wide spectrum of sources: REFLEKTOR contains over 300 Impulse Response samples. From high-end digital reverb units, to real IRs recorded from actual physical spaces, synthesized IRs calculated from virtual rooms, and special processed IRs, everything is included to give your productions outstanding space and depth.

Of course, all of REFLEKTOR's features can be used with your own Impulse Response samples as well, opening the door for even more creative use of the effect!

Details on the included Impulse Response samples...

REFLEKTOR runs in the free GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER including the GUITAR RIG FACTORY SELECTION which sports 22 additional modules. Thanks to the flexible rack concept and the integrated modulation possibilities, REFLEKTOR’s power is multiplied with every single one of them! For instant usability, REFLEKTOR boasts 60 rack presets ranging from standard applications to complex multi-effects.

More info about the GUITAR RIG 4 PLAYER

BATTERY 3 is the professional standard for drums and percussion. The latest version of the acclaimed drum sampler fuses an extensive library with functionality and simplicity. A powerful new engine and a host of sound shaping options deliver tight, punchy drums while the user-friendly interface guarantees instant access and complete control. Whether electronic or acoustic, BATTERY 3 will have your drums rolling in no time.

The free BATTERY 3.1 update is now available Find out more...

BATTERY 3 is armed with an extensive 12 GB sample library. Over 100 professional kits cover an incredibly broad spectrum of musical styles. From authentic acoustic kits to contemporary electronic collections and ethnic percussion from all over the globe, every genre is represented. Third party sample formats such as Apple Loops, REX, Akai, EXS and many more can of course be imported, guaranteeing BATTERY 3's compatibility with just about every drum sample available.
Library Details

At the heart of BATTERY 3 lies the cell matrix, bigger and more versatile than ever before. With up to 128 sample cells, it is fully customizable – define the number of cells, rows and columns to fit your exact needs. Color-code or select multiple cells for quick and easy management. Step through all your drums of a particular type and pre-listen samples within the current kit. BATTERY 3's flexible nature ensures the perfect setup for any situation.

BATTERY 3 offers a wide range of sound shaping features and effects, both for individual cells and on a global level. Adjustable articulations, such as flam, humanize and roll, add a natural feel to your rhythms. The time stretching feature allows samples to be sculpted and loops to be adjusted to the correct tempo.
BATTERY 3 is also armed with an arsenal of powerful and flexible effects for every cell or the master channel which guarantee your drums a production-ready and cohesive sound.
Feature Details

Abbey Road Drums

ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS is the first of Native Instruments' collaborations with Abbey Road Studios London. This KONTAKT Instrument delivers expressive acoustic drums that combine detailed realism with flexible and nuanced control. Containing no emulations or acoustic modeling of any kind, this instrument consists entirely of high-quality samples of two vintage kits - beautifully recorded with period equipment in Abbey Road's legendary Studio Two. The sound of ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS can be easily molded from within the instrument itself, going from vintage to modern and taking in all points between.

Go to the Feature Details...

An iconic symbol of the music industry since 1931, Abbey Road has been the location of countless landmark recordings by artists such as Fiona Apple, Kate Bush, The Beatles, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Cliff Richard and The Shadows, David Gilmour, Dido, Green Day, Groove Armada, Idlewild, Muse, Oasis, Underworld, Coldplay, U2, Radiohead, Kanye West, and a wealth of film scores. Throughout its long history, Abbey Road has pioneered many studio techniques and technologies, and today is widely recognized as one of the most advanced recording, mixing and post-production complexes in the world.

The heart of ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS consists of two highly sought-after vintage drum kits. The Gretsch round badge White Marine Pearl (Jasper Shell) from the early 60s includes a 24” kick drum, one 13” and one 16” tom. The second kit is a Ludwig Hollywood from 1967 with a 22" kick, and 12", 13" and 16" toms.

• Snare drums include a Ludwig chrome Supra-phonic 400 (1966), Ludwig wooden jazz Festival (1966), Ludwig Mahogany (1959) and Slingerland Radio King (1964).
• A selection of vintage Zildjian cymbals were used from the early and late 60’s, including a rivet cymbal dating from 1963.

Detailed specs about the kits and sample content...

ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS were recorded using only the absolute best period equipment, including the legendary REDD.17 valve mixing desk from 1958, an EMI TG mixing desk introduced in 1967 as well as a valve Studer J37 4 track 1-inch tape machine from 1964. Each kit was recorded with an array of microphones from the studio's microphone collection - one of the largest in the world. A selection of classic Neumann, AKG, Sony and STC models were used to record each drum and percussion element from both close range and further away - capturing the legendary ambience of Abbey Road's Studio Two. The individual direct and room microphone signals are all separately adjustable - giving you detailed control of the overall sound. For further details please check the manual.

Detailed specs about recording equipment...

ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS was Executively Produced by Peter Cobbin, Abbey Road's Director of Engineering, recorded by Mirek Stiles and assisted by John Barrett and Kris Burton. Native Instruments sound designers Paul Maurer and Nicki Marinic were on hand to oversee the sessions. Drumming duties were performed by one of London’s top musicians, Ralph Salmins.

Music pros love ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS
Find out why...
Press Views...

An update for ABBEY ROAD | 60s DRUMS is now available via the Service Center or via the Online Update Manager. It offers the following new features:

• Incredibly fast loading of kits thanks to the new KONTAKT 4.1 background loading feature.
• Drum loading and unloading of single sounds. Unloading a drum will purge it from your computer’s memory, freeing up more resources.
• Essential kits: new versions of each kit with the most common articulations
• Additional mapping presets: selection of presets based on popular software and electronic drum setups
• Choking of cymbals with electronic drum pads and with keyboard aftertouch now possible
• Automation ids: pre-assigned automation IDs to easily use automation within your DAW

Find out more on the feature details and samples and equipment pages

Absynth 5

ABSYNTH 5 is an exceptional synthesizer with unique sonic potential and 1,800 preset sounds. Its speciality is a limitless spectrum of unusual, evolving sounds created using the powerful, hybrid synthesis architecture and sophisticated modulation and effect system - resulting in sounds far removed from the everyday. What's more ABSYNTH 5 is not just a synthesizer, but a powerful effect plug-in for treating audio tracks using the unique ABSYNTH 5 effects bank.

Version 5 sees ABSYNTH make creative sound design simpler than ever before. With the innovative Sound Mutator it's now possible to create completely new sounds by combining the characteristics of other sounds, generated without delving into the depths of the synthesis architecture. ABSYNTH 5 also contains new and unusual effects and filters such as the Aetherizer, Cloud Filter and Supercomb, as well as 250 new presets that explore previously uncharted regions of sound.

All new features...

Watch the Sound Shaping video...
Watch the Sound Mutation & Fine Tuning video...

Full of endlessly expressive sounds, ABSYNTH 5 hosts a collection of 1,800 KoreSounds ranging from classic keyboard sounds to complex grooves, abstract soundscapes and endlessly transforming sonic landscapes. And with the convenient KoreSound Browser it's easy to find any sound in seconds simply by selecting the desired type of instrument or choosing a sound characteristic that fits your purpose.

Listen to the Audio Demos...

ABSYNTH 5 is unrivalled as a tool for creating unique sounds. The hybrid architecture features three oscillator channels and a semi-modular signal flow combined with diverse sound generating methods such as subtractive synthesis, FM, wave-table, granular sampling, and sampling with wave-morphing, filters, modulators and effects. In addition, a uniquely flexible envelope control with 68-stage envelopes allows for sounds to be subtly or radically animated. From softly undulating pads to aggressive rhythmic synth attacks - everything is possible with ABSYNTH 5.

Massive

MASSIVE is a sonic monster – the ultimate synth for basses and leads. The analog concept belies the contemporary, cutting-edge sound it generates. The high-end engine delivers pure quality, lending an undeniable virtue and character to even the most saturated of sounds. The interface is clearly laid out and easy to use, ensuring you will have MASSIVE generating earth-shuddering sounds from the very first note.

This unique synthesizer has its own uncompromising character that produces the most distinctive of sounds. From the deepest low end, MASSIVE is capable of the creamiest, punchiest basses to give your tracks a solid foundation. Razor-sharp leads that cut through the mix, even with grit and dirt piled high, set MASSIVE apart among analog style soft synths. And just beneath the surface, MASSIVE’s overwhelming array of wavetable oscillators, versatile modulation options and bountiful filter and effects sections offer a sonic spectrum as broad as it is inspiring.

Equipped with some 600 production-ready presets and multi-sounds, all crafted by leading artists and designers, you can start using MASSIVE immediately and without any fuss. The integrated KoreSound® Browser makes managing the KORE-configured presets easy. Fast search and filter functions let you find presets according to specific characteristics and attributes – a particularly musical and intuitive approach.

On stage, MASSIVE is sure to grab the limelight. An array of special features makes it ideal for live performances. The integrated step sequencers and effects section as well as a highly flexible modulation concept deliver the necessary versatility. All these features have been implemented with a focus on usability, with the result that MASSIVE is just as easy to use on a hectic stage as it is in the creative environment of a studio.

REAKTOR PRISM is a highly playable, responsive polyphonic instrument with an unconventional sound, for use with the free REAKTOR 5 PLAYER or REAKTOR 5.5.

Based on REAKTOR 5.5's new "Modal Bank" module, which utilizes the possibilities of physical modeling synthesis, REAKTOR PRISM produces a dynamic and pristine sound that can be dramatically modified via internal or external sources. The result is a wide-ranging synth, equally powerful for hard basses and digital leads as organic soundscapes, percussive keys, flutes and bells.

REAKTOR PRISM is the latest brainchild of Stephan Schmitt, founder of Native Instruments and the creator of REAKTOR. After the wildly successful REAKTOR SPARK and its free follow-up CHA-OSC, REAKTOR PRISM draws on these technologies while pushing the envelope of synthesizer design once again. The interface offers immediate top-level access to all parameters without having to click through sub-pages, giving direct control over the immense sound potential that lies under the hood. REAKTOR PRISM will add dramatically changing colors, that can range from stunning realistic to unnatural colors and add individuality to any studio production or live situation.

The new Modal Bank module that is now included in REAKTOR 5.5 is the foundation for REAKTOR PRISM, the first synth based on this exciting technology. Modal synthesis is often used for physical modeling, as these algorithms can more accurately simulate the behavior of real instruments. REAKTOR PRISM uses these principles in an unconventional and new way to create sounds never heard before rather than mimic existing ones.

Prism’s source sounds are from an "Exciter", creating impulses or continuous noise signals that feed the Modal Bank. From there the spectrum is refracted through multiple resonating band pass filters, eventually resulting in continuous tuned sounds. The high number of resulting partials are controlled by a small number of controls, delivering a unique character for this synth- highly expressive and playable, and at the same time "unnatural" and organic. Incoming controller data, such as velocity, changes the tone radically, and the modulation possibilities are extensive.

PRISM contains 300 ready-to-play sounds, made up of numerous basses, bells, keys, leads, pads, soundscapes and more - plus, the potential of unlimited new patches of your own creation. The range of sounds is wide, as is the range of expression PRISM is capable of - from pleasant and delicate to growling and aggressive. The simple source sounds deliver complex results that are unobtainable via classic analog synthesis, yet remain highly playable and easy to program. PRISM’s flexibility is its strength, making possible unnatural and unprecedented sound shapes, such as short, percussive sounds being bent from a “real“, acoustic sound to an otherworldly, synthetic sound.

Five perfectly tuned effects are included, built specifically for REAKTOR PRISM. An amp simulation, an 8-pole filter, a flanger, a stereo delay and a reverb enrich and enliven the instrument's output signal. These effects are ideal for producing short, percussive sounds which can be bent extremely, and also make REAKTOR PRISM a particularly effective tool for evolving and richly modulating soundscapes and pads.

FM8

Native Instruments has harnessed the power of FM synthesis. The strengths of digital are manifest in FM8’s powerful audio engine which generates breath-taking, brilliantly dynamic FM sound in pristine quality. With its emphasis on ease-of-use, the FM8 brings a high degree of simplicity to the otherwise intricate process of FM synthesis, delivering unsurpassed depth, brilliance, and dynamism. The FM8 embodies the bright, lively sound of FM synthesis. Load patches from classic FM hardware units or use the 960 presets. Innovative features raise FM based synthesis to new levels.

The concept of FM synthesis, while being incredibly versatile, can also be an intricate undertaking. Advocating the approach taken by its predecessor, the FM8's Easy Edit page brings a high degree of simplicity to the process. Intelligent algorithms map the easy edit controls onto the expert pages’ parameters, allowing various parameters to be altered automatically and simultaneously.

Included with FM8 are over 960 ready-to-play factory sounds. Rich and detailed, these presets exemplify the strengths of FM synthesis, from dynamic digital pianos to bright, bold brass. Also included are a number of effect rack, sound morphing and arpeggio presets. The integrated KoreSound® Browser makes managing the KORE-configured presets fast and easy. Simply search and you will find - instantly.

A central aspect of FM8 is usability. The "Easy Edit Page" offers a clearly designed interface with simple controls that adjust more complex parameters automatically, allowing you to take a far more musical approach to FM synthesis. The more detailed editing pages have been improved for easier handling and are all accessible with just one click. FM8 lets you play straight away!
Read more...

The FM8 offers an unprecedented range of features and effects. The classic crystalline bells and keys are perfect for creating melodic and percussive sounds of the highest quality. A unique arpeggiator, a revolutionary sound morphing feature and a large selection of new, charismatic effects add countless sound-shaping possibilities. The sonic potential of FM8 goes well beyond the confines of conventional FM synthesis.
Read more...Reaktor Spark

REAKTOR SPARK* is based on a new and unique REAKTOR ensemble, resulting from three years of design and development work by Native Instruments founder and conceptual mastermind Stephan Schmitt. This Powered by REAKTOR Instrument breathes new life into the concept of the subtractive synthesizer, adding a dynamic and unpredictable element that causes sounds to ignite into living and sometimes chaotic entities. As the father of REAKTOR, Stephan Schmitt has designed REAKTOR SPARK as his very own statement in synthesizer design.

Tested and refined in the rehearsal room and on stage, REAKTOR SPARK cuts through the mix like few other synthesizers, and delivers a unique presence in any arrangement and musical context. The "ghost in the machine" creates sounds that range from subtle warmth to screaming sonic overload. REAKTOR SPARK forgoes endless options and modes in favor of real edge and character, brought to life through the performance of the player.Acoustic Refractions

This new Powered by KORE instrument is a fresh and exciting exploration of the world of sound. Combining curious and engaging sampled material with advanced processing in KORE, ABSYNTH, and other sound engines included in KORE 2 and KORE 2 PLAYER, this pack contains 100 completely original yet highly playable instruments that will resonate with modern musicians and sound designers.

ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS draws inspiration from many idiosyncratic sources, as well as everyday objects and circumstances. Their transformation into playable instruments is a triumph of imagination, creativity and advanced programming.

Beautifully sampled from such diverse sources as ice instruments, spinning washing machines, traffic on the Golden Gate Bridge, carpets being ripped, underground parking garages, and rain on a car windshield; ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS is a celebration of refreshingly off-kilter sound design.

Jeremiah Savage, creator of ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS and SONIC FICTION, is an experienced musician and sound designer, and the founder of echoexist. His approach to sound, and particularly the idea of greater flexibility and exaggeration of acoustic sound by electronic means, is the root of the ACOUSTIC REFRACTIONS pack.

Learn more about some of the sound sources with comments by Jeremiah Savage

NEW YORK CONCERT GRAND
Detailed reproduction of the contemporary grand piano with a stunning range.

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VIENNA CONCERT GRAND
A classic concert piano reproducing the legendary 'singing' sound of a Viennese legend.

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BERLIN CONCERT GRAND
This reproduction of an international standard piano contains a unique freshness, strength and musicality.

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UPRIGHT PIANO
The UPRIGHT PIANO is a traditional, quality piano with a warm and compact sound. It offers a distinctly charismatic signature sound.

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VINTAGE ORGANS
Five legendary organs, meticulously sampled and perfectly preserving their authentic character and charm.

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SCARBEE MARK I
An iconic electric piano from the 70's - rich in detail perfectly preserved in all its analog brilliance.

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SCARBEE CLAVINET/PIANET
The sounds of two legends - expertly sampled and brimming with the character of the originals.

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SCARBEE A-200
A classic and highly versatile electric piano with all its characteristic dynamic range captured intact.

Product info...Phew, as you can tell it is some package and at £400 at DV24/7, is amazing value as well and I certainly will be buying it!!!

I have been using this as a writing tool for a while now, its pretty good and of course, its free!!!

I have been using this heavily for its dostortion but also its saturation algorithm, very good indeed and it free!

CamelCrusher is a free 'colouring' multi-effect plugin. It offers two characteristically different distortion sounds which can be blended together to create a wide variety of tones and textures. Great for guitars, drums and plenty more! There's also a warm, smooth analogue-style low-pass filter with buckets of resonance. Assign a MIDI controller and start tweaking! Finally, let's not forget the easiest-to-use compressor you'll find anywhere. It can 'phatten' up your sound as quickly as you can turn up the 'Amount' knob! Find out more in the manual. Best of all, CamelCrusher is available free of charge!

Features

Requirements

The industry standard for direct recording in the studio, POD® 2.0 delivers the tones heard on hit records everywhere.  For practicing, it’s the ultimate way to get inspiring, stage-perfected tones with headphones.  In the studio, it enables you to be more productive and creative. 

This desktop miracle has an incredible range from classic clean to modern high-gain tones.  POD 2.0 allows you to quickly choose amps and effects without the long set up times and expensive equipment. 

POD 2.0 is the must-have recording tool for any guitarist.

Line 6 FM4

The Mu-tron® Bi-Phase; the Korg® X911 Guitar Synth—are these rebel fighter ships from The Empire Strikes Back? Or maybe proton thrusters from outtakes of Babylon 5? Nope. These, and the other 13 techy tone temptations loaded into Line 6’s galactic-purple FM4 Filter Modeler stompbox, represent the outer limits of guitar filter effects, a territory many consider to be today’s most fertile terrain for discovering new sounds, timbres and tone colors.

In looking forward, Line 6 first looked back, to the filters, vocoders and guitar synths that players from Frank Zappa and Ernie Isley to Robert Fripp and Peter Frampton have made synonymous with creative guitar playing. “The Throbber” will have your tone gurgling with synth-approved LFO from four wave shapes, including square or triangle waves; “Tron Up/Tron Down” literally drips with auto-wah style response in either Low-, Band- or High-Pass varieties; “Synth-O-Matic” simulates the notably nasty filter sections and wave shapes of prized vintage synths from the Prophet® 600 to the legendary Arp Explorer.

Of course, you already use a filter effect all the time; every Wah-Wah pedal is a variable filter, and the FM4 includes a superb “Q Filter” that allows you find and fix that golden frequency notch, in the same spirit as “parked wah” practitioners like Queen’s Brian May and soul superstar Prince. Want to make it a more traditional wah? Just hook up the optional EX-1 expression pedal, and save a “Q Filter” sound to both a low frequency (heel down on the EX-1) and a high frequency (toe down on the EX-1) and you’ve got a more versatile wah than any off-the-shelf pedal, not to mention a pristine 24-bit signal path, stereo ins and outs, and true bypass switching.

Like all Line 6 stompbox Modelers, the FM4 boasts a simple and sturdy front panel design, with four footswitches for saving and recalling your sounds, and six knobs for selecting models and tweaking parameters, with distinct assignments for each knob depending on the model you’ve chosen. The Line 6 FM4 is for the true explorer of new sonic galaxies; expect to be surprised, stimulated and encouraged to absolute synth-fulness...

Available Models:
• Tron Down
• Tron Up
• Seeker
• Obi-Wah
• Voice Box
• V-Tron
• Throbber
• Spin Cycle
• Comet Trails
• Slow Filter
• Octisynth
• Synth-O-Matic
• Attack Synth
• Sytnh String
• Growler
• Q Filter

Sorry, did someone say FREE? Yes indeed. And despite being a freeware the Frohmage is not a cheap plugin at all: we're talking about a worldwide acclaimed resonant filter, which have been described by top producer Stuart Price (2 Grammys awards in his shelf + remixed/produced Coldplay, Madonna, The Killers, and many others) as "still the most original and best sounding filter". It delivers a unique palette of sounds, combining lowpass filtering and analogue crunch with a bunch of special features. Core features are:

• Highly resonant low-pass filter.
• Cutoff frequency unit selection: Hz or musical note.
• Up to 15 additional bands, linearly distributed.
• Delay on each band for unique phasing-like effects.
• Distortion stage, with two routing schemes.
• Very fine MIDI control (PRN and NPRN sent or recorded by Frohmage are 14-bit accurate).
• Low CPU load.

You can easily tune the filter to resonate with specific notes in your music (you got it right, you can *play* the filter) and then built in harmonic multi-band feature adds tons of warmth to your sound. For extreme fun, delay effects can be applied across the filters at the turn of a single knob, creating swish phasing or weird gliding echoes. Want to see it in action? Take a look at this video tutorial and realize how stinky it could be...

Finally, why not dial in some distortion. Whether you like your music to scream in pain, or simply crave that phat, analog tone, Frohmage's final overdrive stage is waiting to be abused. Oh, and did we mention that it's free?

Quote :

"Stability 10/10, Value for money 10/10, Ease of use 8/10, Versatility 7/10, Sound/results 9/10", Future Music

And so the new issue of Computer Music magazine just came through my door with an excellent surprise which I believe everyone should know about.

FxPansion have very kindly created a CM version of the highly popular GURU drum machine!

I was looking for an instrument that I could use in Logic that would deal with loops in the way that this one does since I bought it and I think this is a coup for anyone to own, especially as it is free.

Below is the blurb from the FxPansion website:

GURU takes the best features of hardware beatboxes, drum samplers and loop manglers, and combines them into a unique, inspirational software instrument. Whether integrated in to your DAW or running standalone, GURU's powerful sequencer with ultra tight timing and realtime groove adjustment is an intuitive and addictive interface with which to quickly write inspiring rhythmic foundations for your tracks. High-quality built-in effects, including compressors, EQs, delays, reverbs are available right under your fingertips, as well as sample manipulation capabilities like reverse, bitcrusher, and resonant filters - all the power you need, whether you want to mangle your sounds or just tweak them. GURU gives you the hands-on feel which you crave... record performances with a MIDI controller, mouse or laptop keyboard, fire off sequences with a single keypress, drop parts in and out, chop loops instantaneously, and switch grooves on the fly - all with sample accurate timing. GURU is a complete beat production worksation environment, ideally suited to live use or for fast, intuitive composition in the studio or on the road. Instant loop slicing with in-context preview and automatic score detection makes reusing and reprocessing your existing loops a breeze, and even lets you cross-breed and hybridize your loops - take the feel from one loop and apply the sounds from another, then drag and drop the results to your host.

The best news is that only a few of the functions are removed and you not only get the plugin but also the standalone.

It doesn't get better than that!

FxPansion

I have been using this a lot recently and it is my go to compresser when I wish to add some extra punch to drums, especially the kick drum. Below is the blurb from the Audio Damage website:

Rough Rider is a modern compressor with a bit of "vintage" style bite and a uniquely warm sound. Perfect for adding compression effects to your drum buss, it also sounds great with synth bass, clean guitar, and backing vocals. Definitely not an all-purpose compressor, Rough Rider is at its best when used to add pump to rhythmic tracks. Of course, you can use it however you'd like. The Compressor Police aren't gonna come to your house and give you a citation. Slap it on a track and crank some knobs.

The front panel layout is done the same as many hardware compressors, so it will be immediately obvious how to use it. A brief overview of the controls:

Ratio: The ratio knob is logarithmic in operation. Completely anti-clockwise is 1:1, and completely clockwise is 1:1000. The 12 o'clock position is 1:10, so everything to the left of center is single digits, and everything to the right is "atom bomb squish," essentially.

Attack and Release: We left off the actual time values, so you're gonna have to use your ears, like the he-men did it in times of myth.

Meter: That honking big dial in the middle of the UI is the gain reduction meter. It basically shows how much compression is occurring.

Sensitivity: usually called "threshold" now, but we think "sensitivity" always made more sense. Turn to the right, you get more compression, essentially. Turn it all the way to the right, and you've got a distortion box, the sound of which is tuned by Ratio, Attack, and Release.

Makeup: 30 dB of gain to compensate for the attenuation caused by the compressor.

Active: From the front panel, this is simply an off/on switch, but if you automate it, strange things happen...

MIDI Learn: Like all of our products, the VST version has MIDI Learn. Download any manual from the current product line for an explanation of how this works, as it is common among all our VST products.

Rough Rider is available as a VST effect for Windows, and an AU or VST for OSX. The OSX versions are Universal Binaries, and require OSX
10.4.0 or later.

Audio Damage

Logic Studio 9

Ableton Live Lite 8

IMac 21.5in

Focusrite Saffire 6 USB

M-Audio Ozone Keyboard Controller

Shure SM57 Microphone