Kontakt 8

How can I upgrade to Kontakt 8 if I own a previous version?

Simply choose the Update version of Kontakt 8 during checkout. It’s offered at a special price and includes all the features of the full version. Once purchased, Kontakt 8 will be available for installation as a new application in Native Access.

What happens to my existing DAW projects created with older Kontakt versions?

Kontakt 8 is installed as a separate application and doesn’t replace the older version in your DAW. Your projects will continue to load with the Kontakt version they were created with.

Do I need both the older Kontakt version and Kontakt 8 installed?

You can keep both versions installed and even use them side by side. For instance, you can use Kontakt 7 and Kontakt 8 in the same project without issues, as they won’t interfere with each other.

How can I update my existing DAW projects to use Kontakt 8?

There are two methods:

1. Auto-Migration: Some DAWs support automatic plugin migration. If yours does, uninstall the older Kontakt version after installing Kontakt 8, and your projects will load with Kontakt 8 automatically. Please see more details here.
2. Manual Migration: If your DAW doesn’t support auto-migration, create a new instrument channel with Kontakt 8, then copy your MIDI, automation, and instrument settings to the new channel.

Note that automatic plugin migration depends on implementation by DAW developers. Currently, it’s supported by Cubase 12, Nuendo 12, Logic Pro 10.8, Pro Tools 12.3, and Maschine 2.16.0. We’re hopeful that more DAWs will adopt this feature in the future to simplify the migration process.

How can I avoid breaking my existing DAW projects?

Before updating any Kontakt libraries, check the release notes on Native Access to ensure you have the required Kontakt version installed. Updating libraries without the compatible Kontakt version can cause issues with loading them in your projects.

Will all Kontakt instruments require Kontakt 8 now?

New instruments released after Kontakt 8 may require it. Older libraries will remain compatible with earlier Kontakt versions unless they’re updated to require a newer version. Be sure to check the release notes on Native Access before updating! If a library does require Kontakt 8, you can either update or download the free Kontakt 8 Player.

Are there improvements to CPU performance?

Yes, Kontakt 8 features faster loading times, especially with large libraries and third-party plugins, and enhanced reliability during instrument loading.

Does Kontakt 8 support high-DPI and scalable interfaces?

Yes, Kontakt 8 includes high-DPI support for its browser, Factory Library, Leap, Tools, and Conflux. A new framework called Komplete UI enables instrument builders to create high-DPI interfaces, which many upcoming libraries will utilize. Current high-DPI libraries include Choir: Omnia, Alicia’s Electric Keys, and Scene: Saffron, with more to come.

You can use Zoom scaling in the View menu to adjust library sizes.

Are there any improvements to the sampler engine in Kontakt 8?

Yes, Kontakt 8 introduces several enhancements to its sampler engine. Alongside new additions like Leap, Tools, and Conflux, you’ll find powerful effects from Traktor, including Beat Masher, Beat Slicer, Gater, Reverse Grain, Transpose Stretch, and new amp and stomp effects like Super Fast 100, Chainsaw, Kolor, and Skreamer Deluxe.

Additionally, Kontakt now features 28 stereo outputs by default, making multi-out workflows easier straight out of the box. The Beat Machine also supports reverse sample playback, and we’ve increased the maximum number of external modulators to 64 per group for more flexibility and control.

How are Leap Expansions different from Maschine Expansions?

With Kontakt 8, you can access your Maschine Expansion content without owning Maschine hardware. This lets you extract individual samples or loops to mix and match sounds, creating custom kits directly within Leap.

Note that Maschine Expansions come with additional content like MIDI patterns, projects, and presets for effects and instruments, as well as synth presets for Massive. To access this additional content, you’ll need the respective applications.

Leap Expansions, on the other hand, are specifically designed for Kontakt 8 and its new capabilities. They feature construction kits, loops, and samples curated for audio manipulation, making them ideal for leveraging Kontakt 8’s cutting-edge features.

Can Kontakt 8 be used with Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards?

Yes, Kontrol S-Series MK3 integrates seamlessly with Kontakt 8, providing hands-on control of parameters, tools like Chords and Phrases, and library navigation.

Is Kontakt 8 compatible with Maschine?

Absolutely. You can load Kontakt 8 into Maschine’s plugin slot just like any other VST plugin.