REFLEKTOR from NI is here
Native Instruments have today launched their new REFLEKTOR convolution reverb.
In their own words:’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.’
More information on REFLEKTOR can be found on the NI website
Teaser on Traktor S4 from NI
This is an early look at the new Native Instruments Traktor S4 DJ Controller, via DJ Tech Tools’ Ean Golden.
The Traktor S4 is a state of the art DJ controller, designed to be plug and play with Traktor DJ software.
Features:
- Integrated 4-deck TRAKTOR controller and software.
- Plug & play – all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s.
- 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout, 2 high-res jog wheels.
- 2 analog inputs with phono and mic preamps for hooking up turntables, CD players or external audio gear.
- TRAKTOR PRO S4 software – pro features, supreme usability; features 4-deck mixing and effects, plus all-new Sample Decks and a powerful Loop Recorder.
- 2 customizable FX units with 28 performance effects for adding your own trademark sound.
- Powerful MP3 management with iTunes® integration and iPod® compatibility.
- Built-in 24bit/96 kHz soundcard features pristine, award-winning audio quality.
- All components designed by the same team – precision German engineering.
- Includes 40 original loops and 10 full tracks from the world-famous Loopmasters Studio.
Get to know Prism
This introduction provides an overlook of this new Reaktor instrument. It also gives a short glimpse into the basic principles of modal synthesis, its underlying structure.
Prism produces a 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.
Five new instruments in NI Komplete7
The modal synthesizer Reaktor Prism, the studio reverb Reflektor, the organ emulation Vintage Organs, the effect suite Traktor’s 12 and the amp emulation Rammfire are based on the technology of Kontakt, Reaktor and Guitar Rig, and can be used both within the full versions and the free player versions of these instruments.
Reflektor ($119) is a high-performance reverb processor for use within Guitar Rig 4 and the new Guitar Rig 4 Player. Based on Native Instruments’ patent-pending Zero Latency Convolution, it combines the quality of impulse response technology with the efficiency and flexibility of algorithmic reverbs to generate both extremely realistic room ambiences and creative, highly original reverberation effects.
The new Vintage Organs ($119) instrument provides the electromagnetic organ sound of the ’60s and ’70s. Based on meticulous sampling with the advanced Kontakt engine, it re-creates three tonewheel organs and two distinctive transistor-based models complete with their authentic sound-shaping and effect facilities.
The performance effects suite Traktor’s 12 ($79) is derived from Native Instruments’ DJ software, and makes the effects arsenal of Traktor Pro available for use as a plug-in in any DAW or music sequencer. All 12 effects, including unique algorithms like the “Mulholland Drive,” “Reverse Grain” and “Beat Masher” are optimized for intuitive and expressive real-time sound manipulation.
The new Rammfire ($59) amp emulation was developed with one of Rammstein’s guitarists, Richard Z. Kruspe, and models the original recording chain that is behind the band’s guitar sound. It can be used both as an expansion to the amplifier arsenal in Guitar Rig 4 and as an individual product with the free Guitar Rig 4 Player.
The five new instruments and effects are now available for individual download purchase in the NI Online Shop, and are also included in the new KOMPLETE 7 bundle.
As the put it themselves – Get Reflected
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.
Reflektor, the first Komplete Effect powered by Guitar Rig 4 Pro’s audio engine, provides reverb ranging from realistic physical rooms to fully virtual acoustics, as well as in-depth modeling parameters for creating unique spaces. According to Native Instruments, Reflektor is able to emulate the sound of expensive digital reverb units, and it includes fresh content for creative sound design, such as the new Sync and Reverse feature.
Available for use in the free Guitar Rig 4 Player or Guitar Rig 4 Pro / Essential, Reflektor boasts easy to use features and an intuitive user interface. With this reverb, workflow is fast and noise free, thanks to its quick Impulse Response (IR) computation, new convolution algorithm, and efficient use of CPU. Reflektor has a flexible rack concept, integrated modulation possibilities, 60 rack presets ranging from standard applications to complex multi-effects, and more.
Finally Reaktor 5.5 is released
Native Instruments has released Reaktor 5.5 – a free update that adds a number of improvements and additions.
New in Reaktor 5.5:
- Fully reworked, streamlined user interface: A complete overhaul of REAKTOR’s interface delivers a new level in usability and improved workflow. The changes make REAKTOR 5.5’s iconic creative potential easier to tap than ever before.
- Two new synthesis modules:
- Additive Synthesis – The additive synthesis technology in REAKTOR 5.5 allows instrument builders to create sound in a new way. This elaborate module allows instrument designers to realize additive synthesis beyond the CPU limitations of previous REAKTOR versions, as it has been radically optimized to handle large number of partials in a more efficient way. For ensemble users, instruments can now be created that allow accesses to sound parameters that were not possible before. The included Lazerbass instrument is a ready-made example of this technology in action.
- Modal Synthesis – The Modal Module is a synthesis method made up of an exciter signal and a resonator, and is great for synthesizing percussive sounds ranging from mallets to vibraphones, as well as sustained sounds like woodwinds. The physical modeling algorithms used in modal synthesis simulate the behavior of real instruments, allowing for highly expressive and playable results. The first synth to utilize this technology is REAKTOR PRISM*, created by Native Instruments founder and father of REAKTOR, Stephan Schmitt.
- New Ensemble Content – REAKTOR 5.5 comes armed with fresh sounds and ensembles. Alongside the now-included REAKTOR Electronic Instruments 1 and 2, comes a new synth from the creators of MASSIVE – Lazerbass.
- Revised Structure Editor and Audio Engine – The improvements made to the Structure editor and audio engine mean greater flexibility and more powerful control over REAKTOR.
- Improved documentation – REAKTOR 5.5 also brings reworked documentation, with the Application Reference manual (400 pages) completely rewritten to better reflect the latest improvements, updates and enhancements within this version. All materials now refer to the new user interface while the reworked Getting Started makes it even easier to join the world of REAKTOR.
The secrets of morphing
Frequency modulation or FM synthesis is a form of audio synthesis where the timbre of a simple waveform is changed by applying another modulating frequency, resulting in a more complex waveform and a different-sounding tone. In this tutorial learn how to use the Morph section within Native Instruments FM8 synth for create new, unusual sounds.
Folktek – a collection of virtual instruments for Native Instruments Kontakt
Folktek has announced released the Folktek Collection Volume 1, a collection of virtual instruments for Native Instruments Kontakt.
After a year of work “the Folktek Collection Volume 1″ has finally been realized. A massive selection of virtual instruments designed and recorded by Arius Blaze and Big Pauper – to be played using Kontakt.
We took over $30,000 worth of our favorite Folktek works and meticulously multi-sampled the sounds we love, then designed the interfaces within Kontakt to have the controls we liked and what’s resulted is a massive 1.74gb of data and 64 virtual instruments of the highest quality.
Folktek Collection Volume 1 features
- 64 virtual instruments, 1.74 GB content.
- 16-24 bit 44.1khz Sounds.
- Over $30,000 worth of Folktek instruments sampled.
- Includes Abstract, Ambient, Noise, Percussive & Synth.
Folktek Collection Volume 1 for Kontakt is available to purchase for $149.79 USD.
More information: Folktek
Ready for the new Traktor
Native Instruments has announced Traktor Kontrol S4, a new integrated hardware/software package designed to be a state-of-the-art digital DJ system.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Features:
- Iintegrated 4-deck TRAKTOR controller and software.
- Plug & play – all you need to start mixing is your computer and MP3s.
- 4-channel mixer with ergonomic layout, 2 high-res jog wheels.
- 2 analog inputs with phono and mic preamps for hooking up turntables, CD players or external audio gear.
- TRAKTOR PRO S4 software – pro features, supreme usability; features 4-deck mixing and effects, plus all-new Sample Decks and a powerful Loop Recorder.
- 2 customizable FX units with 28 performance effects for adding your own trademark sound.
- Powerful MP3 management with iTunes® integration and iPod® compatibility.
- Built-in 24bit/96 kHz soundcard features pristine, award-winning audio quality.
- All components designed by the same team – precision German engineering.
- Includes 40 original loops and 10 full tracks from the world-famous Loopmasters Studio.
In the video demo above, DMC World Champ DJ Shiftee gives the Traktor Kontrol S4 DJ system a workout highlighting the new Sample Decks and Loop Recorder in four mini-routines:
- Live looping and editing, cue point juggling and jog wheel scratching on the Tetris melody, using dubstep Loopmaster loops.
- Using one-shots like speech samples and horn-stabs in the S4 Sample Decks to build a set.
- Triggering synced loops, grabbing them on-the-fly from Diplo’s remix of “Flashing Lights” and using the Sample Decks as an additional deck in Traktor.
- Using live audio playback from the S4 Loop Recorder like a live mix of sequencer automation.
According to Native Instruments, “Traktor Kontrol S4 represents a new level of software and hardware integration that makes DJing more versatile, more intuitive and more fun.”
Traktor Kontrol S4 is expected to be available this winter for $999 USD/899 EUR. The Traktor Kontrol Case will retail for for $189 USD/169 EUR.
Check out the demo and let me know what you think of Traktor Kontrol S4!
More details below.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Overview
This video offers Native Instrument’s official introduction to the Traktor Kontrol S4 system.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Software
The included TRAKTOR PRO S4 software offers the full feature set of TRAKTOR PRO, further expanded through new performance functions and an optimized user interface.
Two flexible Sample Decks can add up to eight simultaneous one-shot samples or beat-synced loops to the mix, opening up creative remixing and mash-up possibilities that go far beyond conventional DJing techniques.
The unique Loop Recorder also allows DJs to capture and overdub audio loops from the live mix, cue signal or an external input on the fly, and drop them back into the mix at any time.
Traktor Kontrol S4 Hardware
All relevant functions including looping, cueing, effects control and track browsing are immediately accessible on the Kontrol S4 hardware, with multi-color backlighting, LED status displays and comprehensive level metering designed to let you focus on performance rather than on the computer screen.
The dual touch-sensitive jog wheels on the KONTROL S4 hardware offer precise and responsive deck control, due to a new electromagnetic technology, complemented through Native Instruments’ high resolution NHL protocol, that provides superior performance over conventional MIDI. The integrated low-latency 24bit/96kHz audio interface is based on the AUDIO 4 DJ.
External time-code control via turntables and CD decks will be enabled through a future software upgrade. To accommodate touring DJs, a professional flightcase that doubles as an adjustable performance stand will also be available as an accessory for TRAKTOR KONTROL S4.
The versatility of the cue point and performance effect features in Traktor
In this official Native Instruments video, DMC champ DJ Shiftee performs an advanced turntablism tricknology routine, using the combination of Traktor Scratch Pro, the X1 controller and Maschine.
Shiftee creates a live dubstep remix of the Dead Prez track Hip Hop using Caspa’s Dub Warz, showcasing the versatility of the cue point and performance effect features in Traktor.
See the video below for an explanation of the techniques used in the routine.
DATAMASKIN
