Hi

I'm new to Kontakt, but am i right in saying in general it's just a box full of virtual instrument sounds ? I see Native Instruments are giving away a free download of Kontakt 5 on their website, i assume thats just a trial version ?

Yes, Kontakt is a virtual instrument with a library of sounds that comes with it.

The important thing to know about Kontakt - and what sets it apart from other "virtual instruments with a library" - is that most of the "quality" virtual instruments made from other developers are in Kontakt format.

IOW, Kontakt has become the "standard" format for that type of instrument. Some of them do include a free Kontakt Player with their sounds/library -- but they also pay a licensing fee to NI for the privilege. The ones that don't include the Player expect that you already have the full version of Kontakt.

Bottom line, you're not really buying Kontakt 5 for the included library (though it's well-rounded and of good quality); you're buying it to be compatible with the other "higher-end" libraries that are in Kontakt format.

BTW, the Kontakt Player is a cutdown version of Kontakt, so don't think you're getting the same thing for free. Also, if you own the full-blown Kontakt, you don't need the Kontakt Player, so even if it's included with an instrument, you can ignore it, and just use Kontakt to play the sounds.

Finally, regarding the "free download"... I'm guessing it's the Kontakt Player. It could be the trial version, but read the print carefully, which should make it clear. If it's free, though, it certainly isn't the full-blown Kontakt 5.

(Sorry for the novel, but I thought I'd cover the inevitable follow-up questions most new users have. Though feel free to ask about anything else that may come to mind).

Kontakt is a sampler. you can use it to play any available Kontakt sound library (aka Kontakt instrument), or to create your own instruments using your own samples.

on the other hand, Kontakt Player is a free version which only allows you to play Kontakt sound libraries (and it mutes after 20 minutes unless you're not using the Factory Selection library which is also available for free download via NI).

Thats great, thanks for your response flugel45, however I'm still unsure about a few things maybe you can help ?

(1) It's said that Galaxy II is a computer plug-in, based on Native Instruments Kontakt Player 2.

I thought Kontakt was a Virtual Sample Library all by itself ? why is it used in Galaxy ll ?

(2) What is the relationship between Best Service and Galaxy Instruments, who am i buying from ?

(3) When purchasing Galaxy ll and installing, will all be compatible to work in GarageBand or Logic Pro ? as I'm confused about all the different supported formats, VST, AU, RTAS, etc.

I'm studying this online but advice would be helpful.

Mac 5.1. OS X Leopard 10.5.

Galaxy is a sample library. Kontakt is a sampler. Galaxy comes in Kontakt format. In other words, it requires some form of Kontakt to play. In this case, Galaxy is compatible with the free Kontakt player, which should also be installed with the library.

Galaxy created the instrument. Best Service is a distributor, and a big one at that.

Yes, you can use it in those applications because it uses Kontakt as it's engine, and Kontakt comes in VST, AU, RTAS, etc., which are all just different plugin formats available.

Brent

Hit preview, koolkeys was faster. I'll post it anyway.



Kontakt is a plugin that supports all formats as you say. This is way you can use it inside any host avaliable in both Mac and Windows. You can also use it outside your host as it comes with a standalone version. Galaxy II will work in any host because it loads inside Kontakt.

Other companies release libraries in Kontakt format so you can use them in your host if you own the full Kontakt. The most expensive libraries (like Galaxy II) use to be licensed by Native Instruments (Kontakt's developer) and so you don't need to buy the full Kontakt, those libraries can be loaded in the free Kontakt Player. Current version of Kontakt is 5, Galaxy II was released when version 2 but can be used in 5 without a problem, because Kontakt is always backwards compatible.

Best Service distributes Galaxy Instruments.

T

So am i right in saying it's the "Kontakt player" that Galaxy ll comes in ?

And that there are two types of Kontakt ? Kontakt player being just the engine and it's sampler ?

and Kontakt 5 being Engine, Sampler and a full instrument sample library to work with ?
Last edited by musicworld on Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:19 pm; edited 2 times in total

Error.

No, Kontakt Player will just allow playback of samples, and you can also demo other features for a limited time. The full Kontakt allows all the advanced editing and creating your own patches, scripting, etc.

Brent