Native Instruments today announced KORE 2, the second generation of its advanced multi-functional host system. The new version significantly extends and refines the innovative concepts introduced and established with KORE - seamless integration of any software instruments and effects into a unified architecture, powerful realtime parameter control, and comprehensive sound access functionality. At the same time, KORE 2 expands its role by directly integrating powerful sonic capabilities with a comprehensive included sound library based on integrated NI instrument engines.

While remaining an open platform for all software instruments and effects, KORE 2 now also includes its own powerful sound capabilities, realized in a library of 500 specially designed studio-quality KoreSounds, each with multiple sound variations, covering all relevant musical styles and genres. The ready-to-use sound arsenal is based on the integrated engines of Absynth, FM8, Guitar Rig, Kontakt, Massive, and Reaktor, and offers highly focused, musical sound shaping functions.

The standard library included in KORE 2 offers a useful selection of production-ready sounds designed by Native Instruments, with additional sample-based instruments from renowned sound provider Sonivox. At the same time, KORE 2 introduces the new "Sound Variations" concept that goes beyond the scope of conventional instrument presets. Any sound in KORE 2 can include up to eight variations, which are directly accessible within a dedicated interface area that even allows for seamless, intuitive morphing between multiple varieties of a sound.

KORE 2 provides musicians with a revised user interface, and offers a new way of utilizing instruments and effects that is more efficient, more inspiring and more accessible at the same time. At the center of the KORE 2 interface is the new Sound Matrix, a highly flexible yet easy-to-use channel grid that allows users to plug in, combine and route any combination of instruments, effects, KoreSounds and MIDI files via intuitive drag-and-drop operation. In any given channel, both audio and MIDI signals can be flexibly routed within instruments and effects, which opens up vast new possibilities for creative sound design and dynamic live performance.

KORE 2 also takes the acclaimed "Find sounds fast" paradigm of the system to the next level with a significantly more powerful sound browser. The introduction of custom categories allow users to freely categorize sounds according to their personal criteria, further assisted by a new MultiEdit function. Searching and auditioning sounds is easier than ever due to an improved QuickSearch feature and a new Prelisten function that makes it possible to audition presets directly within the sound browser. KORE 2 also offers a batch import function that can transfer preset libraries of third-party software instruments and effects into its database in a single go.

The advanced included hardware controller that provides the unique hands-on capabilities of the system with its eight touch-sensitive high-resolution knobs has also been revised and optimized for KORE 2. The integration with the on-screen interface has been taken to a new level, making the controller a seamless, fully functional extension of the software. The KORE 2 hardware now focuses completely on control functionality and does not integrate an audio interface, allowing for a smaller footprint, less weight and an overall reduced price. Further improvements like a USB cable hook and a anti-theft lock option specifically accommodate live performers.

KORE 2 has also been enhanced with a multitude of other new features, including powerful and freely assignable step sequencer and arpeggiator modules, a substantially extended effects section with more than 30 high-quality effect algorithms, multi-output capabilities for flexible routing of individual channels, a comprehensive context-sensitive info-pane system that explains all system features directly on screen, and a multi-lingual interface that supports five different languages.

KORE 2 will be available in June 2007 for a suggested retail price of €449 / $499 from authorized dealers and in the NI Online Shop. Details regarding upgrade and update conditions for owners of KORE 1 will be announced at a later date.