Sad state of Native Instruments

[audiojunkie]

Sincere question; Does Access also work under WINE? Because that's the sticking throttle that kills everything from them to me. Doesn't matter what you can get from them if Access won't download, install or authorize them...

I have never yet used any non-native Linux plugins--I haven't had a need to yet (although that may change in the future). However, that said, I did a bit of research, because I am interested in this subject as well. Here's what I've found:

Apparently, version 1 worked without problems, but starting with version 2, it had problems. See this note for details:

Version 2 of Native Access is an Electron application that uses an API to call a UAC prompt that is not yet supported in Wine. The current workaround is to install the legacy, Qt-based Native Access (version 1)

https://unix.stackexchange.com/question ... -with-wine

However, as I understand it, Native Access version 1 no longer works, even for Windows and Apple users (Am I understanding this correctly?).

A new version was released at the end of 2023:

https://community.native-instruments.co ... 0-now-live

Until I started researching this, I wasn't even aware that they were on Native Access 2 version 3.8 now.

The WINE development group keeps an active volunteer-run database of things people want to run in WINE and the status as to whether things work or not. I looked up Native Access, and found the following information:

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager. ... &iId=19265

Notice at the bottom that Native Access 2 (the Electron version) version 3.7 has been rated "GOLD". That's a good sign. Clicking on that link brings up this page:

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager. ... &iId=41820

As you will see, there is a step by step set of instructions for getting the Native Access 2 version 3.7 installed. But be warned, the steps are not going to be easy for everyone. Those used to using Linux will likely have little problems. However, those just getting started with Linux may struggle with this set of instructions, because there isn't an easy fix right now. Hopefully, a future version of WINE or a future version of Native Access 2 will make the set up easier.

An interesting comment is listed in at the end, stating:

Since publishing this version, my Native Access version has been updated from 3.7.0 to 3.8.0, and NTKDaemon from 1.14.0 to 1.15.1.

A notification popped up when opening Native Access that the new version would be installed when restarting the application.

The new version of the NTKDaemon had to be installed using the same method as above and, as I was already logged in, when opening Native Access with the daemon running the update was successful.

(Something must have been broken with the update that happened before, as mentioned above)

So, in short although I haven't tested it, an experienced Linux user should be able to install the latest version of Native Access 2 (version 3. and have it run properly after the workarounds have been done.

I hope this helps!

EDIT: I found a short conversation that might be helpful in shedding further light on the subject:

https://linuxmusicians.com/viewtopic.php?t=26555

Best!

EDIT2: For the sake of interest for the Linux nerds and developers, this thread on Electron was fascinating for me. Warning, it includes a lot of programming and development discussion:

https://www.reddit.com/r/linux/comments ... apps_have/

[Echoes in the Attic]

Is there a way to have some NI libraries installed to one drive, and others on another drive? Is it just a matter of changing install location in Native Access when you install new libraries?

Yes. But depending where you want their final location to be, you may have to install into the default location (usually your local drive), manually move them to the new location, then run Access and you'll see a flag that the library can't be found. You have an option to point to the new location. Frustratingly, Kontakt libraries can't be directly installed to a NAS. But after installing locally, you can move it and re-link it in Access and then the library will work.

Thanks!

[Scoops]

An NI Horror story

Had to replace my hard drive recently
So, I plugged in the new HD, loaded up new OS (Win10), did all the updates, loaded utilities, got all my peripherals working, loaded anti virus, vpn, FF browser, MS office, Focusrite interface, Reaper, Melodyne, Fabfilter stuff, IK Multimedia stuff, Izotope stuff, plugin alliance stuff, Spitfire stuff, Melodyne, and more

As for IK, and Spitfire, these were 2 pretty large libraries on a separate drive. Went into both applications, pointed app at library locations, and Viola! Everything went smoothly!

The above activities all took about 6 hours (Please don't tell me about a ghost image)

So then I get to my NI stuff. Saved it for last cuz I knew it might be a problem

I load up the apps, and start to point the apps (Kontakt and Battery) at the libraries. It's not intuitive by any stretch, and the tech support web pages are inaccurate. Well, after 6 hour, I found that there isn't a global swithch to point all the libraries and do a mass change, I have to repoint each one individually. Kontakt 7 still doesn't see the libraries, and only Kontakt 6 is working. I've had 3 libraries fail to load/connect. I'm only about halfway done re pointing.
I put in a ticket, but the ticket wouldn't let me indicate what the problem is. As per past expierence, I will probably hear from them in about a week or 2 telling me they've fixed the issues, and close the ticket without any dialog.

[koalaboy]

Well, after 6 hour, I found that there isn't a global swithch to point all the libraries and do a mass change, I have to repoint each one individually. Kontakt 7 still doesn't see the libraries, and only Kontakt 6 is working. I've had 3 libraries fail to load/connect. I'm only about halfway done re pointing.

This is one of the worst aspects of NI Access. I have all of my data backed up, yet having to do a re-install recently, I ended up going through this exact same thing. It should be possible to point at an existing directory and have Access simply scan through, but no... such a lazy installer.

[Scoops]

As per past experience, I will probably hear from them in about a week or 2 telling me they've fixed the issues, and close the ticket without any dialog.

Well lookie at this
Hell is freezing over

NI got back to me on my ticket inside of 3 hours

I'm beside myself!!!

[Scoops]

Update:

Well I did get a suggestion from the NI support team as to what to do, but as usual, the fix suggested didn't work.
I have to remember that musicians work on the weekend. NI does not. I might get a response on Monday

[chk071]

I have to remember that musicians work on the weekend. NI does not.

Scandal!

[aberration123]

Omitted due to something or other.

[Dr.Gunjah]

I get the feeling many people's animosity with NI has more to do with their boredom and constant desire for new things, when the scene is already full of brilliant and useful tools.

... or maybe it has to do with NI trying their best to cram every new product into either kontakt or reaktor, two "frameworks" that are clunky as hell, lacking features that other devs had for decades with bugs that exist since years. Do you really think Kontakt 7 (the plugin, not the libraries that it hosts) is a well thought-out product with a modern feature set and sophisticated usability which is an actual leap forward compared to Kontakt 6 (or 5 or even 4)?

[aberration123]

Omitted due to something or other.

[Danilo Villanova]

Guess I don't understand the point of complaining on the internet, like I said "the choice is yours in the end" go use those better products you mentioned.

The human race seems to be suffering from bugs, sadly.

What’s the point of complaining on the internet about people complaining on the internet?

[aberration123]

Point taken my friend, point taken, retracted your honour.

Guess I don't understand the point of complaining on the internet, like I said "the choice is yours in the end" go use those better products you mentioned.

The human race seems to be suffering from bugs, sadly.

What’s the point of complaining on the internet about people complaining on the internet?

[aberration123]

Perhaps best I keep giving away plugins on the quiet and keep out of the proper informative threads.

[2NDMOUSE]

Yeah, when I bought komplete 10, NI were amazing, and were releasing the most innovative software. Now all they release are libraries. Seeing absynth axed, fm8 and massive both sold for £10 when they could at least give them a resized UI to hold people's attention, and maschine jam dropped like a hot potato.....they're no longer my favourite developer. I have a maschine mk2, a maschine jam, maschine mikro, an m32, a49, s61 and two komplete audio 6 mk2 interfaces, and their recent moves have made me lose confidence.
Even more disappointed to see them join serial-abandoners Izotope who also jettison software like it has leprosy ( iris 2, trash 2, breaktweaker, standalone mode of ozone etc.....)

Smaller companies appreciate their customers more, and I'd prefer to give my money to them, instead of financing a monopolistic company at the top, that just throws out lazy content, and abandons software that we paid good money for.

[Shadow Of Death]

Hey everyone! New user alert.

Touchy topic me thinks. I don’t like taking shots at companies,,,but I joined just go say I kinda agree.

If you buy a product from them…..the updates are either never or so far apart you end up with non working product if-say-Apple pulls an M1 type switch. I had to literally dump Battery. Not to mention they discontinued 2 synths

Native Instruments is, in this persons opinion-a sound mill. They just seem to release marginal quality synth products by the tonnage. I think that’s why they had so much financial trouble a while back. You get sucked in with the beautiful interfaces and awesome marketing. Then you realize you just spent $1200 on bloat and you realize you kinda got screwed.

Plus the people that represent them on the forums have some of the worst customer service/relation skills I have ever seen. That alone made me vow to never spend another dollar.