Native Instruments releases Kontakt 3.5 with Extended Memory Addressing

Native Instruments has released Kontakt 3.5, a major free update for its software sampler. The new version fully utilizes the capabilities of today's computer systems to overcome performance barriers, and includes many improvements that make Kontakt even more powerful and convenient.

At the heart of Kontakt 3.5 is a new high-performance sample engine with powerful capabilities for sophisticated orchestral scoring and similar complex projects that are a mainstay of professional Kontakt users. Kontakt 3.5 is fully compatible with Windows Vista 64, and takes advantage of 64-bit memory addressing to utilize practically unlimited amounts of RAM. On the Mac, Kontakt 3.5 introduces the new "Kontakt Memory Server" which can make use of up to 32 GByte RAM on OS X 10.4 and beyond.

Kontakt 3.5 also uses a new "zero-memory" DFD technology for highly efficient disc streaming with a strongly reduced memory footprint, and true multiprocessor support now enables additional performance benefits on modern multi-core and multi-processor setups.

To better accommodate its arsenal of third-party instrument content, the new Kontakt version displays all installed libraries and Kontakt Player instruments in a virtual rack, giving producers improved overview for even the most extensive sound collections.

Further enhancements in Kontakt 3.5 include direct MIDI learn for sound parameter controls, improved automapping, individual bypass for effect slots, optimized Pro Tools compatibility on Mac OS X 10.5, KSP aftertouch interpretation, and a localized info pane in six languages.

The 3.5 update is now available as a free download for all owners of Kontakt 3.

New and improved features:

• Compatibility with Windows Vista 64 (XP 64 tbd).
• 64-bit memory addressing for Mac OS X and Windows Vista 64.
• New DFD engine with drastically reduced memory footprint.
• Optimized sampling engine with substantial performance increase.
• Advanced multiprocessor support.
• New browser feature for Kontakt Player libraries.
• Direct MIDI Learn for all sliders and knobs, including performance views.
• Improved automapping.
• Bypass button for effect slots.
• Aftertouch interpretation added to KSP.
• New "Engine Restart" button.
• Custom wallpapers for library boxes.
• Play cursor for Beat Maschine mode in Wave Editor.
• Pro Tools compatibility under Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard.
• Localized info pane in six languages.

Fixes:

• Several fixes and stability improvements.