6th September 2018
Native Instruments today announced the biggest release in its 22-year history: Nine new production and performance products and three major online platform updates. The releases mark the latest step towards realizing the company's vision of a connected ecosystem of creative tools that enables anyone to freely express their musical ideas.
YouTube.com/watch?v=FSgsFgY21u8
The announcement encompasses five new hardware releases across Komplete, Maschine, and Traktor; four new software releases including Komplete 12, Kontakt 6, and Massive X; and major updates for the company's online platforms. Sounds.com exits beta, continuing its global rollout with an updated pricing plan and free trial subscriptions; Metapop relaunches with a new look and upgraded features; and boutique sample store The Loop Loft, the most recent addition to the NI family, receives a major web redesign.
"This announcement marks a new chapter in NI history, " said CEO Daniel Haver. "For music-makers of all styles and abilities, there's now an ideal entry point to the NI ecosystem – from inspirational starter kits that guide first experiences to pro-grade products that enable our users to push the boundaries of music production and performance. With these new releases, as well as updates to our existing products and online services, we hope to empower creators of all genres and abilities to express the music within themselves."
The hardware releases kick off on September 18th with the next generation of Maschine Mikro. Together with the new Komplete Kontrol A-Series keyboards and a Mk3 update to the Traktor Kontrol S2 DJ system, the Mikro rounds out a new family of entry level NI hardware. These powerful controllers aim to widen access to hands-on music production, performance, and DJing by bringing innovative features and deep software integration from flagship NI hardware down to new, lower price points.
Fall 2018 also brings major updates to NI's professional-grade products for music production: The flagship S88 keyboard receives a Mk2 revision, while the biggest ever Komplete update – Komplete 12 – adds new instruments and effects to the collection, as well as Expansions sound packs for the very first time. Included in the suite is Kontakt 6, which brings new sounds and developer tools to the industry-standard sampling platform. Also included is Massive X – available from February 2019. This completely new synthesizer builds on the 11-year legacy of its predecessor with next-generation sound, state-of-the-art DSP components, new effects, and powerful new modulation options.
The much-anticipated return of Traktor sees new Traktor Pro 3 software along with Mk3 redesigns of the Kontrol S4 DJ system and the aforementioned Kontrol S2. The new S2 is a 2-channel DJ system that lets users easily create powerful sets with effects, samples, and more, at an accessible price point. The next-generation S4 introduces a unique new way to mix with Haptic Drive technology – motorized, touch-sensitive jog wheels that provide tactile feedback to DJs as they perform.
The news comes on the back of major updates to NI's online platforms including The Loop Loft, Metapop, and Sounds.com. In July 2018, Sounds.com introduced three new subscription tiers, and began the process of global expansion by rolling out to 21 new countries. It also began to offer a full-access free trial, encouraging creators of all styles, backgrounds, and abilities to sign up and experiment. Metapop and The Loop Loft – both recent Native Instruments acquisitions – today launch major web redesigns, enabling powerful new features and improved usability for music-makers.
Commenting on the announcement, Chief Innovation Officer Mate Galic said, "Tearing down barriers like cost, product complexity, and interoperability has always been our focus, and with this release we address each of these hurdles for amateurs, hobbyists, and professionals alike. The launch of Sounds.com in January 2018, and with it the integration of online services into our ecosystem of software and hardware, was a pivotal moment for NI. Now, with these new building blocks in place, we are perfectly positioned to realize our vision of democratizing and unifying the music creation process."
More information is available at native-instruments.com/for-the-music-in-you
Pricing and availability
Maschine Mikro:
Traktor Kontrol S2:
Komplete Kontrol A-SERIES:
Komplete 12:
Massive X:
Kontakt 6:
Komplete Kontrol S88:
Traktor Kontrol S4:
Traktor Pro 3:
KVR Audio, Inc.
www.kvraudio.com