Native Instruments updates Kontakt to v8.1.0

22nd October 2024

Native Instruments has updated Kontakt to v8.1.0, featuring AAX plugin migration, new effects, and an assortment of fixes.

Kontakt Engine Improvements:

Added: AAX Plugin migration is now available from Kontakt 6 and 7 to Kontakt 8.
Added: New amp and stomp effects: Super Fast 100, Chainsaw, Kolor, Skreamer Deluxe.
Fixed: Space bar did not get picked up by the DAW after a Tool has been loaded.
Fixed: Crash when showing the Batch Resave dialog in default view.
Fixed: Crash when restoring a Pro Tools project with a large number (>10) of Kontakt instances.
Fixed: Previews continued to play after Tool or Leap presets were loaded from the Default View side pane.
Fixed: Drag and drop to create an instance of Kontakt in Pro Tools brought up the Missing Content dialog.
Fixed: Tool "Retrigger" and "Dyn Mode" macro knobs did not show values in Maschine/Komplete Kontrol or when automated.
Improved: Bass Invader amp can now process stereo signals.

Leap Improvements:

Added: More Send FX Delay and Reverb types.
Fixed: Playback stopped if pointer is moved while playing.
Fixed: Macro knobs on play page were missing hover states.
Fixed: Issues after duplicating samples.
Fixed: Snap functionality took points after the sample end and start into account when snapping in Auto or REX mode using Beat Machine.
Fixed: Stuck latched notes in scaled mode.
Fixed: Parameter labels were not drawing on Kontrol MK3.
Fixed: Changing audio device in Bitwig brought up the Missing Content dialog.
Fixed: Changing the engine of any sample killed all current voices.
Fixed: Replacing a playing latched loop led to a stuck note on virtual keyboard.
Improved: Perform FX and Macro FX toggles are now pinned to both Sound and Engine tabs.
Changed: Snap mode now defaults to Grid.

Instrument Building & Scripting Improvements:

Added: KSP: $NI_EPP_EQ_MODE_E_GRAND built-in constant.
Fixed: KSP: Regression with $EVENT_NOTE and $EVENT_VELOCITY built-in variables having random values in multiscript.
Fixed: KSP: (N) RPN messages sent from multiscript did not reach instrument scripts.
Improved: KSP: NKS2 parameter groups can now have up to 48 parameters.
Added: API: set_zone_group() command.

Known Issues:

Arrow Keys not working in Sidepane of Default View in some VST3 DAWs on Windows (Live, Cubase, Studio One).
New Kontakt-related files types (NKL, NKT) not opening when Kontakt is launched via loading these files by double clicking in OSs Finder/Explorer.
On macOS, space bar input to start/stop playback reaches DAW only at 2nd press if Kontakt plugin is moved via D&D.