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Kinetic Metal Kinetic Metal
Kinetic Metal by Native Instruments is a Virtual Instrument Audio Plugin and a Software Application and Soundware (samples or presets that load into other products) for macOS and Windows. It includes, and is therefore "powered by", Kontakt Player, which functions as an Audio Units Plugin, a VST 3 Plugin, an AAX Plugin and a Standalone Application.
The OS and Format icons below are for the latest version of Kontakt Player. The version numbers are for Kinetic Metal.

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Kinetic Metal

Kinetic Metal is a unique and inspiring Kontakt instrument by Native Instruments, designed to create ethereal soundscapes, evolving textures, and delicate tonal percussion from unconventional metallic sources. Developed in collaboration with renowned sound designer Jeremiah Savage, this instrument takes the essence of various non-traditional metal objects and transforms them into a versatile palette for cinematic scoring, ambient music, and experimental sound design.

At its core, Kinetic Metal blends creatively sampled metallic sounds—ranging from cauldrons and broken clocks to kettles and swords—with artificial waveforms. Each patch within the instrument is a multi-layered combination of four distinct sampled sounds and four artificial waveforms, offering a rich sonic foundation. The instrument's intuitive interface, featuring two large "Forge" and "FX" wheels, allows for dynamic and expressive manipulation of these sounds. The Forge wheel morphs between the different "personalities" of a patch, providing continuous sonic evolution, while the FX wheel controls a custom set of effects tailored to blend seamlessly as the wheel is turned. This design encourages hands-on exploration and provides a wide range of sonic possibilities.

Beyond manual control, Kinetic Metal incorporates an "Auto-motion" feature, allowing producers to set one or both of the main wheels in motion automatically. This creates evolving sound beds and textures, freeing the user to focus on performance while the sound morphs independently. The instrument is a powerful tool for sound designers and producers seeking to add unique, atmospheric, and percussive elements to their compositions, providing a distinctive sonic signature that is both organic and otherworldly.

Features:

  • Unconventional Metallic Sources: Features creatively sampled sounds from diverse metal objects such as cauldrons, broken clocks, kettles, and swords.
  • Hybrid Sound Design: Combines four distinct sampled metallic sounds with four artificial waveforms within each patch for rich, multi-layered textures.
  • Forge Wheel: Morphs continuously between four different "personalities" or sonic combinations within each patch.
  • FX Wheel: Controls a custom set of effects designed to blend and evolve with the sound as the wheel is turned.
  • Eight Sliders: Allows for manual adjustment of the level of each sample and waveform in the mix for fine-tuning.
  • Auto-Motion Feature: Enables automatic, continuous movement of the Forge and/or FX wheels for evolving soundscapes.
  • Over 200 Multi-Layered Patches: Provides a wide array of ready-to-use sounds for various musical applications.
  • Intuitive Interface: Designed for easy manipulation and expressive performance.

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Latest User Reviews

Average user rating of 4.00 from 1 review
Kinetic Metal

Reviewed By Milkman [all]
July 17th, 2025
Version reviewed: 1.0 on Windows

Ive owned Kinetic Metal for a few years now, having purchased it as part of (if I recall) Komplete 12. Maybe 13? This review is for the product as it was around 2021 - before NI became a shadow of their former selves post private-equity acquisition.

This product is one of my favorite modern offerings from NI (Ive been their customer since around 2003) in the category of kontakt instruments. This instrument is fun to use and creates many gritty, crunchy, ringing, metallic foley-sounding tonal sequences and textures that range from psychedelic to industrial, and its easy to create movement and transitions using the default macro mappings.

In a sea of uninspired, forgettable, low-value sample instruments, also from Native Instruments and 100s of others, this (along with Kinetic Toys) is an inspired, interesting, useful instrument. Not sure why it just showed up on KVR.

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