Reviewed By Starbright [all]
June 6th, 2025
Version reviewed: 8 on Windows
What can I say: the standard - the legend.
I have been using Kontakt since version 6 and alllthough it's been a rough journey, I still love it.
And since the last version is finally stable and faster it's even more fun than ever.
Version 8 has maybe not the most revolutionary new features but it definitely has its charms.
I really love the new chords, pattern and phrases tool (though it really took me some time to figure out their use for me).
And 11 year old past me would have loved Leap.
But the biggest and best new addition is the new browser and sidebar - it just works, uncomplicated and uncluttered.
One of the only bad things I have are the factory sounds which range from good to very bland. Though the Orchestra and choir is done pretty well... and for the rest I suggest to find some stuff on pianobook.
Overall Kontakt really shaped my career as a musician in a lot of ways and I'm pretty great full for that. I still miss the slice function but maybe it will come back and overhauled one day.
And since it's actually become more affordable than ever through sales, it's a must have.
Though I actually pricewise I suggest to buy Komplete Standard, to get even better libraries and useful stuff. But even on its own it has become a steal.
One of the #best !
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Gentlemen-Question?-Certain wav files when played back sound jittery almost breaking up-Can any one explain-Regards-Dizzyfingers.
Dear dizzyfingers, it can be the file how it's designed (no bread and butter here, all patches are made with several layers to have a complex movement) or the way you play it back in Kontakt 5, the higher the key you play the more it sounds jittery... try to start from C3, and follow the note "try lower keys" for more subtle and soft soundscapes. Cheers.
Major issue with 5.6.5 update, Kontakt does not display all sample libs and user instruments (about 25% of my libs).
Hello! Just another kindly request to compile for Linux. Thanks.
AngelShark's "review" is not a review – just a whining rant against NI in general. Kontakt is the standard, and for good reasons.
Oh, come on. It's no less of a review because one NI fanboy doesn't agree with it. You're entitled to your opinion of Kontakt, just as I'm entitled to mine (as a dissatisfied paying customer). Prospective buyers of Kontakt should be made aware of the drawbacks as well as the benefits. However, feel free to refute anything within my review that you feel is factually incorrect. If you look again, you'll notice I did essentially say Kontakt is the standard, but if NI aren't prepared to bring it into the current decade, the industry should move on. Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn't mean that should be the case in the future.
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