Native Instruments KONTAKT Loading and Playing .nki Instrument Presets in Sample Libraries

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KONTAKT .nki Instrument Presets

The KONTAKT sample library version available in .nki format can be used on Native Instruments KONTAKT full version v2.0 or above on Windows and macOS (Free Kontakt Player only will load this Library for 15 minutes in demo mode). Also is compatible with Ableton Sampler (Live Suite only, not Intro or Standard), Steinberg HALion on Windows and macOS as well as in Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

Loading and Playing Instruments

KONTAKT offers you a number of different tools that let you keep track of your installed sampling libraries and their contents. Ultimately, they all have the same purpose: to let you locate and use any item you’re looking for as quickly as possible.

  • The Files tab of the Browser is a tree-based file system navigator that you can use to traverse the directory structure of your system volumes, browse the contents of any directory,
    quickly listen to samples, and select KONTAKT items for loading.

    •

  • The Libraries tab offers a more streamlined and intuitive way of accessing commercial libraries in KONTAKT format.

  • The KONTAKT Database is a very powerful tool for managing large collections of Instruments, Samples, Multis and Banks in a non-linear fashion. It allows you to tag your items with freely definable attributes and rapidly filter your whole collection by means of keywords and attributes.

  • The load… command, which you can find in the Files Menu of the Main Control panel, will open a traditional file selector dialog that you should find familiar from other applications:
    load… command of the Files menu.We’ll limit the scope of this section to the second option: The Libraries tabs of the Browser. In order to find out more about the other tools mentioned, refer to the KONTAKT 4 Reference Manual.

 

Loading an Instrument Using the Libraries TabNKI Files - Native Instruments Kontakt

Let’s start by loading an Instrument! In this example we will use an Instrument from the Factory Selection Library. The following description applies to all libraries in a very similar manner, so you can use another library if desired.

  1. Make sure the Browser is visible on the left side of the main window. If it’s not, click on the button labeled Browse in the Main Control panel:Toggle the visibility of the Browser with the Browse button in the Main Control panel.

    2.

  2. The Library Browser provides access to all KONTAKT PLAYER libraries installed
    on your computer. To show the Library Browser, click the Libraries tab.
    KONTAKT PLAYER now displays all libraries as “boxes” in the Library Browser:

Two Library Boxes in KONTAKT PLAYER’s Library Browser

To load an Instrument:

-> Click on the button labeled Browse at the bottom of the library’s box. The library’s content will unfold and show all Instruments or sub-folders contained in the library: Click the Browse button to access the Instruments and sub-folders your library contains.The Factory Selection library contains numerous sub-folders, which are marked with a folder icon next to their name. They can be opened by double-clicking on them.

-> To get back to the parent folder, click on the first entry of the list, which is marked with an arrow:

  1. Double-click the Band entry.

    2.

  2. Once you’ve found an Instrument (whose filename will end with .nki) that you’d like to load, either double-click on its name or click and drag it into the Rack.

An Instrument Header with that Instrument’s name and some controls will appear in the Rack, indicating that the Instrument has been successfully loaded and is ready for playing.

To load a selection of Instruments at once, press [Shift]+click multiple nki files and drag them to the Rack.

If a dialog titled “Samples Missing” appears when you try to load the Instrument, it means that KONTAKT cannot find some or all of that Instrument’s Samples for some reason. In this case, either click on Abort Loading and retry the process with a different Instrument, or read the section about this dialog in the KONTAKT 4 Reference Manual to find out how to solve the problem.

Playing the Instrument

Once KONTAKT has successfully loaded the Instrument, it appears as a horizontal Instrument Header within the Rack, which indicates that it’s ready for playing. If you have a master keyboard connected to your computer, play a few keys now.

In case you’re using KONTAKT as a plug-in within your sequencer, you may need to put the respective instrument track into “record” or “monitor” mode first. Provided that you’re playing in the correct key range of your Instrument, you should hear its sound now.

If you can’t hear any output, refer to chapter 5 for possible problem solutions.

KONTAKT Sample Libraries (.nki format) available:

Magnus Choir NKI Sample Library version was made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt. Magnus Choir Mac, Magnus Choir for Mac, Magnus Choir for Macintosh, How to intall Magnus Choir, Syntheway Magnus Choir for Mac OS X, Magnus Choir for Intel Mac, iMac, Magnus Choir for GarageBand, Magnus Choir for Logic

Master Hammond B3 NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Master Hammond B3. The full Master Hammond B3 formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files: 

Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass) NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass). The full Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass) formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files:

Aeternus Brass NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Aeternus Brass (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass). The full Aeternus Brass formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files:

RetroMagix Harpsichord NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of RetroMagix Harpsichord (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass). The full RetroMagix Harpsichord formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files:

Percussion Kit NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt - It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Percussion Kit. The full Percussion Kit formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files

Syntheway Virtual Sitar NKI is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Sitar (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass). The full Syntheway Virtual Sitar formatted version contains the following NKI samples with their respective WAV files:

DAL Flute NKI Sample Library for Native Instruments Kontakt (Mac OS X) Normal, Bright, Pan (aka Pan Pipe, Pandean Pipe) and Shakuhachi Japanese Flutes

Organux NKI is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt and designed for creating a wide range of classic and modern organ sounds.

Realistic Virtual Piano NKI is a Sample Library version featuring Kawai and Yamaha Acoustic Grand Pianos, made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt.

ElectriKeys Electric Piano NKI is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos, made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt.

Chordophonet Virtual Harp and Hammered Dulcimer NKI is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos, made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt.

Banjodoline Virtual Banjo and Mandolin VSTi Plugin Software. Banjodoline Virtual Banjo and Mandolin NKI is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos, made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt. Banjo.nki Mandolin.nki. Banjo for Kontakt, Mandolin for Kontakt

Bassesland Virtual Bass VSTi Plugin Software. Bassesland Virtual Bass NKI is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos, made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Native Instruments Kontakt. Banjo.nki Mandolin.nki. Banjo for Kontakt, Mandolin for Kontakt

GuitarTempus Native Instruments KONTAKT NKI Sample Library: Virtual Acoustic (Nylon, Six and Twelve Steel String) Semi Acoustic Hollow Body and Electric 'Clean' Guitars. The NKI Library was made specially for Native Instruments Kontakt users of Full version v2.0 or above on Windows and Mac OS X (Free Kontakt Player only will load this Library for 15 minutes in demo mode). Also is compatible with Ableton Sampler (Live Suite only, not Intro or Standard) on Windows and macOS /OS X as well as in Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

ShamiKoto Native Instruments KONTAKT NKI Sample Library: Virtual Acoustic (Nylon, Six and Twelve Steel String) Semi Acoustic Hollow Body and Electric 'Clean' Guitars. The NKI Library was made specially for Native Instruments Kontakt users of Full version v2.0 or above on Windows and Mac OS X (Free Kontakt Player only will load this Library for 15 minutes in demo mode). Also is compatible with Ableton Sampler (Live Suite only, not Intro or Standard) on Windows and macOS /OS X as well as in Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

Synthelium Native Instruments KONTAKT NKI Sample Library: Virtual Acoustic (Nylon, Six and Twelve Steel String) Semi Acoustic Hollow Body and Electric 'Clean' Guitars. The NKI Library was made specially for Native Instruments Kontakt users of Full version v2.0 or above on Windows and Mac OS X (Free Kontakt Player only will load this Library for 15 minutes in demo mode). Also is compatible with Ableton Sampler (Live Suite only, not Intro or Standard) on Windows and macOS /OS X as well as in Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

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Instrument List of Apple EXS24 (.exs) Sample Libraries:

(Click on each Sample Library below for more information and shop)

Magnus Choir EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic's EXS-24 Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

Master Hammond B3 Organ EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Master Hammond B3 Organ.

Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass) EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Strings Ensemble (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

Aeternus Brass EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Aeternus Brass (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

RetroMagix Harpsichord EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of RetroMagix Harpsichord (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

Percussion Kit EXS24 mkII is a formatted version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic's EXS-24 mkII Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Percussion Kit. The full Percussion Kit formatted version contains the following EXS samples with their respective WAV files

Syntheway Virtual Sitar EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Syntheway Virtual Sitar (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

DAL Flute EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of DAL Flute (Cello, Violin, Viola & Double Bass).

Organux EXS24 is a Virtual Organ Sample Library designed for creating a wide range of classic and modern organ sounds. It has been meticulously tuned and adjusted and particular care has been taken in the reproduction of the original realism of Organux.

Realistic Virtual Piano EXS24 mkII is a Sample Library version featuring Kawai and Yamaha Acoustic Grand Pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

ElectriKeys Electric Piano EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

Chordophonet Virtual Harp and Hammered Dulcimer EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II.

Banjodoline Virtual Banjo and Mandolin EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. Banjo.exs Banjo EXS24 MkII, Mandolin.exs Mandolin EXS24 Sample Libraries. GarageBand AUSampler, Logic Pro X EXS24 EXSP24, Ableton Live Sampler

Bassesland is a virtual electric, acoustic and synth bass software to create sounds of the electric bass or acoustic double bass as well as the vintage synthesizers bass sounds. Fretless, Fingered, Picked, Muted, Slapped and Slides Basses, Funk Bass, Jazz Bass, Electro Acoustic Bass, Fuzz Bass Overdrive, Synth Bass, Upright Bass or Acoustic Double Bass EXS24 MkII is a Sample Library version based on vintage Fender Rhodes MK1, Hohner Clavinet D6, Wurlitzer and Yamaha CP-70 e-pianos made specially for Mac users in order to use it on Logic EXS24 and EXSP24 Samplers or Ableton Live Sampler. If you use Logic 5.5 or above, your EXS is automatically changed to the EXS mk II. Banjo.exs Banjo EXS24 MkII, Mandolin.exs Mandolin EXS24 Sample Libraries. GarageBand AUSampler, Logic Pro X EXS24 EXSP24, Ableton Live Sampler

GuitarTempus is a virtual guitar designed to emulate the acoustic (nylon, six and twelve steel string), semi acoustic (hollow body) and electric 'clean' guitars. EXS24 MkII Sample Libraries for Apple Logic EXS24 Sampler and GarageBand AUSampler (macOS ), Ableton Live Sampler, MOTU MachFive 3, Presence XT Sampler (PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional) macOS & Windows, and Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

GuitarTempus is a virtual guitar designed to emulate the acoustic (nylon, six and twelve steel string), semi acoustic (hollow body) and electric 'clean' guitars. EXS24 MkII Sample Libraries for Apple Logic EXS24 Sampler and GarageBand AUSampler (macOS ), Ableton Live Sampler, MOTU MachFive 3, Presence XT Sampler (PreSonus Studio One 3 Professional) macOS & Windows, and Image-Line DirectWave Player for Windows.

Synthelium is a virtual instrument inspired by the classic synthesizers of the 70s and 80s. Features a wide collection of 50 tones emulated of synth leads, pads, keys, basses, atmos and effects sounds to create electronic, rock, metal, smooth jazz, pop, hip hop, trance, EDM, and new age music, among others. The pads and atmos presets also makes it suitable for soundscapes and cinematic, as well as ambient and atmospheric textures. Sounds can be modulated with filter section, envelope generator and effects to give a vast array of custom sounds. Available as plugin in VST 32 bit and 64 bit and VST3 64 bit versions for Windows as well as in Audio Unit, VST and VST3 for macOS. Also available in EXS24 and KONTAKT Sample Libraries.

 

Audio Units, vST and VST3 Plugins for macOS available:

(Click on each AU+VST below for more information, demo versions and shopping online)

Magnus Choir

Master Hammond B3 Organ

Synthphonica Strings

Aeternus Brass

RetroMagix Harpsichord

Drumwavy Orchestral and Ethnic Percussion

Sitargen Virtual Sitar and Tanpura Drone

DAL Flute & Woodwinds

Organux Virtual Organs

Pianotrone Virtual Grand Piano

ElectriKeys Electric Piano

Chordophonet Virtual Harp & Hammered Dulcimer

Banjodoline Virtual Banjo and Mandolin

Bassesland Virtual Electric, Acoustic and Synth Bass

Akkordica Virtual Accordion, Concertina, Bandoneon, Harmonica and Melodica

GuitarTempus Virtual Acoustic, Semi-Ac. & Electric Guitar

ShamiKoto Virtual Koto and Shamisen

Synthelium Virtual Synthesizer

H-Tonk Tack Piano

(Tack Piano, Western Saloon Piano and Jangle Honky Tonk)

Saxophus

(Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone Saxophones)

Synthesizers: Additive, Subtractive, Phase Distortion, FM Frequency Modulation Synthesis and Step Sequencer Audio Units

FX: Phaser, Flanger, Chorus, Overdrive, Reverb, Delay, Graphic EQ, Reverb plus Delay Sound Effects Audio Units

 

Audio Units™ is a trademark of Apple Inc.

DirectWave Player™ is a trademark of Image-Line

Live™ and Sampler™ are trademarks of Ableton AG

Logic Pro® and EXS24™ are trademarks of Apple Inc.

Kontakt™ is a trademark of Native Instruments GmbH

VST is a trademark of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH

HALion™ is a trademark of Steinberg Soft- und Hardware GmbH

GarageBand® and AUSampler™ are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

Studio One™ and Presence XT™ are trademarks of PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.

Mac®, macOS®, OS X® are a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Windows 7™, Windows 8™, Windows 10™ are either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

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