![]() ![]() This process is exactly the same as setting up a patch on a modular analogue synth, although NI go way beyond most hardware synths by providing several hundred Modules (there are 35 oscillators alone!). These can be connected using virtual patch cords to build an instrument to any specification you like, as long as your computer is powerful enough to run it. At the heart of every design is a collection of Modules, which provide basic functions such as oscillators, filters, and amplifiers. ![]() One of the beauties of the user interface that NI use across all their products is that you can work at various levels. You can also see here some of the new more general options such as the ADSR graphic displays, and the Oscilloscope for examining waveforms in more detail. Version 2.0 of the NI applications have new streamlined Toolbars, and the Ensemble window features quick‑launch sub‑panels for its Instruments, as well as duplicating the most useful controls for quick access. Existing owners of Generator can upgrade to the new models as well. Reaktor 2.0, the program under review here, combines the features of both Generator and Transformator, giving a single application capable of both oscillator‑based synthesis, sampling and granular synthesis - a powerful combination indeed. Transformator 2.0 is a stand‑alone program that provides sampling and granular synthesis with up to 16 instruments, each with up to 64 voices and controllable by MIDI. And as if that wasn't enough, they've also ported all three to the Mac. Native Instruments have now updated Generator to version 2.0, and introduced two completely new products, Transformator and Reaktor - both also launched as version 2.0 to keep the product range in sync. The sounds were created entirely by the software, using 32‑bit real‑time signal processing and sample rates from 22kHz to a rather academic 132kHz. This ambitious modular design allowed you to assemble up to 16 different instruments, each with up to 64 voices, and control them via MIDI. The design team at Native Instruments have certainly been busy since I reviewed their Generator 1.5 PC software synth back in the September '98 issue of SOS. Martin Walker looks at a product that should do just that. With more and more software synths appearing for both Mac and PC, it takes something a little special to make people sit up and take notice. This is Reaktor's MetaSynth - someone's dream design, complete with eight oscillators, four filters, four ADSR envelopes, reverb and echo. There are three controls that let you adjust the sounds and it is a very convincing little music box.For those with plenty of processor power to spare, the sky's the limit. I love the interface for this, when you play notes the dancers dance. Like a lot of Boscomac’s instruments, Boxymuse is a great tool for film-scorers. We take a quick glance a music box based instrument, Boxymuse here. ![]() ![]() I assume they do but I haven’t tested it, so if anyone gets a chance to test them out, please leave a comment here or on youtube to let us know. I’m not sure if Boscomac’s instruments work in Reaktor 6, the latest version of Reaktor. Besides Boscomac there are a bunch of other free user designed synths for Reaktor that are worth checking out. You need to own the full version of NI’s Reaktor 5 or 6, which costs $199 as a standalone or is included in Native Instuments Komplete and Komplete Ultimate bundles. Boscomac has taken advantage of Reaktor system to create the best donationware I have ever seen. If you are not familiar with Reaktor, it is a “Modular DSP Lab”, in other words it is a VST/AU plugin that allows users to build their own synths, effects, and sample based instruments piece by piece. Note: Although each video embed looks the same, each one is timed stamped to the spot where we look at that specific instrument. In this article/video we take a look at 9 of their 23 instruments that are played in Native Instruments Reaktor. They put an insane amount of work into crafting instruments with astounding audio quality and beautiful interfaces. It is unbelievable to me that Boscomac let’s you download these instruments without requiring any money. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |