Native Instruments has announced Kontakt 3, the latest version of its popular software sampler. The new version is centered around a next-generation instrument library that, according to NI, “sets new standards both in its musical scope and in its creative value, while also adding a wide range of new functions and refinements in all areas of the software.”

Over 1.000 ready-to-play instruments enable Kontakt 3 to fill nearly every imaginable musical role and application out of the box. The library consists of six themed collections titled “Band”, “Orchestral”, “Synth”, “Urban Beats”, “Vintage” and “World”, all based on over 33 GB of high-quality source material that takes full advantage of the sound shaping capabilities of the KONTAKT engine.

Every single instrument in each collection of the Kontakt 3 library is outfitted with a specialized “Performance View” panel that puts all essential sound parameters at the user’s fingertips for quick and convenient control. Drum kits include their own programmable step sequencer, world instruments offer sophisticated tuning scale options, synthesizers come with arpeggiators and detailed voicing controls. This advanced functionality is based on Kontakt’s KSP scripting technology.

The comprehensive sound design capabilities of Kontakt are further extended in the new version through the addition of innovative Zone Envelopes. These flexible free-form envelopes are directly applied on the waveform, and add a deep yet intuitive new aspect to the powerful modulation features of Kontakt. A new sample editor now also enables direct editing of waveforms for audio trimming, cutting and similar tasks directly within Kontakt 3. Handling of loops and musical phrases greatly benefits from an improved wave editor, which offers superior slice detection, a flexible beat grid feature and the option to export sliced loops as MIDI files via drag&drop at any time.

The ease-of-use and efficiency of Kontakt 3 is increased on every level, both through a substantial general user interface overhaul as well as through various feature additions. This includes a new “Instrument Navigator” and “Monitor Tab”, a “Modulation Quick-Jump” feature, and an enhanced mapping editor that makes creating and editing sound easier. The user interface is further augmented with a new integrated help panel that provides explanations and hints for nearly all functions and controls right within the software, making it easier to fully take advantage of the vast functionality that Kontakt 3 offers.

Other improvements in Kontakt 3 include several new effect algorithms, additional supported sample formats, substantially faster loading times and much more.

Kontakt 3 is also fully compatible with Kore, the host system from Native Instruments.

Kontakt 3 will be available in October for a suggested retail price of $449 / EUR 399. An update for owners of KONTAKT 2 will be offered at $149 / EUR 129.