Native Instruments REAKTOR SPARK is a KORE Soundpack based on the new Spark performance synthesizer designed by NI founder and REAKTOR mastermind Stephan Schmitt. 

Spark was designed by Stephan Schmitt as a personal project over the course of three years, with the goal to create a synthesizer with a highly energetic sound character and maximum potential for real-time expression.

According to Schmitt:

The structure of Spark reflects my personal preferences in regards of synthesizers. Instead of creating a full-blown mega/multi-purpose synth, I try to keep it as small as possible and with a special character.

A main goal is to allow dramatic real-time influence on the sound source. The synth itself offers only a few simple automatic movements (2 envelopes and 1 monophonic LFO). Like a natural instrument, it needs to be played expressively and therefore stays a challenge for the player and the sequencer programmer.

Create Digital Music has an interesting look at the ideas behind NI’s Spark.

REAKTOR SPARK is available for download purchase in the NI Online Shop for a suggested retail price of $59 / 49 EUR.

Spark combines powerful subtractive synthesis with a sophisticated array of internal feedback loops and various other special sound shaping features. This allows its distinctive sonic output to cut through any musical arrangement with vivid, animated and organic tones, which are especially gratifying when played live with a keyboard and a set of real-time parameter controls.

The REAKTOR SPARK sound pack built around Spark makes this powerful synthesizer conveniently accessible for users of KORE 2 and the free KORE PLAYER, providing 200 versatile presets as well as intuitive sound tweaking options through the unified KORE interface. Owners of REAKTOR have access to the full set of Spark’s parameter and control elements, and can also explore and modify the complete signal flow structure of this extraordinary instrument.