Native Instruments has just announced Komplete 12, the long-awaited sequel to one of the most powerful and comprehensive virtual instrument/FX libraries on the planet. With several new instrument collections and what looks to be one of the most capable virtual synths on the market, Komplete 12 gives current users compelling reasons to upgrade and new users even greater incentive to take the plunge.
From heart-stopping drums and breathtaking cinematics to so-real-you’ll-swear-you’re-there grand pianos, winds and strings, guitars and basses, classic keys, and world instruments, Komplete 12’s colossal content library provides all you need to create engaging scores and modern music productions. Updates to version 12 include Kontakt 6, the latest in Native Instruments’ industry-leading sampler platform; Session Guitarist, whose lifelike rhythm and lead tracks will breathe fresh air into any ITB arrangement; and Massive X, a virtual analog synth with well over 1,000 inspiring presets. Komplete 12 also includes a full-featured FX suite with classic character EQs and compressors, a responsive transient designer, and more.
New and Notable
Kontakt 6
Native Instruments’ award-winning sampling engine is even better in version 6. Fully featured and easy to navigate, Kontakt 6 unlocks the full potential of your NI and third-party NKS libraries. Onboard scripting and audio routing make Kontakt 6 a true production and performance powerhouse.
Available in: Standard, Ultimate, and Ultimate CE
Massive X
NI’s flagship wavetable synth heads in a radical new direction with Massive X, with more sounds and more delicious presets to stoke your analog and digital appetites. Highlights include a tweaky drag-and-drop modular architecture, onboard Monark and modeled filters, 6-voice unison, 10 waveshaping modes, and improved CPU efficiency.
Available in: Standard, Ultimate, and Ultimate CE
Session Guitarist
There’s just no replacement for a strummed acoustic or driving electric guitar in a modern production. Session Guitarist includes the latest versions of two exclusive NI libraries — Electric Sunburst and Strummed Acoustic 2 — for lifelike, organic guitar textures on demand. Session Guitarist is like feeding your ideas through the mind of a session guitar player, with accurate strumming, chording, and leading.
Available in: Ultimate and Ultimate CE
Session Strings Pro 2
Komplete’s hypersampled 22-piece string ensemble will add new dimensions to your cinematic works and pop productions. Smart Play creates sophisticated diatonic harmonies based off single-note inputs. Rhythm Animator creates impressive patterns with step sequencer-like ease. And assignable articulations (slides, staccatos) give players touch control without advanced menu diving.
Available in: Ultimate and Ultimate CE
Breakdown of Komplete 12 Editions
Komplete 12 Ultimate Collector’s Edition
The Ultimate Instrument/FX Collection
- 150+ instruments and effects, 45 expansions, 90,000 preset sounds, and over 650GB of content
- Kontakt 6: the latest version of the world’s leading sampler
- Massive X available via download upon its release, at no extra charge
- Includes Session Strings Pro 2 and the full Symphony Series collection with six orchestral libraries
- Session Guitarist with Electric Sunburst and Strummed Acoustic 2
- Mod Pack and Crush Pack with six classic creative effects
- Established favorites: Massive, Absynth 5, FM8, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, and many others
Komplete 12 Ultimate
The Definitive Producer’s Toolbox
- 100+ instruments and effects, 20 expansions, 45,000 preset sounds, and over 460GB of content
- Kontakt 6: the latest version of the world’s leading sampler
- Massive X available via download upon its release, at no extra charge
- Includes Session Strings Pro 2 and the full Symphony Essentials collection with six orchestral libraries
- Session Guitarist with Electric Sunburst and Strummed Acoustic 2
- Mod Pack and Crush Pack with six classic creative effects
- Established favorites: Massive, Absynth 5, FM8, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, and many others
Komplete 12
The World’s Leading Production Suite
- 50+ instruments and effects, 10 expansions, 25,000 preset sounds, and over 170GB of content
- Kontakt 6: the latest version of the world’s leading sampler
- Massive X available via download upon its release, at no extra charge
- Includes Session Strings 2, an 11-piece string ensemble with an intimate sound
- Mod Pack with three classic modulation effects
- Established favorites: Massive, Absynth 5, FM8, Guitar Rig 5 Pro, and many others
Komplete 12 Select
The Essential Collection
- 14 products (incl. 3 expansions), 7,000 preset sounds, and over 33GB of content
- Seven sampled instruments powered by Kontakt 6 Player (included) — from the classic upright piano tones of The Gentleman to the authentic percussive and melodic instruments of Discovery Series: West Africa
- Massive: a genre-defining wavetable synth with a colossal sound
- Includes Monark analog monosynth and Drumlab sonic laboratory
- Three effects: Replika delay, Mod Pack-Phasis phaser, and Solid Bus Comp compressor
- Scarbee Rickenbacker Bass: an expertly played and sampled Rickenbacker 4003
More NI Announcements
Native Instruments has also unveiled a new keyboard controller lineup — the refined and fully-weighted Komplete Kontrol S88 MK2 and shockingly priced A-Series, each with high-contrast OLED displays and DAW pre-mapping for hands-on instrument and production navigation — alongside two new Traktor Kontrol DJ systems and an updated Maschine Mikro MK3. Bundled with Native Instruments software, these controllers aim to give music makers new ways to engage with their art.
There you have it — a first look at one of the most anticipated software launches of the year. Stay tuned for the latest updates on Native Instruments Komplete 12. Or, if you’re dying to get the inside scoop, reach out directly to your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
