Using KONTAKT 3’s Purge Mode

The purge feature in Native Instruments’ Kontakt 3 keeps track of exactly which samples in a particular software instrument have actually been triggered since the instrument was first loaded. Let’s say you have loaded up a cello section and that the part it will play consists of alternating G1 and C2 quarter notes. Using the purge facility, you play the part once to allow Kontakt to gather the samples you’ll actually be using. After that, samples that aren’t being used are removed from your computer’s memory. If you change your mind later, a simple mouse click allows you to once again access all the samples in the cello section patch. Purge Mode is controlled via four functions that are available on both a global or local level. The net result is that you can sequence many more parts within an arrangement than ever before and all with less strain on your computer’s CPU.