NI technical director Stephan Schmitt noted improvements to Reaktor 3 including Akai sample import, MP3 playback, support for the DXi plug-in interface and direct-to-disk recording, as well as optimized performance for Macs equipped with the G4 processor, which incorporates AltiVec, or Velocity Engine technology.
“We listened to our customers and implemented many of the features they were requesting,” said Schmitt.
Reaktor offers a long list of features for musicians and DJs alike. The software sports hundreds of different instruments, thousands of pre-sets, and a completely modular interface that enables users to modify or redesign any instrument in Reaktor’s library. Interface improvements to Reaktor enable you to choose more and varied panel elements, improves the way dialogues from module properties are handled, and now supports drag and drop.
New modules include a granular synthesis module, which offers extended sequencing support. Other new modules support graphical editing of waveforms and shapes, too. Support for an OSC-based network communication protocol has been implemented, which paves the way for high-speed data transmission between different computers.
Reaktor 3 can be used as a standalone app or as a plug-in compatible with ASIO, Sound Manager, MME, DirectSound, VST 2.0, MAS and DXi. System requirements call for a PowerPC-equipped Mac running at 300MHz or faster; Mac OS 8.6 or higher; 64MB RAM. Reaktor 3 is available for a suggested retail price of US$499.