Berlin, Germany-based music software instrument maker Native Instruments on Wednesday revealed details about Kontakt 2, the forthcoming release of their sampler software for Mac and Windows. The factory library will include more than 15GB of samples and uses “Kontakt Script Processor,” (KSP) which adds advanced performance effects. Kontakt 2 is coming at the end of March for US$579; upgrades from Kontakt 1.x will cost $169. (Anyone who bought Kontakt 2 after January 20, 2005 can upgrade for free.)
Kontakt 2 will include a special version of the Vienna Symphonic Library (VSL) with more than 30 instruments. It also will include a Steinway D grand piano that uses both the KSP engine and an integrated convolution engine to recreate the soundboard and realistic sustain pedal effects. An August Foerster concert piano has been sampled with 10 velocity layers; the “Elektrik Guitar” features realistic playing behaviors, various strumming styles and more; the “Akkord Guitar” uses a library of more than 35,500 acoustic guitar chord samples; a selection of church organs, including a cathedral organ sampled in 5.1 surround; electrical pianos including the Rhodes MK II from Native Instruments’ Elektrik Piano software; tempo-synchronized loops; sound effects; synthesizer sound samples and much more.