I upgraded to KOMPLETE 15 (from KOMPLETE 13) because I needed to be able to test the new version of Kontakt.
Gotta say I’m extremely underwhelmed by it. Apart from a few new libraries, Kontakt8 seems just like Kontakt 7 and Guitar Rig 7 is pretty underwhelming, particularly when compared against TH-U
Anyone else get this upgrade yet?
Kontakt 8 has the Chords and Phrases tools, which to some people could be useful.
I think the days of a new Kontakt being revolutionary are over. Kontakt 6 was/is probably the pinnacle for all intents and puposes.
And I ran the Kontakt 8 standalone, clicked on a few places and it just crashed.
Really not a good start
Thread 34 Crashed:
0 Kontakt 8 0x10eddf57f std::__1::__function::__func<(anonymous namespace)::getTranslationCallback(std::__1::function<void (std::__1::unique_ptr<ni::kontakt::product::Product, std::__1::default_delete<ni::kontakt::product::Product> >)>)::$_44, std::__1::allocator<(anonymous namespace)::getTranslationCallback(std::__1::function<void (std::__1::unique_ptr<ni::kontakt::product::Product, std::__1::default_delete<ni::kontakt::product::Product> >)>)::$_44>, void (ni::commons::UPID const&)>::operator()(ni::commons::UPID const&) + 159
1 Kontakt 8 0x1101f8684 ni::cloud::native_access_rpc::dispatch(std::__1::basic_string<char, std::__1::char_traits<char>, std::__1::allocator<char> > const&, std::__1::function<void (ni::commons::UPID const&)> const&, std::__1::function<void (ni::commons::UPID const&)> const&) + 148
2 Kontakt 8 0x1101f7d37 ni::cloud::native_access_rpc::RpcClientImpl::receiveAndProcessMessages() + 167
3 Kontakt 8 0x1101f8548 void* std::__1::__thread_proxy[abi:v15006]<std::__1::tuple<std::__1::unique_ptr<std::__1::__thread_struct, std::__1::default_delete<std::__1::__thread_struct> >, ni::cloud::native_access_rpc::RpcClientImpl::listen()::$_0> >(void*) + 72
4 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x7ff81c3d54e1 _pthread_start + 125
5 libsystem_pthread.dylib 0x7ff81c3d0f6b thread_start + 15
The biggest change is the ‘flow-chart’ on the right, which makes it easier. Nice but not a game changer.
I am disappointed. Like with new Arturia controllers. They innovate including chords, scales, arpeggiator. To help DJs and kids who don’t know chords and scales. Leap is another tool to put together already made loops of included packages to make a song.
I am not playing and composing that way. Maybe I am too old for that.
But I see no innovation to make new sounds or to interact with them. So I am probably not upgrading since more than ten years.
I remember when NI offered Vintage organs, Vintage e-pianos to Pro53, Absynth: it was the best sound making software I have ever seen.
Those days are gone.
I went ahead and upgraded since the lowest upgrade price was for Komplete 8 through Komplete 14 and I was still on Komplete 9. I have individually upgraded Kontakt from 5 to 6 to 7 and now to 8 (via Komplete 15). I found the UI change from 6 to 7 kind of irritating, but I’m used to it now (yes, I know you can make 7 look like 6). I’m liking the simple UI workflow updates in 8.
@dhj Were you running v8.0, or the quickly released patch to v8.01 when it crashed? I haven’t had any crashes yet (on Windows).
Yep 8.01
i think they are trying to turn Kontakt into a one shop fits all.
They appear to be getting away from standalone dedicated vst synths like Massive. I think they are working towards making Kontakt like a Falcon/Arcade. i get the feeling that NI is downsizing though or has already faced the effects of it.
It is a cool upgrade but Komplete in itself is an underwhelming upgrade.
10 years ago, we would have gotten updates to existing products, new products, new effects, new sample libraries. It was hard to make anyone upset back then because you were getting a variety of new stuff.
Now we get an update to just one product and sample libraries with a huge focus on loops.
So anyone who wants a new update to Massive X, FM8, Reaktor, you are SOL.
The disturbing thing Kontakt was the focus for two upgrade cycles. I think Massive X was also released last cycle but it wasnt the focus and it clearly isnt now.
In the 2000s NI was the innovators in synths and Samplers.
The 2010s they diversified even more adding effects and grooveboxes to the line while still competing in the former (although there were signs of them losing steam).
The 2020s they seem to be just a sample library company that used to make synths.
I still only own the Komplete Ultimate 12 and I don’t feel like I need a newer Komplete…
I think I’m on v13 but I feel the same.
You probably don’t. I don’t need it either for my shows but in my role as one of the GP developers, we kinda have to check out any updates to major plugins.