REAKTOR 6 (1)

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Native Instruments is a developer, manufacturer, and supplier of music software and hardware for music production, sound design, performance, and DJing. The company's corporate headquarters and main development facilities are located in Berlin, Germany, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Shenzhen. Founders Stephan Schmitt and Volker Hinz began using the name Native Instruments in 1996, when they developed Generator, a modular synth software package. In 1999, Native Instruments expanded their staff count and moved to their current building in Berlin's Kreuzberg district. In 2000, the company began creating products for the DJ community, beginning with the first version of their Traktor software. In 2002, they expanded further to include software samplers, in the form of ongoing products Kontakt and Battery. In September 2004, the company began a partnership with the DJ hardware manufacturing company Stanton Magnetics and with online music store Beatport. 2004 also saw the release of their guitar amplifier and effects pedal emulation software, Guitar Rig. In 2006, Native Instruments restructured into 3 divisions: instruments, DJ, and guitar.

INTRODUCTION TO REAKTOR 6 Reaktor 6 is the first full update to Native Instruments’ modular instrument and effects studio in 10 years. Reaktor is a modular audio generation and processing environment with a graphical interface that can be run standalone or as an instrument or effect plugin (VST/AU/AAX). It can be used it to make everything from basic effects and synths to full-on sequencers and grooveboxes. Reaktor's programming is mostly done at the Primary level, which involves connecting basic modules such as oscillators, filters, delays and mathematical functions to build devices. Groups of modules can be bundled into macros, which are then wired together. The complete devices created with modules and macros are saved as Instruments, and multiple Instruments can be racked together to form Ensembles, which is where Reaktor's structural hierarchy tops out.

UNBOXING REAKTOR 6 Out of the box, you get 30 prefabricated Blocks divided into eight folders. The first of these folders is Bento Box, which features nine general-purpose components: Osc, SVF, VCA, Mix, Env, LFO, S&H, 8 Steps and CVP. The Control Voltage Processor (CVP), which is a signal shaping tool with Level, Offset and Slew controls, plus Linear/ Exponential and Rectification/Clipping shaping settings - perfect for making modulators more expressive and introducing richer harmonics to voiced signals. Some of the other folders feature specific elements culled from NI's catalogue, specifically, the filter, envelope and oscillator from their Monark Minimoog emulation, the delay and reverb from Rounds, and the awesome Driver distortion/filter. The remaining folders are Boutique (two oscillators and a filter based on unspecified classic synth hardware), Modern (comb and smooth low-pass filters), Digilog (a couple of sequencing tools), and Util (eight utilities - mixing, metering and CV processing tools). If the user is interested in analog style sounds in their DAW, Reaktor 6 is one of the best. NI provides templates for creating your own Blocks, which can be shared in the Reaktor User Library. Reaktor 6 is a phenomenal update that improves the value of Native Instruments in the market from the Table Framework-enhanced fundamentals to the re-organised library, smart visuals, and, of course, the incredibly exciting Blocks.

MODULAR DSP LAB Modular Digitial Signal Processing Lab is one of the most important features, with respect to the blocks, for which the standalone software/ plugin has maximum credibilty in the market. REAKTOR 6 is the ultimate creative toolkit for deep sound exploration, featuring cutting-edge DSP and high-fidelity sound. The Modular DSP Lab provides: 1.

Build custom synths, samplers, effects, and sound design tools

2.

Experiment with rack-style modular patching using Blocks

3.

Discover 70+ included instruments plus thousands of sounds in the User Library

FOR SOUND MAKERS REAKTOR is the beating heart that gives life to synths like Native’s RAZOR and MONARK, as well as third-party releases from Twisted Tools, Tim Exile, Blinksonic and many more. It’s a sandbox for sound creation – a limitless platform for experimenting and diving into new sound directions. Simply put, REAKTOR lets you build instruments to replicate the sounds in your head – in a way that existing instruments can’t.

MUSIC PRODUCTION GENRES Whatever music the user makes, the diverse Factory and User Libraries in REAKTOR 6 are ready to deliver instant inspiration. A huge and ever-growing library of instruments, samplers, effects and sound design tools will expand the sonic vocabulary exponentially. Professional presets gets the user creating immediately. And REAKTOR 6 runs standalone or as a VST/AU plug-in with DAW.

FACTORY PATCHES REAKTOR 6 ships with 19 expertly crafted patches. The patches range from generative sound machines and classic subtractive synths to experimental devices only possible on a modular system. Each is a powerful synth on its own – with its own set of presets – giving you the flexibility and unrivaled power of Blocks in an instantly playable package. These patches are the perfect starting points for both music making or for modifying and tweaking to design your own custom synths.

Drive

Squares

Duality

Steps

Eliane’s West Coast DWG

Submotion

Kyaraben

XY

Lumikko

Shift Run’s Shift Sequencer

Monark Micro

Morph Twin

Motor Beat

Dual Gen

Organ Blaster

Curve Trax

Quadropolis

Blip

Quant FM

DRIVE

DUALITY

ELAINE’S WEST COAST DWG

KYARABEN

LUMIKKO

MONARK MICRO

MOTOR BEAT

ORGAN BLASTER

QUADROPOLIS

QUANT FM

SQUARES

STEPS

SUBMOTION

XY

SHIFT RUN’S SHIFT SEQUENCER

MORPH TWIN

DUAL GEN

CURVE TRAX

BLIP

INCLUDED SOUNDS REAKTOR’s factory library features over 70 ready-to-use instruments and effects – a unique collection of synthesizers, legacy effects, groove boxes, sample transformers, sequenced synths, and sequencers to explore. From Skrewell and Spiral to Newscool and Lazerbass, every instrument is made with REAKTOR’s trademark sound quality. And once unlocked, each and every instrument is even fully editable and patchable.

USER LIBRARY The REAKTOR User Library is where the REAKTOR community shares their creations – over 4,000 and counting. Builders are constantly creating and uploading devices like drum machines, filters, delays and distortions – infinite variety for your imagination to play with. You’ll even find emulations of classic synths, tape echoes, and innovative additive synthesizers. The User Library is also the place to share the Blocks patches – get feedback from a vibrant, inspired community of sonic explorers who share the passion for musical experimentation.

UNRIVALLED SOUND QUALITY REAKTOR is the beating heart that gives life to synths like Native’s RAZOR and MONARK, as well as third-party releases from Twisted Tools, Tim Exile, Blinksonic and many more. It’s a sandbox for sound creation – a limitless platform for experimenting and diving into new sound directions. Simply put, REAKTOR lets you build instruments to replicate the sounds in your head – in a way that existing instruments can’t.

REAKTOR 6 BLOCKS Reaktor 5's Core enhancement gave users the ability to edit modules and even build them from scratch - the feature hardcore users keen to make their own individual-sounding oscillators and filters had been waiting for. The main thing that Reaktor 6 adds to the mix is the modular hardware-like Blocks. They are an Instrument specification - a sort of equivalent of Doepfer's A-100 (more commonly known as Eurorack) hardware spec. Connections of modular harware like blocks & connection of multiple instruments is capable of only monophonic expressivity. Polyphonic expressivity can only be used within the same instrument. Part of the Blocks specification is that they use audio rather than control signals for all input and output, giving total freedom when it comes to signal routing between them, much like u-he's ACE and Bazille synths. With a CV-capable interface (such as Expert Sleepers' ES-6 or MOTU's 828 MkII), it's even possible to use Reaktor in conjunction with the hardware Eurorack system. REAKTOR includes BLOCKS BASE and BLOCKS PRIMES to kick start your modular journey, and the Blocks ecosystem is expandable with releases from builders like Unfiltered Audio, Toy Box, Genki instruments, ACL, and Holonic Systems.

BLOCK BASE BLOCKS BASE is a free download containing everything you need to start exploring modular synthesis. The pack contains 24 Blocks in total, from fundamental utilities like audio I/O, note in, and MIDI clock, to an accessible range of sound shaping LFOs, ADSR envelopes, VCAs, and step sequencers. CV connectivity is also offered, giving you the possibility for hardware integration. Drop Blocks smoothly into one of 35 pre-programmed preset racks, patch-in and explore the principles of signal flow. Five tutorial Racks can guide you through the basics of important synthesis methods such as additive, subtractive, frequency modulation, and amplitude modulation.

BLOCK PRIMES BLOCKS PRIMES offers 26 expressive modules for synthesis, sequencing, and FX. The included Kodiak family, for example, features two sequencers, an oscillator, a morphing filter, and an experimental noise generator. The four West Coast elements are inspired by synth pioneer Don Buchla and his playful approach to synthesis. Even some of Native’s most acclaimed synth technology is represented, with elements from DRIVER, MONARK, and MASSIVE converted to Blocks format and optimized for modular experimentation.

EXPANDING ECOSYSTEM Native isn’t the only company that creates Blocks. There is also support from some of the world’s leading synth talent. Developers like TOYBOX, Michael Hetrick, Genki Instruments, Holonic Systems and ACL, have built packs of Blocks to meet every need, from the eclectic to the essential. With 200+ characterful partner modules already available, the Blocks ecosystem is the new standard for virtual modular.

PATCHING The simplest way to start patching in REAKTOR is with Blocks in Rack mode. Patch modules together with color-coded cables directly on the panel, just like the hardware equivalent. You can use the output of just about anything to modulate parameters on another module, leading to unexpected and inspiring creations and sounds. Modules behave and perform predictably under any modulation routing, including feedback – a standout feature for a software-based system. REAKTOR’s classic ensemble mode allows you to take patching a level deeper. Add a sequencer to a synth (Spiral and REAKTOR PRISM for example), and connect via internal MIDI. Or take effects from the factory library and chain them to your sound source in structure view to create completely new sounds.

BUILDING REAKTOR is a deeply powerful, highly-advanced platform for building any synth, effect, and sound design tool imaginable. From two structural levels – Core and Primary – the entire spectrum of device development opens up. Primary is the structural top-level, using a graphical signal flow paradigm with step-by-step event processing. It’s where all parameters, events, MIDI and OSC data are handled. Sound is created on Primary level using Primary Macros and Modules. Core is the deepest structural level, featuring a powerful runtime machine code audio compiler. Perfect for custom DSP algorithms, Core has its own comprehensive library of best-in-class DSP components.

REAKTOR 6 CONNECTIVITY REAKTOR offers extensive options for connecting to other devices. MIDI, OSC, and CV/Gate connectivity lets you connect hardware modular systems, standalone hardware, other software instruments, and mobile devices. Ableton Link support lets you sync timing easily across instruments and devices, and makes collaborating with others a breeze.

HARDWARE CONTROL Control REAKTOR directly from a KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard or MASCHINE. With the REAKTOR API, you can design fullyintegrated performance setups. Create your own touch strip integration, custom displays, parameter mappings, light guide configurations, and more. REAKTOR enables hybrid software/hardware instruments that are a true evolution in instrument design.

REAKTOR COMMUNITY The REAKTOR community unites thousands of artists, sound designers, and instrument builders at all skill levels passionate about sound and instrument design. Discover the latest additions to the user library, upload your own creations, discuss new tips and tricks in the learning section, and be a part of a highly innovative and dedicated community of builders committed to advancing the future of sound.

REAKTOR 6 PRICING Reaktor 6 is available now through the NI Online Shop for $199 / 199 € / ¥ 22,800 / £169 / $AU 279. Owners of previous versions of Reaktor and students enrolled in educational institutions can upgrade to Reaktor 6 for $99 / 99 € / ¥ 11,800 / £89 / $AU 149.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS WINDOWS

MAC

Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 (latest Service Pack), Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, 4 GB RAM.

MacOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, or 11 (latest update), i5.

Windows (32/64-bit): Stand-alone, VST, AAX.

MacOS (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST, AU, AAX.

PROS & CONS Pros: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

State-of-the-art analogue sounds. The most accessible Reaktor yet. Lots of Blocks to play with. Eurorack compatibility. Outstanding value.

Cons: 1. Predictably high CPU usage. 2. Blocks are essentially monophonic.

REFERENCES https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Instruments https://www.factmag.com/2015/10/10/native-instruments-reaktor-6-review/ https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/native-instruments-reaktor-6-631415 https://gearspace.com/board/product-alerts-older-than-2-months/1029995-native-instruments-releases-reaktor-6-a.html https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/komplete/synths/reaktor-6/