Ahead of Superbooth 2026, Native Instruments has introduced Komplete 26, a major update to their all-in-one virtual instrument collection.
Komplete 26 is a comprehensive music production software bundle, designed to provide a wide range of instruments, effects, and sound libraries within a unified ecosystem.
It is structured across multiple editions that scale in depth, from entry-level to fully expanded professional collections. The bundle includes virtual synthesizers, sample-based instruments, studio effects, and sound design tools intended for music production, composition, and audio processing in a DAW environment.
Core instruments include flagship synthesis engines, sampling platforms, and production effects, alongside curated expansions and genre-focused sound content.
Highlights of the new version include:
Return of Absynth 6, a redesigned evolving-texture synthesizer focused on semi-modular sound design and ambient motion
Introduction of Odes, a new instrument built around rhythmic ensemble and hybrid cinematic sound design
New Circular instrument for transforming chord input into evolving harmonic and textural sequences
Addition of Electric Keys, a multi-instrument collection of vintage electric keyboard sounds
Inclusion of Claire, a new detailed grand piano instrument designed for high-resolution acoustic piano production
Addition of Electric Ruby Deluxe, a new electric guitar instrument with expanded expressive and tone-shaping capabilities
Introduction of LCO Producer Strings, a new string ensemble instrument focused on contemporary cinematic string textures
Addition of Moments: Vocal Clouds, a vocal-based sound design instrument for atmospheric and layered textures
Updated Kontakt 8, expanding the sampling platform with new workflow and instrument-building capabilities
Expanded integration of updated iZotope and Brainworx-based effects, strengthening mixing, mastering, and sound-shaping tools within the bundle
Features:
Tiered bundle structure with multiple editions (entry-level Select, Standard, Ultimate, and Collector’s Edition)
Includes synthesizers covering wavetable, analog modeling, modular-style, and hybrid synthesis approaches
Sampling instruments platform for large-scale libraries, orchestral instruments, and curated sound content
Integrated flagship sampler and instrument host for third-party and proprietary libraries
Studio effects suite for mixing, mastering, dynamics processing, and creative sound design
Genre-based expansion packs containing presets, loops, one-shots, and production-ready material
Updated instrument collection including flagship synths and refreshed legacy instruments
DAW integration via standard plugin formats for production in major digital audio workstations
Hardware integration support for controller-based browsing and parameter mapping
Designed as a unified ecosystem for sound exploration, composition, and production workflows
Komplete 26 is available now, with the following pricing:
Ahead of Superbooth 2026, Elastic Instruments has announced that Elastic OSC, a software polyphonic synthesizer that builds on the open source code of the Mutable Instruments Plaits Eurorack oscillator module, is now available across all major platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS and Android.
You can now create sounds anywhere and use them anywhere.
The four core parameters map to an expressive XY pad for fast, intuitive sound exploration. A second XY pad gives direct control over the built-in effects.
The desktop version works as a standalone app and as a plugin (AU/VST3). It has been tested in Ableton Live, Bitwig, Reaper, Cubase, FL Studio, and Logic Pro.
Elastic OSC is available now, with intro pricing of €9.99 for Android, €14.99 for iOS and €39 for desktop.
Ahead of Superbooth 2026, 1010music has introduced the Blackbox 2, the successor to the original Blackbox compact sampler workstation.
The Blackbox 2 has been updated with a redesigned hardware interface, a larger high-resolution 4-inch color touchscreen, and increased processing capabilities. It supports multiple instrument types — including Loop, One-Shot, Slicer, Shredder, Multisampled and External instruments — across four flexible Tracks, and offers expanded sequencing modes (including step, grid/piano roll, and probability sequencing).
The unit adds an internal 3-hour battery, USB-C host and device ports capable of multichannel audio and MIDI, and maintains the compact desktop form factor with stereo and headphone outputs.
Blackbox 2’s workflow blends touch and controller interaction with DAWless performance-oriented screens for launch, scene, song, mixing, and effects. Blackbox 2 ships with tools for sampling, editing, multichannel playback, internal effects, live looping, and external instrument multisampling, aiming to deliver a complete sampler performance environment in a portable box.
Features:
Engine & Sample Playback
Four flexible Tracks supporting multiple instrument types — Shredder, One-Shot, Loop, Slicer, Multisampled, or External.
One-Shot and Loop instruments can load up to 16 samples per Patch.
Sample streaming from microSD allows long WAV files and detailed multisamples.
Automatic multisample instrument creation for external sources.
Sequencing & Workflow
Sequencing options include step sequencer, piano roll/grid editor, and probability based pattern creation.
