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NI Komplete 14 : Kontakt 7, iZotope Ozone 10 and Plugin Alliance products join music software mega-bundle.

Native Instruments has released a major update to its flagship production suite, KOMPLETE 14. The just-released Komplete 14 faces some stiff competition with more companies now offering their own cost-effective collections, and subscription services also vying for our attention.

Looks like, Native Instruments is pinning its hopes on Kontakt 7, a new version of the venerable software sampler, and the inclusion of products from some of its Soundwide partners – iZotope and Plugin Alliance.

The Standard version of  iZotope’s new Ozone 10 mastering suite, for example, is included in the Standard, Ultimate and Collector’s Edition versions of Komplete 14, assists in putting the finishing touches on any production.

More new additions come via an array of synths and effects from Plugin Alliance and Brainworx, as well as the CHOIR: OMNIA sample library, included in the KOMPLETE 14 COLLECTOR’S EDITION.

KOMPLETE 14 is available in four different sizes – SELECT, STANDARD, ULTIMATE, and COLLECTOR’S EDITION, the last being a comprehensive offering of 145+ instruments, 100+ Expansions, and over 135,000 sounds.

In addition, you’ll get the granular and cinematic Ashlight, the dramatic Action Strings 2, the organic sample and sequencing power of Sequis and new Session Guitarist and Bassist instruments. NI’s Play Series titles and Playbox are included.

KONTAKT 7 is the next evolution of the world’s favourite sampler. Included with KOMPLETE 14 STANDARD and above. New features will include a new HiDPI browsing experience, an overhauled factory library, new creative effects, and under-the-hood audio improvements.

KOMPLETE 14 is available now, while KONTAKT 7 and CHOIR: OMNIA will be available as separate products from October 4th, 2022, all at the Native Instruments online shop.

All four versions of Komplete 14 are available now, with prices as follows: Select, $199/£179; Standard, $599/£539; Ultimate, $1,199/£1,079; Collector’s Edition, $1,799/£1,619. Upgrade prices for existing users are also being offered. Kontakt 7, $299/£269

To find out more about the KOMPLETE 14 suite, check out the full product descriptions on the Native Instruments site and shop, or follow along with Red Means Recording as he explores all of the latest additions in depth.

Native Instruments has announced that Komplete 14 is now available to pre-order, with an expected release date of September 27th, 2022.

What’s new in Komplete 14:

• KONTAKT 7 makes it easier than ever to find the sounds you want, with an improved HiDPI browser and revamped Factory Library.
• Dabble in any genre, from the cinematic flavors of CHOIR: OMNIA, LORES, and PIANO COLORS, hip hop vibes of 40’S VERY OWN DRUMS AND KEYS, and the powerful randomization and layering of PLAYBOX.
• Explore over 100 Expansions with the latest Play Series instruments
• Sculpt your sounds with studio shine from Plugin Alliance and Brainworx, and add final polish with iZotope’s Ozone 10 Standard.

In addition, Kontakt 7 will launch in October 2022 and is included with Komplete 14 Standard and above.

Komplete 14 is available now to pre-order, with several options: Select ($199), Standard ($599), Ultimate ($1199) and Collectors Edition ($1799), the latter now containing 27 orchestral and cinematic instruments, 19 synthesizers, 48 sampled instruments, 15 percussion tools, 32 effects and 103 expansion packs. Upgrade options are also available.

Following Absynth creator Brian Clevinger’s revelation that he was “disappointed” to see the software being dropped from Native Instruments’ product line-up, Native Instruments has released its own statement outlining why the decision was taken.

Native Instruments explains: “we are not able to provide the synth with the attention it needs”

“Native Instruments has made the decision to not include Absynth in Komplete 14, and to additionally stop selling it as an individual product,” NI explained. “We know that this will be disappointing news for many of you who have been long-time users of the software synthesizer during its 22 years on the market.”

The statement continues by saying: “We always aspire to provide the best user experience with each product that we offer in our catalogue. Unfortunately, we must acknowledge that this is sometimes not possible due to constantly evolving user needs and technological standards.

“Discontinuing Absynth was not an easy decision to make, but the resource required to keep the product in line with modern standards has become too much of a challenge. Absynth has also long been in need of updates and improvements, and we are unfortunately not able to provide the synth with the attention it needs.

Due to this, we have stopped all sales and development activities effective immediately. Users who already have a license will not be affected, as Absynth will continue to operate normally. All users with a license will still be able to download and use it on current versions of Windows 10/11 or on Intel Macs up to macOS 12.

“We want to deeply thank Brian Clevinger for being such a great collaborator and inspiring creators over the years, and thank all of you for loving Absynth as much as we have.”

Of course, it is always possible that another developer may step in and continue development of Absynth, but as things stand, it looks like its time is up.

Kudos to Native Instruments for sharing the drivers behind their decision.

Absynth’s retirement highlights one of the limitations of software synths – they’ll eventually be rendered obsolete by technological change. Anyone heavily invested in a particular synth could be stuck maintaining a legacy computer system, if they want to continue using the synth. Absynth had a fantastic 22-year run, but its retirement will also affect a lot of people, as the current version is rendered obsolete by the evolution of computer platforms.

This ephemeral nature of software synths has been especially noticeable in the world of iOS synths. The introduction of the iPad led to an explosion of creative development work on synths and sound tools. But many of these have quickly been rendered obsolete by the rapid evolution of iPad OS.

Absynth users should note that you can still download and install the application, it just will not be updated in the future. See the Support section of the Native Instruments website.