- Beatmachine now follows master tempo without having to retrigger loop; speed knob works correctly
- Fixed incorrect displayed values of performance view GUI elements after recall in some cases
- Fixed some rare crashes

Fixes:
* Crashes on session recall with multiple instances on Mac fixed
* Activation issues with Kontakt libraries on Windows Vista fixed
* Improved key focus as plugin

- New Authentic Expression Technology (AET)
The new Authentic Expression Technology sees KONTAKT 4 radically redefining the authentic reproduction of acoustic instruments with all their dynamics and articulations, while adding completely new options for creative sound design. In addition to the traditional way of sampling different volume levels of an instrument statically, AET is able to capture specific spectral characteristics of samples and gradually apply them to another samples in real-time, allowing you to seamlessly "morph" between different instruments' characteristics. This breakthrough allows for a new level in expression and realism when playing a sampled instrument.
AET is especially powerful applied to solo instruments with sustained sounds - such as strings, brass, woodwinds, and choir: You can hold down a key and then seamlessly fade with the Mod Wheel between different articulations (e.g. trumpet playing with and without mute) or volume/dynamic levels with different harmonics.
It's often possible to merge the acoustic characteristics of different instrument such as the piano and celesta in real time, opening new horizons for creative sampling and new kinds of hybrid instruments.


- Expanded sound library: + 10 GB
In addition to the six collections available in the previous version, KONTAKT 4 now includes a comprehensive Choir Collection, recorded exclusively for Native Instruments, providing a complete set of soprano, alto, tenor and bass voices in different setups.

Several instruments of the Choir Collection makes use of the new Authentic Expression Technology giving you a new level of control: the choir voices can seamlessly morph the vowels ("A-E-I-O-U") while holding a key/note, which is nearly impossible with other samplers.

In addition, the Orchestral Collection has been updated with a new Solo Strings section, taken form the legendary Vienna Symphonic Library, and a concert hall organ, while the Vintage collection gets the famed Mellotron keyboard. Plus, all the e-pianos from ELEKTRIK PIANO are included.

All in all, an extra 10 Gigabytes of new material enrich the KONTAKT library.


- Expanded Convolution Effect Library
KONTAKT 4 comes with more than 300 new and professionally recorded impulse responses from a wide rang of rooms, concert halls, churches, speakers etc, to add super-realistic reverbs to your instruments or the sonic characteristics of high-quality hardware equipment (amps, speakers, hardware reverbs etc.).

The new impluse response samples are provided by Echochamber, Studiodevices and Acousticas.


- Improved Performance Views per instrument
PERFORMANCE VIEWS provide custom control panels, that make Instrument-specific settings available without having to switch to Edit mode. In KONTAKT 4, a much larger control panel is available so each instrument has more important parameters accessible, as well as giving each instrument a distinctive feel through the easy-on-the-eye graphics.


- Advanced Script Processor
The enhanced KONTAKT Script Processor gives many more options for designing custom Performance Views and for controlling other KONTAKT areas such as the master section (when writing 'multi scripts').


- New attribute-based browser and pre-tagged library
It's never been easier to find the right sound or instrument. With the attribute-based browser you can search via keywords or browse by instrument type (bass, piano, strings).

The complete KONTAKT 4 library has been pre-tagged for your convenience. You can also create custom attributes to tag your instruments according to your own criteria.

Attribute-based browsing works for Instruments, Multis, Banks, Groups, Presets, and Samples.


- Lossless Sample Compression
New Lossless Sample Compression format 'NCW' with real-time encoding – reducing the size of samples by up to 50%. Instruments with high disk streaming load, such as Grand Pianos, benefit from the fact that less data has to be read from hard disk. Note that the complete KONTAKT library is delivered in uncompressed WAV format - the Lossless Sample Compression is just an option for your choice when you save instruments.


- Various Improvements
Last but not least, KONTAKT 4 includes all the powerful improvements from the comprehensive KONTAKT 3.5 update

- Extended Memory Addressing
KONTAKT 3.5 features full support for 64-bit memory addressing in both Windows and Mac OS X. This means you can load more than 4 GB samples into RAM in both stand-alone and plug-in mode. In Windows, 64-bit operating systems and sequencers with special stand-alone and VST versions are now supported. On Mac, the newly-created Memory Server feature bypasses the OS X's 4 GB limit and can address as much RAM as you have installed - even in 32-bit hosts such as Logic or ProTools.

- Enhanced Sampling Engine
KONTAKT 3.5 features a completely re-designed sample playback engine. The Direct From Disk mode has been reworked to act dynamically, allowing the operating system to allocate memory in real time as you play and release voices. The result is a significantly smaller memory footprint which leaves more RAM for loading samples. This is especially useful with 32-bit systems where you can now load significantly more samples than was previously possible.

- Multi-processor support
KONTAKT 3.5 now provides true multi-processor / multi-core support. You can now switch multi-processor support on and off and set the number of processors / cores you want to use for KONTAKT. Up to 16 cores are now supported.

- Direct MIDI Learn
KONTAKT 3.5 now features MIDI Learn function for all sliders and knobs including Performance Views. Assigning MIDI controllers to KONTAKT sliders and knobs is quick and convenient with multiple assignments also possible.

- Enhanced Library Management
KONTAKT 3.5 integrates a visually enhanced library tab that now makes browsing and loading samples and libraries quicker and easier.

- Various Improvements
Further improvements in KONTAKT 3.5 include a bypass button for effect slots, localized info pane in six languages, improved automapping, Pro Tools compatibility under Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, aftertouch interpretation added to KSP, a Play cursor for Beat Machine mode in Wave Editor and enhanced REX file support.

New and improved features:
Mac OS X 10.5 "Leopard" compatibility

Fixes:
RTAS multi outputs fixed
"Crash on startup" issues fixed

Improvements:
New CPU Profiling mode for analyzing CPU usage of an instrument
Performance improvements for Edit mode
Performance improvements for distortion, saturation and synth filters
Faster database search
Additional patches
New Kontakt 3 Library Manual
Kontakt Script Language Manual now includes 2.1 appendix
Localized versions of Kontakt 3 Manual and Setup Guide

Fixes:
Various cosmetic improvements
Crash with Cubase 4 and Spectrasonics fixed
Various library fixes
Various bug fixes

New Library with 33 GB and 1000 instrument presets
Interface improvements and simplifications
Expanded Multi Function Browser and KONTAKT navigator
New Effects: skreamer, rotator, twang amplifier emulation, eleven cabinet emulations
New Wave Editor with sample editor and zone envelopes
Expanded Mapping editor
Expanded modulation systems
Other extras (new keyboard shortcuts...)

Format Change: Instruments, Multis, Banks saved in this version are not compatible to previous versions of Kontakt.
License Server compatibility.
Script knob automation: you can now automate script knobs just like any other knobs in Kontakt. Just drag and drop an automation ID from the browser's Automation tab onto a knob in your script. You can use a maximum of 16 automation IDs per script.
You can now send data from MIDI input and scripts to the MIDI output. Please check out the extended settings under "Send MIDI to outside world" in the Options dialog, Audio Engine tab.
New option on Load/Import tab: "Always re-write samples as WAV when Saving". This option allows to save every sample in WAV format e.g. when a patch was created from a REX file. When you save as a monolith, samples will always be converted to WAV. Please ignore the older option below: "Destination Sample Format".
New import formats: ASR-X and Emax II.
Several important bugs have been fixed.

Format Change: Instruments, Multis, Banks saved in this version are not compatible to previous versions of Kontakt.
License Server compatibility.
Script knob automation: you can now automate script knobs just like any other knobs in Kontakt. Just drag and drop an automation ID from the browser's Automation tab onto a knob in your script. You can use a maximum of 16 automation IDs per script.
You can now send data from MIDI input and scripts to the MIDI output. Please check out the extended settings under "Send MIDI to outside world" in the Options dialog, Audio Engine tab.
New option on Load/Import tab: "Always re-write samples as WAV when Saving". This option allows to save every sample in WAV format e.g. when a patch was created from a REX file. When you save as a monolith, samples will always be converted to WAV. Please ignore the older option below: "Destination Sample Format".
New import formats: ASR-X and Emax II.
Several important bugs have been fixed.

- Universal Binary
- Enhanced sliced loop handling with drag-and-drop, in-sync preview and more
- Import function now also reads Battery 3 kits/cells as well as DR-008, Pulsar STS and RGC SFZ
- Improved group management with load/save function, 128-voice groups, and new group presets
- New modulation, tuning and envelope functions
- Extended KSP engine with five new commands
...

* Instruments reordering in rack

* Multisample import into one instrument

* New Send MIDI to Outside World option

* New piano banks

* KSP: Change_vol function support for while loops

* KSP: Display engine values and units in GUI

* 41 Bug fixes, the most important being

- Memory corruption crash
- Mono output in some VST hosts
- Mac: Eject button not working
- Mac: Monolith saving crash
- PC: Tone machine not analyzing new samples
- Bank quickload not working
- Bank max voices crash
- Delete instruments crash
- Browser hangs with certain samples
- Many more import bug fixes

Performance Enhancements
- Shorter Loading Times: Loading times are now much faster, especially when using several banks with many instruments
- Less Memory Usage: RAM usage has been reduced for internal objects (everything but samples)
- Lower Processor Load: CPU load has been dramatically reduced in idle mode, especially when using several banks with many instruments
- Better Multi-Processor Support: Multi-processor support has been enhanced with better load balancing for group voices and insert effects and additional load balancing for instrument insert and send effects when using several instruments.

Usability Enhancements
- New sample Search: The sample search function has been greatly improved. It is now much easier to find missing samples. There are several ways to look for the files and Spotlight, on Mac OS X, has also been integrated, which helps to find files much faster.
- Batch re-save: If you have renamed or moved files or folders and subsequently lost the sample references of your KONTAKT instruments or multis, the batch re-save function helps restore your file references. Simply select a folder with the batch re-save and all instruments in this folder will automatically re-assign all samples to the instruments and re-save each instrument.

Compatibility
- BANDSTAND, AKOUSTIK PIANO, KONTAKT PLAYER 2:
KONTAKT 2.1 is now fully compatible to BANDSTAND, AKOUSTIK PIANO and KONTAKT PLAYER 2. The instruments of these products can be loaded, used, and edited in KONTAKT and are fully compatible with their original versions. After editing instruments, these can even be re-used in BANDSTAND or AKOUSTIK PIANO again.

- Plug-in compatibility - RTAS:
KONTAKT 2.1 is now compatible to ProTools 6.9 and 7 (7.0 and 7.1) with enhanced performance. For the best performance results, it is recommended to use the latest version of ProTools.

- Import formats:
With SampleCell and BeatCreator, a further two formats have been added to the list of import formats. Kurzweil, Gigastudio 3 and Ensoniq formats were added with version 2.0.1.

Performance and Minimized View
- Performance View
Every instrument can now have its own, individual and customizable graphic background (skin). You can also add your own top-level parameter control with the KSP Script engine and bring it to the front.
This allows the most important control elements to be accessed without having to go into the edit mode of the instrument.

- Minimzed View:
An additional minimized view of KONTAKT 2 can be activated, offering a simpler view of one instrument at a time. Left and right arrow buttons allow easy switching between all loaded instruments.

Audio Quality
- HQI - High Quality Interpolation Mode
When transposing audio signals, occasionally aliasing effects become audible. The new HQI – High Quality Interpolation mode allows the transposition of audio over a few octaves without any audible artifacts. 3 different modes are available: "standard", "high" and "perfect".

New Effects
- Limiter
The new limiter can be used to maximize an audio signal with a compression ratio of infinity:one. It can be inserted as a group effect, instrument insert effect or output mixer effect.

- Pro Compressor
The compressor effect has a new "Pro" mode, offering a high quality algorithm for audio signal compression.

- Pseudo Stereo
The Stereo Modeler Effect now includes a pseudo stereo effect, which can be used on Mono signals in order to create a stereo effect.

Improvements and Fixes
KONTAKT 2.1 comes with many smaller optimizations and fixes. A detailed list will be available with the update readme information.

Output configuration can now be changed and saved in hosts.
BIG BROWSER FONTS.
Output config dialog now allows easy switching between channels.
Hanging notes problem has been fixed.
Library issues with incorrect glide default value have been fixed.
Library issues with loading in non-DFD modes have been fixed.
Issues with high CPU load have been fixed.
Issues with start-up crashes have been fixed.
CTRL+click in mapping editor now steps through zones.
Program change for banks now works with all MIDI channels.
Right-click on knobs now allows assignment of modulation.
Modulation target names are now correctly updated.
Engine restart now flushes effect buffers correctly.
Several small inconsistencies have been fixed.
Several import issues have been fixed.
Several library patches have been fixed.
New Beat Machine tutorial in the Documentation folder.

- Convolution improvements
- Database improvements
- Import now supports Giga 3, Kurzweil K2x00, and Ensoniq ASR-10/EPS
- Import now supports disk images in the formats .IMG, .ISO, .NRG, and .DMG
- Script library documentation
- Miscellaneous improvements and bug fixes

User Interface:
- New design, enhanced user convenience and many additional functions
- Multiple Undo/Redo including an undo history
- Mapping and loop editors can be opened as separate, individual windows (stand-alone mode)
- Keyboard shortcuts for an efficient workflow
- Master section including global tempo settings, master tune and tuning tone, metronome
- A keyboard that can be toggled on and off

Import and Compatibility
- Universal Import: Compatible with some 25 library formats and 5 sample formats
- New and compact bank module allowing quick loading, playing and editing of up to 128 sample instruments. Instruments can be switched via Program Change

Surround Sound:
- Up to 16 channel surround sound (all formats)
- Innovative surround sound panner with a flexible output configuration
- Imports WAV/AIFF surround samples (1-16 channels)
- Surround optimized effects
- Convenient mixer for the multi-channel output configuration of individual instruments (see output section)

Audio Engine:
- New, high-performance audio engine with unlimited voices and 64 fold multi-timbrality per instance
- RAM-saving "Sample Purge" function, allowing samples not being used in the arrangement to be removed from the RAM
- Multiprocessor and AltiVec support ensuring top performance

Custom Modules, Filters and Effects:
- KONTAKT Script Processor: Program individual modules using a simple script language. Create ingenious instruments with the scripts already included in the library; for example exotic instrument simulations, authentic piano pedal simulators, chord generators, arpeggiators, dynamic tuners and much more. Up to 5 script processors simultaneously per instrument are possible.
- Convolution effect delivering authentic, real-life reverb and special effects. Includes a wide selection of impulse responses from real concert halls, echo chambers and more. Other impulse responses can also be imported.
- Two additional synthesizer filters: PRO-53 filter (classic analog) and the 4-Stage Ladder filter (modelled on one of the most popular 3 oscillator synthesizers).
- New multi-effect modules (located in the group insert, insert effect and send effect sections) allow a particularly easy and space-saving combination of up to 8 effects per module. Effects can be arranged in any order desired and multiple instances of the same effect are also possible.

Browser:
- Powerful Multi-Browser with dozens of convenient functions:
1. File Browser: covering the entire hard drive and includes an import context menu
2. Database/Favorites Browser: for frequently used folders in the following caregories: samples, instruments, multi-instruments, banks (128 instruments). A powerful search feature is also included
3. Module Browser: browse, select, drag and drop effects, filters, internal and external modulators as needed. Detailed module descriptions are also displayed.
4. Automation Management: Manages MIDI and host automation

Mapping, Looping and Group Management :
- Enhanced loop editor with simplified loop slicing functionality. Multi-channel compatibility allowing surround samples with up to 16 channels to be displayed.
- REX/Apple loops including slice information are supported.
- An even more helpful mapping editor with an additional list view
- New group editor allowing sample groups to be assigned and organised easily. Group settings can be copied onto other groups and into other instruments.

Output Configuration
- Global Mixer controlling the volume of all instruments and allocation of output channels. Up to 4 additional Aux Effects per output configuration

New Instrument Library
- KONTAKT 2 includes a comprehensive sample library overflowing with top-quality instruments: a selection of orchestra instruments taken from the exceptional Vienna Symphonic Library, an excellent grand piano, authentic electric pianos, acoustic instruments, electronic as well as acoustic drum kits, drum and instrument loops and a whole lot more. Furthermore, the library also contains several instruments that make specific use of the revolutionary KONTAKT Script processor. For example, guitar and orchestra instruments that emulate particular playing styles with unprecedented precision.

New Functions:

- Sync Loops to Song Tempo: Beat Machine
KONTAKT 1.5 integrates a newly developed Beat Machine, which makes it possible to take finished loops and divide them into individual slices. With Beat Machine drum loops can be perfectly synced to the host sequencer – without losing any of the sound. KONTAKT 1.5 also supports the REXTM sample format for loading already sliced loops.

- Time Stretching: Time Machine II
The Time Machine for real time pitch shifting and time stretching has been further developed and improved for KONTAKT 1.5. The result is Time Machine II, which in version 1.5 is available in addition to the original Time Machine from KONTAKT 1.2. Time Machine II offers better sound quality when time stretching and pitch shifting samples. The integrated "Transient Copy" technology allows for a much more authentic reproduction of a sample's attack phase, which isn't only advantageous when working with drum loops. The sonic behavior of the Time Machine II can be individually configured and adjusted for different output material.

- Tempo Synchronization of Loops
Another especially high-performance feature of Time Machine II is the ability to use time stretching to sync drum loops to the tempo of the host sequencer. In this way loops with different original tempos can be inserted into any song arrangement.

- Accelerated Sample Analysis
Before the Time Machine goes into action all loaded samples undergo an exact analysis. This analysis happens considerably faster than in the original Time Machine – with a fast CPU the per-sample analysis takes less time than the length of the sample itself.

- Convenient Plug-In Integration: VST Automation
In addition to the MIDI automation in version 1.2, KONTAKT 1.5 now also supports VST automation. This allows for much more convenient integration with VST-compatible host sequencers. Nearly all control element movements can be drawn as automation curves in the sequencer and remote-controlled. Since KONTAKT is semi-modular, a VST automation number can be quickly and easily assigned to any KONTAKT control element.

- New Import Formats:
KONTAKT 1.5 further expands its compatibility to professional sample formats: the new version can now import REX , EXS MK II and Samplecell (Digidesign) as well. Version 1.5 can also load the libraries of KOMPAKT and INTAKT.

- Drag and Drop From Finder and Desktop
Extended drag and drop functionality further enhances the workflow with KONTAKT. Drag and drop support is now no longer limited to the KONTAKT browser: files and instruments can also be dragged and loaded directly into KONTAKT from the desktop, from folders and from the finder or file explorer.

- Locking Zones
A convenient feature has been added to the mapping editor: zones can be locked to prevent them from being accidentally shifted.

-Fine-Control of Master Tuning
The master tuning in the options dialog can now be altered in detailed steps of +/- 200 cent – perfect for individual voices.

- Solo Latch, Solo In Place
With Solo Latch and Solo in Place in the options dialog you can set the behavior of the solo buttons in the individual KONTAKT racks. With Solo Latch several instruments can be switched to solo at once, while Solo In Place lets only one instrument be switched to solo at time.