Native Instruments Reaktor 5 Academic Edition Software SynthesizerNative Instruments REAKTOR 5 is the next generation of the award-winning modular sound design studio that fuses synthesis, sampling and effects.
The latest version introduces the new REAKTOR Core Technology, resulting in a major technology leap that dramatically widens the scope of REAKTOR-based instrument design. With a massive instrument library, powerful new routing options, vastly expanded panel design options, a revised user interface and a host of other improvements, the new version of REAKTOR is more than ever an unlimited creative resource for musicians and producers as well as a an open-ended tool for forward-thinking instrument designers.
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Reaktor 5 Features
- Completely modular, real-time sound synthesis, sampling and effects software
- Huge collection of unique instruments and sounds
- Preset morphing and preset randomization
- Pre-designed building blocks for easy construction of individual instruments and effects
- The latest, high-end algorithms deliver pristine, top-quality sound
- REAKTOR Core Technology allowing low level, custom module design
- New modules including anti-aliased oscillators, over-sampled structures and high-quality interpolation delays
- New Interface and 'skinability' of all instrument control elements
- Multi-breakpoint envelopes with slope control, tempo grid and looping
- Live sampling and effect modules with auto-normalisation and tempo-synchronous beat juggling
The REAKTOR Core Technology introduced in REAKTOR 5 has been over three years in the making, and opens up a whole world of innovative sound generators, effects, and more. As a completely new functionality layer that is seamlessly integrated into the REAKTOR architecture, Core Technology now enables true low-level signal processing design, and allows for an unlimited range of custom modules including oscillators, filters, EQs, delays and more.
The REAKTOR Core layer offers up to 64 bit internal resolution for pristine audio quality, and incorporates a run-time compiler for increased efficiency. While offering vast potential as a visual low-level programming environment for professional instrument design and education, REAKTOR Core Technology also gives musicians and producers access to a vast selection of advanced and highly inventive ready-made sound generators, sequencers and effects.
Instruments in REAKTOR 5 now also come with their own charismatic custom user interface, thanks to extensive new panel customizing options. All panel elements in the new version of REAKTOR are completely skinnable, which includes faders, knobs, buttons, and even meters. A new Macro Stack also allows for tabbed panel interfaces, which results in highly functional instrument panels with a smaller footprint. Thanks to extended display functionality in REAKTOR 5, a vast range of sophisticated new sequencer designs are possible, even including full-featured piano-roll sequencers.
REAKTOR 5 itself offers a carefully redesigned user interface with numerous usability improvements, including a reworked browser, toolbar and instrument headers. It also introduces configurable Panel Sets to optimize workflow, and an improved window system that makes navigation more convenient.
REAKTOR 5 ships with a large collection of powerful and ready-to-use instruments, including more than 20 new synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers and effects. The library offers highly innovative additions like the soundscape generator Skrewell, the grain sampler Splitter and the drum machine Aerobic, as well as several updated REAKTOR classics including Carbon 2, Steampipe 2 and Spacemaster 2, all making extensive use of REAKTOR Core
Technology.
Furthermore, REAKTOR 5 now offers powerful multi-stage envelopes similar to those in Absynth and FM7, and complete with tempo grid, slope control and looping functions; a large number of new modules for extended data storage, voice routing and MIDI functionality; a completely reworked macro collection for easy construction of custom instruments; a new sample pre-listening function that makes working with samples more convenient; and a completely reworked and expanded documentation that caters for both entry-level and advanced users and includes a dedicated manual on REAKTOR Core Technology.
REAKTOR 5 includes a new library that provides 23 exceptional ready-to-use sonic tools such as synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers and effects. No need to dive into the structure of these fascinating instruments - the sonic tools can be used right out the box and are equally suited to all manner of audio situations: music production, sound design and live music. Many of the new or reworked ensembles (combination of several instruments) make extensive use of the new REAKTOR Core Technology for an even better sound quality.
The new Ensemble Library is devided into seven categories:
- Synthesizers: subtractive synths, acoustic modelling synths, wavetable retro sound generator, subharmonic synths
- Grooveboxes: 2 virtual-analog drum synths, 2 sample-based drum and performance machines
- Sound Generators: 2 unique soundscape generators
- Sample Transformer: Loop remixers and re-arrangers, granular sample transformer
- Sample Player: Loop slicer and drum sampler
Sequencers: 4 sequencers for various application purposes
- Effects: compressor, reverb, sequenced hybrid effect
In addition to the new library, REAKTOR 5 includes the 31 tools of the REAKTOR 4 ensemble collection...
But that's only the beginning: The fully modular structure of REAKTOR allows you to modify and combine existing instruments, or build completely new instruments from scratch. In addition to the above mentioned and ready-to-use Ensemble library, REAKTOR 5 includes libraries containing hundreds of "building blocks": complete instruments, macros, modules plus a new core cell library with dozens of new oscillators, filters, EQs and much more.
Synthesizers
- CARBON 2 - Powerful Synthesis Workstation: Carbon2 is based on Reaktor 4's well-known workhorse synthesizer and is a classical subtractive synthesizer. However, it has been completely rebuilt. The oscillators and filters in particular are now based on Reaktor Core components which were developed especially for this instrument. The panel has also been optimized for maximum usability.
- Oki Computer 2 - Retro Sound Generator: Oki Computer 2 is a compact wavetable synthesizer. A specialist in digital lo-fi sounds that hails back to the era of 8-bit beeps and bleep. It is also capable at creating buzzing leads, rhythmic sequences, and odd tasty bass tones. Oki Computer 2's panel is compact but packed with features. Thankfully, most sections are fairly straightforward making the synth accessible to the average user. Oki Computer 2 features a bank of 50 waves. For every patch you can load any 16 of these waves into the oscillator in any order. This flexibility represents a major improvement over the original ensemble (where the oscillator was permanently 'hardwired' to the same 16 waves). What's more, each wave loaded into the oscillator can be processed in a variety of ways.
- STEAMPIPE 2 - Acoustic Modelling Synthesizer: SteamPipe 2 is an acoustic modeling synthesizer that effectively models air being blown through a tunable pipe. It uses a tuned resonator to create bowed, blown, and plucked sounds, as well as strange new hybrid sounds. In addition to a tuned all-pass filter and many controls for the "shape" of the pipe, there is a mod wheel-controlled filter to achieve damping and breath noise effects. The new version uses new core cells for an even more powerful sound.
SUBHARMONIC:
SubHarmonic generates pad-like, atmospheric sounds and at the same time thick, monophonic leads. It consists of two independent sound generators: The Sub Oscillator is based on additive synthesis, and the Formant section functions like an oscillator with a constant frequency vowel filter. Internally, the oscillators are quite complex, however the technical details remain hidden below the simple user interface.
Grooveboxes
AEROBIC Virtual-Analog Drum Machine: Aerobic is a step sequencer that controls a virtual analogue drum synthesizer. The instrument produces tight, innovative sounds far beyond the range of traditional drum computers. This, combined with the sequencer's capacities and the mixer's flexible routing options, makes Aerobic a versatile beat production environment that can be used in live performances or in the studio.
MASSIVE - Advanced Drum Computer:This drum computer is "massive" in two ways. First, it contains a vast range of signal-shaping capacities: samples in the six drum tracks don't determine the instrument's sound (like in a standard drum machine), but only provide the material from which the beats are sculpted. Envelopes, filters, and a potent grain re-synthesis algorithm mangle the fundamental sound until it is completely different while still remaining musical. Second, these versatile sound editing features are combined with an advanced step sequencer system offering copy and (looped) paste functionality, three modulation tracks and much much more.
NEWSCOOL - Innovative Groove Generator: Newscool is a REAKTOR classic that has been completely rebuilt, with an innovative sequencer (at the top) and the characteristic sound engine (at the bottom). The engine consists of a tone generator and a multi-effect unit. The signal is produced by eight parallel oscillator units whose parameters are modulated extensively. The effect unit parameters that include pitch shifting, delay and filter are modulated in a similar fashion. The sequencer is based on the Life model developed by John Conway in the 1970s. A two-dimensional pattern is processed in steps: An element of the pattern becomes alive in the following step if at least three of its eight neighbours are alive in the current step.
SINEBEATS 2 - Virtual-Analog Beatbox: The Reaktor library classic Sinebeats has undergone a complete overhaul for Reaktor 5. Sinebeats is a beatbox based on three sine oscillators and a noise generator. Its synthetic nature in combination with the flexible effects section has made Sinebeats a classic for electronic sequence production. Each of the four instruments features a sequencer and individual sound parameters including distortion and a filter. The mixer features two flexible filters and two delays, that are fed via a send/return, which add even more motion to the generated beats. In its new incarnation, Sinebeats has acquired loads of new features.
Sound Generators and Samplers
The sound generators and samplers category includes a wide range of sonic tools to create unique soundscapes, grooves and deep sample and loop transformations.
Sound Generators
SKREWELL - Sound Design Workstation: Skrewell is a visual sound design workstation whose soundscapes can range from meditative atmospheres to crackling harshness.
Its sound engine uses eight parallel oscillator sections (channels) that blend into a single, complex signal. This unique construction means that its intuitive interface is unlike that of any classic additive/subtractive synthesizer.
SPACEDRONE - Atmospheric Pad Generator: SpaceDrone generates atmospheric pads which range from light rain or howling wind noises to deep and uncanny space sounds. Technically, the instrument is based on 96 parallel voices spread across the frequency spectrum. Each voice consists of a noise generator; the signal's amplitude is shaped by an envelope, its frequency content gets modified by a bandpass filter and is then positioned in the stereo field.
Sample Transformers
L3 - Sophisticated Drum Loop Recycler: L3 is a sequenced drum loop recycler: Load a loop, click some stuff, mangle the loop. The instrument's panel can be broken down into three sections. The top section contains a pattern sequencer and global controls for pattern length and tempo swing. The middle section has the main step sequencer where patterns can be remixed (up to eight patterns can be programmed and arranged per snapshot). The lower section contains the sample playback engine controls (including the sampler window where loops are loaded).
RANDOM STEP SHIFTER - Intuitive Loop Rearranger: Random Step Shifter uses intelligent pseudo-random principles to cut-up and rearrange sample loops in real-time whilst keeping tempo. There's an intuitive three-part sequencer that triggers sample playback. It also modulates sample selection, positional offset, and playback pitch. In addition, these modulations can be mangled by various pseudo-random sequences. This instrument will create new sample loops for you very easily! You can load in any loop and create countless variations!
SPLITTER - Sequenced Beat Producer: Splitter is a small but sonically flexible sequenced sample-player. Geared towards granular beat production, it can also be used for melodies or padwork. The main idea behind this sequencer / sample-player combo are the 16 sample slots. You can assign different fragments of the selected sample with individual settings for all parameters to the different slots above the waveform display. You can also assign individual MIDI notes.
VECTORY - Agressive Granular Goove Machine: Vectory is an aggressive sample destruction unit. It consists of a sampler (on the left side) with vast re-arranging capacities. The signal is fed into a grain multi-effect (on the right side) that re-synthesizes the sound. This structure is optimized for live use, with low-level Reaktor Core DSP, but is also ideal for producing aggressive beats in the Studio. Complete settings for sample loops, re-arrangements, and grain effects can be recalled by moving the markers within the large square selection displays - changes occur instantly and with no audio drop-out. The effect unit even offers morphing between two settings.
Sample Players
BEATSLICER 2 - Advanced Loop Slicer: BeatSlicer 2 will separate any waveform into smaller component 'slices', which can then be individually tweaked by adjusting pitch, envelope and FX settings. BeatSlicer 2 is designed primarily for drum-loop manipulation, but the extensive range of parameters offers creative possibilities for any material.
MEMORY DRUM 2 - Drum Sampler for single drum sounds: Memory Drum 2 is an advanced sampler that enables the independent configuration of up to 128 samples in a compact, easy-to-use interface. Specifically designed for drum sampling, it features an attack-hold-decay envelope, a range of effects, multiple output channels, and complex modulation options. The intuitive interface allows drum kits to be constructed quickly and easily, whilst the extensive range of sound-design options offer vast creative possibilities for generating new sounds from your existing samples.
Sequencers and Effects
REAKTOR 5 provides four different sequencers and three high-end effects.
Sequencers
The four new REAKTOR sequencers are constructed using the new Multi Displays and Mouse Area Modules, resulting in very convenient sequencers which are straightforward to use. These sequencers are designed to control your desired REAKTOR synths and drum machines. Wire it up!
SQP - Classic Matrix Sequencer: The SQP is a piano roll-style (matrix) sequencer covering a very wide midi note-range. You can enter notes via the mouse or record incoming MIDI notes. If you want to input longer events with the mouse, just click and drag the start or end of an existing note. Move events by clicking and dragging them around. When [Select] is on you can move selected events as a group. Its built-in song sequencer makes it possible to switch from pattern to pattern. Combine this instrument with your favourite REAKTOR synth and you're ready to go!
SQ16: The SQ16 sequencer delivers classic step-sequencing in a very useable package.
It features 16 notes tracks with velocity control plus additional modulation tracks, a song mode, and the ability to record incoming MIDI notes.
SQ 8x8: The SQ 8x8 is a small step-sequencer with a twist. You put events in a grid and drag a rectangle around a group of them by right-clicking and dragging (ctrl-click when you’re on a Mac). This rectangle defines the sequencer’s loop area, controlling what gets played line-wise. You can change this area in realtime. Think of it as a two-dimensional loop-bar. Some nice realtime step-shifting and shuffle features are also part of the package.
SQ8: The is your standard building block for rhythmic step-sequencing. It sports a clean interface: 4 patterns with 8 tracks (consisting of 64 steps each). You also get variable looping, shuffle, reverse play, and multiple viewing options. On top of that, you can chain 16 patterns together into a song.
Effects
FATBLASTER 2 - Final-Stage Mastering Tool: The great final-stage mastering tool FlatBlaster 2 has been rebuilt using the new Reaktor Core features. This patch combines four frequency-specific compressors with a full-spectrum peak-limiter to produce a high-end package for your multiband dynamics shaping needs. As it does not introduce any delay it is not limited to mastering use but can also be applied on a per channel basis. The separately compressed bands get mixed together and then processed by a full-band peak limiter.
SPACE MASTER 2 - High-Quality Reverb: The well-known Space Master series of reverb modellers has been updated for Reaktor 5. Based on several diffusion delays, Space Master 2 can produce a wide array of high-quality natural or experimental ambiences. The patch's efficient set of reverb parameters include an early reflections section, a late reflections module and a post EQ. Dials for main reverb time, control of balance between the two reflection stages, and between dry and wet signal round off the controls.
LURKER - Hybrid Effect Machine: Lurker is a hybrid effect capable of classic phaser sounds, spring reverbs and feedback echoes – but most of all it transforms any incoming signal into stunning rhythmic sequences, mangling pitches and re-arranging the sound. This is technically possible because all those effects are based on a delay unit (and this instrument is an extremely versatile one).Four internal sequencer tracks are the most prominent feature. They allow for fast, visual creation of musical patterns that you can use to modulate parameters such as delay times of the two independent delay units.