Native Instruments Kontakt 8

Software Sampler (Download)

Sample-based virtual instrument with extensive sound library and very wide-ranging sound processing options
Comprehensive instrument collection with over 900 orchestral, acoustic, band, synth and vintage sounds
Chords and Phrases: tools for creating melodies and sequences that work with any Kontakt instrument
Leap: a quick way to play and manipulate loops and samples, including 12 Leap extensions
Conflux: a hybrid instrument that combines samples with wavetable, FM and ring modulation oscillators
Countless other sound libraries are optionally available from the manufacturer and third-party suppliers
Creation of own instruments and sounds from simple playback of samples to script-controlled complex multi-instruments
Numerous possibilities for comprehensive sound design with various options for sample playback with DFD streaming, scripting, routing, effects, etc.
Seamless integration with related NI hardware such as S-series keyboards or Maschine to streamline workflows

System Requirements

Version: 8
Shipping Format: E-Mail
License validity: perpetual
Copy Protection: Online Activation
Simultaneous Activations: 2
Windows: from 10 (64-Bit)
Mac OS (64 Bit): from 12
CPU min.: Apple Silicon, Intel Core
RAM min.: 4 GB
HD Storage min.: 50 GB
add. System requirements: Internet Connection for Installation and Activation

Supported Formats

Stand-Alone-Software
AAX native 64-Bit
AU 64-Bit
VST3 64-Bit
NKS

Available since September 2024
Item number 600985
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Single/Bundle article Los artikel
Akustik Keys/Pianos Yes
Beat production / Drum machines Yes
Wind Instruments Yes
Cinematic / Effects Yes
Chorus / Vocals Yes
Drums / Percussion Yes
E-Pianos Yes
Ethno / Folk Yes
Guitars/plucked instruments Yes
Loops/Construction-Kits Yes
Orchestra Instruments Yes
Organs Yes
String Bass Yes
Sampler Yes
String Instruments Yes
Synthesizer Yes
Vintage Instrument Yes
Hardware Controller No
Download Yes
NKS Yes

£256

incl. VAT

Sales Rank

in Virtual Instruments and Samplers

Industry standard, further refined

For over two decades, Native Instruments Kontakt has set the benchmark in software sampling and virtual instrument design. Kontakt Version 8 further refines that legacy with improved performance, a redesigned interface, and a powerful new browser that makes navigating vast sound libraries faster and more intuitive. The updated engine introduces graphical and workflow enhancements, including a new Side Pane for instant access to instruments and tools. Hosting thousands of instruments from both NI and independent developers, Kontakt 8 remains the creative backbone for everything from orchestral production and film scoring to electronic music and experimental sound design. Available as a full version, free Kontakt Player, or as part of Komplete 15, it continues to be trusted by professionals worldwide for its realism, flexibility and limitless sonic exploration.

Hybrid sampling and synthesis

At the core of Kontakt 8 is Conflux, a new hybrid instrument that blends high-resolution sampling with wavetable, FM and phase-modulated synthesis. Its redesigned engine supports dual LFOs, rich modulation and onboard flexible effects - ideal for creating evolving textures and layered sonic landscapes. A new category of interactive Tools introduces features such as Chords - triggering full harmonic progressions from a single key - and Phrases, which generates editable melodic motifs with timing, velocity and playback control. The revamped Library Browser presents six intuitive tabs - Instruments, Combined, Tools, Leap, Loops and One-Shots - alongside a new Combined preset format for saving multi-instrument setups with embedded Tools, macros and layers. Whether sketching ideas or building intricate patches, Kontakt 8 provides a creative environment that rewards both spontaneous inspiration and deep programming.

From inspiration to execution

Kontakt 8 bridges the gap between traditional sample playback and modern synthesis, appealing to a broad spectrum of musicians, producers and content creators. Tools like Chords and Phrases enhance the creative process by turning single notes into expressive harmonic or melodic content, complete with strumming, inversion, humanisation and playback control. Designed for real-time use, the new Leap module provides a drag-and-drop environment for triggering and manipulating loops and one-shots using effects, time-stretching and re-pitching. The full version includes twelve dedicated Leap Expansions, while the free Kontakt Player includes one, with support for user-imported samples and Maschine content. Whether layering cinematic textures, remixing stems or rehearsing ideas live, Kontakt 8 makes exploration intuitive - and performance dynamic.

About Native Instruments

Native Instruments is a Berlin-based company, founded in 1996, which specialises in products for computer-assisted music production. The company develops a wide variety of products: software solutions such as Komplete, which hosts a huge range of virtual instruments that emulate both acoustic and electronic instruments in hi-fi quality, and Reaktor, which lets you create your own virtual instruments – through to hardware products such as beat-making and DJ controllers. Native Instruments' goal is to inspire and encourage musicians with its innovative products. To this end, more than 500 people are employed at the company's headquarters in Berlin and at other locations including Los Angeles, Toronto, Tokyo, London, Paris, and Shenzhen. Since 2023, the manufacturers Plugin Alliance, iZotope, and Brainworx have also been part of Native Instruments.

Advanced development tools

Kontakt 8 is designed for professionals at every level of music production - from composers and sound designers to virtual instrument developers. Its vast library includes hundreds of factory sounds and playable instruments, such as the new Piano Uno and Conflux, and full compatibility with thousands of third-party libraries. The new Complete Instrument Building Toolkit 1.0 introduces expanded scripting, UI design and wavetable synthesis, while SDKs for Tools, Leap and FX enable the creation of advanced instruments with integrated sequencing, gesture-based control and modern visual interfaces. Kontakt 8 remains fully compatible with major plug-in formats (VST3, AU, AAX) and integrates tightly with Native Instruments’ Komplete 15 and S-Series MK3 controllers. Whether designing instruments from scratch, developing custom libraries or refining a workflow, Kontakt 8 reaffirms its role as the universal platform for next-generation sampling and virtual instruments.

In the spotlight

Full Version, Crossgrade or Update?

The full version of Kontakt 8 unlocks complete access to editing, scripting and instrument-building tools, along with the entire Factory Library and support for third-party content. Existing Kontakt 7 users can choose the Update option, retaining their current libraries while gaining the benefits of the redesigned interface and expanded feature set. Owners of a qualifying Native Instruments product can opt for the Crossgrade option, providing the full Kontakt 8 package at a reduced price. All three editions share the same augmented engine, creative tools and streamlined workflow. More than just an update, Kontakt 8 further evolves the software sampler into a full-fledged creative instrument - powerful, precise, and primed for the next generation of music production.

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Native Instruments Kontakt 8

Software Sampler (Download)

Industry standard, further refined

Hybrid sampling and synthesis

From inspiration to execution

About Native Instruments

Advanced development tools

In the spotlight

This is what customers who viewed this product bought

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