Kontakt alternative

rutledj · 01-25-2011, 04:45 PM

Are there an alternatives (free or reasonably priced) to this that will play files from any source? It appears the free version of Kontakt will only play NI software. I don't see an option to actually purchase the Kontakt player only.

Thanks,
Rut

woolyloach · 01-25-2011, 08:20 PM

Well, I'm nor aware of anything that plays Kontakt banks but Kontakt, so if you MUST play Kontakt libraries, you're had. There's not much else out there that's as powerful, there's Halion Sonic but I don't think it has comprehensive sample import, there's Dimension Pro (which imports WAV and SFZ) which is affordable but starting to show it's age, there's Wusikstation which is affordable, imports a lot of stuff, and is pretty flexible but some of the banks out for it as erm a touch weak.

Then there's always ShortCircult.. discontinued but free..

http://vemberaudio.se/shortcircuit.php

EvilDragon · 01-25-2011, 08:30 PM

Buy Kontakt full (not Player). Save up, it's definitely worth the money. You're set, then.

Eyes · 01-25-2011, 09:02 PM

Kontakt player only plays libraries specifically formatted for it - they will likely come with the player if they are supported.

If you want to play NKI files, I don't think their is a cheep alternative. As ED said, Kontakt its worth it's price.

pixeltarian · 01-25-2011, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woolyloach

Well, I'm nor aware of anything that plays Kontakt banks but Kontakt, so if you MUST play Kontakt libraries, you're had.

well... MOTU machfive does.
I actually have machfivev2 and am trying to sell it because I don't use it much. you probably wouldn't be interested though because I'm asking 300$ (retails at $460)

however, I would like to inform you that it plays TONS of sample libraries, not just kontakt but almost any format under the sun, so that might be of value to you.

gwok · 01-25-2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixeltarian

well... MOTU machfive does.
I actually have machfivev2 and am trying to sell it because I don't use it much.

or is there another reason?

pixeltarian · 01-25-2011, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gwok

or is there another reason?

haha not really. what reason are you insinuating? I bought it back when I used samples a lot, and now I prefer making it all from real instruments. I just sample drums cause I can't seem to record them the way I want them to sound (yet).

victoriousmusic · 01-26-2011, 07:03 AM

you might try downloading the free trial of chicken systems translator I think it's called. It can convert files from one format to another. I've previously used it, for a specific library in giga format. I just converted to SF2 files, at the time I didn't have Kontakt, now I do so I can pretty much use any sf player or Kontakt for the file conversions.
The free version limits how many files you can convert in one day, but it works well. There are several free SF players around.

EvilDragon · 01-26-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixeltarian

well... MOTU machfive does.

I bet it doesn't translate the NKI patches which heavily use scripting correctly at all.

And scripting is practically standard by now...

woolyloach · 01-26-2011, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pixeltarian

well... MOTU machfive does.
I actually have machfivev2 and am trying to sell it because I don't use it much. you probably wouldn't be interested though because I'm asking 300$ (retails at $460)

however, I would like to inform you that it plays TONS of sample libraries, not just kontakt but almost any format under the sun, so that might be of value to you.

Ha, I didn't know that! Too bad I don't need another sampler or I'd check it out!

Serenitynow · 01-26-2011, 10:24 AM

Yeah, the free version of Chicken Translator only allows one conversion every 6 hours. It seems to work OK but like Friendly Dragon said it doesn't always restore all parameters that Kontakt itself would actually be able to use. In other words, the translator works well but the other non-Kontakt programs aren't able to fully utilize the Kontakt parameters. They usually sound better in Kontakt. That's been my experience anyway.

mtthw · 01-26-2011, 01:52 PM

independence free from yellow tools is the best free sampler that will play any .wav files. Up to 24 .wav files per layer.

Its a great sampler, really.

If you want to buy the fuller version, wait for it to go on sale.

Also, buy Native Instruments Kontakt or Komplete first. Thats the best value second to none.

but in the meantime, for a free one, its fantastic.

I also bought a few of their download instruments. They do a good job, imo.

and they have sales every while.