A couple of somewhat negative items:
(1)The latest version of Native Access appears contain an advertisement from InstallAware.com that displays towards the end of the most recent Kontakt update, stalling the update and requiring that it be clicked away before the update can complete. I have my power options set to "Never ShutDown/Sleep" but I can imagine this unwelcome promo causing some issues for users who have their power/sleep settings interrupt the update before completion. In addition, somewhat ironically, it makes Native Instruments look like they haven't licensed the installation software."
I await their reply.
(2) If you're considering Futurism ($20), a recent offering from Sonic Faction, just for the three Kontakt instruments, be advised that they come with no factory presets (that I could find) and you will be doing all of your own sound design, without a users' manual. Here's what I found: You'll will work for your sound. The samples themselves sound good when used in multis. The CHORD feature in "Poly" was my favorite feature; it's effective and easily adds a fat sounding harmonic structure to the tones.
"Poly": 12 Waves, 6 Mod waves, Filter (LP, BP. HP, None), Envelope ADSR (Amp, Filter, Pitch), Efx (Chorus, Delay, Reverb), CHORD (22 Shapes/types, 4 inversions); additional typical parameters for sections.
"Lead": Essentially the same as "Poly" but with only 5 Waves, No Mod feature, No CHORD feature, Same effects minus one parameter each.
"Bass": Like "Lead" but no Filter, No Filter or Pitch ADSRs (Amp ADSR only), Reverb and Delay are replaced by Distortion and Skreamer.
Some other things to consider: The Futurism package comes with Ableton synths and drum racks, Battery kits,a Machine expansion, drum hits, and loops, for MAC and PC, so if you have/use these you get extra value from the bundle and justify the price when comparison shopping. Some of the samples come by way of instruments from Sonic Faction's high-value Archetype Bundle (still on sale at AudioPlugin.Deals until Thursday), which does come with presets, and good instructional materials are available.
Futurism - Hybrid Sound Pack
50% Off Archetype Kontakt Bundle by SONIC FACTION! - Audio Plugin Deals
OK---now for some positives:
Although it doesn't look it, this task has been reduced by the fact that SampleCast, Sample Library Review, etc., are paying more attention to the "smaller" developers so I have less and less to bring to your attention. I think I may use the extra time (LOL) to cite a bunch of Kontakt freebies that I've collected over the years.
Speaking of comparison shopping, Kontakt Hub is having a sale and a lot of nice Kontakt synths from Audiofier, CL-Projects, SynthMagic, and others, are on sale . . .
https://www.kontakthub.com/current-deals
. . . and, not on sale but do check out Orchestrata by AudioReward:
Orchestrata - Kontakt Instrument
Les Productions Zvon libraries are on sale at Sampleism until the end of the month. Very inexpensive, specialty libraries with some simple, surprising goodies.
Les Productions Zvon - Sampleism
Well, nobody shot me and now AudioBundle.deals has come on line. I did get a much better deal from them than a loyalty deal offered by Soundiron (who are usually good with that type of thing) on the Apocalypse Ensemble library (love the way the Apocalypse libraries ARP works with a chord).
https://audiobundledeals.com/
The Augment Group Buy (I joined) at Homegrown Sounds is extended until May 1. A lot of Kontakt Stuff stuff was added along the way: Synths, loops, utilities, more synths, more loops, more utilities. An extremely productive $15 investment.
https://hgsounds.com/product/augment-for-kontakt-5-7/
Sigh.
It's only money.
Paj
8^)