Some Kontakt bargains

RE: 90% off "The Orchestral Bundle" by Aria Sounds

I initially posted "no brass" but that's actually not the case: Three items are actually included in this bundle that aren't listed in the upper list but have been added to the website near the bottom as bonus items. Since the listed flutes are supplied as part of the Ethnic Flute Bundle, the Bolivian Pan Flute, otherwise unavailable for separate purchase, is included. You also get the Classical Guitarist and the London Symphony Brass French Horns. This means you get everything on the Aria Sounds website except the Aurora Choir. Regarding the strings: Five string sections and four solo instruments, each with their own articulations and GUI/control, allow for great flexibility is sculpting your string sounds. There are a number of YouTube and SoundCloud examples around.

Paj
8^)
 
Puremagnetik has an inexpensive deal this week---Six Ensoniq libraries (Five Kontakt instruments [with one additional Apple Loops folder], one Ableton/WAV library) for $10. The five Kontakt instruments share simple, common-featured interfaces (7 controls: Fliter cutoff & resonance;Mod speed & depth; Phaser depth, feedback, time & delay). Tweaking patches from the GUIs is minimal, nor radical. It appears that all the Kontakt samples are in AIF format
Console Z | Volume 3 of the ASR-X Library



– Puremagnetik


Homegrown Sounds has an ongoing group buy (I joined for $15) and a newly-skinned update for Augment (the original interface is preserved as an option). This is an 11-layer synth and, if you know anything about HGSounds, it has phenomenal sequencing capabilities. The group buy is within reach of adding two more new Kontakt synths: 11-Layer Destiny and , a single-layer version of Destiny that can also stack the layer voices of Destiny into a single voice waveform. Check out the group buy here:
Augment/Destiny for Kontakt Group Buy | Homegrown Sounds
Destiny/Singularity is here . . . :
Destiny Multi-Layer/Timbral Synthesizer for Kontakt 5.7 | Homegrown Sounds
. . . and a FREE, Singularity LITE version is here . . . :
Singularity Lite for Kontakt 5 | Homegrown Sounds
. . . and, if you're on the HGSounds website, there is a FREE Kosmology/Multiverse/Metropolis (3 instruments) library here:
Kosmology/Multiverse – FreeFall | Homegrown Sounds

Gearplugz.deals has the Stimatized Drummer V1.1 Full Pack (Stigmatized Drummer, 6 Groove packs, 2 TCI packs for Slate Trigger) on sale until 1-31 for $18. I completely agree with the Sample Library Review (#64) comment that this is an underappreciated Kontakt instrument ("unloved gem")---and a real bargain at this price.
https://gearplugz.deals/

Not a Kontakt library, but the current offering of Best Service's Galaxy-X libraries by VSTbuzz is worth taking a look at if you're interested in an instrument that has a lot of good-sounding content, samples and loops, and a fresh approach to creating entirely new sounds from existing patches. You can get lost in the possibilities from a single factory patch, and there are about a thousand of them---and that doesn't really mark what's available in the ~17GB of content. Definitely worth a look. Runs in Engine2, which is free.
http://vstbuzz.com/deals/65-off-galaxy-x-best-service/

And---Hey---if you're coming across Kontakt libraries/instruments that aren't being mentioned in Samplecast, Sample Library Review, etc., please POST.

Paj
8^)
 
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Sound Dust has a new version of its Cloud Viola, Cloud Viola 2 out and on sale. :)

. . . and they're offering a loyalty discount for it and the entire Cloud Bundle.

Puremagnetik has two bundle deals this week for $15 each: All Drums Bundle and Hyperbent Bundle. Multiple formats; EXS (2) or Ableton/WAV files (2) for the few packages not in Kontakt format (1), with some additional AIF file directories (2).
BUNDLES



– Puremagnetik


Homegrown Sounds has an ongoing group buy (I joined) which now includes four synths: Augment (in two skins), Augment-ALT (different soundset version), Destiny and Singularity, additional waveforms and presets, and Evolver loops, and is approaching the unlocking of a fifth synth that will use the Evolver loops. Not bad at all for $15. I still haven't thoroughly got through the major portion of the instruments I got in last year's group buy. There are YouTube videos for all of these.
Augment/Destiny for Kontakt Group Buy | Homegrown Sounds
Also note that their Kontakt Instrument Sale is coming to end (and N.B. there are some Kontakt freebies available):
Kontakt | Categories | Homegrown Sounds

I don't want to repeat what is mentioned in Sample Library Review, Samplecast, KVR Newsletter, etc., but I have found Fable Sounds Broadway Gig, one of the deals available at VSTbuzz, to be an exceptional collection of four brass band horns. If you're looking for solo tenor sax, baritone, trumpet and/or tenor trombone, or sections of each, or combinations of each, you'll probably regret passing this one up---especially for the sale price (~$83). Works in the free Kontakt Player.
60% off "Broadway Gig" by Fable Sounds

Audioplug.deals has opened up The Shop, where you can get deals on previous deals you missed. Shoot me now, while I still have something to leave to my family.
How It Works - Audio Plugin Deals
https://audioplugin.deals/shop/

BigWerks has a 40% sale going on. I think that some of their Kontakt libraries have unusually high memory requirements but they also have really good sound quality and some patches that you just want to come back to. BigWerks generally has a demo version available for all of their libraries.
http://bigwerks.com/product-category/kontakt-instruments/

Being a sucker for world instruments, I am enjoying Rast Sounds latest Sounds Of Morocco library. Every time I leave the house, I would like to go at least this far.
https://rastsound.com/downloads/sounds-of-morocco/

The new biggie for drum/percussion/beatbox is probable Evolver from Wave Alchemy (~$210). They are offering a 40% loyalty discount.
https://www.wavealchemy.co.uk/evolution/pid182/

I'm playing around with Samplecraze's DruMM Series 1 and it is interesting: Seven kits/folders, three kit variations per folder, kit pieces spread out over the entire keyboard with kit-piece variations per octave. Individual kit pieces can have their own envelope settings. Common interface structure for all seven kits. For the "never enough drums" crowd, not a bad deal for ~$16. It can get some deep kicks.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/drumm-series-1-kontakt/

Speaking of drums, (unfortunately-named) Pornofonic has a new offering. Klusterkitt Konstruktor (~$55, on sale) is a hybrid synthetic/acoustic drum rompler. It comes with over 100 snapshots, almost 500 synth and acoustic drums/percussives (categorized as kicks, snares, and hi hats), over 300 convolution choices for each instrument, a seven-slot mixer with tailored adjustments, instrument-only randomization (channel settings remain), and humanization. It's not a beat box; it needs keyboard/MIDI input (comes with 64 MIDI loops). I didn't like the fact that the "toms" category was absent but I did like: The fact that only eleven color-coded keys are active per kit (focus!), nice randomization of kit pieces, manual selection of kit pieces, surprisingly-good tone/timbre alterations are possible, and a straight-forward GUI. This one also gets some deep kicks. Even if you're not in the "never enough drums" camp, this thing is quick fun.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/konstruktor-kontakt-drums/

Speaking of MIDI input, for the rest of January, Groove Monkey has 50% of individual MIDI packs ($10) and 60% off their Mega Pack: 28 MIDI drum packs for $100.
https://www.kvraudio.com/marketplace/mega-pack-by-groove-monkee

Paj
8^)
 
Greetings,

Happy to introduce 2 new Kontakt libraries from Ecliptiq Audio, both of them are available with a 50% discount until the 1st of February:

Vita:
Vita is a collection of 12 ethnic percussion instruments with a powerful Kontakt sequencer and FX section.
Vita Solo – Ecliptiq Audio

VITA Showcase.png

Seism:
Seism is an incredible drum library featuring 780 kicks, snare, hats and 808s. Seism comes with a custom made Kontakt engine for fast browsing and manipulating (Kontakt not required to use the samples). Suitable for every genre. You can find more info and a free teaser pack taken from the library here:
Seism – Ecliptiq Audio

Sliders4.png

Best regards,
Peter
Ecliptiq Audio
 
I guess I've missed this for over two years but I just came across Phantawalker's Phantasm which contains a nice selection of orchestral and melodic instrument patches, some with some articulations, even a couple of drum and percussion kits. It could end up being a go-to sketching library on a budget ($25; nearly 10GB of content). Generally, I found nearly all of the (60) presets to be good-sounding patches that punch above this price point and, with easily imagined utility. I think the YouTube video illustrates this.
YouTube
Fantasy music and VSTi plugins by Phantawalker

CATSNU has more than a score of Korean instruments for free (license on each download page).
Center for Arts & Technologies at Seoul National University

In case you missed this freebie throughout the ages: Electronic Expanse from CL-Projects (I don't know if CL-Projects has ever made anything but value-laden stuff):
Electronic Expanse

Here's another nice little freebie/DonationWare (among other freebies) from 99Sounds:
FREE Kontakt Library Project Exodus | 99Sounds

Speaking of DonationWare, there's a variety on this website:
https://www.xperimentaproject.com/

Homegrown Sounds' ongoing group buy (I joined) now includes four Kontakt synths and is on its way to the unlocking of a fifth synth. It will use the recently acquired Analog4 loops. Again, not bad at all for $15.
http://hgsounds.com/product/augment-for-kontakt-5-7/

For the next day or so Heavyocity is having a 50% flash sale ($150) on its DM-307 percussion instrument. Yes, it's been out a number of years now and, yes, even on sale it's not cheap, and yes, there are a lot of newer kids on the block---but it's still a monster and one of the first I would seriously consider for rhythm creation.
https://www.heavyocity.com/product/dm-307/

I just noticed the the Impact Soundworks Orchestral Bundle is back at VSTbuzz for an encore.
http://vstbuzz.com/deals/83-off-orchestral-bundle-impact-soundworks/
You do get a lot with this package but the item to take special note of is the Bravura Scoring Brass - FX. It is not the full Bravura Brass library. It's explained on the website. I will tell you that after I last purchased this bundle from VSTbuzz I patiently waited and a good bargain of an offer came around to upgrade to the full Bravura package.

Well, I'm off to practice my oiled-pole climbs for the Eagles' Super Bowl victory parade. I will not punch any police horses.*

Paj
8^)

*Last night, Steven Colbert reported that the police horse punched by a rowdy fan is now in stable condition.
 
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Had to add this---this is an insanely good offer on some good-sounding stuff. As I recall, over 2200 dual-layer patches. Very easy to use. Sounds&Gear has a YouTube review on one of the included libraries. On sale now for about $27.
Insusurro Pads Collection - Kontakt Hub

Paj
8^)
 
Even though it's past the advertised expiration date, the Insusurro Pads Collection at Kontakt Hub is still on sale---this is an insanely good offer on some good-sounding stuff. As I recall, over 2200 dual-layer patches. Very easy to use. Sounds&Gear has a YouTube review on one of the included libraries. Still on sale for about $27. This will probably be one of the top Kontakt bargains of 2018.
Insusurro Pads Collection - Kontakt Hub

Also, SzcZ has a free major update to Cracklefield and other SzcZ instruments are reduced 37.5% at Kontakt Hub, including the newly released Orchestra Enigmata. I may have all of SzcZ Kontakt instruments. I recently revisited Spookomatic and was again reminded that SzcZ puts out wonderful stuff, and included manuals reveal that these unusual gems are priced nowhere near the value of the programming and the thought that went into them. There are also a number of nteresting freebies on SzcZ's website ( SzcZ's Audio Adventures )
SzcZ | Kontakt Libraries | Kontakt Hub

Audio Reward has released Seurat with an intro price of ~$40. I need another ambient/underscore library like I need another proctopore, but this one is grain-based and the video I watched and the Soundcloud files I've listened to have a much more orchestral/cinematic flavor.
Seurat - Kontakt Cinematic Sounds

A Resona & Mountains (v3) Bundle from Sound Aesthetics Sampling is on sale for ~$14. You can't go wrong for the price and they do sound good, individually and together.
Resona and Mountains Bundle - Kontakt

Another top contender for bargains of the year will probably be the Homegrown Sounds Augment Group Buy ($15; I joined) which now includes four synths: Augment (in two skins), Augment-ALT (different soundset version), Destiny and Singularity, Reanimator (for Evolver loops and Analog4 loops), additional waveforms, presets, and loops, and is under ten more buys from the unlocking of a fifth instrument---a multi-sequencer called Procession. There are YouTube videos for all of these. If you like Kontakt synths, this is another no-brainer.
http://hgsounds.com/product/augment-for-kontakt-5-7/

Loops De La Creme has an intro offer for their new Double Creme Drums (€19.50). A manual and a free demo are available on the webpage:
http://www.loopsdelacreme.com/kontakt-libraries/

AutoDaFe has an update for Mega Drum Machines Collection v.2 for Kontakt, their free/donation drum-machine sound library. It is a nice freebie, worthy of a donation, with a lot of classic drum-machine kits/sounds (a la "construction kits").
https://www.autodafe.net/free-stuff/mega-drum-machines-collection-v-2-for-kontakt.html

There are few day left for the Sonokinetic Pro Bundle ($500 [85% off]). I see negative comments on the web about the phrase-based nature of the orchestral libraries but I personally will attest to this: that's just not appreciating the full capabilities of those libraries. The Sonokinetic orchestral libraries go way beyond the usual capabilities of common construction-kit, loop-based phrase libraries. This bundle is at a high discount so if you're undecided, do watch the tutorials.
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/products/nks-special/

Also: Just received word that Impact Soundworks is having a 30% sale on Shreddage libraries. Use the code: SHREDMARCH


Paj
8^)
 
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There's still a few hours left to enter the Embertone Joshua Bell Violin give-away. They've changed the rules so you no longer have to tag a facebook friend.
Search

Again, I'm trying to not duplicate the weekly info from SampleCast, SampleLibraryReview, KVR, VSTbuzz, AudioPlugin.Deals, etc.

Purmagnetics Keyboard Compendium (13 libraries: 11 Kontakt, 2 sample) is about 85% off ($20). This bundle also comes with Ableton Live and Logic downloads.
Keyboard Instruments for Ableton Live, Kontakt & Logic



– Puremagnetik


Rigid Audio has a sale including three 3-5 unit bundles for $6 and $10, and intro/sale pricing on Kontakt GUI Maker I&II and Hypernode (which I am still trying to figure out without a manual but it sounds great). Every time that I have purchased from RA they have sent me, in appreciation, more than I ordered.
Rigid Audio Berlin | KONTAKT INSTRUMENTS | HOME

Speaking of getting more than you bargained for, the Augment Group Buy from Homegrown Sounds ($15; I joined) has exceded its original targets, with additional instruments provided. If you like Kontakt synths, you should really check this out. The group buy is scheduled to end on April 2 and less than a score of purchases is needed to reach the last added level.
Augment/Destiny for Kontakt Group Buy | Homegrown Sounds

Also from Homegrown Sounds is a set of enhanced Kontakt MIDI sequencers that grew out of offerings from the Augment Group Buy. Augment Group Buy members who purchase this set also automatically increment the group buy total, like a second buy-in. "If you have previously bought Procession" (one of the sequencers) "outside of the Group Buy then you get a free upgrade to this collection and it should already be available on your downloads page."
Kontakt Sequencer Collection | Homegrown Sounds

The KVR Newsletter mentioned a really nice bargain on 21 Reactor ensembles (£25≈$35) from Everything Changes, but they didn't mention that the website also would add their two already bargain priced (£6≈$8.50 each) specialty Kontakt libraries to the bundle for an addition £10 (£35≈$49).
ET Collector Ultima | EverythingTurns Digital Downloads
http://www.everythingturns.com/ET-V2/alien-cinematica.html
http://www.everythingturns.com/ET-V2/alien-radiophonica-kontakt.html

Big Fish Audio Green Tag (50%) sale runs until 3/28 and there are a number of nice Kontakt/KLI libraries available, which feature slice-playing options for the good-sounding loops/samples. Of course, if you use Edge or Explorer to browse the website, you may have bizarre search/link navigating behaviors. You may have to go back and re-navigate a link to get where you want to go. Wierd. I posted them; they are aware.
http://www.bigfishaudio.com/Green-Tag-Sale-2018.html?;sou=bfahmpg

The Output Bundle (Signal, Substance, Analog Strings) is still available at NI until 4/2. $99 each or $299 for all three with an expansion for each. I would read the comments on the NI facebook page. Yes, they can be CPU heavy---but they do sound really good and Output has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
https://www.native-instruments.com/en/specials/komplete/output-offer-2018/

Spitfire Audio is having a "fire sale" on their Solo Strings library until 4/19 and is posting offers on other libraries. You might want to subscribe to their newsletter.
https://www.spitfireaudio.com/shop/promotions/spitfire-solo-strings/

This one just in: Easter Sale at Audiofier, any Kontakt instrument is $33! That includes SEQui2R EX (SEQui2R with all four expansions), SEQui2R Synth, Abstrung, Vesper, and Aerkord. Superior sounding and featured products, not to mention well-supported, now at real bargain prices.
http://www.audiofier.com/

Ok---that's enough. I want to play some more with my new toys.

Paj
8^)
 
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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^)
 
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Kontakt instrument sale (and freebies) at Homegrown Sounds. I'm a big fan of the value and service this guy provides to his customers. Stochastic and aleatoric are two terms that get murdered and misused with some Kontakt libraries but, if you like surprising yourself, the Augment Group Buy ($15) is included in the sale at the original ($15) price---a lot of neat stuff for song.
Kontakt | Categories | Homegrown Sounds

MVP Loops is having a 60%-off sale on their Kontakt (and VST) instruments, including their V.L.X. Bundle ($80; four Kontakt instruments with a common, custom, pad-based GUI)
Virtual Instruments For Trap, Hip Hop, R&B, EDM | MVP Loops * MVP Loops, Fruity Loops, Music Loops, VST Plugins, Royalty Free Loops

Kontakt Hub is having a sale for instruments from various manufacturers, some very notable:
https://www.kontakthub.com/current-deals

SturmSounds Turner Mark II is an on-sale no-brainer. It's easy to get lost for hours with this one. Schlagomat is no slouch, either.
Sturmsounds - Kontakt Hub

Hideaway Studio products are history-influenced labors of love, many with deceptively common, four-voice-one-tab interfaces that are simple, quick and effective. Generally bargain-priced, even more of a bargain on sale. Old-school multi/voice-layering, MIDI-learn automation (no ARP/sequencer features).
Hideaway Studio | Kontakt Instruments | Kontakt Hub

Aria Sounds Aurora Choir is again available and 80% off (£70)
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/aurora-choir-kontakt/

These all end on/through 5/31:

Wave Alchemy Synth Drums (~$1.50). Over 5900 synthesized drum/percussion sounds; 105 Kontakt kits
https://www.wavealchemy.co.uk/synth-drums/pid100/

Precisionsound Angelic Pads Mega Bundle (all six AVP libraries) is 75% off ($75)
http://store.precisionsound.net/shop/angelic-vocal-pads-mega-bundle/

Audio Imperia has a 30%-off sale on almost all its products
https://www.audioimperia.com/collections/all

Puremagnetik's Blue Tone Collection (nine Kontakt libraries; basic or simple GUIs) is on sale for $10
https://puremagnetik.com/collection...on-jazz-ableton-live-pack-kontakt-instruments

Heavyocity has a Tenth Anniversary Sale (at least 50% off). No introduction necessary for Heavyocity. Verify for yourself, but I believe all of Heavyocity's Kontakt libraries/instruments also run in the free Player version.
https://heavyocity.com/product-category/kontakt/

Chordscape from Divergent Audio Group is reduced 50% (£37.50). This is a monstrous evolving-pad generator with pop-up sequencers everywhere. Again, easy to get lost for hours with this one.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/chordscape-kontakt/

DruMM Series3 has 50% intro pricing (£12.50). Six modules/kits, each with three variations. Designed to be multied with itself and Series 1 & 2. Playing around with this the other day I just realized that each and every key/kit-piece can be individually tweaked. It takes a while for that to sink in.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/DruMM-Series-3/

Soave Strings from Imagik (intro priceing ~$5) is a little trip. I used to use Cakewalk Dimension Pro (or its SFZ samples via Plogue sforzando) to layer in bowing/attacks to add confusing realism to synth string pads. In this regard, I tried layering Soave with a Chromatix string pad and got very good, quick results. I haven't yet had the time to really play around with the "Altered" (random note/sound) feature to see how well it can be controlled, thus utilized. An interesting bit of orchestral kit for $5.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/soave-sordino-strings-kontakt/

Sorry about posting so close to the deadlines for these libraries. Between life, gigs, and gardening in this crappy East-Coast Spring . . .

Paj
8^)

P.S.: I just noticed that Rigid Audio's Hypernode went on sale for 90% off (€20) at VSTbuzz. I paid the $40 pre-pay price for it and it's even a better bargain now. Not among your usual Kontakt approaches but lots of features, capabilities, and great sounds.
https://vstbuzz.com/deals/90-off-hypernode-rigid-audio/
 
Hypernode

P.S.: I just noticed that Rigid Audio's Hypernode went on sale for 90% off (€20) at VSTbuzz. I paid the $40 pre-pay price for it and it's even a better bargain now. Not among your usual Kontakt approaches but lots of features, capabilities, and great sounds.
Hi, wondering is it possible to control the flow of a song (intro, verse, chorus, etc) in my DAW instead of using mouse clicks? Is it possible to record and play back the entire song from my DAW (Cubase)? Thanks a lot.
 
I had to shoot out another posting because of this guy: Here's a nice orchestral freebie (strings, brass and winds) from Red Room Audio:
Palette – Primary Colors | Red Room Audio
Surprised by this one---definitely more than your average freebie!

An inexpensive granular synth ($10), already upgraded to 251 presets:
Rigid Audio Berlin | KONTAKT INSTRUMENTS | PRODUCTS | GRANULAT
If a subscription pop-up appears and you subscribe, you'll get a free Kontakt instument. If you click it away and hit the [SUBSCIBE] button at the top of the page and fill out the form, you'll get two free Kontakt instruments.
Their Hypernode is also ridiculously reduced (they do that a lot). It's kind of a co-ordinated complex of multis composed of dedicated modules. A learning curve, a lot to explore, no manual, lots of instructional videos, a big bargain at ~$25:
90% off "Hypernode" by Rigid Audio for Kontakt

Kontakt Hub has all of their Channel Robot offerings on sale for 90% off. If you buy them bundled you can get everything for ~$25. If you think the price is insane, wait to you start playing around with the instruments. Love these little devils.
Channel Robot - Kontakt Hub
Even if you're not into the stranger Kontakt libraries, it would be a shame to pass up the straightforward Drum Factory Collection for ~$4.

I did get a chance to play around with two guitar libraries for a little while, with opposing impressions:
DISTORT 2 (includes DISTORT 1)
A single-patch, distortion-guitar only offering; no efx, no tone/eq control, limited timbre control via blending L/R guitars and cab selections. Described as a sketching tool and I'd agree but they also mentioned there were dry settings. They failed to mention the settings were dry AFTER the distortion. That was disappointing---dry settings radically increase the utility of a guitar library. Haven't tried it in a mix but it sure does have that "Death Wish" soundtrack sound down.

Loop-based, key-switched, KLI-type instrument: loops, phrases, slices; slices can be played, re-ordered, reversed, randomized, edited, etc. Loops come in a variety of categories/styles. This one has a lot of potential as a track builder and to cover a lot of bases. I'm having fun with this one.
https://zero-g.co.uk/products/inspiring-guitars

Paj
8^)
 
It's a good time for string libraries (of which, you can never have enough!):

Ridiculously reduced: Flash sale for 8DIO's Adagietto ($48), until 7/1
Adagietto VST-AU-AAX - Kontakt Instruments & Samples
I don't know if it's a nascent net-neutrality loss effect, but the website was unusually slow to navigate---but while you're there, check out The New Forgotten Voices: Cait with intro pricing of $48 until 7/1:
The New Forgotten Voices: Cait for Kontakt VST-AU-AAX Samples

Hyperion Strings Micro ($39)---An out-of-the-blue, free Kontakt-Player, nicely done, bargain stroke from Soundiron, with nice features and sound (the GUI ain't too shabby, either):
Hyperion Strings Micro for Kontakt Player (VST, AU, AAX) – Soundiron

Ending soon (today?): Cinesamples libraries/instruments (Zilhouette Strings, Vertigo Strings, Ensemblia, etc.) 30% off:
Cinematique Instruments



– Time+Space


How about a surprising string-sections little guy (~$7), with an aleatoric feature (still investigating MIDI transmission for this feature, but the audio is fun):
Soave Sordino Strings - Kontakt Library

An intro-priced, cello-based pad instrument/generator (£22.50) until 7/2:
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/sky-pad-kontakt-library/

Primary Colors: If you do/did download this previously-mentioned, nice orchestral freebie from Red Room Audio, they will also send you a 25% discount coupon for their full orchestral products:
https://redroomaudio.com/product/palette-primary-colors/


Also not a bad time for granular synthesis instruments:

Seurat (£26.25), until 7/15:
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/seurat-kontakt/
Also, if you have an account, Granularis is a freebie.
And, while you're there, don't forget to check out the ridiculously low prices (90% off) on their Channel Robot offerings:
https://www.kontakthub.com/label/Channel-Robot/

Timedrops (~$35) from fluffy audio at VSTbuzz until 7/3:
https://vstbuzz.com/deals/58-off-timedrops-by-fluffy-audio/

Unfortunately, Granulat is no longer on sale, but knowing Ridgid Audio, it will be again and they always have a bargain bundle or two on sale (like now):
http://rigid-audio.com/index.html

I've been having some fun with this one from 12BitCrunch but, alas, no longer on sale:
https://12bitcrunch.com/products/jazz-machine

I know that Ruben from Samplecast named Atom Hub's Ghosts Of Autumn the "worst interface," so Rattley And Raw's Beautiful Chaos (intro price of $20) might make him apopletic---but it is a beautiful, unusual beast:
http://www.rattlyandraw.com/beautiful-chaos.html
While you're at the website, a nice free utility . . .
http://www.rattlyandraw.com/the-simple-sampler.html
. . . and, for more than laughs, check out these two freebies:
http://www.rattlyandraw.com/the-hipsters-bongos.html
http://www.rattlyandraw.com/zombie-drum-bits.html

Well, back to the garden.

Paj
8^)

P.S.: I would be remiss if I didn't remind you that Homegrown Sounds still has it's Kontakt Sale going on, including still being able to purchase the Augment Group Buy ($15: 9 Kontakt Instruments [6+3 variations], 7 Loop packs, 1 Waveform update, 2 sets of 100 additional presets, and two Kontakt utilities [MIDI sequences and a chord stepper]).
https://hgsounds.com/product-category/kontakt/


And this one: WaveAlchemy's Synth Drums for $1. 105 synthesized drum kits for Kontakt (and five other sampler formats, plus WAVs):
https://www.pluginboutique.com/product/3-Studio-Tools/68-Sample-Packs/4475-Synth-Drums
 
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Survived the neighbor's fireworks display.

Expensive ($329), but a selection of a lot of good stuff.
Soniccouture Offer 2018

Here's a nice flash/intro deal ($38) from 8DIO. Phrase-based but organised and it sounds good.
Solo Violin VST-AU-AAX - Kontakt Instruments & Samples Designer
They also have a Steinway D library available for the same price.

Here's a standout in a crowded field for $31 (Free Kontakt Player) until 7/16:
Sam Spacey Epica Bass



– Time+Space

Even though it's not Kontakt, I should mention that Bassalicious, another synth bass standout (VST, etc.), is available at Audioplugin.deals for the next 10 days or so for $25. Click on the Gospel Musicians frame to get info and pricing:
Mega Deal - Audio Plugin Deals
Maybe it's just me, but both of the above trample the Novation Bass Station plugin when it comes to latency. Maybe somebody who has adjusted their Bass Station plugin can offer me some insights.

I just got a posting that Precisionsound is having a 50% sale until 8/15.
Precisionsound | sample libraries and soundware for virtual samplers

Sampletraxx is also having a 50% sale on everything until the end of July (use coupon "SUN2018" at the check out to see your discount applied).
http://www.sampletraxx.com/

If you're like I am, you're probably laughingly sick at the phrases "cinematic", "your next trailer", "sound design", "for producers" etc., among others, so, before you spend your well-earned money, you may want to do so for profit with a pure heart and the best of creative intentions, but with eyes wide open, so check out the links in my other recent post:
99% of a cloud is NOT a sliver lining


Peace,
Paj
8^)
 
Just got this freebie offer/update from Modwheel:
MODWHEEL, Sample Libraries, Virtual Instruments Kontakt New Zealand | RUBBERBAND BOX

Puremagnetic has these 9 bundled libraries for $10, ending today (7/23):
Electronic Impressions | A Quick Leap Into EDM



– Puremagnetik


AudioPlugin.Deals has a nice a la carte/bundles deal involving four vendors (Gospel Musicians, Dream Audio Tools, Frozen Plain & Chocolate Audio). Ends 7/25.
Mega Deal - Audio Plugin Deals

VSTbuzz has deals on Audiofier's Abstrung and Keep Forest's Evolution Bundle. Both of these will keep you busy.
VSTBuzz - Music Software Deals
Speaking of VSTbuzz: The Hybrid3 $1 offer is still there until sometime on 7/24. The dropdown will also let you add an expansion for another $1.
"Hybrid 3" Synth Plugin by Air Music Tech (VST/AU/AAX) €0.99!

Kontakt Hub still has a sale going on with varying expirations, depending on the manufacturer/product. Just a lot of good stuff still on sale, including a new offering from ChannelRobot (and the other ChannelRobot stuff reduced 90%).
https://www.kontakthub.com/current-deals
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/recoil-kontakt-sound-design-engine/

I am enjoying the sound and flexibility of Kirk Hunter Studio's Spotlight Solo Strings and it is still available at a 50% reduction ($63).
https://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/spotlight-solo-strings/

Well, I'm out to see if I got more hungry deer damage last night.

Paj
8^)

---------- Update ----------

Just got this freebie offer/update from Modwheel:
http://www.modwheel.co.nz/rubberband-box

Puremagnetic has these 9 bundled libraries for $10, ending today (7/23):
https://puremagnetik.com/products/electronic-impressions

AudioPlugin.Deals has a nice a la carte/bundles deal involving four vendors (Gospel Musicians, Dream Audio Tools, Frozen Plain & Chocolate Audio). Ends 7/25.
https://audioplugin.deals/

VSTbuzz has deals on Audiofier's Abstrung and Keep Forest's Evolution Bundle. Both of these will keep you busy.
https://vstbuzz.com/
Speaking of VSTbuzz: The Hybrid3 $1 offer is still there until sometime on 7/24. The dropdown will also let you add an expansion for another $1.
https://vstbuzz.com/deals/hybrid-3/

Kontakt Hub still has a sale going on with varying expirations, depending on the manufacturer/product. Just a lot of good stuff still on sale, including a new offering from ChannelRobot (and the other ChannelRobot stuff reduced 90%).
https://www.kontakthub.com/current-deals
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/recoil-kontakt-sound-design-engine/

I am enjoying the sound and flexibility of Kirk Hunter Studio's Spotlight Solo Strings and it is still available at a 50% reduction ($63).
https://www.kirkhunterstudios.com/products/spotlight-solo-strings/

Well, I'm out to see if I got more hungry deer damage last night.

Paj
8^)
 
8DIO is having a 7th Anniversary Sale, offering 14 two-day flash sales. Deals already offered have been at very reduced prices (e.g., the one that expires 8/11 at midnight, Studio Vocals: Laurie, is reduced from $198 to $28). They have some great instruments so you might want to get on their mailing list for this sale.
8Dio (Click on the Anniv. Sale link in the top banner)

Rigid Audio is selling three exceptional libraries (Synferno, Granulat, Hypernode) at very reduced prices ($9, $10 and $15, respectively). Also, 95% off of their Electronic Producer Bundle ($5) and their Cinematic Pads Bundle ($6). Hypernode's large and great-sounding instruments and approach takes some getting used to (still waiting on the manual but a number of tutorial videos available) but Synferno and AmbiLoops are enjoyable and the other libraries in the bundles are straight forward. The sale ends 8/31.
Rigid Audio Berlin | KONTAKT INSTRUMENTS | HOME

Dream Audio Tools is having a special on their Dream Guitars (€24.40)/Keys(€29.50) libraries until 8/31. I don't like repeating what I got from the KVR Newsletter but, in this case, know that the prices are cheaper if you go directly to the DAT website.
Specials Archives - Dream Audio Tools - Sample Libraries Dream Audio Tools – Sample Libraries

Zero-G is haveing an up-to-50% sale on a number of their Kontakt libraries and instruments (Offer expires 08:00 PST 8/6/18). I wish all of these had GUIs but you can't complain about the sounds.
Futuristic - kontakt

Plugin Boutique has a special on Audio Modern's Paths II ($10):
Paths II, Paths II plugin, buy Paths II, download Paths II trial, Audiomodern Paths II

Audio Reward's Phenomena is still on sale at Kontakt Hub (~$44). This Kontakt synth joins Zero-G's Formation and Audio Rewards Brood with possessing a multi-key sequencer (individual sequences for each key of a held chord)---and one of the parameter lanes is for pitch, so it's also a muti-key ARP. Phenomena distinguishes itself from the other two by concentrating on a more-standard synth GUI and sample/sound set. It's definitely distinct from the other two offerings.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/phenomena-kontakt-synth/

I also had time to play around with two other exclusive offerings at Kontakt Hub, both of which are no longer on sale so you might want to keep a lookout for future offerings:
Atom Hub's Planet II-Deep Scan is a great sequel to the original The Planet, with responsive and lebeled controls, and good-sounding voices that have four adjustable layers that respond with surprises and treats when tweaked. Note that the layers (called "Scans") are not individually loadable; they are part of the patch. I am a big fan of the flora and fauna that occupies the background in Atom Hub sounds, so I really like Planet II.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/the-planet-deep-scan-atom-hub-kontakt/
I also ran some calculations on the possible sound combinations that can be created with Channel Robot's Recoil. I got about 2 billion voice combinations, which increases to about 500 trillion when you activate the Emitter and Exciter sections. Yes, some of the ~470 voices are very similar, but it is ridiculously easy to create and surprise yourself with the sfx you generate. This one might fill a niche you didn't know you had.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/recoil-kontakt-sound-design-engine/

I would also like to mention that I had a very positive email encounter with Rast Sound. Very nice human beings who are currently having a series of bargain offerings.
https://rastsound.com/deals/

Modern Producers is offering Global Audio Tools' Trap Gods Kontakt Library (~1GB) for free for registering. More info from the link I posted. If you do decide to download it, the final download is hosted on an off-site page that has all of those driver-download-updates-software crap offers and pop-ups, so at the very end, carefully select the correct download link.
https://www.modernproducers.com/products/trap-gods-kontakt-library?variant=12506732298353

8/8: If you're interested in some Kontakt 808 bargains:
Bigwerks has four 808-centered Kontakt libraries for $8 each . . .
https://bigwerks.com/product-category/kontakt-instruments/
. . . and Sub51 just upgraded their intro-priced (£9.50) Satur8 to Satur809, with a simple Kontakt GUI and 909 samples/patches:
https://www.sub51.co.uk/products

8/8: Also for one day, Formation (mentioned four paragraphs above) is on sale for it's lowest price ($30):
https://zero-g.co.uk/products/formation

I also ended up spending a few more hours than I initially intended getting lost in the sounds generated by Homegrown Sounds new offering (Gravity Wave), still intro priced ($20). The approaches and capabilities of recent bargain-priced ambient/sfx/underscore Kontakt instruments is fairly impressive.
https://hgsounds.com/product/gravity-wave-for-kontakt/

I'm still pondering value-added chain for the $25/gal diluted urine to keep the deer away from my veggies but just soooo many reasons to not go DIY.

Paj
8^)
 
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8DIO 7th Anniversary Sale continues: Aura Guitars is reduced from $248 to $38 until 8/21. They have some great instruments so you might want to get on their mailing list for this sale.
Aura Guitars for Kontakt VST-AU-AAX

Bigwerks is offering twelve of their Kontakt libraries for $10 each this weekend. I have issues waiting to be addressed with DeckHead (once moved, the morph slider drastically reduces audio output) and Urban Drummer (can't get audible output), could never figure out why the good-sounding string pads and other sounds in Dark Energy got packaged with the graphics it did, but I always find a good collection of sounds in their libraries and among the offereings are some of their nicest libraries---and I've never seen them offered at prices this low.
http://bigwerks.com/product-category/kontakt-instruments/

These two continue to give away the store:
Rigid Audio Berlin | KONTAKT INSTRUMENTS | HOME
Channel Robot - Kontakt Hub

Ivasors (Kontakt Player) is on 75% sale for ~$40 unti the end of August.
Invasors - Power Synthesiser for Kontakt

Ecliptiq Audio has a demo version of its 4-layer Warp with a reduced voice set but it is fully funcional (modify, load, save, etc.). Over 600 voice combinations possible even with its reduced voice set. I'd debate their "cutting-edge" desciption (Nice mod section but no recording for the X/Y pad, global number of sequencer lane steps) but what it does have works simply and quickly and, judging from the demo, would serve up a lot of good-sounding pads and other "cinematics." You can also download the manual (descriptions of the controls but no illustrations). I did appreciate the randomization safeguard and the color-coding of knobs for MIDI-learn or not.
https://www.kontakthub.com/product/warp-kontakt-ambient-pads-morphing-engine/

Big Fish Audio's Weekly Special (until 8/23) offers two Kontakt Player libraries: Their own London Solo Strings ($40) and Vir2's Acoustic Legends ($49).
https://www.bigfishaudio.com/weeklyspecials.html?1&24&1::1713:::::::::B1713::

Speaking of free, there's this one and you could actually pay for much less (reduced sample set but, still, over 100 sounds/efx to combine, layer, save, load [nki and snapshots]):
http://keep-forest.com/aizerx-free.html

Paj
8^)
 
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