NATIVE INSTRUMENTS

Apr 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Len Sasso

           

Reaktor Electronic Instruments 2 (Mac/Win)

Soundscape generator Metaphysical Function mixes and ring modulates multi-oscillator sound generators A and B and then processes the output with the effects across the top.

Reaktor Electronic Instruments 2 ($119) is Native Instruments' second bundle of premium Ensembles for Reaktor and Reaktor Session. It has two synths, two drum machines, three effects processors, and a soundscape generator that practically defies description. If the first Electronic Instruments bundle (which is still available as a download for $69) got your attention, then this one will lift the top of your head off.

Akkord, the first (and simpler) of the two synths in the bundle, uses modulation and distortion techniques followed by filtering and a bevy of effects to produce sounds that range from clear and crisp to edgy and ephemeral. That provides excellent fodder for Akkord's built-in chord sequencer, which can be used simultaneously with live MIDI input.

In Perfect Akkord

Akkord's chord sequencer holds eight 32-step chord patterns. It can step forward, backward, forward and backward, or at random, and step sizes range from whole to 32nd-note triplets (listed as 48th notes). Chords are entered on a two-octave keyboard graphic either by clicking on one note at a time or by using a chord-preset menu and clicking on the desired root. Convenient chord-shift, -copy, and -paste as well as pattern-copy and -paste buttons make chord setup relatively fast (though not as fast as step recording MIDI input).

Photone is a subtractive synth, but a quick spin through its five banks of presets will convince you that it is anything but standard. Its four oscillators offer a variety of waveforms, including multisampled digital wavesets. The oscillators — together with two other generators, a ring-modulator, and a scanner — can be routed in any combination to any of Photone's four filters. The signal path ends with a waveshaper, an EQ, and two multi-effects. In addition, there is extensive modulation-routing for its LFOs and envelope generators. Although Photone can deliver almost any class of sound, it excels at huge pads and swirling ambiences.

Let's Get Metaphysical

Metaphysical Function starts playing as soon as you open it; MIDI is neither used to trigger notes nor control pitch. Two 6-oscillator sound generators and a sample player are mixed and ring-modulated, and then passed through a variety of effects. Virtually every parameter can be independently automated to create long, evolving soundscapes. Tweaking and randomizing Metaphysical Function's settings provides instant gratification, even if you have no idea what you're doing (see Web Clip 1).

For the most part, Krypt is to drum boxes what Metaphysical Function is to synths. It combines a 6-track sequencer with a 6-voice granular sample player. In addition to triggering the samples, however, the sequencer exerts indirect control over the sample player by triggering Velocity-dependent variations in eight individual voice parameters: sample selection; grain pitch, speed, and size; pan position; filter cutoff; and reverb size and amount.

Krypt's separate Snapshots for the sequencer and sample player can be linked using the built-in Snapshot module and sequenced in pairs using the Song module. A multitude of intelligent randomization options allow different groups of parameters to be randomized, and there are keyboard shortcuts for the various randomization options as well as for Snapshot selection.

Into the Lite

Limelite is a more standard-fare drum machine. Its five sample pads (Kick, Snare, Hat, Tie, and Pod) are triggered by a 7-track step sequencer (there are separate tracks for open and closed hi-hats, and a track devoted to modulation). Tie and Pod use FM techniques and are particularly well suited to tuned percussion.

Limelite's step sequencer holds four separate patterns, which can themselves be sequenced using an 8-step pattern sequencer. A clever Remix module inserts a fill every 2-, 4-, 8-, 12-, or 16 bars. The signal path ends in a chain of complex effects, which can also be used separately to process external audio.

Lasting Effects

Cyan is the most straightforward of the effects Ensembles. It uses six feedback-delay lines to create choruslike effects. FastFX is designed for loop manipulation. It contains a built-in loop player but can be used to process live input as well. Resochord is a 6-bank resonator. The pitch of each resonator can be controlled by incoming MIDI, or MIDI can be used to select among six user-configurable chord presets.

Electronic Instruments 2 takes full advantage of the new graphics, MIDI, and audio features of Reaktor 4. Each of its Ensembles is unique and has one or more banks of excellent Snapshots. If you've been put off by Reaktor's DIY nature, grabbing Reaktor Session ($289) and this bundle might be worth considering.

Overall Rating (1 through 5): 4.5

Native Instruments
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