Native Instruments Introduces Crosstalk Modular

video upload by Native Instruments

"Crosstalk Modular combines modular samples with the unique layering and processing options of the Crosstalk engine. It was developed exclusively for NI by 10 Phantom Rooms who captured the sounds by wiring tons of modules from boutique gear builders. These samples were then transformed into an innovative instrument with features you won’t find anywhere else, like real-time morphing and creative sound pumping (aka crosstalking) for all four individual sound layers. Dive into a blend of vintage and modern processing powers and create sounds you’ve never heard before!

Discover Crosstalk Modular: https://www.native-instruments.com/pr...

00:00 - Introduction
02:06 - Snapshots
06:31 - Interface Overview
06:45 - Source Sounds
10:09 - Randomization
10:34 - ABC Variations
10:56 - Mod Wheel Macro Control
11:45 - Crosstalk
14:08 - Drift & Cluster
14:54 - FM Page
16:10 - Monark Filters
17:02 - Send & Insert Effects
18:16 - Conclusion"

Introducing MONTAG-E – A New Granular Sampler for Reaktor 6.5

video upload by Antonio Blanca (antblanc)

https://antblanca.com/en-usd/pages/montag-e

Press release follows:

Antonio Blanca, creator of the Reaktor instruments NOD-E and DRON-E, is excited to present his new work, MONTAG-E, for NI Reaktor 6.5. This granular sampler is designed for those interested in microsound exploration and creating complex, unique sonic textures. With its particular approach, MONTAG-E offers a wide range of sonic possibilities for sound designers, experimental musicians, film composers and sound artists.

What is MONTAG-E?

MONTAG-E is a granular sampling tool that allows for detailed manipulation of audio, ideal for creating sounds ranging from microsounds to abstract soundscapes, sound effects, ambiences, glitch, noisy textures and more. With four simultaneous granular playheads, the instrument allows for deep exploration of samples, creating anything from minimalistic to complex grain clouds. Additionally, its individual audio outputs are designed to create quadraphonic material, providing flexibility for multi-channel sound creation.

MONTAG-E is also designed to be fully MIDI-controllable, allowing for real-time interaction. Whether you’re performing live or experimenting in the studio, you can easily control parameters on the fly, enhancing your creative process.

CLICK FOR MORE »

HWJ Weekend Challenge - SLFB (Korean 'Gugak')

video upload by SynthAddict

"Loosely based on Korean Gugak (classical music) in a pentatonic scale, this adds the necessary elements of the challenge: 4 things - staccato, legato, fortissimo, & bellissimo."

TX18Z - Ableton Live & Kontakt Pack by Cluster Sound

video upload by Isotonik Studios

"TX-81Z for Kontakt and Ableton Live captures the gritty, aggressive sound of this iconic FM synthesizer. Known for its punchy basses, raw leads, and percussive sounds, the TX-81Z is perfect for creating late '80s and early '90s dance music, offering rich overtones and solid, punchy tones used by artists like Fluke and Squarepusher.

Kontakt:
Primus synthesizer included
65 selectable waveforms
Ableton Live:
65 Synth Devices
5 Macro Control Templates
Device preview playback
Direct install into 'Packs' section

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/t..."

CZ-3000 - Ableton Live & Kontakt Pack by Cluster Sound

video upload by Isotonik Studios

"CZ-3000 for Kontakt and Live is a multi-sample synth pack that brings the unique phase distortion synthesis of the '80s to life. Known for its thick, analog-like sounds and evolving space pads, this synth offers 8-stage envelopes, DDS oscillators, and a DCW low-pass filter, perfect for rich brasses, fat basses, and diverse electronic sounds.

Kontakt:
Primus synthesizer included
95 selectable waveforms

Ableton Live:
95 Synth Devices
5 Macro Control Templates
Device preview playback
Direct install into 'Packs' section

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/c..."

OSCar - Ableton Live & Kontakt Pack by Cluster Sound

video upload by Isotonik Studios

"The OSCar Kontakt & Ableton Live Pack brings the raw, aggressive sound of the ultra-rare British synthesizer from the '80s. Featuring dual DCOs, analog filters, and overdrive, this synth can produce everything from dark drones to brutal basses, distorted keys, and screaming leads. Perfect for creating bold, edgy sounds with its unique personality, far beyond typical software simulations.

Kontakt:
Primus synthesizer included
90 selectable waveforms

Ableton Live:
90 Synth Devices
6 Macro Control Templates
Device preview playback
Direct install into 'Packs' section

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/o..."

0:00 Electrified Key
0:07 Scraggy Organ
0:15 Drilled Clavikey
0:22 Electro Harpsi
0:30 Colored Organ
0:37 Pwm Hipass
0:45 Cacoph Keyorg
0:52 Double Triangle

Bit One - Ableton Live & Kontakt Pack by Cluster Sound

video upload by Isotonik Studios

"Bit One for Kontakt and Ableton Live brings the vintage sound of the Crumar Bit One to modern music production. This versatile synth pack captures the essence of '80s Italo Disco and electro, offering punchy basses, electric pianos, bright string ensembles, and funky leads. With 107 multi-sampled patches, seamless loop points, and Class A gear sampling, it delivers a rich, dynamic sound perfect for electronic music enthusiasts.

Kontakt:
Primus synthesizer included
07 selectable waveforms

Ableton Live:
107 Synth Devices
6 Macro Control Templates
Device preview playback
Direct install into 'Packs' section

AVAILABLE HERE: https://isotonikstudios.com/product/b...

MORE FROM CLUSTER SOUND: https://isotonikstudios.com/product-c...

0:00 Electro Clav
0:00 Funky Bass
0:09 Filter Puller
0:19 PWM Strings 1
0:28 Funky Guitar
0:38 Golden Sines
0:38 Detuned PWM 2"

Introducing Scene: Nightshade | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Meet Nightshade, part of the Scene series – a collection of lightweight, cinematic tools crafted for media composers. Featuring over 100 horror-inspired presets, Nightshade blends eerie synths, droning strings, and haunting choir textures to summon unsettling soundscapes. From ghostly whispers to deep, cinematic swells, it’s perfect for effortless scoring of fear, tension, and suspense."

The sounds of Scene: Nightshade | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Join product specialist Matt Lara as he dives into the eerie world of Scene: Nightshade. Explore how this compact cinematic instrument blends haunting choirs, droning strings, and spectral synths into one intuitive XY pad interface."

Press release follows:

Berlin, April 17, 2025 – Native Instruments today released Scene: Nightshade, a powerful virtual instrument designed to create immersive horror and moody soundtracks, and the latest addition to their Scene series. Nightshade delivers a sinister fusion of deep strings, haunting vocal pads, eerie plucks, and ominous synth textures, wrapped in a streamlined interface for effortless sound exploration. At the heart of Nightshade is an XY pad, enabling composers to morph between 16 ghostly sound layers, creating evolving soundscapes instantly.

Designed to evoke the full spectrum of cinematic horror, Nightshade vividly conjures feelings from creeping tension to overwhelming dread with unsettling plucks and shimmering overtones. Nightshade empowers artists to design truly chilling soundscapes that will captivate audiences.

Key Features:

· Sinister Palette: Haunting synths, droning strings, and eerie plucks crafted for cinematic horror soundtracks.

· XY Pad Control: Quickly morph between 16 hybrid sound sources for dynamic sound manipulation.

· Scales and Modes: Easily stay in key with a wide selection of scales and modes.

CLICK FOR MORE »

HWJ Weekend Challenge - Spy Theme (WIP)

video upload by SynthAddict

"Maschine+

Big fan of Lalo Schifrin and John Barry, as you can tell here. Not a cover of anything, just heavily inspired. :-)"

CRATE CUTS The GOAT Expansion

video upload by Woody Piano Shack

"Right now, NI have a great offer, 5 expansions for 55.
So here is demo of NATIVE INSTRUMENTS legendary CRATE CUTS, a very highly regarded expansion for MASCHINE and other samplers. Perfect for old-school hip-hop, chill, lo-fi boom-bap.

WELCOME TO PIANO CLUB
New members-only video every week and instant access to the archives.

• Music theory and playing techniques
• Song breakdowns & piano arrangements
• Synth and keyboard tips and tricks
• Topics requested by members

Join the club here:
/ woodypianoshack


Lesson packs also available for one-time purchase on Patreon.

MORE WOODY PIANO SHACK
https://woodypianoshack.com"

Bad Gear - The END of Maschine+ ???

video upload by AudioPilz

"Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world’s most-hated audio tools. Presumably I’m not the only one who made a handful of Native Instruments “backup copies” a core part of his personality back in the zero years so it goes without saying that my mid-forties self is yearning for an overpriced yet tangible take on these plugins for the sole purpose of reminding me of a time when all it needed was sleep deprivation and a PC from Aldi.

However, all we got was Maschine+. This 2020 standalone version of NIs software MPC ripoff ecosystem offers DAWless access to a small selection of these now-iconic plugins, it boasts the processing power of the aforementioned Aldi PC and will disappoint you with more broken promises when it comes to major updates than the GTA franchise.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:12 Overview Maschine+
01:21 How Standalone is Maschine+?
01:50 Current Update Situation ( April 2025 )
02:18 Included Instruments, VST Integration (or lack thereof)
03:10 Workflow, USB Midi
03:46 Ribbon Controller
03:59 NO TOUCHSCREENS!!! (and UI Concept)
04:22 Internal Structure, Hierarchy
05:08 Sampling , Sample Chopping , Autosampling
05:23 What else? (Pricing, CPU Consumption, Workflow Hacks,...)
05:53 Hate Screen
06:22 Jam 1 ( Techno )
06:49 Jam 2 ( Electro )
08:25 Finale ( Dubstep / Brostep )
08:53 Verdict"

HWJ Weekend Challenge - Hypnotize (WIP)

video upload by SynthAddict

"M+ with several ethereal patches and FX.

I got a little carried away with the time..."

Sequentix Cirklon 2, Minimoog, Prophet 12, SX-240, Nord Drum 2 IDM electronic track

video upload by MIDERA

"I've been trying to see what sequencers to keep. Obviously the Spectralis stays, but I kept running into roadblocks with the Cirklon so it was something I needed to write a track with. I did the same with the Squarp Pyramid, but I got stuck working through it. I'm starting to get the hang of the Cirklon though. Although it does often take a few extra button presses to do things I think should be easy, I've figured out other ways to do what I want too. I'll try again with the Pyramid, but most likely that one will be going away.

Sequentix Cirklon 2 - sequencing
Moog Minimoog - bass
DSI Prophet 12 - bell/synth tone
Kawai SX-240 - pads
Clavia Nord Drum 2 - drums
Native Instruments Raum for reverb"

Kontrol S-Series MK3 Arp mode | Native Instruments

video upload by Native Instruments

"Kontrol S-Series keyboards now come with Arp on board, opening up a load of new possibilities for shaping your note sequences.

Arpeggio is a chord played one note at a time, in a sequence, rather than all notes simultaneously. And arpeggiator (or Arp) is a feature that automates this process.

To get set up using the Arp feature, update the Hardware Connection service in Native Access. Then go here, to download the new firmware for your keyboard ni.de/kontrol-update/

Learn more about Arp mode here: https://www.native-instruments.com/ni...

Kontrol S-Series MK3 is in stores now.

Learn more and order yours: https://www.native-instruments.com/en...

Chapters:
00:00 - Intro
00:48 - Arp mode
04:32 - Tempo
05:02 - Scale mode w/ Arp
06:19 - Recording Arp to DAW
07:26 - Dual MIDI support
08:00 - Key zones controlling DAW & external synth
08:48 - Outro"

HWJ Weekend Challenge - DOOM-inspired (WIP)

video upload by SynthAddict

"Loosely inspired by the legendary game's soundtrack.
I had a few ideas I didn't have time to implement so it's a WIP.

cool idea, but Quake would have provided better sonic inspiration since NIN did tracks for that one :-)"

Native Instruments Maschine+.

Unravel | Minimoog, Spectralis 2, Prophet 10, Prophet 12, Nord Drum 2 electronic music

video upload by MIDERA

"Got 5 hours of sleep last night. Had something frustrating happen (possible loss of $$$), not the worst thing in the world of course, just frustrating. After this track, I'll go back and see what else I can do with the Cirklon.

Moog Minimoog = bass
Sequential Prophet 12 = Main melody line
Sequential Prophet 10 = background chime sound
Radikal Technologies Spectralis 2 = sequencing and lead later in the track
Clavia Nord Drum 2 = drums
Native Instruments Raum = reverb"

Native Instruments Maschine 3.1 Update Released

Details from the press release:

Berlin, March 18, 2025 – Native Instruments today announced the release of Maschine 3.1, a free update to the latest software version of the iconic groove-box platform for beat-making and sampling. Maschine 3.1 delivers the highly anticipated and community requested user chords feature, alongside fullscreen mode in the standalone app.

Custom User Chords

Maschine 3.1 introduces user chords, enabling users to create, save, and share their own banks of chord progressions. Custom chords make it easy to explore new harmonic structures and design progressions tailored to different genres.

CLICK FOR MORE »

HWJ Weekend Challenge - Will It Be Summer? (WIP)

video upload by SynthAddict

"Maschine+

Chinese (pentatonic) scale with Guzheng, Chinese Perc, Flute - all around happy Asian vibes

Very loosely inspired by a Chinese folk piece called: Sun Quan The Emperor"

The lies ahead | Moog Minimoog, Spectralis 2, Prophet 12, Prophet 10, Nord Drum 2 electronic

video upload by MIDERA

"I spent a part of the day rearranging my room... as I often do when I have the time. And when I was rearranging I realized just how little sense anything would make. I finally just set it up to explore 'How does the Spectralis fare compared to the Cirklon with sequencing.' And - well, I still think I prefer the Spectralis. I just write stuff faster. That doesn't mean this track sounds better than my last one (Crashing down) [posted here], but it was just a little more organic for me to write and quicker. It's hard to explain, although I suppose it's easy to explain when I think about the 14 years I've spent with the Spectralis. Of course, it's not perfect, it doesn't easily assign MSB/LSB for program changes (you can use cc's but it's a little awkward) and it can't do polyphonic step sequencing (which is actually awkward to do on the Cirklon).

Anyway - here it is. And listening a day after writing it, it’s too repetitive. I don’t like it. But I’ll share it anyway.

Spectralis 2: Sequencing and piano
Minimoog: Bass
Sequential Prophet 10: lead
DSI Prophet 12: Bells
Clavia Nord Drum 2: Drums
Native Instruments Raum: reverb"

Crashing down | Moog Minimoog, Sequentix Cirklon, Sequential Prophet 10, DSI Prophet 12, Nord Drum 2

video upload by MIDERA

"I was considering selling the Minimoog. Kept talking to friends about how I just didn't like it. I don't know why, I guess maybe it was like with the Prophet 10, where it's just a lot of money and it doesn't really seem to do anything that much better than what I already have. One of my friends said 'Well, have you tried sequencing it?' And no... I hadn't. I got the Minimoog when one of my cats died, then I rehomed my dog, and then my mom died. The whole next year (2024) I spent scanning photos in of my parent's. Only now have I started to get back into things. Well, I decided to try it out and wow, I really enjoyed it - the Minimoog sounds pretty amazing. So this is my first track with it sequenced.

I'm also working on trying to get more proficient with the Cirklon, and I've gotten a little hold on using it.

Parts:
Moog Minimoog: Bass
DSI Prophet 12: Bells
Sequential Prophet 10: Pads
Clavia Nord Drum 2: Drums
Sequentix Cirklon: Sequencing
Native Instruments Raum: Reverb"