Changes

• Added back the lower window in Database / Quick Load
• Samples and slices can now be dragged into the floating version of the Mapping Editor
• Auto-Mapping now supports single keys
• Loading dialog now shows correct status
• Non-ASCII characters are now supported in the browser
• Dramatically improved browsing and loading from NKX files
• Countless bug fixes and cosmetic improvements

Most important bug fixes:

• Fixed parse error at start-up
• Fixed crash on hitting “Loop Edit” button during loop play
• Fixed problem with knobs moving in different instruments
• Fixed wave editor zoom reset after edit
• Fixed reset to first results page in database
• Fixed non-sticky Bounce button

Native Instruments

The MPC5000 is the first MPC to include eight-track streaming hard disk recording, a 20-voice, three-oscillator analog synthesizer with arpeggiator, a new sequencing engine with 960 PPQ resolution, pad and track muting and mixing, 64 continuous sample tracks and 12 Q-Link controllers. There is even a new FX engine with 4 FX buses and 2 FX per bus.
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When it was released, Guru looked at a glance like it could bring salvation to the beat makers around the world. With 1.5 a lot had happened and tons of features were added. Let’s find out if it’s worth loosing your MPC.
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Native Instruments today announced that a demo version of KONTAKT 3, the latest version of its industry-leading software sampler, is now available. With its powerful high-resolution audio engine, comprehensive sound shaping capabilities, unique KSP script programming, and universal sample format compatibility, KONTAKT has established the cutting edge of sampling technology for music production, live performance and sound design. The new version is centered around a highly sophisticated next-generation instrument library that sets new standards both in its musical scope and in its creative value, while also adding a wide range of new functions and refinements in all areas of the software.

The demo version comes with a special demo library that contains one instrument from each of the instrument collections of the full library.

The KONTAKT 3 demo version is now available as a free download for Windows and Mac OS X on the NI website.

For more information, go to Native Instruments

Samplers have been raining down on my desk recently so I think it’s only fair that we do a comparison of these instrument killers.
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We’ve been spoiled with software samplers lately. MOTU released their MachFive 2 after a long wait, IK Multimedia updated their Sampletank to 2.5 and Digidesign unleashed Structure. Now it’s time for another giant, Native Instruments has launched Kontakt 3.
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Yellow tools unveils the powerful next product generation of their premium sampler workstation Independence: Independence Live, Independence Pro, Independence FX. All three products are already included in the Independence Pro package
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What’s new

1. New CPU Profiling mode on Engine Tab
2. Enhanced Performance for distortion, saturation, synth filters, database search, and working or performing in Edit mode
3. Many bug fixes and cosmetic improvements
4. New Kontakt 3 Library Manual. Many library fixes and new patches
5. Kontakt Script Language Manual now contains changes since 2.1 in the appendix
6. Localized versions of the Kontakt 3 Manual and the Setup Guide

Bug fixes

1. Fixed a crash in Cubase 4 in combination with third party plug ins
2. Fixed incompatibilities with K1 instrument
3. Fixed length of exported midi files to host
4. Fixed Grid BPM editing
5. Fixed VST automation initialisation issue in Cubase
6. Improved Monitor View selection scheme

Native Instruments

Native Instruments today announced KONTAKT 3, the latest version of its industry-leading software sampler. With its powerful high-resolution audio engine, comprehensive sound shaping capabilities, unique KSP script programming, and universal sample format compatibility, KONTAKT has established the cutting edge of sampling technology for music production, live performance and sound design. The new version is centered around a highly sophisticated next-generation instrument library that sets new standards both in its musical scope and in its creative value, while also adding a wide range of new functions and refinements in all areas of the software.
Read more →

Yep, ’tis true, you can now have Structure for free, or as a light version if that’s your cup of tea. There are of course limitations to these, and some rather odd ones as well. I can understand that the sample libraries are different, that the multitimbral support is limited (128, 8, 4), the polyphony (unlimited, 256, 64), or even the various outputs options. But limited MIDI learn? Limited number of Structure instances in a session? Ah well, I think both LE and Free will be very useful, but if you want a fullblown workstation that you could easily make an entire song with (if you can stand the interface), then you might want to look at the full version.

As you might know, the full version is listed at $499
The LE version only at $149
The Free version costs $599

Of course the free version is free… They are all good priced IMO.

Digidesign