Reaktor
Reaktor is a graphical modular software music studio, proprietary license, developed by Native Instruments. It lets musicians and engineers design and build their own instruments, samplers, effects and sound design tools. It is supplied with many ready-to-use instruments and effects, from emulations of classic synthesizers to futuristic sound design tools. In addition, more than 2000 free instruments can be downloaded from the growing User Library. One of Reaktor's unique selling points is that all of its instruments can be freely examined, customised or taken apart; Reaktor is a tool that effectively encourages reverse engineering. Reaktor Session is a now-discontinued, limited version of the software that allowed musicians to play Reaktor files but not edit or reverse-engineer them.
Development History
Early Development
In 1996, Native Instruments released Generator version 0.96 - a modular synthesizer for PC, requiring a proprietary audio card for low-latency operation. By 1998, Native Instruments have redesigned the program to include new hierarchy, and integrated third-party drivers for use with any standard Windows sound card. By 1999, Reaktor 2.0 (a.k.a. Generator/Transformator) is released for Windows and Macintosh. Integrated real-time display of filters and envelopes and granular synthesis are among most notable features. Plug-in support for VST, VSTi, DirectConnect, MOTU, and DirectX formats is integrated by 2000 (software version 2.3).
With version 3.0 (released in 2001), Native Instruments introduced a redesigned audio engine and new graphic design. Further expansion of synthesis and sampling modules, addition of new control-based modules (XY control) and data management (event tables) greatly expands the abilities of the program. The closest to modern incarnation of the software is version 3.5, which improved greatly in VST performance and sample handling. Reaktor 3.5 is the first release that features full cross-platform compatibility.[1]
Reaktor 4 was a major enhancement in terms of stability, instrument library, GUI, and VSTi ease-of-use in external sequencers. It shipped almost six months behind schedule.[citation needed]
Version 5
Version 5, released in April 2005, features the newly-introduced Core Technology and increased stability. Core Technology enables users to directly modify the inner workings of the software at the DSP level. Core Technology initially confused a lot of instrument designers because of its complexity, but is now steadily making its way into new instruments and ensembles.[citation needed]
Reaktor 5.1, released on 22 December 2005, and presented as a Christmas present, features new Core Cell modules, and, surprisingly for a free update, a whole new series of FX and ensembles. Also a number of bug fixes were implemented.
References
- ^ "REAKTOR TIPS". SoundOnSound. 2002-05. Retrieved 2007-03-07.
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External links
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