Blocks Primes by Native Instruments modular synth plugin interface

Blocks Primes: Modular Synth Blocks by Native Instruments

Rated 4.7/5 on Plugin Boutique (29 ratings)

Blocks Primes is a modular synthesizer plugin from Native Instruments, offering 23 Blocks modules for synthesis, sequencing and effects. It runs in Reaktor or the free Reaktor Player and includes more than 50 preset Racks.

VST2AUAAXStandaloneReaktorWindowsmacOS64-bit

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01Overview

Blocks Primes is a collection of 23 Blocks modules built for modular synthesis. The modules cover sound generation, sequencing and effects, and they run inside Reaktor or the free Reaktor Player, extending the framework provided by Blocks Base. The set includes Kodiak sequencers, an oscillator, a morphing filter and a noise generator, plus four West Coast-inspired elements. Native Instruments says some of its DRIVER and MONARK technology has been converted to the Blocks format for modular patching.

Best for

Modular synthesis experiments
Drones and soundscapes
Sequenced distortion effects
Percussive synth patches
Komplete Kontrol performance

Developer: Native Instruments
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

23 Blocks modules for synthesis, sequencing and effects
Kodiak family with two sequencers, oscillator, morphing filter and noise generator
Four West Coast-inspired elements inspired by Don Buchla
Elements from DRIVER and MONARK converted to Blocks format
More than 50 fully patchable preset Racks
Komplete Kontrol integration with 8 automatic macros per Rack
Runs in Reaktor or the free Reaktor Player
Compatible with the wider Blocks ecosystem and third-party modules

03In depth

Modules and Synthesis Methods

Blocks Primes offers a range of synthesis and modulation approaches. The Kodiak family includes two sequencers, an oscillator, a morphing filter and an experimental noise generator. The four West Coast elements draw on the approach of synth pioneer Don Buchla, who emphasized playful, unconventional synthesis.

The set also includes elements from DRIVER and MONARK, which Native Instruments has converted to Blocks format and adapted for modular experimentation. Because the modules are patchable, you can route them into each other to build your own signal paths.

Racks and Komplete Kontrol Control

When you patch several modules together, the result is a Rack. Blocks Primes includes more than 50 preset Racks, each one playable as a synthesizer. The included patches cover feedback drones, sequenced distortion, percussive sounds and soundscapes. You can play them as they are or change them to build something new.

With Komplete Kontrol software or keyboards, each Rack loads with 8 macros mapped to controls chosen for that Rack, which makes complex patches easier to shape in performance.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Native Instruments
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone, Reaktor
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What do I need to use Blocks Primes?

Blocks Primes requires the free Reaktor 6 Player to run. It is also needed for the module and Rack workflow, and the product uses an internet connection and a graphics card supporting OpenGL 2.1 or higher to download and activate, after which it can be used offline.

Which plugin formats and operating systems does Blocks Primes support?

Blocks Primes is listed in VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats, plus Reaktor, on 64-bit Windows and macOS. Windows requires Windows 10 or 11, and macOS requires macOS 11 or later.

What is a Rack in Blocks Primes?

A Rack is a set of modules patched together to form a playable synthesizer. Blocks Primes includes more than 50 preset Racks, which you can use as they are or modify.

Does Blocks Primes work with Komplete Kontrol?

Yes. When used with Komplete Kontrol software or keyboards, each Rack loads with 8 macros automatically mapped to sonically interesting controls for that Rack.