Circular by Native Instruments Kontakt instrument interface

Circular: Polyphonic Sequencer Instrument for Kontakt by Native Instruments

Circular is a Kontakt instrument from Native Instruments that turns single notes and chord progressions into evolving, rhythmic sequences. It uses four independently modulated sound layers and per-step controls.

REQUIRESKontaktHost player sold separately

KontaktWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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01Overview

Circular is a polyphonic sequencer built for Kontakt. It starts with a single note and moves it through patterns that shift over time. Each of its four layers runs independently, with its own sequence, effects and modulation. The instrument ships with a large palette of experimental sources, from prepared pianos and bowed metals to hybrid synths. It also accepts your own samples, which are mapped to user slots for sequencing. Native Instruments says it was designed by Frank Elting, who also developed the Straylight, Pharlight and Ashlight granular instruments.

Best for

Evolving chord sequences
Polyrhythmic textures
Cinematic score sketches
Processed vocal sequences
Prepared piano patterns
Experimental soundscapes

Developer: Native Instruments
Category: Kontakt Instruments
Requires: Kontakt
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Polyphonic sequencer that turns chords into evolving patterns
Four independently modulated sound layers
Over 100 experimental sources in the factory library
Per-step control over synthesis parameters, including the sample
Granular effects, unison and delay applied per step
Polyphonic aftertouch for expressive note control
Support for up to 128 user sample slots
Integration with Kontrol S-Series keyboards

03In depth

Sound design and sequencing workflow

Circular is built around per-step control. Each step can modulate pitch, filter and effects in real time, and the instrument supports granular effects, unison and delay on a per-step basis. Polyphonic aftertouch adds expressive variation to each note in a pattern.

Four layers can run at once, each with its own sequence. This makes it possible to build polyrhythms and layered textures without stacking multiple instances. Native Instruments says the drag-and-draw modulation and visual feedback keep editing fast.

Source library and custom samples

The factory palette covers soft music boxes, felted keys, bowed ceramics, brushed guitars, reversed bells, prepared pianos, object recordings, airy saxophones, tuned metals, processed vocals and hybrid synths. Much of the material is contrast-driven, mixing acoustic and synthetic sounds.

You can also load your own samples. Up to 128 user slots are available, so vocals, field recordings or plucked strings can be turned into evolving sequences.

04Specs