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Kontakt 8 Upgrade from Kontakt 2-7 sampling platform software by Native Instruments
Native Instruments·Kontakt Instruments

Kontakt 8 Upgrade from Kontakt 2-7: Sampling Platform Update by Native Instruments

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (93 ratings)

Kontakt 8 Upgrade from Kontakt 2-7 is an upgrade from Native Instruments for existing owners of Kontakt 2-7, bringing the sampling platform to version 8 with new tools, Leap, the Conflux hybrid instrument and improved NKS integration.

REQUIRESKontaktHost player sold separately
StandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
Download Now
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01Overview

This upgrade is for musicians who already own Kontakt 2-7 and want the current version of the sampling platform. Kontakt 8 adds MIDI-generating Chords and Phrases Tools, the Leap looping and playback system, and Conflux, a hybrid instrument that combines samples with several oscillator types. Native Instruments also points to deeper integration with Kontrol keyboards and Maschine, and to improved tools for building your own instruments inside Kontakt.

Best for

  • Melody and sequence ideas
  • Loop-based production
  • Hybrid sound design
  • Genre-specific sample packs
  • Hardware-controlled sessions
  • Building custom instruments
Requires
Kontakt
Store
Plugin Boutique
02Key features

What you get

  • Chords and Phrases Tools generate MIDI melodies and sequences with randomization
  • Works with any Kontakt instrument
  • Leap for fast playback and manipulation of loops and samples
  • 12 Leap Expansions covering genre-specific styles
  • Conflux hybrid instrument with wavetable, FM and ring modulation oscillators
  • Kontakt 8 Factory Library 2 with over 900 instruments
  • Deep NKS integration for browsing and previewing instruments
  • Improved tools for building your own instruments
03In depth

Tools, Leap and Conflux for new ideas

The Tools section includes Chords and Phrases Tools, which generate MIDI content and apply randomization to create melodies and sequences. They work with any Kontakt instrument.

Leap is built for fast playback and manipulation of loops and samples. It ships with 12 Leap Expansions, curated packs for specific styles including Afrobeats, Latin Trap, Platinum Pop, Progressive Trance and Soul Gold.

Conflux is a hybrid instrument that combines sample playback with wavetable, FM and ring modulation oscillators, allowing real-time sound manipulation.

Library, hardware and building your own instruments

Kontakt 8 Factory Library 2 includes over 900 instruments. Kontakt also serves as a platform for thousands of third-party sample-based instruments.

The software integrates with Kontrol keyboards and Maschine. The developer describes deep NKS integration that lets you browse, preview and control hundreds of instruments from supported hardware.

For sound design, Native Instruments says the instrument-building tools have been improved, so you can create custom instruments in Kontakt.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperNative Instruments
TypePlugin
CategoryKontakt Instrument
RequiresKontakt
FormatsStandalone
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

Who is this upgrade for?

It is an upgrade for existing owners of Kontakt 2-7. New users need the full purchase path instead.

Which operating systems and formats are supported?

Kontakt 8 Upgrade from Kontakt 2-7 runs on Windows and macOS, in 64-bit, and is available in Standalone format.

What do I need to use this upgrade?

It requires Kontakt. An internet connection is needed to install and activate the product, but once installed it can be used offline.

Does it include sound libraries?

Kontakt 8 Factory Library 2 includes over 900 instruments. Hundreds of officially licensed instruments from Native Instruments and other manufacturers are also available.

07Developer

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