Reaktor

[synkrotron]

Hi Peeps,

Is it worth getting Reaktor if I don't intend to use it for making my own "devices?"

I'm hearing some great stuff made with it, but I've always been put off getting it because it's always had a reputation for having a steep learning curve.

I'd just want to use and tweak presets and ready-made synths.

Just wondering

cheers

andy

[windspace]

I think it is. I have never really 'built' anything with Reaktor with the exception of wiring together Blocks modules (a piece of cake that one!). I have found a wealth of synths, sound generator, and effects to without having to build my own. And I feel I've hardly tested the waters. The factory ensembles are fairly extensive, but there is also a huge bonanza in the form of the User Library. You can actually browse the UL without having to register or sign in. There also a lot a capable 3rd party synths and effects.

It's especially worth it if you can pick it up on sale!

There will be an initial learning curve to discover where NI actually puts files in your system, etc. Also, presets in Reaktor are generally called snapshots. Learning how to use the Reaktor browser panel will take some practice, but it's certainly a powerhouse once you find your way around in it. And, if you later want to take the plunge and start rolling your own, it is deep enough to occupy you for many years.

[interface_type_seven]

Reaktor 6 is worth it for Blocks alone, if you're into the idea of software modular stuff. As Windspace mentioned, wiring the blocks modules together is very simple (much easier than creating instruments from scratch using the core components). There are several pre-built Blocks instruments with lots of presets that require no building whatsoever.

There are also many synths, effects, sequencers, and sound generators that come with Reaktor, not to mention the vast amount of user library contributions on the Native Instruments website, all free for download and use with Reaktor. There are even third-party Reaktor "ensembles" you can buy from various sites around the web.

By the time you get bored with all those options, then you can start digging into tutorials and learn to create instruments and ensembles from scratch (which is also great fun, and not so horrible of a learning curve if you start off with simple instruments).

[synkrotron]

Thanks guys

I don't think it's on sale at the moment, but even so, at £169 it doesn't sound too expensive.

I will sit on the fence a bit longer and watch some more videos first :D

Cheers

andy

[S1gnsOfL1fe]

I had been holding out on upgrading, deciding if I was going to go Komplete or not. I finally decided that since I am processing oriented rather than synth (and have no real interest in sample libraries), it'd probably not be worth it so 6 is probably in my future at some point.

Same. I've been holding out for Reaktor 6...and now that it's included in Komplete 11...I'm waiting for THAT to go on sale. Then I might bite.

[GaryG]

Yeah, what everyone else said really.

Even at full price I think it's worth it for the User Library, grab the ensembles by Boscomac and you're set for life (AirPiano and Floodverb are all you need for a Eno/Budd-style LP ) And always seems to be someone selling a copy cheap at KvR...

I went to 6 a few months back and the Blocks are crazy good fun, a few patches from the user library are almost ambient in a can. I think the Blocks Wired freebie is still available, worth trying that to get a feel for the Blocks modules.

I would agree with Windspace that it's a strangely organised beast. I still have to pause and think where certain files are sometimes, varies between the Factory stuff and library. Also it'll prompt you to save a copy of an ensemble sometimes as soon as you touch a control so you can end up with modified versions cluttering up the folders.

Building basic stuff isn't that hard if you know audio/synth basics (I'd say you do for sure), especially if you start off by modifying an existing instrument. It gets hairy when you dig down to the core level which seems to be where it's at nowadays, I haven't really looked at that at all which may be a problem as Blocks seem very focused on that (the templates are totally core based and they don't want you uploading any Blocks that don't conform to their standard). Whatever, I still enjoy hacking stuff around, maybe more of a circuit bender than a precision audio engineer. As always.

[synkrotron]

Cheers Peeps... You are making it harder for me to resist...

[betadecay]

Do it!!!

Reaktor 6 blocks are easy, and if you do not want to build your own synth, there are a lot of ready-to-use instruments (about 70 (!) in the included factory library, to be more precise - not to mention the countless things in the user library).

My favourite is RAZOR - an additive synth, that can make extremely fat sounds as well as beautiful drones. I am not really happy with SPARK, all my experiments there ended with the same sort of noise, and PRISM is a fascinating physical modelling synth. Be aware: everything what you learned about synthesis so far is useless there, PM follows a completetely different approach. It includes many feedback loops (to emulate a resonating physical body), but sometimes these loops may lead to a nasty audible feedback - take care of your ears and speakers. SKANNER is a sort of a granular sample player - nice for mangling field recordings.

All in all it is definitely worth it's money

(BTW: building your own synth without reaktor 6 blocks is a really hard work that requires lots of time and knowledge)

[synkrotron]

Thanks Stefan :D

Kinda getting exciting... I've mainly been concentrating on effects lately and I've not bought a new synth for a bit, and with Reaktor it sounds like it is so different to the other stuff I've got, which has to be good :D

[GaryG]

RAZOR ... SPARK ... PRISM ... SKANNER

They don't come with Reaktor as part of the factory library though, you have to buy them separately (around £40 - £90 each I think). Maybe you have Komplete so just see them in Reaktor?

I love Prism, such a precise but musical synth. Really like Spark too, I guess the unpredictability of it is it's draw for me. For a giggle I created a "guitar noise/skronk" track using just Spark but nobody bit (or maybe it was too obvious it wan't a guitar... ):



A cheap way to get Spark is to look out at KVR for someone selling Komplete Elements, usually goes for next to nothing ($10/20). Should contain a full version of Spark (mine did, v2 I think).

[synkrotron]

Ah... Right... And I've just pulled the trigger on Reaktor haha! :biggrin:

So it sounds like more will/may need to be spent. But, not to worry, I can get the nice stuff later. In the meantime I will see what is bundled with Reaktor and play with that.

Listening to your "guitar" Gary... Sounds quite authentic to me... Is it being processed inside of Reaktor or outside?

cheers

andy

[GaryG]

It started in Reaktor, I think it was a random note generator ensemble (set to a blues scale ) playing Spark with me adjusting one of the feedback knobs to get the feedback. It may have then gone through Guitar Rig for cab emulation then a touch of reverb. Something tells me tk-delay too for the subtle reverse bits. I'll see if I still have the project file later.

A good synth to grab from the UL is Stephan Schmitts (father of Reaktor) CHA-OSC. It's an early version of Spark and, to be honest, sounds as good and may be all you need, the differences aren't that much in my opinion.

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/reaktor-community/reaktor-user-library/entry/show/5877/

And one of those Block patches to try, A Memory of Light:

https://www.native-instruments.com/en/reaktor-community/reaktor-user-library/entry/show/10037/

Perfect for darker shades of ambient.

[synkrotron]

Thanks Gary... Keep 'em coming :D

[betadecay]

RAZOR ... SPARK ... PRISM ... SKANNER

They don't come with Reaktor as part of the factory library though, you have to buy them separately (around £40 - £90 each I think). Maybe you have Komplete so just see them in Reaktor?

I love Prism, such a precise but musical synth. Really like Spark too, I guess the unpredictability of it is it's draw for me. For a giggle I created a "guitar noise/skronk" track using just Spark but nobody bit (or maybe it was too obvious it wan't a guitar... ):

Ooops, yes, you are right, I have Komplete.... Anyway: I still recommend Reaktor. It is not one synth, but dozens or even hundrets. Absolutely worth it's money. And once you get addicted, you may want more, eg. the named ones... :daydream:

[synkrotron]

Well, I've got it Stefan... Playing with it a bit now, and, as you obviously already know, it is massive!

I've managed to download CHA-OSC and put the .ens in the right place so that Reaktor can find it.

cool beans :cool: :thumbsup: