How to Route Kontakt to Multiple Outputs in Logic Pro X

This article explains how to route audio from each Instrument loaded in Kontakt's Rack to separate channels of the Logic Pro X mixer. Each of the channels can then be processed and mixed in Logic individually.

Follow the below instructions to configure Kontakt and Logic for multi-output use:

Note: These instructions apply to all recent versions of Kontakt. If using Kontakt 6, simply choose the plug-in labeled "Kontakt" and follow this guide.

Loading Kontakt in Logic Pro X

  1. Create a Software Instrument track in Logic.
    Create_Instrument_Track.png
  2. Load Kontakt as a Multi Output plug-in instance:
    Instrument > AU Instruments > Native Instruments > Kontakt > Multi-Output (16xStereo)

    Note: In this example, Multi-Output (16xStereo) has been selected, which means 16 separate Kontakt output channels are available.

    Inst_Plug-In_Menu.png

Configuring Kontakt's Outputs Section

  1. Once Kontakt is open, enable Outputs in the Workspace menu to make the outputs area visible at the bottom of Kontakt's interface.
    TickOutputs.png
  2. The Outputs section is now displayed in the lower half of the Rack space. Click the '+' button to display the Outputs options dialog.
    Add_Channels.png
  3. Select the Quantity of new master channels you want to add by clicking the Quantity field and dragging the mouse up or down. Number of channels lets you choose the channel configuration of all new Outputs, e.g. 1 for a mono configuration, or 2 for a stereo configuration. In our example, we want to route KONTAKT to a total of 8 stereo output channels, so we choose a Quantity of 8 and set Number of channels to 2.
    Quantity_and_Number_of_Channels.png
  4. In the Soundcard / Host output drop-down menu, select st. 1 [1].
    1st_Pair_of_Outputs.png
  5. Finish by ticking these remaining boxes:
    - Ascending output assignment (assigns each new channel to the next available outputs).
    - Delete existing channels before creating new ones (creates all new output channels).
    - Make this your default configuration (saves setup for future Logic Pro X projects).
    - Click OK to confirm
    Ascending_Output_Assignment.png
  6. If the steps above have been carried out correctly, you will now receive a message confirming the Output Configuration was saved as default. Press OK to proceed.
    DAW_MSG.png

Kontakt's Outputs Section now shows the 8 Master Channel Outputs, each routed to a different stereo output of Logic Pro X.
Outputs.png

Creating Instrument Output Channels for Kontakt in Logic Pro X

  1. Open the Mixer view in Logic Pro X.
  2. Click the + icon at the bottom right of the Kontakt instrument track. Each click will add a Logic Aux track. Create 7 new Aux tracks. The input of each Aux track is automatically assigned to a different Kontakt output channel in ascending order.
    Logic_Aux_Channels.png

Routing the Instruments to Separate Outputs in Kontakt

  1. Route all Instruments loaded in Kontakt's Instrument Rack to separate Outputs. When loading Instruments in the Rack, they are routed to the first stereo output st. 1 by default. Select the desired Output for each Instrument from the Instrument's Header. In this example, we route a Retro Machines Instrument to the second stereo output named st.2 [2 ch. routed 3|4].
    Retro_Maschines_Outputs.png
  2. Repeat this procedure for all Instruments loaded in the Rack, choosing one available stereo output after the other.

Now, when you play an instrument in Kontakt, it will be played back through the respective Logic Aux track its output is assigned to.