How to Use NI Sample Libraries – Native Instruments

Most Native Instruments sample libraries (e.g. the ABBEY ROAD DRUMMERS, the SYMPHONY SERIES, or pianos like UNA CORDA) are designed to be used with the KONTAKT Sampler. In case you do not own the full version of KONTAKT, there is a free KONTAKT PLAYER version that allows you to use all the features of a KONTAKT-based Instrument.

This article explains the first steps to follow when you want to use a NI sample library based on KONTAKT. Click to expand these steps:

1. Finding Out if your Sample Library Requires KONTAKT

To find out if your product requires KONTAKT to run, go to the corresponding product page in our webshop and scroll down to the AT A GLANCE section. Here you can see if your sample library has to be used with KONTAKT. In the example below, you can see the details of the UNA CORDA sample library, which must be used with KONTAKT or KONTAKT PLAYER.

2. Downloading and Installing KONTAKT PLAYER

Note: if you own the full version of KONTAKT, you do not need to install KONTAKT PLAYER. You can find a comparison chart of these two products here.

Download KONTAKT PLAYER from this page and install it. If you intend to use your product within a host sequencer, make sure to install all available plug-in formats.

3. Downloading and Installing your Sample Library

If you have not already, install your NI KONTAKT-based product with Native Access.

4. Loading your Sample Library in KONTAKT

Open KONTAKT (PLAYER) standalone. By default the location of your standalone application is here:
- Mac OS X: Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Kontakt > 'Kontakt.app'
- Windows: C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Kontakt > 'Kontakt.exe'
The KONTAKT Browser's Libraries tab displays all your installed KONTAKT Libraries. If your KONTAKT instrument is not listed here, you can add it manually as explained in this article.
Configure the Audio- and MIDI-Settings for KONTAKT (PLAYER). Read this article to learn how to configure the audio settings in KONTAKT and this article to learn how to configure the MIDI settings.
Click the Instruments button on the Library's icon to open the different available patches for the instrument. You can drag the patch of your choice into the Rack. Alternatively you can simply double-click the patch's name (in this example Una Corda Cotton.nki).

5. Loading your Sample Library in a Host Sequencer

Important note: Whether you intend to use your sample library with KONTAKT standalone or within a host sequencer, you must start KONTAKT in standalone mode once before using it as a plug-in. This step is necessary for KONTAKT to build its database.

To use your sample library within a host sequencer, you must first load the KONTAKT (PLAYER) as a plug-in and then load the sample library into the KONTAKT (PLAYER) plug-in.

Open your host sequencer.
Insert KONTAKT (PLAYER) as a plug-in in your host sequencer.
The KONTAKT Browser's Libraries tab displays all your installed KONTAKT Libraries. If your KONTAKT instrument is not listed here, you can add it manually as explained in this article.
Click the Instruments button on the Library's icon to open the different available patches for the instrument. You can drag the patch of your choice into the Rack. Alternatively you can simply double-click the patch's name (in this example Una Corda Cotton.nki).

You can search our Knowledge Base to obtain more information about how to manage and insert NI plug-ins in your host sequencer. Type in your host sequencer's name (e.g. Ableton Live) into the search field to find relevant results.

You can find more information on how to operate KONTAKT (PLAYER) and your KONTAKT Instrument in the corresponding manuals. Manuals can be found in the installation folder under 'Documentation' or on the corresponding product pages on our website.

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