Kontakt 5 Error: "Could Not Start Memory Server" (macOS X 10.15 Catalina)

Symptom

When launching Kontakt 5 on a macOS X 10.15 (Catalina) system, an error message appears stating that the Kontakt MemoryServer cannot be started.

Kontakt_5_Could_Not_Start_Memory_Server.png

Cause

This error message appears in these specific circumstances:

  • When Kontakt 5 is used on a macOS X 10.15 (Catalina) system.
  • When Kontakt 5 has been opened after the Kontakt Memory Server (KMS) had been previously enabled.

Note: The Kontakt MemoryServer (KMS) was only useful for older 32-bit versions of Kontakt 5, which could only address a maximum of 4 GB of RAM. The latest 5.8.1 version of Kontakt 5 is able to utilize all of the system's RAM.

Solution

Follow these steps, to stop the error message from appearing in Kontakt 5:

  1. Click OK on the Error Message window.
    Kontakt_5_Could_Not_Start_MemoryServer_OK.png
  2. Click the Gear Symbol located along the top menu bar of Kontakt 5.
    Kontakt_Gear_Icon.PNG
  3. Go to the Memory page, and disable the box labelled; "Use Memory Server". Then click Close.
    Kontakt_5_Options_Memory_Page_Resized.png

    Note: The Use Memory Server option is disabled when the tickbox is dark/empty.

  4. A message appears stating that it is required to re-launch Kontakt 5. Close and restart Kontakt 5 now for the changes to become effective.
    Kontakt_5_Close_And_Restart.png