There was a time when users of Native Instruments’ Guitar Rig worried that the software wasn’t going anywhere anymore. Guitar Rig 3 was at the cutting edge of guitar amplifier simulators, and GR4 was a positive step forward – although a few folks grumbled at the revamped interface with NI’s own Rig Kontroller foot pedal – then it was GR5 with further tweaks and upgrades. Next came … ah, nothing. In fact for almost a decade not a thing happened, which explains how GR is at version GR7 and yet is twenty years old. While NI’s Komplete bundle went from strength to strength with improved and added VST instruments, the included Guitar Rig languished at version five for so long it seemed that NI had put it in the too hard basket or simply lost interest in favour of the EDM and synth-based plugins.

Guitar Rig 6 finally appeared with a redesigned GUI and some new amps and effects using what NI calls Intelligent Circuit Modelling or ICM. Despite the impressive under-the-hood overhaul, a lot of users still weren’t happy because of the limited number of actual, new toys to play with – you just can’t please some.

Now with Guitar Rig 7 we have a swag of new amps and effects using that ICM technology, and that GUI has been further developed. Arguably, it’s maybe the release that GR6 was planned to be, but NI felt rushed to get something out there? Never mind, more to the point, is Guitar Rig 7 worth the wait?

SAME BUT BETTER

Guitar Rig has always differed from the competition (well, not all of them) with its signal path approach. Every component of your virtual rig, even if it’s a famed stomp pedal, is represented as a standard rack device. There is no attempt to visually reproduce scratched, beer-stained pedals and their accurate controls. Before GR6, the graphics did offer a nod towards authenticity with grungy 3D knobs and faceplates. Now, GR7 has completed the GR6 transition to clean, modern, and clear controls that are a lot more user-friendly and provide at a glance what’s going on, yet still with an eye-pleasing touch of 3D. Native Instruments isn’t quite alone in not presenting the components as their real-life counterparts – you won’t see ‘Fender’ or ‘Marshall’ written anywhere (although no doubt NI has done the right licensing thing somehow). However, most of the vintage gear is easily recognisable as what it’s supposed to be.

The preset browser on one side of the central rack now works kind of backwards. Instead of listing presets formally, you’re given a wide choice of keywords for each type of component, but more important this has headings like Character, Genre and even Artist to narrow the style of patch you’re hoping for, after which the browser offers preset suggestions. Like any search engine, you can include or exclude certain terms. This is great if you’re not a Professor of Guitar University and wouldn’t know a Matchless from a mermaid, but you know what you want to hear. Conversely, expert users can dial in familiar equipment. Oh, and those ‘Artist’ presets are curated from some of the best players on the planet and sound very cool.

On the opposite side of the rack is a simplified signal flow diagram which allows quickly reshuffling the components around, which can make a big difference to the final sound. Below this is an information panel – hover over any control on anything, and this box explains what it does and sometimes offers helpful hints.

Native Instruments has announced new S49, S61, and S88 Kontrol S-Series MK3 MIDI controller keyboards, offering seamless hardware and software integration, unique expressive control, and a stunning industrial design. Kontrol S-Series keyboard controllers are truly best in class, with new features and control capabilities that enable creators to stay in the flow with an intuitive connection to instruments, effects, and DAWs — all with deep navigation on a high-res screen. They are available in three size options: 49 semi-weighted keys, 61 semi-weighted keys, or 88 fully weighted hammer-action keys.

New polyphonic aftertouch functionality allows creators to take expression further with the slightest pressure on individual keys, controlling cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and much more without reaching for an extra encoder or dial. All three models include polyphonic aftertouch on an industry-leading keybed developed in collaboration with renowned Italian manufacturer Fatar.

Kontrol S-Series controllers bring virtual instruments to life and offer a genuinely immersive experience with in-depth control via extensive Kontakt integration and next-generation Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) technology. NKS brings software instruments, effects, loops, and samples into one smooth workflow, creating seamless integration between NI software, all major DAWs, and thousands of partner sounds, instruments, and effects. This effortless integration enables creators to focus on their performance, without being distracted by the need to look at a computer screen.

All three models feature a stunning industrial design with a large glass screen, touch-sensitive anodised aluminium encoders and mod wheels, and redesigned tactile buttons. A highly visual lighting system makes it easy to stay in the creative zone with an intelligent Light Guide that illuminates switches, key zones, scales, and more.

Kontrol S-Series Software:

• Komplete 14 Select is the essential production suite, including powerful synths, drums, percussion, studio-grade effects, and a wide range of customisable sounds.
• Komplete Kontrol software unites and organises instruments, effects, loops, and samples, mapping everything to the keyboard controller.
• Plus: Stradivari Cello, Hypha, Guitar Rig LE, iZotope Elements Suite, and Ableton Live Lite

Top Kontrol S-Series Features:

• Refined industrial design, manufactured to the highest level of quality for the best playing experience
• Full-colour glass display for intuitive browsing, tweaking, and mixing
• Industry-leading keybed from Fatar with polyphonic aftertouch as standard
• Metal-touch pitch and modulation wheels with central illumination
• Unparalleled hardware/software integration with direct connection to Kontakt helps you find, adjust, and play sounds quickly and easily
• Seamless integration with all major DAWs lets you control transport and mixing commands directly from the keyboard: record, stop, rewind, mix, edit, and see project channels on the display
• Precision tweaking for all your sounds, pre-mapped to key instrument and effect parameters
• Redesigned Light Guide pinpoints notes with a light above each key
• USB, MIDI, and bus-powered USB-C connectivity plus inputs for four pedals: one sustain, one expression, and two assignable pedals

Pricing & Availability
Kontrol S-Series MK3 is now available for pre-orders from the Native Instruments website and select retailers, and will be fully available online and in stores this October, with preorders also shipping at that time.

Kontrol S49 MK3:
AU$1,099

Kontrol S61 MK3:
AU$1,299

Kontrol S88 MK3:
AU$1,949

To kick off a series of new product releases this autumn, Native Instruments has announced the new Traktor X1 MK3 DJ controller, a compact, modular controller for modern DJs who want exceptional portability, powerful effects control, and intuitive operation, regardless of experience level.

Building on the success of the acclaimed X1 MK1 and MK2 models, X1 MK3 adds innovative new features based on insightful feedback from the Traktor community. The result is a next-generation DJ controller with maximum flexibility and extensive functionality for effects control, playback manipulation, looping, mixer mapping, and more.

A highly visual design allows DJs to focus on their performance instead of looking at a laptop. Five OLED displays reveal essential track and effect information, including track progress, track name, loop size, selected effects, and effect parameters. An advanced lighting system notifies performers with key information, like when a track is about to run out or if it’s running in a loop.

DJs can also choose from a spectrum of colours to customise the ambient lighting and button colour, perfect for matching their unique style or brand. Accessibility enhancements include tactile dots across the controller and increased button sizes, making it easier for performers to orient themselves, even in low light environments.

The new ‘Mixer Mode’ allows DJs to press a single button to switch from effects mode to mixer mode, instantly take control of EQs and channel levels, and transition tracks while monitoring all four channel levels on the displays. Highly customisable, X1 can be quickly set up to meet your specific needs. Make adjustments to mapping with a customisation page in Traktor Pro and colour-code each button group to easily identify different functions.

A three-port powered USB hub extends connectivity, allowing you to connect to CDJs, your custom setups, or additional X1 units. X1 MK3 comes bundled with the latest version of NI’s flagship DJ software, Traktor Pro 3, so DJs can plug in and start mixing out of the box. Traktor Pro 3 includes sonic sculpting tools, professional audio quality, and a clear and intuitive interface. Additional features include time-stretching, an improved limiter, a huge array of effects, and a wide range of options for customising your mixing workflow.

Pricing & Availability

Traktor X1 MK3 is now available for pre-order from the Native Instruments website and select retailers.
Traktor X1 MK3 will be fully available online and in stores on September 20, 2023 with an RRP of AUD$449.

Native Instruments has released the NI Accessibility Helper, a new lightweight app that works with Maschine software to help visually impaired producers and beatmakers. The Accessibility Helper works by enabling Maschine users to hear touch-triggered audio cues that read out each control that is used — with all encoders, pads, and screen-menu items identifiable in this way.

Additionally, the Accessibility Helper provides a degree of in-app help and orientation over the hardware — which are triggered via computer keyboard input.

First introduced for Maschine MK3, the NI Accessibility Helper will soon be available for use with more NI hardware devices as part of NI’s commitment to developing new tools that empower producers to create without barriers. Plus, by building a dedicated app, NI can continue to deliver Accessibility-focussed improvements without needing to make changes to Maschine software.

NI is releasing the Accessibility Helper with special thanks to their consultants, Andre Louis, Tim Burgess (Raised Bar), Jason Dasent, and Chris Ankin — musicians from the visually impaired producer community — whose knowledge and expertise have been invaluable in the development of the tool.

For owners of Maschine+ and Maschine MK3, there is no further purchase necessary in order to install the NI Accessibility Helper. The tool is available for installation for free via Native Access.

The Accessibility Helper is now available for all owners of Maschine+ and Maschine MK3 via Native Access.