The Fusion of Synthesis, Sampling, Effects and Sequencing
Reaktor 5 fuses all audio applications into a
single, extremely versatile and powerful tool. Musicians, producers and
sound designers are all catered to by the very broad range of
instruments and sounds already included. Due to the open engine
architecture, the potential for building your own highly individual
instruments is endless. Whether you are using the instruments from the
library or creating your own, the only limit is your imagination.
Superior Sound, Perfect Performance
Internationally known artists and designers
have contributed to the extensive library of presets and instruments.
Its unique sonic flexibility establishes Reaktor as the ultimate tool
for musicians and producers working in studios both large and small. A
particularly fast and immediate control of the sound guarantees
musicians on stage a lively and inspiring performance. The unrivalled
sound is made possible by the Reaktor Core Technology™ and new, highly
advanced algorithms.
Reaktor Core Technology™
The fifth generation of this award-winning
modular studio offers completely new dimensions in designing and
producing custom instruments. Reaktor Core Technology™ delves deeper
into modular construction than ever before. Develop your own individual
modules; build unique filters, oscillators and fully personalize your
library. Reaktor Core Technology™ benefits everyone. It is a visual
audio development environment with integrated run-time compiler
technology, allowing the creation of individual, high-performance
low-level content.
Building a Better Future
Reaktor is also an extraordinary sonic
laboratory, its modular design releasing you from the constraints of
more conventional setups. The extensive library of macros and modules
combined with Reaktor's clear, uncomplicated interface turns the
construction of sonic tools into an intuitive process. The instruments
are now completely "skinable". All of the graphical elements can be
fully customized, allowing totally individualized instrument design.
The online Reaktor User Library offers an extensive platform on which
an ever-growing global community exchanges a vast number of instruments
and ideas.
Ingenious Instruments
Reaktor 5 is equipped with a vast library of
impressive and innovative instruments. Powerful samplers allow far
reaching granular resynthesis and the innovative effects pave the way
for profound sound manipulation. The stunning array of synthesizers
delivers everything from rumbling basses to searing leads and beyond.
The selection of sequenced instruments lend themselves particularly
well to live performance thanks to their ability to create dynamic
rhythms, melodies, chord sequences and more. From authentic emulations
of classic gear to bizarre, otherworldly creations; from the
conventional to the controversial – Reaktor delivers.
New Instruments
Reaktor 5 includes a new library that provides
23 exceptional ready-to-use sonic tools such as synthesizers, drum
machines, sequencers and effects. No need to dive into the structure of
these fascinating instruments - the sonic tools can be used right out
the box and are equally suited to all manner of audio applications:
music production, sound design and live music. Many of the new or
reworked ensembles (combination of several instruments) make extensive
use of the new Reaktor Core Technology for an even better sound
quality.
- The new Ensemble Library is devided into seven categories:
- Synthesizers: subtraktive synth, acoustic modelling synth, wavetable retro sound generator, subharmonic synth
- Grooveboxes: 2 virtual-analog drum synths, 2 sample-based drum and performance machines
- Sound Generators: 2 unique soundscape generators
- Sample Transformer: Loop remixers and re-arrangers, granular sample transformer
- Sample Player: Loop slicer and drum sampler
- Sequencers: 4 sequencers for various application purposes
- Effects: compressor, reverb, sequenced hybrid effect
In addition to the new library, Reaktor 5 includes the 31 tools of the Reaktor 4 ensemble collection...
But that's only the beginning: The fully
modular structure of Reaktor allows you to modify and combine existing
instruments, or build completely new instruments from scratch. In
addition to the above mentioned and ready-to-use Ensemble Library,
Reaktor 5 includes libraries with hundreds of "building blocks" such as
complete instruments, Macros, Modules plus a new Core Cell Library with
dozens of new oscillatores, filters, EQs and much more.
Synthesizers
Carbon 2 - powerful synthesis workstation
Carbon2 is based on Reaktor 4’s well-known
workhorse synthesizer, but it has been completely rebuilt. In
particular the oscillators and filters are now based on Reaktor Core
components developed particularly for this instrument, and the panel
has been optimized for usability. Basically, Carbon2 is a classical
subtractive synthesizer.
Oki Computer 2 - Retro Sound Generator
Oki Computer 2 is a compact wavetable
synthesizer, a specialist in digital lo-fi sounds that hails back to
the era of 8-bit beeps and bleeps… It is also capable at creating
buzzing leads, rhythmic sequences, and odd tasty bass tones. Oki
Computer 2's panel is compact but packed with features. Thankfully,
most sections are fairly straightforward to the average synth user. Oki
Computer 2 features a bank of 50 waves. For every patch you can load
any 16 of these waves into the oscillator in any order. This
flexibility represents a major improvement over the original ensemble
(where the oscillator was permanently 'hardwired' to the same 16
waves). What’s more, each wave loaded into the oscillator can be
processed in a variety of ways.
Steampipe 2 - Acoustic Modeling Synthesizer
SteamPipe 2 is an acoustic modeling synthesizer
that effectively models air being blown through a tunable pipe. It uses
a tuned resonator to create bowed, blown, and plucked sounds, as well
as strange new hybrid sounds. In addition to a tuned all-pass filter
and many controls for the "shape" of the pipe, there is a mod
wheel-controlled filter to achieve damping and breath noise effects.
The new version uses new Core Cells for an even more powerful sound.
Subharmonic
SubHarmonic generates pad-like, atmospheric
sounds and – at the same time – thick, monophonic lead patches. It
consists of two independent sound generators: The Sub Oscillator is
based on additive synthesis, and the Formant section performs like an
oscillator with a constant frequency vowel filter. Internally, those
oscillators are quite complex. However, those technical details remain
hidden below the simple user interface.
Grooveboxes
Aerobic - Virtual-Analog Drum Machine
Aerobic is a step sequencer that controls a
virtual analogue drum synthesizer. The instrument produces tight,
innovative sounds far beyond the range of traditional drum computers.
This, combined with the sequencer's capacities and the mixer's flexible
routing options, makes Aerobic a versatile beat production environment
that can be used in live performances or in the studio.
Massive - Advanced Drum Computer
This drum computer is "massive" in at least two
ways. First, it contains a vast range of signal-shaping capacities:
samples in the six drum tracks don't determine the instrument's sound
(like in a standard drum machine), but only provide the material from
which the beats can be sculpted. Envelopes, filters, and a potent grain
re-synthesis algorithm mangle the fundamental sound until it is
completely different, but still musical. Second, these versatile sound
editing features are combined with an advanced step sequencer system
offering copy and (looped) paste functionality, three modulation tracks
and much much more.
Newscool - Innovative Groove Generator
Newscool is a Reaktor classic – now it's
completely rebuilt, with an innovative sequencer (at the top) and the
characteristic sound engine (at the bottom). The engine consists of a
tone generator and a multi-effect unit. The signal is produced by eight
parallel oscillator units whose parameters are modulated extensively.
The effect unit parameters – providing pitch shifting, delay and filter
- are similarly modulated. The sequencer is based on the Life model
developed by John Conway in the 1970s. A two-dimensional pattern is
processed in steps: An element of the pattern becomes alive in the
following step if three of its eight neighbors are alive in this step...
Sinebeats - Virtual-Analog Beatbox
The Reaktor library classic Sinebeats has
undergone an overhaul for Reaktor 5. Sinebeats is a beatbox based on
three sine oscillators and a noise generator. Its synthetic nature in
combination with the flexible effects section has made Sinebeats a
classic for electronic sequence production. Each of the four
instruments features a sequencer and individual sound parameters
including distortion and filter. Two flexible filters and two delays
which are fed via a send/return feature in the mixer add even more
motion to the generated beats. In its new incarnation, Sinebeats got
loads of new features.
Sound Generators
Skrewell - Sound Design Workstation
Skrewell is an intuitive and visual sound
design workstation whose soundscapes can range from meditative
atmospheres to crackling harshness.
Its sound engine uses eight parallel oscillator
sections (channels) that blend into a single, complex signal. This
unique construction means that its interface is unlike that of a
classic additive/subtractive synthesizer.
Spacedrone - Atmospheric Pad Generator
SpaceDrone generates atmospheric pads which
range from light rain or howling wind noises to deep and uncanny space
sounds. Technically, the instrument is based on 96 parallel voices
spread across the frequency spectrum. Each voice consists of a noise
generator; the signal’s amplitude is shaped by an envelope, its
frequency content gets modified by a bandpass filter, and finally it
gets positioned in the stereo field.
Sample Transformer
L3 - Sophisticated Drum Loop Recycler
L3 is a sequenced drum loop recycler: Load a
loop, click some stuff, mangle the loop. The instrument’s panel can be
broken down into three sections. The top section contains a pattern
sequencer and global controls for pattern length and tempo swing. The
middle section has the main step sequencer where patterns can be
remixed (up to eight patterns can be programmed and arranged per
snapshot). The lower section contains the sample playback engine
controls (including the sampler window where loops are loaded).
Random Step Shifter - Intuitive Loop Rearranger
Random Step Shifter uses intelligent
pseudo-random principles to cut-up and rearrange sample loops, on-beat,
in real-time. There's an intuitive three-part sequencer that triggers
sample playback. It also modulates sample selection, positional offset,
and playback pitch. In addition, these modulations can be mangled by
various pseudo-random sequences. This instrument will create new sample
loops for you very easily! You can load in any loop to create countless
variations!
Splitter - Sequenced Beat Producer
Splitter is a small but sonically flexible
sequenced sample-player. Geared towards granular beat production, it
can also be used for melodies or padwork. The main idea behind this
sequencer / sample-player combo are the 16 sample slots. You can assign
different fragments of the selected sample with individual settings for
all parameters to the different slots above the waveform display. You
can also assign individual MIDI notes.
Vectory - Agressive Granular Goove Machine
Vectory is an aggressive sample destruction
unit. It consists of a sampler (on the left side) with vast
re-arranging capacities whose signal is fed into a grain multi-effect
(on the right side) that re-synthesizes the sound. This structure is
optimized for live use, with low-level Reaktor Core DSP, but also ideal
for producing aggressive beats in the Studio. Complete settings for
sample loops, re-arrangements, and grain effects can be recalled by
moving the markers within the large square selection displays - changes
occur instantly and with no audio drop-out. The effect unit even offers
morphing between two settings.
Sample Player
Beatslicer 2 - Advanced Loop Slicer
BeatSlicer 2 will separate any waveform into
smaller component 'slices', which can then be individually tweaked by
adjusting pitch, envelope and FX settings. BeatSlicer 2 is designed
primarily for drum-loop manipulation, but the extensive range of
parameters offers creative possibilities with any material.
Memory Drum 2 - Drum Sampler for single drum sounds
Memory Drum 2 is an advanced sampler that
enables the independent configuration of up to 128 samples in a
compact, easy-to-use interface. Specifically designed for drum
sampling, it features an attack-hold-decay envelope, a range of
effects, multiple output channels, and complex modulation options. The
intuitive interface allows drum kits to be constructed quickly and
easily, yet the extensive range of sound-design options offer vast
creative possibilities for generating new sounds from your existing
samples.
Sequencers
The four new Reaktor sequencers are constructed
using the new Multi Displays and Mouse Area Modules, resulting in very
convenient sequencers which are straightforward to use. These
sequencers are designed to control your desired Reaktor synths and drum
machines. Wire it up!
SQP - Classic Matrix Sequencer
The SQP is a piano roll-style (matrix)
sequencer covering a very wide midi note-range. You can enter notes via
the mouse or record incoming MIDI notes. If you want to input longer
events with the mouse, just click and drag the start or end of an
existing note. Move events by clicking and dragging them around. When
[Select] is on you can move selected events as a group. Its built-in
song sequencer makes it possible to switch from pattern to pattern.
Combine this instrument with your favourite Reaktor synth and you're
ready to go!
SQ16
The SQ16 sequencer delivers classic
step-sequencing in a very useable package. It features 16 notes tracks
with velocity control plus additional modulation tracks, a song mode,
and the ability to record incoming MIDI notes.
SQ 8x8
The SQ 8x8 is a small step-sequencer with a
twist. You put events in a grid and drag a rectangle around a group of
them by right-clicking and dragging (ctrl-click when you’re on a Mac).
This rectangle defines the sequencer’s loop area, controlling what gets
played line-wise. You can change this area in realtime. Think of it as
a two-dimensional loop-bar. Some nice realtime step-shifting and
shuffle features are also part of the package.
SQ8
The is your standard building block for
rhythmic step-sequencing. It sports a clean interface: 4 patterns with
8 tracks (consisting of 64 steps each). You also get variable looping,
shuffle, reverse play, and multiple viewing options. On top of that,
you can chain 16 patterns together into a song.
Effects
Fatblaster 2 - Final-Stage Mastering Tool
The great final-stage mastering tool
FlatBlaster 2 has been rebuilt using the new Reaktor Core features.
This patch combines four frequency-specific compressors with a
full-spectrum peak-limiter to produce a high-end package for your
multiband dynamics shaping needs. As it does not introduce any delay it
is not limited to mastering use but can also be applied on a per
channel basis. The separately compressed bands get mixed together and
then processed by a full-band peak limiter.
Space Master 2 - High-Quality Reverb
The well-known Space Master series of reverb
modellers has been updated for Reaktor 5. Based on several diffusion
delays, Space Master 2 can produce a wide array of high-quality natural
or experimental ambiences. The patch's efficient set of reverb
parameters include an early reflections section, a late reflections
module and a post EQ. Dials for main reverb time, control of balance
between the two reflection stages, and between dry and wet signal round
off the controls.
Lurker - Hybrid Effect Machine
Lurker is a hybrid effect capable of classic
phaser sounds, spring reverbs and feedback echoes – but most of all it
transforms any incoming signal into stunning rhythmic sequences,
mangling pitches and re-arranging the sound. This is technically
possible because all those effects are based on a delay unit (and this
instrument is an extremely versatile one).Four internal sequencer
tracks are the most prominent feature. They allow for fast, visual
creation of musical patterns that you can use to modulate parameters
such as delay times of the two independent delay units.
Features
- Completely modular, real-time sound synthesis, sampling and effects software
- Huge collection of unique instruments and sounds
- Preset morphing and preset randomization
- Pre-designed building blocks for easy construction of individual instruments and effects
- The latest, high-end algorithms deliver pristine, top-quality sound
- Reaktor Core Technology allowing low level, custom module design
- New modules including anti-aliased oscillators, over-sampled structures and high-quality interpolation delays
- New Interface and 'skinability' of all instrument control elements
- Multi-breakpoint envelopes with slope control, tempo grid and looping
- Live sampling and effect modules with auto-normalisation and tempo-synchronous beat juggling
Interfaces
- Audio Units™
- VST®
- RTAS™
- DXi™
- Open Sound Control
- Core Audio™
- ASIO™
- DirectSound™
System Requirements
Mac
- Mac OS 10.2.6
- G4 1 GHz or Intel® Core™ Duo 1.66 GHz
- 512 MB RAM
PC
- Windows XP, P III 1 GHz
- Athlon XP 1.33 GHz
- 512 MB RAM