Native Instruments Komplete article
Native Instruments Komplete for Beginners: A Complete Guide
Native Instruments Komplete can be overwhelming for new users. Here is a practical guide to getting started with the bundle from day one.
Getting started with Native Instruments Komplete for the first time can feel overwhelming. The bundle includes dozens of instruments and effects, each with its own interface, library and workflow. The key is not to use everything at once — pick a small set of instruments, learn them thoroughly, and expand from there.
Where to Begin
Start with Kontakt and one of the acoustic or orchestral libraries included in the bundle. The factory content includes piano, strings, brass, drums and more. Load a single instrument, spend time with its interface and learn to browse and load patches. Kontakt's basic operation — loading an instrument, adjusting volume and reverb, triggering from MIDI — can be learned in an afternoon. Once you are comfortable with Kontakt, try Massive X for synthesis, which opens an entirely different kind of sound design.
Native Access: Managing Your Installation
Native Instruments Komplete is installed and managed through Native Access, the company's installation manager. Download Native Access first and use it to install the products included in your edition. Install only what you think you will use initially — the full bundle requires significant storage space. You can install additional products at any time. Native Access also handles updates and licence activation. Keep it running periodically to ensure your plugins remain up to date.
Common First Steps
Load Kontakt — the heart of any Native Instruments Komplete setup — into your DAW as a plugin instrument, not as a standalone application, so it receives MIDI from your keyboard or DAW piano roll. Browse the factory library rather than internet sounds initially — the factory content is high quality and better organised than random downloads. Use the headphones output of your interface rather than your computer speakers to hear the instruments accurately. For common errors at this stage, see our mistakes guide.
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