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Description

Unleash your creativity with Native Instruments REAKTOR, the ultimate modular DSP software that transforms your computer into a fertile ground for innovation. Whether you're a seasoned sound designer or just beginning your sonic journey, REAKTOR offers an expansive playground to explore new auditory territories. With its groundbreaking Blocks system, you can dive into Eurorack-style modular synthesis, patching together sound and effect modules for unique, never-before-heard sequences.

REAKTOR is not only a powerhouse for crafting custom instruments and effects but also a hub of connectivity. Seamlessly integrate it into your existing setup with MIDI, OSC, and CV/Gate support, or use it as a standalone brain for your rig. The software's granular synthesis engines and anti-aliased oscillators ensure exceptional sound quality, while the Reaktor API allows you to tailor your performance setup with custom parameter mappings and touch strip integrations.

Join a vibrant community of fellow creators where you can download thousands of user-made instruments and devices, or contribute your own unique creations. Whether you're seeking inspiration or assistance, the community and its wealth of resources are there to support your endeavors. Dive into the limitless potential of sound with REAKTOR and redefine what's possible in music creation.

Key Features:

  • Modular DSP software for custom instruments, samples, and effects
  • Eurorack-style modular synthesis with Blocks
  • Exceptional sound quality with anti-aliased oscillators and granular synthesis engines
  • MIDI, OSC, and CV/Gate connectivity
  • Hardware integration with Komplete Kontrol and Maschine
  • Customizable performance setups via Reaktor API
  • Access to a vast library of user-created instruments and devices
  • Active community with forums and learning resources

Product specs

Software Type Modular Synthesizer
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Download
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format AAX, AU, VST, Standalone
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core i5 / Apple Silicon or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
Hardware Requirements - PC Intel Core i5 / AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended
OS Requirements - Mac macOS 10.11 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 10 or later

FAQs

What is the primary function of Native Instruments REAKTOR?

Native Instruments REAKTOR is a modular synthesizer software that allows users to create custom instruments, effects, and sound design tools, offering extensive flexibility and creativity for sound exploration.

Can I use Native Instruments REAKTOR as a standalone application?

Yes, Native Instruments REAKTOR can be used as a standalone application, as well as a plugin in AAX, AU, and VST formats, providing versatile integration options for different setups.

What are the system requirements for running Native Instruments REAKTOR on a Mac?

To run Native Instruments REAKTOR on a Mac, you need an Intel Core i5 or Apple Silicon processor, macOS 10.11 or later, and at least 4GB of RAM for optimal performance.

Is it possible to edit and customize instruments within REAKTOR?

Yes, REAKTOR allows users to fully edit, customize, and even reverse-engineer instruments, providing a powerful platform for sound designers and musicians to create unique sounds.

What distinguishes REAKTOR from REAKTOR Player?

REAKTOR offers full editing capabilities and customization options for instruments, while REAKTOR Player is a free version that allows you to play instruments without editing or customization features.

macProVideoDotCom

macProVideoDotCom

Reaktor 6: What is Reaktor?

Video thumbnail for Reaktor 6: What is Reaktor? by macProVideoDotCom

Reaktor 6: What is Reaktor?

macProVideoDotCom

macProVideoDotCom

Video thumbnail for Introducing Reaktor 6 | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

Introducing Reaktor 6 | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for Intro To Reaktor: Sound Design Tutorial w/ Native Instruments Komplete by Dubspot

Intro To Reaktor: Sound Design Tutorial w/ Native Instruments Komplete

Dubspot

Dubspot

Video thumbnail for Neven on creating Polyrhythms with REAKTOR 6 | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

Neven on creating Polyrhythms with REAKTOR 6 | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for How to build your first digital synth with REAKTOR Blocks | Native Instruments by Native Instruments

How to build your first digital synth with REAKTOR Blocks | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Video thumbnail for NI Reaktor & Reaktor Blocks – Ideal für den Synthesizer-Einstieg? by Tutorial Experts

NI Reaktor & Reaktor Blocks – Ideal für den Synthesizer-Einstieg?

Tutorial Experts

Tutorial Experts

Reviews

PROS

  • Infinite sound possibilities with customizable features and modular Blocks

  • Extensive library of user-created ensembles for diverse soundscapes

  • Allows creation of custom instruments and effects, enhancing creativity

  • Easy to use and quick to learn for beginners

  • Rich sound quality with impressive presets

  • Supports both monophonic and polyphonic synthesis

  • Excellent for ambient sound creation and bizarre sound shaping

  • Highly versatile, suitable for various music genres like techno and DnB

  • Works seamlessly with popular DAWs like Ableton Live

  • Industry-standard synthesizer with powerful built-in presets

CONS

  • Blocks implementation could be improved for better user experience

  • Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with modular synths

  • A bit expensive at $400, not budget-friendly for all users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments REAKTOR.

Features and functionality

  • Reaktor offers a modular digital studio experience with prebuilt instruments like Razor, Rounds, and Metaphysical Function, used by professionals like Richard Devine.

    Source
  • Reaktor's factory library includes notable instruments like Carbon 2 and Photone, with the flexibility to program custom timbres.

    Source
  • The VHS Degradation Suite is noted for its superior noise, degradation, and tape effects, making it a top choice for these specific functionalities.

    Source
  • Reaktor offers a vast preset library, allowing users to explore atmospheric, ethereal pads and harsh synth leads without delving into custom sound design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Limelite groovebox is a popular ensemble within Reaktor, frequently used in music production for its unique sound capabilities.

    Source
  • The SteamPipe 2 ensemble, although old, is praised for its quality, comparable to modern physical modeling plugins.

    Source
  • The Killadrum and Lazerbass plugins are highlighted as standout tools, frequently used by long-time Reaktor enthusiasts for their distinct sound capabilities.

    Source
  • OreKore is described as delivering a gnarly, oppressive sound, appealing to those seeking a particular "vibe" in their music production.

    Source
  • Reaktor is utilized in university sound design courses, underscoring its depth and educational value in teaching instrument and sound design principles.

    Source

User experience

  • Reaktor is favored by sound designers for creating original sounds, contrasting with more preset-focused VSTs, offering a deeper creative process.

    Source
  • Reaktor's User Library is praised for continuously offering new, unique plugins, with some users discovering favorite tools released within the past five years.

    Source
  • Despite the age of some instruments and effects in the library, many users find them timeless, offering a refreshing workflow reminiscent of older digital interfaces.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Reaktor is likened to Max4Live for its ability to create custom plugins at a deep development level, though some users suggest improvements could be inspired by Bitwig Studio's The Grid.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Reaktor's community-driven plugin ecosystem is strong, with many free instruments available, despite occasional download issues and some poorly designed options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Native Instruments Reaktor 6

soundonsound.com

Native Instruments Reaktor 6 is a powerful revamp, bringing modular synthesis to the masses with the introduction of Blocks. The interface improvements are notable, making navigation cleaner and more intuitive. The sound quality of the new Blocks is exceptional, offering a creative playground for both beginners and experienced users. However, the lack of retina display support and the monophonic nature of Blocks may disappoint some. Despite these drawbacks, Reaktor 6's limitless potential as a virtual Eurorack makes it a compelling update for sound designers seeking depth and versatility.

positive

Native Instruments Reaktor 6 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Native Instruments REAKTOR 6 is a powerhouse for DIY sound design, offering state-of-the-art analogue sounds and unparalleled flexibility, especially with its modular Blocks feature. It excels in creating everything from basic effects to complex grooveboxes and is compatible with Eurorack systems. However, high CPU usage and monophonic limitations in Blocks could deter some users. Despite a steep learning curve, its affordability at £169 makes it an irresistible choice for computer musicians looking to delve into modular synthesis. Overall, it's a must-have for those eager to explore its vast creative potential.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 42 Reviews and 256 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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rossmotus

Fantastic!

The most creative digital sound processing suite. Infinite possibilities. A real sonic universe to explore is open in front of you! All customizable too. And the Blocks are fantastic as well as the new Rack features (simulating the modular cable patching).

Preferred Settings + Usage:

my fav features are the Blocks and the Sound Generators.

michael_r_johnson

Amazing modular software

I love the ability to build different instruments and effects, and the addition of Blocks makes it act more like a typical modular synth. There are some things about the Blocks implementation that I think could be improved, but this software is fantastic and inspiring. There is also a HUGE library of user-created ensembles that gives you a lot of premade options,, which you can then customize. or you can build things starting from scratch.

jimmarchi1

yes NI, yes

the deeper I dig in, the more I enjoy the endless possibilities.... I've taken to running the standalone version on a separate laptop so I can play it with a controller recording the reults as an overdub onto my main machine, often through a miced guitar amp or tube PA.... its most fun whacking keys down and letting all the modules turn your performance into whack.... fun to drive it with a modern analog sequencer via USB into my 'Reaktor' laptop too

I didn't reallyg et into this software until recently... I think I got turned off by the early versins, but after getting the player to try Prism I decided to go ahead and buy version 6 and I am so happy with the purchase

mike_byrd

Great modular synth with endless possibilities

This modular synth has some brill presets and sounds rich. As its a modular synth blocks can be used like oscillators, filters , sequencer blocks etc to create your own custom synth offering endless sonic possibilities, Reaktor 6 is only monophonic but can be made polyphonic by adding more blocks to your creation in edit mode. This vst has so many plus's it definately worth checking out and exploring its deep and a sound sculptors dream .

axvard

Native Instruments Reaktor 6

Native Instruments is a German technology company that develops software and hardware for music production and DJing. The company was originally known for their software instruments, but has also expanded its product line to include various other music equipment segments in recent years.

Current products of Native Instruments include software synthesizers, samplers and effect processors, sound libraries and emulations of acoustic instruments, groove production systems and audio interfaces, as well as various products for computer-based DJing that include DJ software, Digital Vinyl Systems, hardware controllers and specific DJ audio interfaces.

Native Instruments was founded in 1996 in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, Germany, where its headquarters are still located. It also has branches in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Shenzhen and London. The company also holds a partnership with the online music store Beatport.

ross_dedo

https://www.thenewnoise.it/mick-harris/

In this interview in Italian language Mick Harris says that he is a great Native Instruments Reaktor and Maschine fan, he plays Ableton Live on live stage, previously Cubase and he like its fundamental MOTU 828 MK1 sound card.

xaqary

Weirder still...

Same thing with Massive I had no idea I even had this! I must have been drunk shopping. Meh, I'm cool with drunk me. Good stuff.

jimmarchi1

this guy is fun

xaqary

So weird I had no idea I had this or Massive! The fuck? Already got Massive on a track I started today. F'n fun!

promethex_music

Has everything you need!

I mainly use Monark, skanner, and prism out of this plugin. But is has everything you need to make a top notch song that will surely knock your socks off!

A

Your Plattform for everything!

Need a synth? Use Reaktor Need a Compressor? Use Reaktor Need a coffee? Fuck Starbucks with some skills I'll use Reaktor

jimmarchi1

funniest legit review I've read in a while.

strobetek

Very good layout

The use of blocks as template for making your own modular synth is really good, endless amounts of sounds to be made from it. Easy to use and quick to learn if you're a beginner. If you don't know how to build your own patch then you can use some of the pre-build patches that are on offer.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Skrillex uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Skrillex

Music Producer

From First to Last

...
Verified via MusicRadar

"Native Instruments are pretty standard, and for good reason – Massive, Reaktor and FM8 are all amazing."

See how Deadmau5 uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Deadmau5

Music Producer

BSOD

...
Verified via Twitch.tv

In this Twitch video from a livestream, deadmau5 can be seen using Reaktor 6 starting from around 14:19

See how David Guetta uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

David Guetta

Music Producer

Africanism All Stars

...
Verified via Photo

David posted on Instagram a photo of he using the Skrewell Reaktor Library on Reaktor 6

See how Trent Reznor uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Trent Reznor

Singer, Guitarist

Nine Inch Nails

...
Verified via Photo

In this interview, Reznor talks about his use of Native Instruments Reaktor. He says, "In the studio we had two Apple G5's, one running Pro Tools hosting Guitar Rig, and the other one with Logic hosting Reaktor, so we could suck as much horse power as we needed and then just digitally transfer it to the computer with the main Pro Tools system," and "For a large portion of what we did, we treated Reaktor like a guitar pedal, like the ultimate distortion box. Instead of having an array of pedals on the floor, a lot of the pedals became virtual in Reaktor."

See how Knife Party uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Knife Party

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Rob Swire spotted using Reaktor Swire "Lead sounds generally comes from Reaktor, Massive, Sylenth1"

See how Laidback Luke uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Laidback Luke

Music Producer

Axwell / Angello / Ingrosso / Laidback Luke

...
Verified via Photo

Reaktor is listed as one of the plugins used in the making of Stepping To The Beat

See how Mike Shinoda uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

In a livestream titled "4.1.20 - Today's CoronaJam: A Hybrid Theory-style demo" on Shinoda Livestreams, Mike Shinoda uses Native Instruments REAKTOR.

See how Gustavo Cerati uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Gustavo Cerati

Singer, Guitarist

Soda Stereo

...
Verified via Telam

Synthesizer used in the studio for the recording of his solo album Fuerza Natural (2009).

See how The Chainsmokers uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

The Chainsmokers

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

At 25:50 in this video from Future Music Magazine, Andrew Taggart of The Chainsmokers talks about using Reaktor for creating a bass sound for their track "Roses".

See how Noisia uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Noisia

Music Producer

Noisia & Pacific

...
Verified via YouTube

At 17:21, Martijn of Noisia states that the bass sound was made in Razor. Because Razor runs in Reaktor, it follows suit that Noisia has Reaktor

See how Dirty South uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Dirty South

Music Producer

...
Verified via Twitter

In this photo, Dirty South can be seen using Monark. Due to the surrounding interface, it can be assumed that Dirty South's Monark is running within Reaktor.

See how Mat Zo uses Native Instruments REAKTOR

Mat Zo

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this screenshot from a Mat Zo Instagram story, he can be seen using Native Instruments REAKTOR. He is using it to do an edit of a Nox Vahn track.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments REAKTOR, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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