Native Instruments Announces Kontakt 5 / Komplete 8

Native Instruments have announced Kontakt 5, the latest version of their flagship sampler software. The new version includes 37 new filter types, several new premium effects, "vintage sampling mode" emulating the venerable Akai MPC-60 and E-mu SP-1200, a new time-stretching algorithm, and more. The package updates for existing customers for $119, or $399 for new customers.

Also announced, was Komplete 8, the latest edition of their "all in one" package, which includes the new version of Kontakt, a new version of Guitar Rig, Absynth, Massive, Reaktor, and a number of preset and effects packs. Updates from $229, with the full version going for $559. Also available is Komplete 5 Ultimate, which adds several more sample libraries to Komplete and ships on its own hard drive. The Ultimate version updates at $559, with the full version weighing in at $1,099.