Kontakt Library

What is a Kontakt Library?

A Kontakt Library is a collection of pre-recorded audio samples. These samples load inside Native Instruments Kontakt software. The library uses MIDI input to play acoustic, electronic, or orchestral sounds.

PluginDad sells licensed Kontakt Libraries with instant digital download. Libraries include lifetime updates and technical support. Customers receive download access immediately after purchase.

Kontakt does not generate sound. It plays and processes the sample files. This creates realistic instrument output for music production, film scoring, and sound design.

PluginDad Library Features

Direct Download System

Download from dedicated servers located worldwide. No waiting time required. No advertisements or torrent files.

Immediate Access

Libraries become available right after purchase. No delay period. Start working immediately.

Lifetime Updates

Free updates for macOS and Windows compatibility. Updates install through Native Access or manual download.

Licensed Products

All libraries come from official developers and publishers. Each product includes proper licensing documentation.

Warranty Coverage

Lifetime warranty included with each purchase. Technical support available for installation and troubleshooting.

Refund Policy

7-day full refund available. No conditions apply during this period.

Global Availability

Service operates worldwide. Payment processing supports international transactions.

Technical Support

Support team assists with installation, activation, and technical issues. Help available for all purchased products.

Kontakt Library Categories

Libraries are organized by instrument type. Each category contains products from multiple developers.

Bass Libraries

Contains electric bass, upright bass, and synth bass instruments. Common in funk, jazz, rock, and electronic production.

Genres: Funk, Jazz, Rock, EDM, Hip-Hop
Developers: Scarbee, Ample Sound, Orange Tree Samples

Brass Libraries

Includes trumpet, trombone, French horn, and tuba samples. Used in orchestral, jazz, and film production.

Genres: Film Scoring, Jazz, Orchestral, Cinematic
Developers: Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, Spitfire Audio, 8Dio

Drums and Percussion

Acoustic drum kits, electronic drums, orchestral percussion, and world percussion. Applied across multiple genres.

Genres: Rock, Pop, Cinematic, EDM, World Music
Developers: Spitfire Audio, Toontrack, Native Instruments, Soniccouture

Guitar Libraries

Acoustic guitar, electric guitar, nylon string, and steel string samples. Contains strumming, fingerpicking, and lead techniques.

Genres: Pop, Rock, Country, Acoustic
Developers: Native Instruments, Ample Sound, Orange Tree Samples, Prominy

Piano and Keys

Grand pianos, upright pianos, electric pianos, Rhodes, Wurlitzer, and clavinet. Sampled at multiple velocity layers.

Genres: Classical, Jazz, Pop, Film Scoring
Developers: Native Instruments, Spitfire Audio, 8Dio, Spectrasonics, Embertone

Synthesizer Libraries

Analog synthesizers, digital synths, modular systems, pads, and leads. Common in electronic and pop production.

Genres: EDM, Electronic, Ambient, Pop, Synthwave
Developers: Native Instruments, Output, UJAM, Arturia, Loopmasters

Strings and Violin

Violin, viola, cello, double bass, and string ensemble samples. Used extensively in film and orchestral work.

Genres: Film Scoring, Classical, Orchestral, Cinematic
Developers: Spitfire Audio, Orchestral Tools, Cinematic Studio, EastWest, Audio Imperia

Vocal Libraries

Choir samples, solo vocalists, vocal phrases, and ethnic vocals. Applied in film scores and pop production.

Genres: Film Scoring, Pop, Cinematic, World Music
Developers: Soundiron, 8Dio, Strezov Sampling, EastWest

Woodwinds and Flutes

Flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and woodwind ensembles. Required for orchestral and chamber music.

Genres: Film Scoring, Classical, Orchestral, Chamber Music
Developers: Cinesamples, Orchestral Tools, Spitfire Audio, 8Dio

How Kontakt Works

Native Instruments Kontakt is a software sampler. It handles sample playback, scripting, and disk streaming. Over 1,000 developers create libraries for this platform.

The software maps samples to MIDI notes. It responds to velocity and dynamics during playback. Without loaded libraries, Kontakt functions as an empty audio engine.

Film productions, game soundtracks, and commercial music use Kontakt Libraries. The platform operates as an industry standard tool.

Library Types

Factory Libraries

Native Instruments includes Factory Libraries with Kontakt. These contain approximately 55 instruments and 43GB of samples. They cover general music production needs.

Third-Party Libraries

Independent developers create specialized libraries. These focus on specific instruments or genres. Companies include Spitfire Audio, Orchestral Tools, 8Dio, Heavyocity, Output, and Cinesamples.

Third-party libraries range from 500MB specialty collections to 500GB+ orchestral sets. They include multiple microphone positions and extensive articulations.

Free and Commercial Libraries

Free Options

Developers like Pianobook, Spitfire Audio LABS, and Native Instruments offer free libraries. These range from 100MB to 5GB. They serve as starting points or supplementary tools.

Commercial Products

Commercial libraries provide extended sample collections. They include multiple velocity layers and microphone positions. Size and features vary by developer and product type.

PluginDad offers libraries at different price levels. Options include entry-level collections, professional section libraries, and complete orchestral bundles.

All commercial libraries include instant download, lifetime updates, and technical support.

Installation Methods

Libraries install through two main methods.

Native Access Installation

Native Access handles automated installation and activation. This method applies to compatible libraries. The software manages downloads and updates.

Manual Installation

Some libraries require manual installation. Follow these steps:

  1. Download files from PluginDad account
  2. Extract to designated library location
  3. Add path in Kontakt Files tab
  4. Complete activation process

Both Windows and macOS use similar installation procedures. Platform-specific guides come with each purchase.

Storage Requirements

Recommended Hardware

SSD (Solid State Drive) storage improves performance. Fast drives reduce loading times. They enable smooth playback with large sample sets.

Storage Planning

  • Small collections (under 200GB): Internal SSD
  • Medium collections (200GB-1TB): Dedicated SSD
  • Large collections (1TB+): Multiple SSDs

Professional setups often use 2-4TB of dedicated SSD storage.

File Locations

Windows: D:\Kontakt Libraries\ or C:\Users\Public\Documents\

macOS: /Users/Shared/ or external drive

Consistent organization simplifies maintenance and backups.

Technical Information

File Types

NKI Files: Define instrument behavior, sample mapping, and effects

NICNT Files: Register library in Kontakt interface

Sample Files: Contain raw audio data in WAV or AIF format

All three file types must remain linked for proper function.

Kontakt Versions

Libraries work with Kontakt 5, 6, 7, and 8. Product descriptions specify minimum version requirements. Core loading system remains consistent across versions.

Player vs Full Version

Kontakt Player: Free version with limited library compatibility

Full Kontakt: Paid version supporting all libraries

Many third-party libraries require Full Kontakt. Check compatibility before purchase.

Common Technical Issues

Library Not Visible

Check activation status in Native Access. Rescan library locations in Kontakt Preferences. Verify Kontakt version compatibility.

Demo Mode Active

Indicates incomplete activation. Full Kontakt removes restrictions for non-Player libraries.

No Audio Output

Verify MIDI routing in DAW. Check Kontakt output settings. Confirm sample files remain in original location.

Slow Loading

Upgrade to SSD storage. Adjust preload buffer in Options menu. Close background applications.

Technical support assists with these issues for all PluginDad purchases.

Disk Streaming Technology

Kontakt uses disk streaming to reduce RAM usage. Only small portions of each sample load into memory. The rest streams from disk during playback.

This allows large library use on systems with moderate RAM. A 50-100GB orchestral template may use only 8-16GB of RAM.

Developer Information

Different developers specialize in specific categories:

Orchestral: Spitfire Audio, Orchestral Tools, Cinesamples, Audio Imperia, 8Dio, Performance Samples

Cinematic: Heavyocity, Native Instruments, Output, Soundiron

Ethnic and World: Embertone, Soundiron, 8Dio, Best Service

Piano: Native Instruments, Spitfire Audio, 8Dio, Embertone, Spectrasonics

Guitar and Bass: Orange Tree Samples, Ample Sound, Native Instruments, Prominy

Synthesizers: Native Instruments, Output, UJAM, Arturia, Loopmasters

Purchase Information

PluginDad provides licensed Kontakt Libraries with the following:

Product Authentication

All libraries come from official sources with proper licensing.

Delivery Method

Downloads available immediately after purchase through worldwide servers.

Update Policy

Lifetime updates maintain compatibility with operating system changes.

Support Coverage

Warranty and technical support included with all purchases.

Return Terms

7-day refund period applies to all products.

Payment Security

Encrypted payment processing protects transaction data.

Geographic Service

Service available in all countries with 24/7 download access.

Getting Started

Browse libraries by category. Compare options from different developers. Download begins immediately after purchase.

Each purchase includes authentication, support, and lifetime updates.

Category Navigation

PluginDad – Licensed Kontakt Library Retailer
Instant Download • Lifetime Updates • Technical Support • Global Service