REAKTOR 5.8 offers a range of new features and improvements for OSC support – essential for all users looking to integrate control surfaces into their performance and design setups. For a close look at this update, check out these Knowledge Base articles:

How to set up TouchOSC with REAKTOR (Mac)
How to set up TouchOSC with REAKTOR (PC)
How to set up Lemur with REAKTOR (Mac)
How to set up Lemur with REAKTOR (PC)
How to map MIDI and OSC controllers in REAKTOR

With this update, Reaktor introduces numerous workflow improvements targeted both at those building ensembles and those who are just using them. Take the new Play Mode, for example: Instead of giving you all the options to change the structure like in the classic workspace (now called Edit mode), the interface was streamlined to maximize the Ensemble Panel space. See below for a list of all changes:

Alongside full 64 Bit support for Windows and Mac OSX, the latest REAKTOR 5.6 update will appeal particularly to the advanced user community, with several new features for those building their own or modifying existing instruments.

• Improved navigation concept
• Added searchbox to add modules
• Added breadcrumb navigation to structure view
• New 800-page module reference manual
• Scrolling of structures with Alt+Drag over structure
• Added hide frame and transparency property to XY module
• Added drag copy to other structure view
• Recorder shows recorded time when recording
• Add abort function to file not found dialog on project recall
• Improved loading time for ensembles with many Send/Receive terminals
• PNG file support for picture modules

A complete overhaul of REAKTOR's interface delivers a new level in usability and improved workflow. The changes make REAKTOR 5.5's iconic creative potential easier to tap than ever before. The main improvements include:

• All windows of previous versions have been merged into a single window application
• Flexible window layout for customized workflow
• Larger fonts, more contrast in colors for better accessibility
• New bookmark system provides for fast access to important points in Structure
• Visual indication of keyboard focus
• Rearranged Properties and Sample Map Editor for increased consistency and usability
• Snapshot List streamlined with improved bank selection and editing
• Reworked Sample Player/Recorder, fully integrated with File Browser
• Master fader for input and output volume
• Central snapshot control in Main Bar
• Refreshed look of Panel elements (knobs, faders etc)
• Simplified Instrument header

Additive Synthesis
The additive synthesis technology in REAKTOR 5.5 allows instrument builders to create sound in a new way. This elaborate module allows instrument designers to realize additive synthesis beyond the CPU limitations of previous REAKTOR versions, as it has been radically optimized to handle large number of partials in a more efficient way. For ensemble users, instruments can now be created that allow accesses to sound parameters that were not possible before. The included Lazerbass instrument is a ready-made example of this technology in action.

Modal Synthesis
The Modal Module is a synthesis method made up of an exciter signal and a resonator, and is great for synthesizing percussive sounds ranging from mallets to vibraphones, as well as sustained sounds like woodwinds. The physical modeling algorithms used in modal synthesis simulate the behavior of real instruments, allowing for highly expressive and playable results. The first synth to utilize this technology is REAKTOR PRISM*, created by Native Instruments founder and father of REAKTOR, Stephan Schmitt.

Lazerbass
The newest addition to the REAKTOR library is a monophonic synthesizer delivering a pure and direct sound without additional effects. The new additive synthesis module means Lazerbass can create a large number of timbres, themselves made up of multiple harmonic or non harmonic partials. The result is a sound of immense quality, equally at home creating spacey sci-fi sounds as full and punchy sub basses ideal for dubstep and other leading-edge electronic productions that need that signature “wobble.”

Now includes Electronic Instruments 1 & 2
REAKTOR 5.5 also includes these two collections of classic REAKTOR instruments. Taking full advantage of REAKTOR's complete freedom to innovate, experiment and express, these 17 synthesizers, drum machines and effects are quite unlike any others.

The improvements made to the Structure editor and audio engine mean greater flexibility and more powerful control over REAKTOR. This update brings the following enhancements:

• Macro and Instrument port order now editable
• Improved Send/Receive system
• Import Ensemble as Instrument and vice versa
• Improved sample rate conversion for standalone output
• Clipping removed for plug-in output
• Higher count of ports for the soundcard
• Full Structure editing on the Ensemble level

REAKTOR 5.5 also brings reworked documentation, with the Application Reference manual (400 pages) completely rewritten to better reflect the latest improvements, updates and enhancements within this version. All materials now refer to the new user interface while the reworked Getting Started makes it even easier to join the world of REAKTOR.