Q: What is a "Powered by KONTAKT" Instrument?
A: A KONTAKT Instrument can be best described as a collection of sounds running within the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER or the full version, KONTAKT 5. Both KONTAKT 5 PLAYER and KONTAKT 5 can be used as a stand-alone instrument or as a plug-in (VST/ AU/RTAS) in your favorite host sequencer / DAW.

Overview of all KONTAKT Instruments...

Q: What is the difference between KONTAKT 5 PLAYER and KONTAKT 5?
A: KONTAKT 5 and the new KONTAKT 5 PLAYER are now the same application, but KONTAKT 5 PLAYER has most instrument editing features disabled, (although you can still edit parameters via the Performance View). Demo limitations also apply for non-KONTAKT 5 PLAYER compatible content such as samples or 3rd party sample libraries in KONTAKT format. For details see the comparison chart.

Q: Can I load any 3rd party sample library into the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER?
A: No, you can't. Only 3rd party libraries which have been produced for KONTAKT 5 PLAYER may be loaded. Non-licensed libraries can be used for 15 minutes at a time in demo mode and without the ability to save your work.

Most compatible libraries can be found here....

Q: I use my sample libraries in the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER. What is the benefit of purchasing the full-version KONTAKT 5?
A: Besides the 43 GB (uncompressed) premium sound library (including Vienna Symphonic Library orchestra) well over 1,000 production ready instruments are at your fingertips. The library gives you a vast, ready-to-use musical toolset of highly-playable, responsive instruments in eight Instrument Collections: Choir, Band, Orchestral, World, Synth, Vintage, Urban Beats and the new RETRO MACHINES MKII. That gives you virtually limitless editing possibilities at the Instrument level. Furthermore, there are no demo limitations such as the 15 minutes time out.

Please take a look at the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER and KONTAKT 5 comparison chart for more information.

Q: What is the difference between KONTAKT PLAYER 3 and KONTAKT 4 PLAYER / KONTAKT 5 PLAYER? What's new?
A: In the past KONTAKT PLAYER and KONTAKT were different programs and plug-ins. Starting with KONTAKT 4 the Player functionality is integrated as a mode so that only one application is necessary. The immediate benefit is that engine improvements or features are automatically part of KONTAKT 5 PLAYER.

Note that all application and documentation references are to KONTAKT 5.

Q: Is the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER available for Mac and PC?
A: Yes, you can download both versions here.

Q: I already have KONTAKT 5 running on my computer, do I also need to install the new KONTAKT 5 PLAYER?
A: This is not necessary since this would not add any extra functionality. In fact, if KONTAKT 5 is installed, then the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER installer will not run.

Q: I have the KONTAKT Instrument installed and registered, but I can't figure out how to start the application.
A: To use the KONTAKT Instrument you need to have either KONTAKT 5 PLAYER or the full-featured KONTAKT 5 software installed. If neither of these are installed on your computer please visit the NI website and download the free KONTAKT 5 PLAYER, install and launch it and your KONTAKT Instrument will immediately appear in the browser of the software. Please note that certain libraries only run in the new version of the KONTAKT 5 PLAYER.

Q: Can I re-download a KONTAKT Instrument that I purchased online earlier?
A: To prevent the loss of a KONTAKT Instrument, please keep a backup copy of the downloaded installer files. In case you don't have access to a backup and need to re-download, please contact NI Order Support.

Q: Do I need to activate KONTAKT 5 PLAYER?
A: No, only library content needs to be activated. KONTAKT 5 PLAYER itself does not provide a serial number and therefore requires no activation. Every content library comes with its own serial number which needs to be activated with Service Center.

Q: How can I license KONTAKT 5 PLAYER as the playback engine for my sample library or instrument?
A: For more information on licensing, please get in touch with us here: Licensing Kontakt Player.