An Ensemble (.ens) is highest object in the REAKTOR structural hierarchy - essentially it’s the complete instrument or effect you see when you open it from the Factory or User Library, which amounts to over 70 individual Ensembles. The entire contents of the current REAKTOR workspace (instruments, control settings, audio input/output connections, snapshots, etc.) are stored within Ensembles (in an *.ens file), and are restored when any given ensemble is reloaded.
MODIFY AND CONSTRUCT
Since everything in REAKTOR is modular, each instrument can easily be modified and edited as you wish. Add new filters, a delay or distortion, an envelope to modulate the filter cutoff, or invent a new kind of step sequencer. Combine an existing drum machine with a lead synthesizer or your own creations, and modify instruments to fit your individual needs. Change the size and position of knobs, faders and displays, even include graphics to give your instrument creation a distinctive look. And with the 5.6 update, a additional 900 page module reference manual is on hand.
Besides the ability to combine existing instruments such as a synth with an effect, you can go deeper still and add new components to an instrument. E.g. add a step sequencer from the extensive macro library to rhythmically modulate the filter cutoff of a synth. Replace an oscillator with a sample player, add a second filter, double the oscillators for a fatter sound – the only limits are your imagination!
REAKTOR makes it possible to create completely new instruments from elementary modules or from the comprehensive macro library with pre-made building blocks. Do you like specific parts of an instrument from the Factory or User Library? Just copy and paste, to use it in your own instrument (and don't forget to thank its creator). Or indeed create your own modules from scratch on the Core Level.
Here are the different hierarchy levels in the structure view of REAKTOR, from simple to complex:
Instruments are the next level up, consisting mainly of macros but also modules as well. Instruments have their own MIDI parameters, program memory, and a separate panel window for the controllers. On the highest level of the REAKTOR hierarchy - which is called an ensemble - several instruments can be combined together in a "multi-timbral"-like environment, giving you the power to create entire songs with Reaktor alone.
Macros are used as "shortcuts" to quickly recall a set of modules or structures and give your designs a more clear and organized layout. You can even have macros within macros. They also make it easy to reuse building blocks. This gives first-time users the power to easily design their own creations in no time by using a comprehensive set of ready-made macros.
Reaktor provides more than 200 basic modules which are the source material for creating any sound generator or effect-processor you can think of: Numerous "analog" and sampling oscillators, various filters and envelopes, shapers, delays, sequencers and much more. The user can interconnect all the modules freely in the structure window. The newly implemented REAKTOR Core Technology® also allows the construction of unique, individual modules, and you can get additional support via the 900 page module reference manual available with version 5.6.
Introduced with REAKTOR 5.0, REAKTOR Core Technology® is the deepest level of REAKTOR - a playground for true signal processing experts. While offering vast potential as a visual low-level programming environment for professional instrument design and education, REAKTOR Core Technology® also gives musicians and producers access to a vast selection of advanced and highly inventive, ready-made sound generators, sequencers and effects.
Read more on Core Technology…
