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Reaktor Vs. Phase Plant

Discussion in 'REAKTOR' started by TBGruel, Jan 23, 2021.

  1. TBGruel

    TBGruel New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Hi, all. New here.

    I'm curious to hear about the differences between NI's Reaktor and Kiloheart's Phase Plant synths. Does anyone have any knowledge or experience with both of these programs? I'm considering getting Komplete 13 which includes Reaktor and I'm wondering if Reaktor would be redundant if I already have Phase Plant. Besides a different GUI, are these two programs significantly different in purpose or functionality? Thoughts?
     
  2. EvilDragon

    EvilDragon Well-Known Member

    Messages:
    19,938
    Reaktor is a complete DSP playground where you can build things literally from scratch. Phase Plant is a sort of a semi-modular synth where you can mix and match already coded modules. You cannot create your own modules in it.
     
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  3. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
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  4. TBGruel

    TBGruel New Member

    Messages:
    6
    Thanks for the clarification. So, just to be clear, Reaktor is still modeled after a modular synth in its workflow, so you can sequence modules freely and generate synth inputs of various kinds, right? Does that make it a more customizable variation of Phase Plant?
     
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  5. Moujik

    Moujik NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    1,761
    It really depends how you use it.

    At it's most fundamental level it's more like a programming language. There are then various layers on top of that, some of which are more like a modular synth paradigm.

    Going back to your original question, assuming you were interested in a least a couple of the other instruments in Komplete it's still probably worth getting even if you never open Reaktor.
     
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  6. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    No it's an SDK to program in a graphic language called Reaktor.
     
    Last edited: Jan 27, 2021
  7. Moonbot7000

    Moonbot7000 NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    52
    Think in layers. The ground layer is a programming language, "Core" and "Primary". If you wanted, you could code videogames (albeit, limited ones due to the fact Reaktor is not optimized for advanced visuals)..or almost anything you want.

    The next layer is its expansive library of Macros/"modules" that are like chunks of code so you don't have to start from scratch and have pro-level components right out of the gate. Oscillators, filters, modulators, sequencers, data transmitters, you cold spend a lifetime exploring the modules and never need to get to the nuts and bolts code if that was your desire. (Im going to include the user library here, cuz really, who cares, the UL has creations from some of the most creative and talented people in the world IMO. Literally any digital instrument you ever wanted to play could be found in some shape or form in the UL)

    On top of all this is what you are interested in: "Reaktor Blocks", a modular synthesis platform, modeled off of eurorack-like modules. There are dozens of included blocks that could keep you busy for a lifetime (some are deceptively powerful, the more you learn about modular synthesis the more you realize what you can accomplish with a simple tool such as the CV processor)..then there is what the community has made in the UL. thousands and thousands of brilliant modules all compatible and ready to use.

    The beauty of Reaktor IMO is that you can go as deep or not as you like. It can be simple, but powerful, can be easy and fun to play and patch, and it never gets old because of the UL (did I mention the UL is free? literally a lifetime of free instruments, effects, and modules). Hope this helps.
     
  8. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    No layers here.
    What you call layers is the structure. There are areas ensemble >> instruments contains macros contains building blocks (core and primary).
    What users only is the gui.

    But you can set an instrument in a macro also.

    Blocks are new since R6. Blocks are instruments.
    In later times users combine instruments as today Blocks also modular.
     
  9. Moonbot7000

    Moonbot7000 NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    52
    I was just trying to explain to someone that doesn't know the platform. I prolly did a piss poor job, but I tried ‍♀️
     
  10. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
  11. ehdyn

    ehdyn NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    547
  12. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    You mean the Blocks Util Clock? It's the standard with some manipulations for me.
    Please build one with triplets, do you?
     
  13. ehdyn

    ehdyn NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    547
    Hope you don't take what I mentioned as a criticism.. I really love the instrument and got lost playing with it for many hours.
    It was more just thinking out loud.. how come I never see triplets anymore with blocks.. I'll try to look into it.. maybe we need to convert to ticks and then back for some more flexibility.. tried to play with it a bit but seems the resolution is not there.. I'm not sure?

    Triplets or no, it's a wonderful instrument and I appreciate the thought and work that went into it.. really you should be proud of this one!
     
  14. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    ehdyn
    If I like the sound there is no need for changing. With shuffle and move is vivid enough in the gruuv.
    iOS is no Blocks but can use triplets in the delay section. Do you recognise it?
    upload_2021-1-30_6-31-7.png
    Click on anim and the fader changes to a pull down menue.
    Inside are dotted, triplets and some groove settings.

    Hm, to be proud is against my creativity. I build for myself not for the UL or for money and there is less knowing here of musical theory.
    So no triplets on Util Clock.
     
  15. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    upload_2021-1-30_16-30-29.png
    If it's helpful you can tripple the Moove Line.
     
  16. ehdyn

    ehdyn NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    547
    Interesting approach.. I'll try that - really nice to have this groove with the shuffle
     
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  17. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    For a pure triplet double click shuffle to zero and use moove only.:p
    What weirds come out with negative or a mix with shuffle:eek: - Who knows?:rolleyes:
    If a groove is good:cool: save a snapshot for further uses.:)
     
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  18. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    After some tests with Util Clock advantage in 'paTarong here are attached 2 mp3 files and the new Block:
    17muvtrip12.png
    One mp3 like the above pic shows and one with shuffle zero = pure triplets.
    Okay you got more triplets if you rise up the %
    Please report if this is enough. Thank you.
     

    Attached Files:

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  19. ehdyn

    ehdyn NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    547
    Wow, thanks for the tips and changes.. nice jams.. sounding good!
    I also found some neat clock stuff from Catman Dude and Mitch Burton I'm exploring.. really cool stuff.

    BTW, I just saw this in the AM and thought you might like these.. some "ancient European" sounds.. small download and especially the Lyre samples are pretty cool, especially in relation to each other.

    https://github.com/Supermagnum/anci...T5V5CQTzicvxH5rj-36gV24XCb6l5LMGnO6VwyK9DeVo4
     
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  20. Paule

    Paule NI Product Owner

    Messages:
    7,555
    Last edited: Jan 31, 2021