The virtual instrument platform reinvented

macOS* 14, 15 and 26 (latest update)

Windows 10 or 11 (latest Service Pack)

*As of Kontakt 8.8, macOS 13 is no longer supported. Future updates may prevent installation below macOS 14.

• Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU, or Apple Silicon, 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended)
• Graphics hardware support for Direct 3D 11.1 (Feature Level 11_0) or higher
• 2 GB free disk space, 52 GB for complete installation
• Supports ASIO, Core Audio, and WASAPI

An internet connection is required to download, install, and activate the products in this collection. Once installed, all products can be used offline. Certain products may require additional free downloads.

Supported interfaces

macOS (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST3, AU, AAX

Windows (64-bit only): Stand-alone, VST3, AAX

Simply choose the Update version of Kontakt 8 during checkout. It’s offered at a special price and includes all the features of the full version. Once purchased, Kontakt 8 will be available for installation as a new application in Native Access.

Kontakt 8 is installed as a separate application and doesn’t replace the older version in your DAW. Your projects will continue to load with the Kontakt version they were created with.

You can keep both versions installed and even use them side by side. For instance, you can use Kontakt 7 and Kontakt 8 in the same project without issues, as they won’t interfere with each other.

There are two methods:

1. Auto-Migration: Some DAWs support automatic plugin migration. If yours does, uninstall the older Kontakt version after installing Kontakt 8, and your projects will load with Kontakt 8 automatically. Please see more details here.
2. Manual Migration: If your DAW doesn’t support auto-migration, create a new instrument channel with Kontakt 8, then copy your MIDI, automation, and instrument settings to the new channel.

Note that automatic plugin migration depends on implementation by DAW developers. Currently, it’s supported by Cubase 12, Nuendo 12, Logic Pro 10.8, Pro Tools 12.3, and Maschine 2.16.0. We’re hopeful that more DAWs will adopt this feature in the future to simplify the migration process.

Before updating any Kontakt libraries, check the release notes on Native Access to ensure you have the required Kontakt version installed. Updating libraries without the compatible Kontakt version can cause issues with loading them in your projects.

New instruments released after Kontakt 8 may require it. Older libraries will remain compatible with earlier Kontakt versions unless they’re updated to require a newer version. Be sure to check the release notes on Native Access before updating! If a library does require Kontakt 8, you can either update or download the free Kontakt 8 Player.

Yes, Kontakt 8 features faster loading times, especially with large libraries and third-party plugins, and enhanced reliability during instrument loading.

Yes, Kontakt 8 includes high-DPI support for its browser, Factory Library, Leap, Tools, and Conflux. A new framework called Komplete UI enables instrument builders to create high-DPI interfaces, which many upcoming libraries will utilize. Current high-DPI libraries include Choir: Omnia, Alicia’s Electric Keys, and Scene: Saffron, with more to come.

You can use Zoom scaling in the View menu to adjust library sizes.

Yes, Kontakt 8 introduces several enhancements to its sampler engine. Alongside new additions like Leap, Tools, and Conflux, you’ll find powerful effects from Traktor, including Beat Masher, Beat Slicer, Gater, Reverse Grain, Transpose Stretch, and new amp and stomp effects like Super Fast 100, Chainsaw, Kolor, and Skreamer Deluxe.

Additionally, Kontakt now features 28 stereo outputs by default, making multi-out workflows easier straight out of the box. The Beat Machine also supports reverse sample playback, and we’ve increased the maximum number of external modulators to 64 per group for more flexibility and control.

With Kontakt 8, you can access your Maschine Expansion content without owning Maschine hardware. This lets you extract individual samples or loops to mix and match sounds, creating custom kits directly within Leap.

Note that Maschine Expansions come with additional content like MIDI patterns, projects, and presets for effects and instruments, as well as synth presets for Massive. To access this additional content, you’ll need the respective applications.

Leap Expansions, on the other hand, are specifically designed for Kontakt 8 and its new capabilities. They feature construction kits, loops, and samples curated for audio manipulation, making them ideal for leveraging Kontakt 8’s cutting-edge features.

Yes, Kontrol S-Series MK3 integrates seamlessly with Kontakt 8, providing hands-on control of parameters, tools like Chords and Phrases, and library navigation.

Absolutely. You can load Kontakt 8 into Maschine’s plugin slot just like any other VST plugin.

For any further questions, check out the Support page or our Online Community.