Native Instruments: The Complete Brand Guide

Native Instruments, the Berlin Giant of Music Creation

Founded in 1996 in the heart of Berlin, Native Instruments has established itself as one of the most influential players in the global music industry. This German company, with over 500 employees and offices in Berlin, London, Paris, Los Angeles and Tokyo, revolutionizes the way musicians, producers and DJs create their music. With over one and a half million monthly users, its footprint is everywhere: eight out of ten tracks in the Billboard Top 100 use sounds from their products. From the bedroom studio to the professional facility, through the biggest electronic music festivals, Native Instruments has become essential.

In this article, we will explore the history of this visionary brand, its major innovations, and present in detail all its product ranges. Whether you are a beatmaker, composer, DJ or simply passionate about computer-assisted music, you will discover why Native Instruments remains an absolute reference, and how to find their products at the best price on Green Musicians.

History - From the Berlin Basement to the Global Empire

The story of Native Instruments begins in 1996, when Stephan Schmitt and Volker Hinz founded the company in a small office in Berlin-Kreuzberg. At that time, computer-assisted music was still in its infancy, and the two German engineers shared a vision: democratize music creation by harnessing the power of personal computers. Their first product, Generator, was released in the very first year. This modular synthesis software laid the foundations for what would later become Reaktor, one of the most flexible sound creation environments ever designed.

The major turning point came in 2002 with the launch of Kontakt, a software sampler that redefined industry standards, and Traktor, DJ software that would accompany the explosion of the electronic scene. In 2004, Guitar Rig brought amplifier and effects modeling to guitarists worldwide.

The year 2009 marked a new chapter with the launch of Maschine, a hardware controller integrated with production software, merging the intuitive tactility of hardware with the power of software. In 2011, Komplete revolutionized the market by bundling all Native Instruments instruments and effects into a monumental package.

In 2022, the company was acquired by Francisco Partners and integrated into the Soundwide alliance alongside iZotope and Plugin Alliance, creating one of the largest audio ecosystems in the world. Today, Native Instruments continues to innovate with Kontakt 8 and Maschine 3.

Innovations - Technologies That Changed Music

Native Instruments has never been a company that follows trends: it creates them. Here are the major innovations that have forged its reputation.

Reaktor - The Modular Sound Laboratory

Direct heir to Generator, Reaktor is much more than a synthesizer: it is a visual programming environment where users build their own instruments and effects. Tens of thousands of community creations are available for free. Artists such as Richie Hawtin and Trent Reznor use it to sculpt sounds impossible to obtain otherwise.

Kontakt - The Global Standard in Sampling

Launched in 2002, Kontakt has become the reference format for orchestral sound libraries and virtual instruments. Its scripting power and sound quality have made it an essential tool for composers, producers and sound designers. Hundreds of third-party publishers develop exclusively for Kontakt, creating a colossal market.

Maschine - The Hardware-Software Workflow Revolution

With Maschine, Native Instruments achieved the perfect alliance between the tactile pleasure of legendary drum machines and the infinite power of software. The controller offers sensitive pads, precise encoders and a built-in screen, while the software packs sampling, sequencer, instruments and effects into a fluid workflow. Maschine created a new product category, now imitated by many competitors.

NKS - The Open Ecosystem That Connects Everything

The NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) standard is a major innovation in the fragmented world of audio plugins. This technology allows Native Instruments controllers to communicate natively with hundreds of third-party instruments and effects (Arturia, Waves, Spitfire Audio...). The user can browse, preview and control their plugins directly from the hardware, without ever touching the mouse.

Komplete - The Ultimate Bundle

Launched in 2011, Komplete is arguably the most comprehensive music production bundle in the world. It brings together over a hundred instruments and effects, tens of thousands of sounds covering all genres, from acoustic piano to granular synthesis through epic orchestrations.

Native Instruments Product Ranges

Native Instruments offers a complete ecosystem covering all modern music creation needs. Here is a detailed overview of each range.

Maschine - The 21st Century Groovebox

The Maschine range is the flagship product for beat-oriented production, available in several models depending on your profile. Maschine Mikro is the entry-level model, compact and accessible, perfect for mobile producers. Maschine MK3 represents the core range with its built-in high-resolution screens, multifunction encoders and integrated audio interface. Maschine Plus, the premium model, works in standalone mode without a computer: total creative freedom for both live and studio.

On the software side, the NI Maschine 3 Bundle brings the latest version with a considerable sound library and professional-quality expansions.

Discover all Maschine deals on Green Musicians.

Komplete Kontrol - The Intelligent Master Keyboards

The Komplete Kontrol range offers MIDI keyboards that go far beyond simple control. Equipped with the NKS standard, they provide seamless integration with all your virtual instruments: built-in screens display parameters in real time, touch-sensitive encoders automatically adapt to each plugin, and the Light Guides (illuminated guides above the keys) visually indicate articulations and playing zones - a Native Instruments exclusive.

The range comes in several formats (25, 49, 61 and 88 keys) and in two qualities: A-Series models, accessible and essential, and S-Series models, premium with semi-weighted or weighted keys and high-resolution screens.

Explore the Komplete Kontrol keyboards on Green Musicians.

Traktor - The Digital DJing Reference

Traktor is one of the most respected DJing solutions, used by both beginners and artists like Carl Cox and Richie Hawtin. The Traktor Pro 4 software offers four decks, advanced effects, harmonic mixing and DVS (Digital Vinyl System) compatibility. Its precision and stability make it an unparalleled stage tool. On the hardware side, Traktor controllers (S2, S4, S3, X1, Z1 series) cover all needs, from compact control to full four-channel mixing stations.

Find NI Traktor Pro 4 and Traktor hardware on Green Musicians.

Komplete - The Complete Studio in One Bundle

Komplete is Native Instruments' flagship software bundle, bringing together dozens of virtual instruments, effects and sound banks in a cohesive package. It comes in several editions: Komplete Select for an excellent entry point, Komplete Standard to significantly expand the sound palette, Komplete Ultimate with over 100 instruments and effects, and Komplete Collector's Edition, the ultimate edition including the entire catalog on hard drive. All editions include Kontakt, Massive X and Guitar Rig.

Kontakt - The Universal Sampling Engine

Kontakt 8 is the absolute standard in software sampling. Much more than a simple player, it is a complete sound creation platform allowing you to load, edit and play virtual instruments of breathtaking realism. From symphonic orchestras to experimental synthesizers, the Kontakt ecosystem features thousands of libraries developed by hundreds of third-party publishers. The included library already covers a wide range: pianos, drums, brass, strings, choirs and electronic instruments.

Get NI Kontakt 8 on Green Musicians and access the world's largest virtual instrument ecosystem.

Guitar Rig 7 Pro and Massive X - Effects and Synthesis

Guitar Rig 7 Pro is the reference in amplifier and effects modeling for guitar and bass. Its ICM (Intelligent Circuit Modeling) technology accurately reproduces the behavior of tube amps, vintage pedals and legendary effects racks. Beyond guitar, its creative processing makes it a formidable sound design tool for electronic producers.

Discover NI Guitar Rig 7 Pro on Green Musicians.

Massive X, successor to the legendary Massive that defined the sound of bass music in the 2010s, pushes the boundaries of synthesis with a dual wavetable engine, semi-modular routing and dozens of new filters and effects. For devastating basses, piercing leads or evolving pads, Massive X is the essential tool.

Get NI Massive X on Green Musicians.

Why Choose Green Musicians for Your Native Instruments Products

Green Musicians has established itself as the reference marketplace for demanding musicians and producers. Here is why our platform is the best place to acquire your Native Instruments products:

• Competitive prices all year round on all Native Instruments ranges, whether new, refurbished or digital licenses.
• A community of enthusiasts: you buy from musician sellers who know and use the products they sell, guaranteeing well-maintained equipment and personalized support.
• In-person handover, our preferred delivery method: meet the seller, test the equipment, ask your questions. Nothing replaces the exchange between musicians.
• A complete catalog: Kontakt 8 and Massive X licenses, Maschine controllers, Komplete Kontrol keyboards, Traktor hardware: all ranges are represented.
• 100% secure payment and buyer protection on all transactions.

Whether you are a beginner producer looking for your first Maschine 3, an experienced DJ wanting to upgrade your Traktor setup, or a composer seeking Kontakt 8, Green Musicians is the platform you need.

And there you have it! We hope this article has answered all your questions. All that's left is to browse Green Musicians to find your Native Instruments products at the best price on the Internet.

We offer a complete catalog of software, plugins, virtual instruments, samples and computer music hardware featuring publishers from around the world such as Native Instruments, Arturia, Ableton, Steinberg, Universal Audio, Waves, iZotope and many others. Whether you are an amateur or professional musician, our marketplace is designed to give you the best of music creation.

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