Reaktor
Encyclopedia
Reaktor is a graphical modular software music studio
of proprietary license developed by Native Instruments
. It lets musicians and sound specialists design and build their own instruments, samplers
, effects and sound design tools. It is supplied with many ready-to-use instruments and effects, from emulations of classic synthesizer
s to futuristic sound design tools. In addition, more than 3000 free instruments can be downloaded from the growing User Library. One of Reaktor's unique selling points is that all of its instruments can be freely examined, customized or taken apart; Reaktor is a tool that effectively encourages reverse engineering
. Reaktor Session is a discontinued, limited version of the software that allowed musicians to play Reaktor files but not edit or reverse-engineer them.
are among most notable features. Plug-in support for VST
, VSTi, DirectConnect
, MOTU
, and DirectX
formats is integrated by 2000 (software version 2.3).
With version 3.0 (released in 2001), Native Instruments introduced a redesigned audio engine and new graphic design. Further expansion of synthesis and sampling modules, addition of new control-based modules (XY control) and data management (event tables) greatly expands the abilities of the program. The closest to modern incarnation of the software is version 3.5, which improved greatly in VST performance and sample handling. Reaktor 3.5 is the first release that features full cross-platform
compatibility.
Reaktor 4 was a major enhancement in terms of stability, instrument library, GUI, and VSTi ease-of-use in external sequencers. It shipped almost six months behind schedule.
Reaktor 5.1, released on 22 December 2005, and presented as a Christmas present, features new Core Cell modules, and, surprisingly for a free update, a whole new series of FX and ensembles. Also a number of bug fixes were implemented.
The release of Reaktor 5.5 was announced for 1st September 2010. It features a revised interface as well as other changes.
From the end-user standpoint, Reaktor is a sound creation/manipulation tool with a modular interface. Its patches consist of modules, connected by lines to provide a visual interpretation of signal flow. The building blocks used give Reaktor users freedom of choice to help shape their sound design. The modules are categorized into particular hierarchy to aid clarity in patching.
The patcher window allows one to navigate the inner structure of user's models. Many factory-shipped objects within Reaktor can be accessed and edited, and new objects can be generated on the fly. Each of the Reaktor modules is defined by its inner workings, and expansion thereof to the users' specification comes with relative ease.
The objects that are available within Reaktor range from simple math operators to large sound modules. Implementation of Core Technology with version 5 enables user to view and edit the structure of any "Core Module" building block. Although such editing can be an exceptionally powerful tool, successful manipulation of Core Cells with predictable results requires in-depth knowledge of algorithmic implementation of signal generation and processing. Native Instruments promote this functionality with online side-by-side comparison of Core implementation of simple DSP
algorithm against C++
pseudocode
. http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core1 http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core2
Reaktor enables a user to implement variables (static or dynamic) which are used as defining properties of the patch. Users have an ability to generate a GUI
of their own to provide dynamic control to their systems. Starting with version 5, Reaktor supports user-generated graphical content, enabling many users to generate original look and feel of their instruments.
A finished Reaktor ensemble may be loaded into a host sequencer (such as Steinberg
Cubase or Ableton
Live
), and used as a stand-alone software plug-in for audio generation or processing (a multi-format proprietary loader is included with the software). Each of parameters in the ensemble is capable of MIDI automation in the host sequencer.
Furthermore, home-brew Reaktor ensembles can be shared by its users. Such exchange is encouraged by Native Instruments, characterized by the company's dedication for providing web-based tools and webspace for individual and third-party Reaktor extensions (this includes user Ensembles and presets for Reaktor Instruments and Effects).
Modular software music studio
A modular software music studio consists of a plugin architecture that allows the audio to be routed from one plugin to another in many ways, similar to how cables carry an audio signal between physical pieces of hardware....
of proprietary license developed by Native Instruments
Native Instruments
Native Instruments is a technology company that develops software and hardware for music production and DJing. The company has originally been identified mostly with software instruments, but has also expanded to various other music equipment segments in recent years.Current products of Native...
. It lets musicians and sound specialists design and build their own instruments, samplers
Sampler (musical instrument)
A sampler is an electronic musical instrument similar in some respects to a synthesizer but, instead of generating sounds, it uses recordings of sounds that are loaded or recorded into it by the user and then played back by means of a keyboard, sequencer or other triggering device to perform or...
, effects and sound design tools. It is supplied with many ready-to-use instruments and effects, from emulations of classic synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
s to futuristic sound design tools. In addition, more than 3000 free instruments can be downloaded from the growing User Library. One of Reaktor's unique selling points is that all of its instruments can be freely examined, customized or taken apart; Reaktor is a tool that effectively encourages reverse engineering
Reverse engineering
Reverse engineering is the process of discovering the technological principles of a device, object, or system through analysis of its structure, function, and operation...
. Reaktor Session is a discontinued, limited version of the software that allowed musicians to play Reaktor files but not edit or reverse-engineer them.
Early development
In 1996, Native Instruments released Generator version 0.96 - a modular synthesizer for PC, requiring a proprietary audio card for low-latency operation. By 1998, Native Instruments had redesigned the program to include new hierarchy, and integrated third-party drivers for use with any standard Windows sound card. By 1999, Reaktor 2.0 (a.k.a. Generator/Transformator) is released for Windows and Macintosh. Integrated real-time display of filters and envelopes and granular synthesisGranular synthesis
Granular synthesis is a basic sound synthesis method that operates on the microsound time scale.It is based on the same principle as sampling. However, the samples are not played back conventionally, but are instead split into small pieces of around 1 to 50ms. These small pieces are called grains...
are among most notable features. Plug-in support for VST
Virtual Studio Technology
Steinberg's Virtual Studio Technology is an interface for integrating software audio synthesizer and effect plugins with audio editors and hard-disk recording systems. VST and similar technologies use digital signal processing to simulate traditional recording studio hardware with software...
, VSTi, DirectConnect
Direct Connect (file sharing)
Direct connect is a peer-to-peer file sharing protocol. Direct connect clients connect to a central hub and can download files directly from one another. Advanced Direct Connect can be considered a successor protocol....
, MOTU
Digital Performer
Digital Performer is a full-featured Digital Audio Workstation/Sequencer software package published by Mark of the Unicorn of Cambridge, Massachusetts for the Apple Macintosh platform.-Ancestry:...
, and DirectX
DirectX
Microsoft DirectX is a collection of application programming interfaces for handling tasks related to multimedia, especially game programming and video, on Microsoft platforms. Originally, the names of these APIs all began with Direct, such as Direct3D, DirectDraw, DirectMusic, DirectPlay,...
formats is integrated by 2000 (software version 2.3).
With version 3.0 (released in 2001), Native Instruments introduced a redesigned audio engine and new graphic design. Further expansion of synthesis and sampling modules, addition of new control-based modules (XY control) and data management (event tables) greatly expands the abilities of the program. The closest to modern incarnation of the software is version 3.5, which improved greatly in VST performance and sample handling. Reaktor 3.5 is the first release that features full cross-platform
Cross-platform
In computing, cross-platform, or multi-platform, is an attribute conferred to computer software or computing methods and concepts that are implemented and inter-operate on multiple computer platforms...
compatibility.
Reaktor 4 was a major enhancement in terms of stability, instrument library, GUI, and VSTi ease-of-use in external sequencers. It shipped almost six months behind schedule.
Version 5
In 2003 Native Instruments hired Vadim Zavalishin, developer of the Sync Modular software package. Zavalishin ceased the development of his software, yet integrated a deeper DSP-level operation within Reaktor, known as Reaktor Core Technology. His contributions, along with those of Reaktor Core developer Martijn Zwartjes, were released within Reaktor 5 in April 2005. Core Technology initially confused a lot of instrument designers because of its complexity, but is now steadily making its way into new instruments and ensembles.Reaktor 5.1, released on 22 December 2005, and presented as a Christmas present, features new Core Cell modules, and, surprisingly for a free update, a whole new series of FX and ensembles. Also a number of bug fixes were implemented.
The release of Reaktor 5.5 was announced for 1st September 2010. It features a revised interface as well as other changes.
Functionality
The patcher window allows one to navigate the inner structure of user's models. Many factory-shipped objects within Reaktor can be accessed and edited, and new objects can be generated on the fly. Each of the Reaktor modules is defined by its inner workings, and expansion thereof to the users' specification comes with relative ease.
The objects that are available within Reaktor range from simple math operators to large sound modules. Implementation of Core Technology with version 5 enables user to view and edit the structure of any "Core Module" building block. Although such editing can be an exceptionally powerful tool, successful manipulation of Core Cells with predictable results requires in-depth knowledge of algorithmic implementation of signal generation and processing. Native Instruments promote this functionality with online side-by-side comparison of Core implementation of simple DSP
Digital signal processing
Digital signal processing is concerned with the representation of discrete time signals by a sequence of numbers or symbols and the processing of these signals. Digital signal processing and analog signal processing are subfields of signal processing...
algorithm against C++
C++
C++ is a statically typed, free-form, multi-paradigm, compiled, general-purpose programming language. It is regarded as an intermediate-level language, as it comprises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. It was developed by Bjarne Stroustrup starting in 1979 at Bell...
pseudocode
Pseudocode
In computer science and numerical computation, pseudocode is a compact and informal high-level description of the operating principle of a computer program or other algorithm. It uses the structural conventions of a programming language, but is intended for human reading rather than machine reading...
. http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core1 http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core2
Reaktor enables a user to implement variables (static or dynamic) which are used as defining properties of the patch. Users have an ability to generate a GUI
Gui
Gui or guee is a generic term to refer to grilled dishes in Korean cuisine. These most commonly have meat or fish as their primary ingredient, but may in some cases also comprise grilled vegetables or other vegetarian ingredients. The term derives from the verb, "gupda" in Korean, which literally...
of their own to provide dynamic control to their systems. Starting with version 5, Reaktor supports user-generated graphical content, enabling many users to generate original look and feel of their instruments.
A finished Reaktor ensemble may be loaded into a host sequencer (such as Steinberg
Steinberg
Steinberg GmbH is a German musical software and equipment company based in Hamburg. It mainly produces music recording, arranging and editing software as used in digital audio workstations and VSTi software synthesizers.- History :...
Cubase or Ableton
Ableton
Ableton AG is a Berlin-based music software company that produces and distributes the production and performance suite Ableton Live and a collection of related instruments and sample libraries.- History :...
Live
Ableton Live
Ableton Live is a loop-based software music sequencer and DAW for Mac OS and Windows by Ableton. The latest major release of Live, Version 8, was released in April 2009. In contrast to many other software sequencers, Live is designed to be an instrument for live performances as well as a tool for...
), and used as a stand-alone software plug-in for audio generation or processing (a multi-format proprietary loader is included with the software). Each of parameters in the ensemble is capable of MIDI automation in the host sequencer.
Reaktor Ensembles
The Reaktor Library is one of the prominent features of the software, featuring a large variety of sound generators and effects that can be used as stand-alone instruments, or as an educational resource for backwards engineering. Reaktor 4 featured a library of 31 Reaktor ensembles. The fifth generation of software came with 32 new modules (though some were upgrades of Reaktor 4 Library tools). The libraries provide a mixture of conventional implementation of software sythesizers, samplers, and effects, along with a few ensembles of experimental nature, with emphasis on parametric algorithmic composition and extensive sound processing. Due to complete backwards-compatibility between later versions of the software, Reaktor 5 users have access to all 63 proprietary ensembles in Reaktor Library.Furthermore, home-brew Reaktor ensembles can be shared by its users. Such exchange is encouraged by Native Instruments, characterized by the company's dedication for providing web-based tools and webspace for individual and third-party Reaktor extensions (this includes user Ensembles and presets for Reaktor Instruments and Effects).
Synthesizers
- Carbon
- Junatik
- Green Matrix
- Kaleidon
- Nanowave
- Uranus
- P-Bass
- Sum Synth
- Steampipe
Sequencers
- Blue Matrix
- DSQ-32 Drummachine
- Vierring
- WaveWeaver
Effects
- Space Master Stereo
- Space Master Quadro
- Space Master 5.1 Surround
- Banaan Electric
- Analogic Filter Box
- Echomania
- Spring Tank
- Classic Vocoder
- Fusion Reflections
- Grainstates FX
- Two Knees Compressor
- Flatblaster
Synthesizers
- Carbon 2
- Oki Computer 2
- Steampipe 2
- Subharmonic
- 2-Osc
- FM4
- Equinoxe Deluxe
- Gaugear
Grooveboxes
- Aerobic
- Massive
- Newscool
- Sinebeats 2
Samplers
- L3
- Random Step Shifter
- Splitter
- Vectory
- Ands, Glex
- Beatslicer 2
- Memory Drum 2
- Spiral
External links
- Reaktor 5 homepage
- Reaktor Tips, the Reaktor tutorial project tutorials and downloads
- Kore, Komplete, Reaktor at CDM tutorials, screencasts and downloads of Reaktor ensembles and other Native Instruments related material
- Wikibooks Reaktor pages
- Reaktor Resources - links to anyone and anything Reaktor related
- Swiftkick - downloadable Reaktor 3 Wizoo book - out of date but still useful for new builders
- Reaktor Diary no longer updated but has some great info
- matsc:s Reaktor tutorial some tutorials here
- Reaktor For You Community archived resources, no longer actively maintained
The source of this article is wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. The text of this article is licensed under the GFDL.