Native Instruments unveils PLAYBOX instrument for Kontakt
The newest instrument for NI’s flagship KONTAKT player uses randomisation and layering to create unique, creativity-boosting tones and textures.
Native Instruments has announced the release of PLAYBOX, marking the latest addition to its range of instruments for the free Kontakt 6 Player.
The result of a passion project from creators Antonio de Spirt, Mickaël Le Goff and Nadine Raihani, NI says PLAYBOX offers users “an instant solution to writer’s block.” Using a combination of chord generation and sample layering with randomisation, it allows you to produce one-of-a-kind sounds playable with one finger.
At the roll of a dice, the instrument will randomise and blend between 905 samples, 224 chord sets and 217 effects presets to help spark new musical ideas.
“Our goal as creators was to establish a sound library that didn’t just focus on one specific sound, but instead explored the full spectrum of sounds available to us, and embraced the happy accidents you come across when working with randomisation,” explains Nadine Raihani, who began building PLAYBOX in her free time as a tool to refresh her workflow and kickstart creativity.
“One of the goals of PLAYBOX is to pick people up at whatever level they’re at. Whether they’re a professional sound designer or a first-time producer, everyone has the ability to customise their sound, use their own samples and utilise their own chords.”
PLAYBOX comes with a range of editable preset sounds, allowing users to layer all manner of sounds, from synth sounds to acoustic instruments and noise, into chords and sound stacks. There’s also room to import up to 450 user samples, which can automatically be re-pitched to correspond to the notes of a chord.
Says Mickaël Le Goff, “A beginner can press one button, quickly randomise, and come across an interesting sound that can inspire their entire workflow. With the same instrument, more advanced users can really dig into PLAYBOX’s possibilities by adding their own samples and creating something brand new.”
Check out a walkthrough video of the instrument below.
PLAYBOX is available from March 23, 2022 at the Native Instruments online shop, with a 25% discount until April 24, or unlockable via NI’s KOMPLETE NOW monthly subscription.
£129 / $149 / €149
