[NKS] Freelance Soundlabs 3rd Party NKS Libraries for Komplete Kontrol / Maschine

JesterMgee · January 2022

NKS Compatible Libraries Available Here:

Freelance Soundlabs has been developing and supporting NKS libraries to add support for 3rd party instruments for 10 years since Komplete Kontrol V1 and through your feedback have been able to constantly improve library mappings to offer what users are asking for. All feedback is taken on-board so please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions.

Over the years I have been able to develop my own specific tools and methods to add professional NKS support to almost any plugin and often work direct with developers to create libraries to ensure things work as expected and you don't have to waste time.

Thanks to your support we have managed to cover an ever growing number of instruments and will continue to add NKS support as long as the need is there.

Introduction

Komplete Kontrol \ Maschine hardware and software offers users a convenient way to browse, load and control individual presets from Native Instruments range of instruments and a few partner developer instruments. While NKS support is not wide spread, Freelance Soundlabs has been adding NKS support to a wide range of instruments and effects for over 10 years and now offers more than 200 instruments/effects and countless expansion content all fully NKS compatible with a consistent quality and format across all libraries.

Each library has a well designed, fully labelled control template, in-depth tagging (conforming to NKS standards so as not to make a mess of your library), artwork/database files and sound previews along with constant updates and support.

Almost all libraries will work for both PC and Mac users with most libraries supporting VST3 with the following requirements:

Compatibility

Komplete Kontrol Software v2.9 or Later
Maschine Software 2.17 or Later
Komplete Kontrol S Series MK1/MK2/MK3 compatible
Komplete Kontrol A Series
Komplete Kontrol M Series
Maschine Studio, Micro, MK2, MK3 compatible
Supports VST2 / VST3 (check each plugin page to see what version is supported)
Works on PC / MAC
Supports 64 bit installations only
You must own the actual VST, these are only NKS preset files.

Notice On Apple Silicon Support

As of Komplete Kontrol 2.8.0 we now have native Apple Silicon support but this isn't without some things to be aware of.

VST2 is now discontinued by Steinberg and while Windows and Mac Intel users can still use VST2 in the latest Komplete Kontrol, macM1 users will no longer be able to use VST2 and will now be required to use VST3 plugins if they wish to run their DAW/KK in native mode.

A lot of extra work has been done to update all libraries to support VST3 and while this has now mostly been achieved there is still some work to do. Also, while every effort will be made to update NKS libraries not all can/will be updated so if browsing your NKS libraries from Freelance Soundlabs on your new M1 machine is important you must run things in Rosetta compatibility mode and it would be an idea to note down what plugins and presets you use in projects.

You can help the process and show your support by Donating if you would like to help.

Demo & Example Videos

https://youtu.be/OKl_8-0iYvA

A bit of a demo from a fellow user on why the NKS libraries are so useful:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BOh5m6zSNs

Komplete Kontrol MK3 Artwork Updates

For users who own the MK3 keyboard there is an additional artwork file needed for the keyboard display. These images are being created at the moment and library files are being updated. You can download the required artwork files and add them manually when available from HERE

To add the new artwork simply copy the "NKS2_hardware_banner.webp" file for the instrument you want to update to the following location:

Windows: C:\Users\Public\Public Documents\NI Resources\image\[Vendor]\[plugin]

MAC: /Users/Shared/NI Resources/image/[Vendor]\[plugin]

The images are in the correct order on the google drive link above so you can simply download the whole folder and merge this with the existing image folder on your PC or copy just the files you need and locate the folders manually in the above locations

Have an NKS request? Contact Us

We would encourage you to join our facebook page to get the latest news and updates as I am unsure of the frequency of updating here, or just register as a user on the site for detailed news

https://www.facebook.com/freelancesoundlabs

Note: We do clear out inactive registrations so if you register an account but do not purchase any libraries your account may be deleted after a few months. This is to maintain limiting of spamming emails.

JesterMgee · January 2022

Supported VST2 / VST3 Migratable Libraries

PLEASE NOTE: Although VST3 support is specified this will NOT instantly mean your mac M1 system is supported. VST3 plugins still need to be updated by their developers to support Apple Silicon.

The following list of libraries will work with EITHER the VST2 or VST3 version of a plugin. This means if you have the VST2 version installed, it will be used otherwise VST3 will automatically load in place and there should be no need to update your existing NKS library.

These have been tested to load the preset and also work with the current controller mappings.

Please be sure to check freelancesoundlabs.com for the latest information and compatibility of these libraries.

Supported VST3 Only Libraries

This list of libraries will load in the VST3 version of a plugin only. VST2 plugin versions are not supported (and will likely not be supported)

VST2 or VST3 Supported Plugins (Upgraded Libraries)

This list of libraries offers updated VST3 libraries which have been mostly updated from VST2 library versions. A VST2 library is available in the user download area if needed but may no longer be updated since moving forward all updates will be for VST3 libraries only (except some special cases). It is recommended to use the VST3 version of these libraries for the most up to date changes. Some updates may have a small cost associated if you have the VST2 NKS library. Check product pages linked below for more details

*Korg Legacy Cell does not currently have a VST3 version for PC so I cannot test this. A VST3 exists for macOS but until a version is available for PC this cannot be upgraded.

Currently Supported VST2 Only Plugins

This list covers all libraries that currently support loading only the VST2 version. Many of these will be updated to VST3 versions if VST3 exists but currently if it is listed here, it is not tested for use with VST3 or M1 compatibility and with the new website, may not be available for download if it has not received any updates from the developer.

2nd Sense Wiggle [VST2 only, no longer available]
Air Music Drumsynth 500
Arturia Analog Lab 4 [VST3 version available for Analog Lab V]
D16 Drumazon [VST3 available for Drumazon 2]
D16 LuSH-101 [VST3 library available for Lush 2]
D16 Nepheton [VST3 library available for Nepheton 2]
D16 Phoscyon [VST3 library available for Phoscyon 2]
D16 Nithonat [VST3 available for Nithonat 2]
Gforce Imposcar2 [Imposcar3 supports VST3]
Gforce M-Tron Pro [M-Tron Pro IV supports VST3]
Gforce Minimonsta [Minimonsta 2 supports VST3]
Gforce Oddity2 [Oddity 3 supports VST3]
Gforce Virtual String Machine [VST3 available in newer VSM IV]
Gospel Musicians Bassalicious [NKS no longer offered]
Gospel Musicians Neo Soul Keys 2
[NKS no longer offered]
Gospel Musicians Pure Synth Platinum
[NKS no longer offered]
Izotope Iris 2 [VST3 unstable,Izotope state plugin is discontinued, NKS no longer available]
Kilohearts KhsOne [discontinued and no VST3 version available, NKS no longer available]
Korg Legacy Cell [no VST3 plugin available]
Loopmasters Bass Master [no VST3 plugin available]
Novation Bass + V-station [only supports VST2, Discontinued plugins]
Plugin Boutique Carbon Electra [no VST3 plugin available]
reFX Nexus 2 [VST3 compatible library is available for Nexus 4 / 5]
Sonic Academy A.N.A 1 (discontinued and does not support VST3)
Sonivox Big Bang Cinematic [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Big Bang Universal Percussion [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Eighty Eight [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Orchestral Companion Brass [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Orchestral Companion Strings [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Orchestral Companion Woodwinds [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Atsia Percussion [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: BlueJay Drums [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Bright E-Guitar [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Classic Bass [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: FM Piano [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Full Collection [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Harmonica [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Harpsichord [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Session Drums 1 [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Silk Road Percussion [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Singles: Taylor Acoustic Guitar [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Solina Redux [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Stratum [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Twist 2 [no VST3 plugin available]
Sonivox Wobble 2 [no VST3 plugin available]
VPS Avenger 1 [Avenger 2 NKS library supports VST3]

JesterMgee · January 2022

FAQ

Please read through this FAQ section before emailing me with support assistance. In most cases, any issues you have will be because the plugin or Komplete Kontrol are not setup correctly and nothing to do with the files I offer.

Test using the Free download

A free version is offered for all plugins so you can download and test how it will work before getting the full library. If you have any issues with artwork or the presets working within komplete or maschine please feel free to ask questions in this thread for assistance.

How do I install these?

There are install instructions within the zip download for PC / Mac. It simply involves copying the preset files to your "User Library" location and the artwork files to the "Database" location which is explained within the instructions. There is now also a video on our youtube channel and probably posted in this thread too.

I followed the instructions but it's not working

If you do not see the files in the NKS browser make sure you have added them to a path that is scanned by KK (check library paths in preferences). Also make sure you are looking in the USER NKS library not factory (unless you have created an entry manually to add libraries into the factory library).
If you get the "Plugin Cannot Be loaded" error make sure you know if you have installed a VST2 or VST3 version of the NKS library and that you have the correct VST plugin listed in your plugin list in Komplete Kontrol / Maschine
If you load a NKS preset and the plugin loads but the preset is not loaded (remains on the default preset) have you checked your Komplete Kontrol / Maschine version is up to date with the latest version?
Did you make sure the VST is scanned and recognised by Komplete Kontrol software?
Did you launch the Komplete Kontrol software in Standalone Mode and allow it to scan?
Is your VST plugin up to date?

Check the top of the thread for detailed troubleshooting (with pictures) or a moving pictures (video) example of the installation

Failing all that you can get in contact with me but try and include some useful information such as your versions of plugins/KK software, Operating System etc. Simply saying "I installed this and followed instructions but nothing is working" is not useful to me.

I receive the error "Could Not Locate Plugin"

This is because the VST plugin is not available in the Preferences >Plugins tab. This will usually be because of any of the following reasons:

You do not have the correct VST2 / VST3 version of the plugin installed for the NKS library you are using (some libraries support only VST2 or VST3 while some plugins migrate easily between versions. Check the "Compatibility" section of the PDF/Library page on the website)
The path the plugin is installed to is not listed in the plugin preferences tab in KK (for VST2 plugins)
You have not launched KK standalone application and done a "Rescan" of the plugins

Can you change the template to include missing functionality

Possibly depending on the plugin. Some libraries have a different preset template per-preset and not globally for all presets, common with modular plugins. Some parameters are not open to "host automation" so cannot be mapped into an NKS template. Let me know tho and I can see what the deal is. I do add almost every usable parameter where possible so chances are I either glossed over one or it is not possible.

I have additional presets for a VST, can I also browse these too?

To browse any presets they have to be converted to NKS format first. I always include all factory content with a plugin and sometimes additional expansion content if there is enough demand and the cost is reasonable. I may be able to convert presets you have so get in touch.

I have a VST that I would love to browse, could you do this?

Let me know what the VST is and I will have a look. I can only script instruments I personally hold a license for. I sometimes get assistance direct from developers so always worth asking. Optionally if you are keen to purchase me a copy of the software and it's possible to be scripted I will give you the presets back for free in exchange otherwise I till take any requests and note them down adding each request to the list, when enough people ask for it I will consider it.

I have a fully working cracked version of a VST I can send you?

I do not accept any cracked versions of plugins nor can I accept sharing of a users account for the task. It is only fair to the developer I either own the plugin or seek their assistance and approval. If you choose to use cracked plugins that is your business but do not ask me for any kind of assistance to get them working with NKS, even if you purchase a library and it does not work the solution is usually to update to the latest version.

Does the sound preview feature work with User presets?

Yes. All NKS libraries released include sound previews. To control the sound preview volume you need to switch to the Factory NKS browser where you will find the volume control at the bottom of the browser list.

How can I confirm I have the latest NKS library version?

NKS Libraries contain versioning information to easily identify when a library was updated and if you have the latest version. If you open the NKS browser EDIT section and click the PROPERTIES tab you will see the library version and date information. You may also see a note if the library is VST2 or VST3 compatible:

The first version number indicates the major NKS versioning. v1.x was before sound previews were a feature of NKS, v2.x libraries were created before NKS supported VST3 and v3.x libraries are the current version as of 2023.

The second number is usually used for tracking global library updates such as when tagging or global formatting occurs over many libraries.

The third number indicates an incremental change with 0 being the initial release and fixes, changes or updates to the library being logged with a increment of this number.

You will find a changelog at the bottom of the NKS product page and also included within the readme PDF file.

Will the NKS library work with VST3?

Please be sure to check the "Compatibility" section on each product page for VST compatibility or check the post above Here on the current status of plugins. If it does not state VST3 specifically then chances are, no it will only currently work with the VST2 version of a plugin. Work is being done to update what can be updated to VST3 and this info will be updated as required on each page.

I have issues now running v2.8.0 on an Apple M1 based system?

If you run Komplete Kontrol in native Apple Silicon mode you will now lose the ability for Komplete Kontrol to host VST2 plugins. Some plugin developers have updated their VST3 plugins to load from a call to a VST2 plugin (so some work) but in our tests, 95%+ plugins will not load without the NKS library being updated. It is suggested to run your DAW in Rosetta compatibility mode if a library does not state VST3 compatibility or simply do not use it. Some libraries cannot be updated as plugins may not offer M1 compatible versions.

This all sounds like a lot of work, can I help in any way?

It is a huge amount of work especially since personally I choose Windows for my main production work purely because it is not affected by this kind of constant compatibility problem so this is of no priority to me personally. It is estimated it could easily take well over 500 hours to update things since some stuff may need to be completely redone.

You can really help by donating to help us cover some of the time.

JesterMgee · January 2022

Reserved for future info

JesterMgee · January 2022

Issues \ Support

We have thousands of users that are happily using these NKS libraries. If you are having issues getting it working it is normally an easy fix so just post a simple message here and I (or other users) will help get you up and running. If you notice any performance issues let me know and we will try and work through them. Every system is different but based on number of downloads and number of reported issues, there are few/none that I know of.

If it does not work for you please check the following

Windows Users

https://youtu.be/d1XnEDdMu0s

Mac Users

https://youtu.be/amzq_T5kc90

By far the most common issue is the fact the instrument plugin is not installed as a VST or the VST.dll file is not loaded by KK/Maschine (either due to an older version of KK being used or the VST.DLL file is not located in the location the software loads plugins from).

Do you have Komplete Kontrol 2.1+ or later installed?
Do you have Maschine 2.0 or later installed?
Can you load the instrument manually in: Menu > Plugins

If you have the library installed but receive the "Plugin Not Found" error then this is due to the actual plugin instrument not being available in Komplete/Maschine to load. Reasons for this:

Is the VST version installed (you may have an AU version installed which is not compatible with NKS)
Is the VST 64bits? (do NOT bother adding your 32bit VST folder to the preferences in KK/Maschine, 32bit is dead!)
Is the VST.dll file located in the location KK/Maschine is looking for plugins (check KK Preferences > Plugins > User)
Have you tried a Rescan of the plugins preferences

Have you copied the Preset folder to the correct location? The preset files need to be copied to your KK User folder which you can easily see the path in Preferences > Library > User

Have you opened KK in Standalone mode and done a "Rescan". In the Preferences > Library > User you will see a Rescan button.
Are you looking in the USER library section of the KK software? The presets will be accessible from the user browser of the KK software, not the factory browser. click this button (should be lit)

Maschine is pretty much the same method. Check your preferences for the user and plugin library locations.

By default Maschine does not have the same User library path as Komplete Kontrol so if your NKS library does not appear in both, check this is valid.

Still having issues? Just reply via this thread.

JesterMgee · February 2022

Now Available

UVI Quadra

Quadra Metal and Wood, Muted and Harmonics libraries are now available supporting both Falcon and Workstation. Most of the useful controls have been pre-mapped for host automation and all files have been tagged

https://freelancesoundlabs.com/index.php/downloads/komplete-kontrol-vst-packs/item/401-uvi-quadra-metal-and-wood-nks-library-for-komplete-kontrol-maschine

https://freelancesoundlabs.com/index.php/downloads/komplete-kontrol-vst-packs/item/402-uvi-quadra-muted-and-harmonics-nks-library-for-komplete-kontrol-maschine

2nd Sense Audio Wiggle

https://freelancesoundlabs.com/nks/wiggle

JesterMgee · February 2022

Now Available: Omnisphere Expansion NKS

A few new Omnisphere libraries have NKS support with full tagging converted from Omnisphere to NKS 1.5.

PlugHugger Cellos and Darkness
PlugHugger Element 27
PlugHugger Zero Point One
ILIO BT Modern Wave

If you have the Omnisphere Factory Library on your account you can login and view all Omnisphere Expansion Libraries here:

https://freelancesoundlabs.com/index.php/downloads/komplete-kontrol-vst-packs/item/208-omnisphere-2-3rd-party-nks-librarys

paulyminogue · February 2022

https://community.native-instruments.com/discussion/comment/4309#Comment_4309

Thank you very much! Im really looking forward for Gforce String Maschine and Cherry Audio Quadra :) 🙈

Greetings!

Kubrak · February 2022

Jester, what about Eventide plugins? It does not seem that they make them NKS ever. They did one few years ago, but none since then....

JesterMgee · February 2022

I have a coupe of effects from them, mostly focused on synths but I can look into them.

Kubrak · February 2022

Would be great. They also provide demo for a month or so.

JesterMgee · February 2022

Often demos disable the saving of presets in the VST which is a feature I need to access. Also for maintenance and updates I need to own a copy so cannot use old/demo/cracked copies of plugins, has to be the latest. Only Eventide ones I have is Black hole, Ultra Channel and Ultra Reverb. I use the reverb one quite a bit, but personally would never use it in KK as I find effects useless within KK compared to just loaded in a track in Live, often it's in a return channel so can't be used in KK and since KK does not allow saving of instrument + effect I have just never seen the point of effects yet.

Still, for Maschine it would be useful I guess.

Kubrak · February 2022

I see. Black hole is the only NKS by Eventide. So, Ultra Channel and Ultra Reverb.

Looks like, I will have to make the rest myself, if I want them NKS.

CubaseThomas · February 2022

Good evening!

I just wanted to ask, if there are any plans for an updated UVI Vintage Vault NKS kit to VV4?

I would appreciate the NKS support (and an upgrade path from the ' Vintage Vault 2 NKS kit') 😉

Thank you as always!

JesterMgee · February 2022

Yes it is being worked on, it's always a lot of work with UVI products as there is both Falcon/Workstation versions to manage and some of the instrument interfaces are just plain terrible to navigate, they always like to have each one behave just a little different but makes some of them almost unusable because of it (thank god for NKS). I already have 2 of the instruments done since I did them from standalone versions before VV4 came out so that has me a little ahead but may take me a month or more to do the rest.

Home Studio · February 2022

Very Good news : G-Force OB-E v2 for MAC & WIN.... can't wait you make it NKS !