If you're a fan of sample libraries, chances are that you're a fan of the Kontakt software sampler as well. Native Instruments announced the upcoming availability of Kontakt 5, which offers enhanced sound-shaping options through a host of new filters and studio-grade effect algorithms, plus new time-stretching features, vintage sampling modes, features for advanced instrument design, and more.

NI Kontakt is one of the leading sample library platforms out there, supporting numerous libraries and collections currently on the market.

Kontakt 5 introduces a suite of high-quality filters ranging from classic analog-style ladder and state-variable models to modern formant filters. Some of the 37 new filters also employ the new "Adaptive Resonance" concept, which automatically manages the filter characteristics to prevent unpleasant sonic artifacts from excessive resonance peaks, according to Native Instruments. Version 5 of the soft sampler also adds the TimeMachine Pro time-stretching, which provides better sound quality for harmonic solo instruments and similar source material.

The effect section in Kontakt has been extended with several key additions that focus on studio-style sound processing. Taken from the upcoming Solid Mix Series, the new Solid G-EQ and Solid Bus Comp algorithms allow for studio-grade equalization and compression, while the separately available Transient Designer has been integrated into Kontakt's effect section in its original form. In addition, a new analog-modeled Tape Saturator can add natural compression and subtle organic overdrive, while the vintage sampling modes from Native Instruments' groove-production system Maschine have been integrated into the feature set of Kontakt 5.

For sound designers and professional sample instrument creators, Kontakt 5 offers a new "instrument bus" system as well as KSP-based MIDI file support. While the 16 internal stereo busses with their separate insert chains provide increased routing flexibility, the MIDI file functions in the Kontakt Script Processor enable the creation of advanced types of Kontakt-based instruments with versatile integrated MIDI playback features.

Along with its 43 GB factory library with 8 separate instrument collections, Kontakt 5 also includes a free download of the new Kontakt-based Retro Machines MK2 instrument, which offers an assortment of classic synthesizers complete with vintage-style arpeggiator and chord player.

Native Instruments Kontakt 5 will be available in September, 2011 for $399, and it will also be included in the new Komplete 8 and Komplete 8 Ultimate bundles. An update for owners of previous Kontakt versions will be available for $119.

For more details, visit native-instruments.com.