Setting up multiple outputs for Kontakt 3

[Paul]

Jerm,

I recall you mentioning in one of the other threads that you own Kontakt 3. Maybe you can help me setting up multiple outputs in Kontakt and routing them to aux channels within Metro. I just don't get it to work. All I want to do is to send a group's signal from within Kontakt to an aux bus, so that I can put some fx on it. Have you been able to get this to work? I don't find Kontakt's manual very helpful in this area.

[Jerm]

Yes. Well I don't have Kontakt 3 on this computer but it is similar to Kontakt 2.

In K2 there is an output map which should be configured the way you want. For me it defaults to 2, 2 and then 5.1 which is 8 outputs. Load an instrument into rack slot and select the second output.

In Metro be sure you have Kontakt instantiated on an aux buss. For this example I use aux1. This happens automatically if the plug-in has its 'plug-in is multimbral' checked in the plug-ins window (control click on the plug-in to get these and other options). Also be sure you have multiple aux busses configured. This is arranged by visiting the 'modify busses and aux busses' dialog from the special menu. Make sure you have at least 2 aux busses.

Once you get this far, in the effects window select aux1 and aux2 on the header bar for the stereo outs. This routes the first stereo output to aux1 and the second to aux2. You are then free to place additional plugs on aux2 and they will only receive audio input from Kontakts second stereo output.

[Paul]

I think the real problem is understanding how outputs work in Kontakt. I just can't get my head around it. When I instantiate Kontakt (VST version), I see one stereo output and four aux channels.

When I add a channel ('Add channel') and then press Conf. at the bottom of the channel strip I've just added, I get to see a list with two channels with their physical outs on --not connected--. I then click on the --not connected-- bit and a pop-up with available outputs (so it seems) appears. In my case: Kt.St.1(1) and (2), Kt.Aux1(1) and (2), Kt.Aux2 and Kt.Aux3. I really have no idea which one to take...

I guess the bottom line is: how do I set this up in Kontakt?

Of course I know this is in fact a question regarding Kontakt but seeing as how you've been able to get it to work...

Also, I don't know which version of Kontakt to choose. I see three VST versions in the Plug-ins window: Kontakt 3, Kontakt 3 8 out, Kontakt 3 16 out. With each version I still only get to see one stereo output and four aux channels. Is there a particular one I should take or will any one of those do just fine?

If you could shed some light on the matter, then that would be great.

[Jerm]

Hello Paul,

I am not sure which version of Metro you are using.

In any case I would recommend using the AudioUnit (AU) version of Kontakt. Only because the number of outputs are re-configurable from the effects window.

I just tried the VST version and yes it is a bit complicated but it does work. Here is what I did:

• Instantiate the 8 output version. This gives you 8 plug-in outputs.
• Open the UI and click on the meters icon (2 from the left).
• click on add channel.
• click on the 'conf.' button to configure the output of the new channel.
• click to the right of the 01 and select kt.aux 1[1] which selects plug out#3
• click to the right of the 02 and select kt.aux 2[2] which selects plug out#4
• click ok and then rename the '<new>' channel to st.2
• load an instrument into the rack and select st.2 as the output.

At this point kontakt is outputting this rack slot to plug-in outputs 3 and 4. In Metro you need to route outputs 3 and 4 somewhere from the effects window. If K3 is instantiated as a track insert then you need to configure the plug-in as multi-outs. This is done from the effects window outputs popup.

HTH,

Jeremy

[Paul]

Jerm,

thanks, I finally got it to work. Repeated your steps and it's working now. I have four stereo channels within Kontakt (so, 8 plug in outputs) and made that the default configuration ('Make default'). I really think that the Kontakt manual is lacking a bit in the outputs department.

In general, would you advise using the audio unit version of a plug in?

I'm on Metro 6.4.1.

[Jerm]

JIn general, would you advise using the audio unit version of a plug in?

I'm on Metro 6.4.1.

Yes. The only time I will use VST is if a) there is no AU or b) there are problems with the AU version.

In AU you can reconfigure the number of inputs and outputs. To do this in VST you need to load a separate plug-in.