Getting started with Native Instruments software and hardware

You’ve just activated your Native Instruments product in Native Access and you’re ready to make music. If it’s your first time using these powerful, professional-grade tools, you might be unsure of where to begin.

That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best tutorials on our popular tools, including Kontakt, Komplete, Guitar Rig, and more, so you can start creating music with confidence.

Jump to your product:

• Kontakt
• Komplete
• Komplete Kontrol
• Guitar Rig
• Massive X
• Massive
• Maschine
• Kontrol S-Series MK3
• Traktor Pro
• Traktor X1 MK3
• Traktor Kontrol S4

Interested in using Native Instruments software for the first time? Sign up for a Native Access account to get started.

Get Native Access

Kontakt

Kontakt is a software sampler that allows producers to sample and manipulate sounds in various ways. It provides a powerful environment for creating and editing sampled instruments, as well as integrating them into music productions. Kontakt comes in two versions, the free Kontakt Player as well as the full-version, Kontakt 7.

Explore Kontakt tutorials:

• Getting started with Kontakt to create music
• Kontakt 7 user manual
• Kontakt 7 Player user manual
• How direct Kontakt integration can bring your ideas to life: a Kontrol S-Series tutorial
• The 25 best free Kontakt instruments in 2024

Komplete

Komplete is a comprehensive collection of virtual instruments, effects, and sound libraries that provides musicians, producers, and sound designers with an array of tools for music creation. There are two main versions of Komplete, including the free Komplete Start bundle and Komplete 14.

Within Komplete 14, you can find different versions, including Komplete Select, Komplete 14 Standard, Komplete 14 Ultimate Edition, and Komplete 14 Collector’s Edition. Each of these versions contains different products depending on what type of production work you are doing.

Explore Komplete tutorials:

• How to use the new Komplete Start to create a song for free
• How to make a song from start to finish using Komplete 14 Select
• How to Create, Produce, Mix, and Master Your Own Music (Start to Finish)
• Getting started with Komplete 14

Komplete Kontrol

Komplete Kontrol is a easy-to-use tool that cleans up your workflow. It organizes all your instruments, effects, presets, loops, and samples, smartly mapping everything to your hardware so you can find, play, and tweak all your sounds in one place. This free plugin runs in any DAW and works seamlessly with any MIDI controller – or your trusty mouse and keyboard.

Explore Komplete Kontrol tutorials:

• Komplete Kontrol manual

Guitar Rig

Guitar Rig is software that emulates various guitar amplifiers, effects pedals, and speaker cabinets in a virtual environment that provide creators with a comprehensive set of tools for creating and shaping guitar tones and sounds. There are two versions, the free Guitar Rig 7 Player and Guitar Rig 7 Pro.

Explore Guitar Rig tutorials:

• Guitar Rig 7 manual
• Capturing the tone: How to get iconic guitar sounds with Guitar Rig 7 Pro
• Digital amp sims 101: tips and tricks for music production
• Beyond guitar: exploring Guitar Rig 7 Pro in music production

Massive X

Massive X is a software synthesizer that is the successor to the original Massive synthesizer. It’s designed to offer a powerful and flexible sound design tool for music producers, sound designers, and electronic musicians.

Explore Massive X tutorials:

• Massive X manual
• Learn Massive X: Filter tips
• Learn Massive X:5 ways to work with wavetables

Massive

Massive is the predecessor of Massive X and the synth that defined bass music. This powerhouse is an uncompromising sonic monster and the go-to choice for bass music and electro producers.

Explore Massive tutorials:

• Massive manual

Maschine

Maschine lets you effortlessly produce beats, melodies, and harmonies with powerful drum synths, premium sounds, an integrated sampler, and more – cutting-edge software meets intuitive hardware for ultra-smooth workflow.

There are several versions of the Maschine hardware, including Maschine Mikro, Maschine+, and Maschine MK3. They are all compatible with Maschine software.

Explore Maschine tutorials:

• Maschine software manual
• Maschine MK3 manual
• How to make an uplifting house track with Maschine
• How to make a lo-fi beat with Maschine

Kontrol S-Series MK3

The Kontrol S-Series MK3 is an advanced MIDI keyboard controller available in three size options.

Explore Kontrol S-Series tutorials:

• Kontrol S-Series keyboard DAW integration: how to speed up your workflow
• How direct Kontakt integration can bring your ideas to life: a Kontrol S-Series tutorial
• Watch Take A Daytrip create new hit material on Kontrol MK3 MIDI keyboards

Traktor Pro

Traktor Pro is powerful DJ software with new tools for sonic sculpting, professional sound quality, and our clearest interface to date.

Explore Traktor Pro tutorials:

• The beginner’s guide to DJing with Traktor
• 5 basic DJ transitions to keep your music in the flow
• How to use mixer effects with Traktor

Traktor X1 MK3

The Traktor X1 MK3 is a portable DJ controller for effects, loops, and mixing. It is compatible with Traktor Pro software.

Explore Traktor X1 MK3 tutorials:

• Getting started with the Traktor X1 MK3 DJ controller
• Elevate your DJ game: How to incorporate the X1 MK3 controller into your DJ setup
• Traktor X1 MK3 manual

Traktor Kontrol S4

The Traktor Kontrol S4 DJ system lets you mix on four channels with motorized jog wheels, and build powerful sets with Traktor Pro software.

Explore Traktor Kontrol S4 tutorials:

• Traktor Kontrol S4 manual
• The beginner’s guide to DJing with Traktor
• How to make your first DJ set

Make music easily with Native Instruments tools

These tutorials are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to available resources that can help you learn your software and hardware. Explore the Native Instruments Blog and the NI YouTube channel to learn even more about how to create music with these professional tools.

Explore more tutorials