Native Instruments Komplete 9 Ultimate Setup Guide
Setup Guide
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Document authored by: Native Instruments GmbH
Software version: 9.0 (03/2013)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE ...........................................................................
1.1 What is Included in the Box? ...................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Products Included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE .............................................................................. 7
1.3 Setup Overview ........................................................................................................................... 10
1.2.1 Stand-alone Applications and Plug-ins ..................................................................... 7
1.2.2 Effect Plug-ins .......................................................................................................... 8
1.2.3 Instruments Powered by KONTAKT ............................................................................. 8
1.2.4 Effects Powered by GUITAR RIG ................................................................................. 10
1.2.5 Instruments and Effects Powered by REAKTOR .......................................................... 10
2 Installation ...............................................................................................................
2.1 Caution .......................................................................................................................................12
2.2 Read Before Installing ................................................................................................................ 13
2.3 Installing on Mac OS X ............................................................................................................... 14
2.4 Installing on Windows ................................................................................................................ 18
2.3.1 Connect the Hard Disk and Start the Installation ...................................................... 14
2.3.2 Select the Components to Install ............................................................................... 14
2.3.3 Set the Install Locations for Content ......................................................................... 17
2.3.4 Complete the Installation .......................................................................................... 18
2.4.1 Connect the Hard Disk and Start the Installation ...................................................... 19
2.4.2 Select the Features to Install ..................................................................................... 19
2.4.3 Define the Application's Destination Folder ............................................................... 22
2.4.4 Define VST Plug-in Destination Folders ..................................................................... 23
2.4.5 Define a Library Destination Folder ............................................................................ 24
2.4.6 Complete the Installation .......................................................................................... 26
3 Product Activation with Service Center .......................................................................
3.1 Activating Your Product Online ................................................................................................... 27
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12
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KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 4
Table of Contents
3.2 Updating Your Product ............................................................................................................... 31
3.3 Activating Your Product Offline .................................................................................................. 34
3.4 Further Information .................................................................................................................... 41
3.1.1 Start Service Center ................................................................................................... 27
3.1.2 Log In Into Your User Account .................................................................................... 28
3.1.3 Activate the Product .................................................................................................. 29
3.1.4 Finish the Online Activation ....................................................................................... 30
3.2.1 Select Updates .......................................................................................................... 31
3.2.2 Download the Updates ............................................................................................... 32
3.2.3 Open Your Download Folder ....................................................................................... 33
3.2.4 Install Updates .......................................................................................................... 34
3.3.1 Start the Offline Activation ........................................................................................ 35
3.3.2 Create the Activation Request File ............................................................................. 36
3.3.3 Enter the Serial Number ............................................................................................ 37
3.3.4 Transfer the Activation Request File .......................................................................... 38
3.3.5 Open the Activation Return File ................................................................................. 39
3.3.6 Finish the Offline Activation ...................................................................................... 40
4 Downloading KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE Products Not Present on the Hard Disk ................
5 Stand-alone Operation ...............................................................................................
5.1 Selecting an Audio Interface ....................................................................................................... 44
5.2 Optimizing Latency ..................................................................................................................... 45
5.3 Routing Audio Input and Output ................................................................................................. 46
5.4 Setting up MIDI Connections ...................................................................................................... 47
6 Plug-in Operation ......................................................................................................
7 Other Documentation and Support Resources ..............................................................
7.1 PDF Manuals .............................................................................................................................. 50
7.2 Knowledge Base/Readme/Online Support ................................................................................... 50
7.3 Forum ......................................................................................................................................... 51
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43
49
50
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 5
7.4 Updates ...................................................................................................................................... 51
8 Troubleshooting and FAQ ...........................................................................................
8.1 The KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE Hard Disk Does Not Power Up .......................................................... 52
8.2 Installation Folder Not Found by an Update Installer .................................................................. 52
8.3 Library Path Not Found by an Update Installer ........................................................................... 53
8.4 How to Convert Songs Made with an Older Plug-in Version to the Latest Plug-in Version ........... 53
8.5 Location of the VST Plug-ins Folder on Windows ......................................................................... 53
8.6 The Plug-in Does Not Appear in My Sequencer ............................................................................ 54
8.7 Sequencer Tutorials .................................................................................................................... 55
9 Product Returns ........................................................................................................
Table of Contents
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KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 6
Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
What is Included in the Box?
1 Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
First of all, thank you for purchasing KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE. This document will guide you
through the basic steps of setting up KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE. After reading it, you should be
able to install and activate the applications included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE, as well as
operate them both in stand-alone mode and as a plug-in in your sequencer. We recommend
that you take the time to read this guide in its entirety.
1.1 What is Included in the Box?
The KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE box contains:
▪ An external USB 2.0 hard disk containing the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE software installa-
tion program
▪ Your KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE serial number, which is found on the Setup Information flyer
▪ A ‘Y’ shaped power-sharing USB 2.0 cable that allows your KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard
disk to draw additional power off your computer, while continuing to transfer data
1.2 Products Included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
1.2.1 Stand-alone Applications and Plug-ins
You can use the applications listed below as stand-alone programs, or you can load their plugin versions into compatible host software of your choice. In addition to being independent instruments or effects processors, GUITAR RIG PRO, KONTAKT, and REAKTOR also act as
“players” for a number of products included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE—see the subsequent
sections of this Setup Guide for more information.
▪ ABSYNTH 5
▪ BATTERY 4
▪ FM8
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 7
Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
Products Included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
▪ GUITAR RIG 5 PRO
▪ KONTAKT 5
▪ MASSIVE
▪ REAKTOR 5.8
1.2.2 Effect Plug-ins
You can use the products listed in this section as plug-ins within compatible host software of
your choice.
▪ DRIVER
▪ PREMIUM TUBE SERIES: ENHANCED EQ, PASSIVE EQ, and VARI COMP
▪ REVERB CLASSICS: RC 24 and RC 48
▪ SOLID MIX SERIES: SOLID BUS COMP, SOLID DYNAMICS, and SOLID EQ
▪ TRANSIENT MASTER
▪ VINTAGE COMPRESSORS: VC 160, VC 2A, and VC 76
REVERB CLASSICS RC 24 and RC 48 are not included on the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
hard disk. You can obtain these products via download after product activation. For details,
see section ↑4, Downloading KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE Products Not Present on the Hard
Disk.
1.2.3 Instruments Powered by KONTAKT
The products listed in this section were designed to be used within KONTAKT. Once installed,
they will be available in KONTAKTʼs Browser, from where you can load them by dragging them
onto KONTAKTʼs Rack just like any other KONTAKT Instrument.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 8
Products Included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
KONTAKT Instruments are based on samples, which are essentially audio recordings. As
advanced sample-based instruments like the ones listed below consist of a large number of
high quality samples, they require considerable amounts of disk space. In addition to that,
loading large numbers of samples may put the hard disk under substantial stress. Therefore
you should consider installing your sample-based products onto a dedicated hard disk that
offers enough disk space and is sufficiently fast. You can specify the destination for the
content contained in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE during the installation procedure, as described in sections ↑2.3.3, Set the Install Locations for Content and ↑2.4.5, Define a Library
Destination Folder.
▪ ABBEY ROAD DRUMMER: VINTAGE, 60S, 70S, 80S, and MODERN
▪ ACTION STRINGS
▪ ALICIA’S KEYS
▪ BALINESE GAMELAN
▪ DAMAGE
▪ EVOLVE MUTATIONS 1 and 2
▪ EVOLVE R2
▪ GEORGE DUKE SOUL TREASURES
Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
▪ MASCHINE DRUM SELECTION
▪ CLASSIC PIANO COLLECTION: BERLIN CONCERT GRAND, NEW YORK CONCERT
GRAND, UPRIGHT PIANO, and VIENNA CONCERT GRAND
▪ RETRO MACHINES MK2
▪ SCARBEE: PRE-BASS, PRE-BASS AMPED, JAY-BASS, MM-BASS, MM-BASS AMPED,
RICKENBACKER BASS, VINTAGE KEYS, and FUNK GUITARIST
▪ SESSION HORNS
▪ SESSION STRINGS PRO
▪ STUDIO DRUMMER
▪ THE GIANT
▪ VINTAGE ORGANS
▪ WEST AFRICA
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 9
Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
Products Included in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
1.2.4 Effects Powered by GUITAR RIG
The products listed in this section were designed to be used within GUITAR RIG PRO. Once
installed, they will be available in GUITAR RIG PROʼs SideKick, from where they can be loaded just like regular Components.
▪ RAMMFIRE
▪ REFLEKTOR
▪ TRAKTOR’S 12
1.2.5 Instruments and Effects Powered by REAKTOR
The products listed in this section were designed to be used within REAKTOR. Once installed,
they will be available in REAKTORʼs Browser under the PLAYER tab, from where you can load
them just like any other REAKTOR Instrument or Ensemble.
▪ MONARK
▪ RAZOR
▪ REAKTOR PRISM
▪ REAKTOR SPARK R2
▪ SKANNER XT
▪ THE FINGER R2
▪ THE MOUTH
1.3 Setup Overview
This section provides a quick overview of the various steps necessary for getting KOMPLETE 9
ULTIMATE up and running: installation, activation, updates, and configuration, all of which will
be described in greater detail in further chapters of this guide.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 10
Welcome to KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
Setup Overview
▪ Installation: Connect the hard disk to your computer, locate the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE
setup file and double-click it in order to start the installation procedure. Carefully read
and follow the on-screen instructions, accept the License Agreements, and enter the password for your computer if prompted (Mac OS X only).
▪ Activation: Activate your product using the Service Center application. Online and Offline
activation methods are available. You can get further information on how the activation
process works in our Knowledge Base: http://www.native-instruments.com/support/activa-
tion-registration/
▪ Update: Download the latest software updates using the Service Center application. Then
browse to the download folder on your hard disk and install all downloaded updates.
▪ Configuration: Configure your new software for use with your audio and MIDI interfaces.
▪ Suggestions for further reading, troubleshooting, FAQs, and information on product returns
can be found in the subsequent chapters of this guide and within our online Knowledge
Base: http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledge/
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 11
2 Installation
2.1 Caution
It is important you read and understand the following instructions to make sure the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk or any device connected will not be damaged during usage or
maintenance:
▪ Do not unplug the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk during operation. Unplugging the
hard disk while data is being transferred may destroy or damage data on your computer as
well as on the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk. Under no circumstances can Native
Instruments be held liable for the recovery or restoration of data that was destroyed or
damaged due to inappropriate usage.
▪ Do not open the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk or attempt to disassemble or modify
any internal parts. The KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk does not contain any userserviceable parts. If the device appears to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have the device inspected by qualified service personnel.
Installation
Caution
▪ Do not expose the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk to rain, use it near water or in
damp or wet conditions.
▪ Make sure no objects or liquids of any kind penetrate the unit. When cleaning the KOM-
PLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk, use a soft, dry cloth. Never use paint thinners, solvents,
cleaning fluids, or chemical-infused wiping cloths.
▪ Never use or store the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk in areas subject to extreme
temperatures (e.g., direct exposure to sunlight in an enclosed vehicle or near heat-generating equipment), or high levels of vibration.
▪ Always let the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk adapt to changed room temperature af-
ter it has been stored in a cold environment.
▪ Do not use the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk near electrical appliances such as tel-
evisions or radios. Doing so may cause interference which will adversely affect the operation of these appliances.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 12
Read Before Installing
▪ Do not place the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk near sources of magnetic interfer-
ence, such as computer displays, televisions or speakers. Magnetic interference can affect
the operation and stability of your KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk.
▪ Do not place the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk in an unstable position where it
could accidentally fall.
▪ Do not place heavy objects on top of the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk or use exces-
sive force on it.
2.2 Read Before Installing
Before starting the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE installation process, here are some points to be
aware of:
▪ The included USB 2.0 hard disk can only be used for installing KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE. It is
not possible to play content (e.g. samples) directly from this hard disk, or to run applications other than the installation program.
▪ Do not format the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk! Formatting the hard disk will ultimately
erase the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE installation program from the disk, thus making it impossible to install KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE again. Problems resulting from formatting the
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk are not covered by warranty.
Installation
▪ Make sure to keep the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk in a safe place for future reference,
for example in case you need to install KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE on a new computer.
▪ Please carefully review the installer screens and the suggested installation paths in order to
avoid any unwanted folders being created on the hard disk you are installing KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE onto.
▪ It is possible to define alternative locations for the sample libraries during installation. To
see the exact default installation paths of the installed components, please refer to section ↑2.3, Installing on Mac OS X (Mac OS X) or ↑2.4, Installing on Windows (Windows),
respectively.
▪ Moving any folders related to Native Instruments software after installation is not recom-
mended. Future software updates rely on the directory locations set during initial installa-
tion.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 13
Installing on Mac OS X
▪ Installing all features of KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE requires about 250 gigabytes of free hard
disk space. Most of the space is required for sample libraries.
2.3 Installing on Mac OS X
By default, this folder, including a number of subfolders, will be created during installation:
Macintosh HD/Applications/Native Instruments
We strongly recommend keeping this installation path.
2.3.1 Connect the Hard Disk and Start the Installation
Disconnect all Native Instruments hardware controllers and audio interfaces from your
computer before proceeding. Do not reconnect these devices before you have finished the
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE installation procedure!
The KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk uses an USB 2.0 interface. You can connect it to a
USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, the latter of which is backwards compatible.
Installation
If the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE hard disk does not power up, or does not mount as described below within a couple of seconds, the USB port on your computer is probably unable
to supply enough power to operate the hard disk. In this case, connect the unused (secondary) connector of the ‘Y’ shaped power-sharing cable to a second USB port on your computer. If this does not solve the problem, use an ‘active’ USB 2 hub that has a dedicated
power supply.
2.3.2 Select the Components to Install
The components available for installation appear grouped under the themes Applications, Con-
tent, and Plug-In Types. Click the triangles to expand the individual lists.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 14
The components selection screen of the installation program.
The components listed under Content are only useful if their related applications listed under Applications are also installed. We recommend keeping all entries selected.
Installation
Installing on Mac OS X
If an application or library is already installed on your computer it is not required to install
it again with the KOMPLETE 9 installer. In case the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE installer detects an application version which is newer than the version provided in KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE, it will bring up a warning message and deselect those applications in the component tree. This is to avoid a downgrade for those applications. We recommend keeping all
other components selected unless you have a specific reason to do otherwise. For details,
see http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledge/questions/1479/
The BATTERY 4 library is a new library, which also contains a selection of kits from the
BATTERY 3 Factory Library. If you have unfinished songs relying on BATTERY 3, it is recommended to leave this application as well as its library installed. For details, see http://
www.native-instruments.com/knowledge/questions/1481/
Applications: Specifies the applications to be installed (along with all files necessary for the
software to run on your computer).
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 15
Installing on Mac OS X
Content: Specifies the sample-based libraries and other content, such as products powered by
GUITAR RIG or REAKTOR, to be installed.
The default installation path for content is Macintosh HD/Users/Shared/
Plug-In Types: Specifies the plug-in types (VST, Audio Unit, RTAS or AAX) to be installed. Select the plug-in type(s) depending on which type is supported by your sequencer software. Audio Unit is used by many sequencers like Logic, Live, Digital Performer or Garage Band. VST is
used by Cubase, while RTAS and AAX are the native plug-in formats for Pro Tools. Leave all
plug-in types selected if you are unsure which format is supported by your host application.
Although the KOMPLETE 9 installer allows you to select RTAS as plug-in type, at the time
of writing this guide BATTERY 4 is not available in the RTAS format. If you are using
Pro Tools 9 or older, refer to http://www.native-instruments.com/knowledge/questions/
1489/ for details on how to obtain and install BATTERY 4 in the RTAS format. For
Pro Tools 10 or higher select AAX as plug-in type.
The Service Center application, which is required for product activation, will always be installed (unless the same or a newer version already exists on your computer).
Installation
Updating from KOMPLETE 7
If you still have unfinished songs relying on samples from the KONTAKT 4 Factory Library, it is
recommended to leave this sample library installed. If you need to remove the KONTAKT 4
Factory Library in order to recover disk space, it is still possible to safely delete the library and
update it with the new KONTAKT 5. Just follow these steps:
1. Delete the folder named Kontakt 4 Library, which contains all the Instruments and samples
of KONTAKT 4 (donʼt worry, the Instruments and Multis you have in your host project are
still safe).
2. Open your project file—a Samples Missing dialog box will appear.
3. Make sure Check for Alternate file types option is checked.
4. Click the Browse for Folder button.
5. Point the browser to the Kontakt Factory Library folder and click OK.
6. To save time, you can browse for the correct subfolder within the Samples folder of the
Kontakt Factory Library.
7. Resave the project.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 16
Installing on Mac OS X
For information on how to convert songs made with an older version of a plug-in to the latest plug-in, see section ↑8.4, How to Convert Songs Made with an Older Plug-in Version to
the Latest Plug-in Version.
2.3.3 Set the Install Locations for Content
In the Location column you can select a target folder or hard disk for the sample-based libraries and other content listed under the Content theme.
Because the content requires a large amount of disk space, it is crucial that you select the
install location carefully. For optimum performance it is recommended to install the content on a dedicated hard disk. Note that you cannot use the KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE installation hard disk for this purpose.
To change the install location:
1. Click on the folder icon in the Location column. A list suggesting common target folders
and volumes will open.
Installation
2. Select a target folder or hard disk from the list, or click Other… to navigate to a volume or
folder of your choice.
KOMPLETE 9 ULTIMATE - Setup Guide - 17
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