Automating Kontakt 2

Written by: Keith Robinson

 

Setting up automation varies with each sequencer software you use, but the concept within Kontakt 2 remains the same. The purpose of automation is to control various parameters of an audio instrument such as volume, pan, effects, etc. Having unique individual control over each instrument comes in very handy when using a multi-instrument where individual audio outputs are all routed through the same out, rather than through individual aux outs. There are two steps to this process, the first of which lies within your sequencer and the second within Kontakt.

 

How to set it all up:

 

  1. Insert and instance of Kontakt 2 into your session. This will be either on an AudioInst, Instrument Track, or on an Aux track, etc.

 

  1. Load up an Instrument track into your main edit/arrange window.

 

  1. Assign this Instrument track to Kontakt 2 Channel 1. (This may vary depending on your software.)

 

  1. Now it is time to choose the automation channel control for this instrument which will communicate with Kontakt.

 

  1. ProTools: Click drag the Òview track selectorÓ drop down menu beneath the track name and select controllers.

 

 

 

This will bring up another menu. In this menu select ÒAdd/Remove ControllersÓ bringing you to the automated midi controllerÕs window.

 

 

On the left you will find a long list of names and numbers.  You may choose which ever you like, but should avoid pre-assigned controllers. I suggest starting with the undefined controller #20. Select #20 and click add. Now go back to the edit window and change the track view to show controllers #20.

 

 

Logic Pro: Click drag the view menu at the top of the arrange window and set Track automation on. You may also want to use Auto zoom.

 

 

This will give you a view selector menu for your AudioInst. It should preload as Òvolume.Ó Click drag the selector menu and select Ò1 Kontakt2Ó then select the # you want to use to communicate with Kontakt.

 

 

This is all you will have to do. Now you can move on to step 6.

 

  1. In the Kontakt Browser window you will find a tab labeled ÒAuto.Ó Select this tab and you will find two more tabs beneath it, one called ÒHostÓ and the other called ÒMidiÓ

 

  1. Midi automation is the section you will use for Pro Tools and any hardware based controllers. Host automation is how you will control Kontakt from Logic Pro.

 

 

  1. Choose the CC# (or host par. ###) that corresponds to the controller you assigned in your sequencer i.e. #20 from Pro Tools.

 

  1. Drag this number over a Kontakt instrument. While you are dragging the cursor should turn into a finger pointer, which means you can place the parameter assignment on that parameter.

 

 

  1. Once you have placed the controller assignment you can automate your heart out.