Last time we looked at Kontakt I showed you how to import and slice up a sample, and create new music out of an old melody. Now let’s pick up where we left off by exploring the scripts and performance views in some Kontakt and Kontakt-based Kore library instruments.

The Urban Beats collection that ships with Kontakt includes 49 instruments, each with a different set of percussion loops and samples. I’ll show you how to use the sequencing and effects scripts to create endless variation in each instrument. As well, we’ll have a look at creating and managing zone envelopes to repitch and pan loops.

Scripts and performance views are good for much more than percussion and sequencing. The aptly named Five Horn Madness Koresound is a Kontakt based multi-instrument that has five separate trumpets playing in ensemble in your choice of key and scale, with swell and muting controls to add dynamism to your performances. When you first load it, the trumpets will play in a diminished scale which creates a great 1950s crime scene feel (I swear, I can smell cigarette smoke and cheap liquor). However, it’s capable of playing in 21 other scales and modes as well. So one finger plays a chord, but not always the same chord in the same key and scale. A peek inside the instrument’s scripts demonstrates how a script becomes a performance view.

Kontakt: Using Performance Views and Scripts from Create Digital Media on Vimeo.

Sharpen your pencils and take notes because next time we’re going to create scripts and performance views from scratch!