Common Native Instruments Komplete Mistakes to Avoid

New users of Native Instruments Komplete make predictable errors. These range from installation problems to workflow inefficiencies that persist for months without a clear diagnosis. Identifying them early saves considerable frustration.

Installing Everything at Once

The full bundle contains well over a hundred gigabytes of content. Many new users install everything immediately and then find their drive is full, their install time was excessive and most of the content goes unused. A more effective approach is to install the instruments you plan to use first — typically Kontakt with the orchestral library, Massive X and one or two effects — and add others as you need them. Native Access makes it straightforward to install additional products at any time.

Using the Free Kontakt Player Instead of Full Kontakt

The free Kontakt Player runs only officially supported free and paid libraries. The full Kontakt, included in every paid edition of Native Instruments Komplete, runs any library — including the vast ecosystem of third-party paid libraries. Many users do not realise the distinction and find that certain popular third-party libraries will not load in the Player version. If you own a paid edition, make sure you are running the full Kontakt rather than the free Kontakt Player, which is a separate download.

Ignoring the Factory Library

The factory library included with any Native Instruments Komplete installation — the instruments that come pre-installed with Kontakt — is often overlooked in favour of third-party downloads. This is a mistake. The Noire piano, Session Strings, Session Horns, and the Action Strikes percussion library are all professional-quality instruments that cover a wide range of production needs. Before spending money on third-party libraries, explore the factory content thoroughly. See our buyer's guide for an overview of what each edition includes.

Frequently Asked Questions