Reaktor Ensembles

Powered by Reaktor Instruments & Effects by Twisted Tools

Overview

Twisted Tools instruments and effects (known as Reaktor Ensembles) run within Native Instruments Reaktor, an application which is sold separately but is also included within the Native Instruments Komplete software bundle. Reaktor instruments and effects can be used in any audio software that supports VST/AU/AAX plugins, such as Ableton Live, Logic, Garage Band, FL Studio, and many more.

Twisted Tools ULTRALOOP, running in Logic from within the Reaktor AU plugin.

In addition to running Twisted Tools instruments and effects with the Reaktor plugin, you can also run use them in standalone mode using the Reaktor application found in the Applications folder (MAC) or Program Files folder (PC).

Installation

Installing Twisted Tools Reaktor Ensembles is easy, and the process can be broken down into several steps outlined in this guide.

First, you will need to install the prerequisite software to install and authorize the full version of Native Instruments Reaktor, which is required to use Twisted Tools Reaktor Ensembles. Second, you will need to choose a location to install your software and set that up to be Reaktor's default location for 3rd party software. Third, you will need to create some Twisted Tools folders in the Reaktor User Content location and unzip all the downloaded products there.

Prerequisite Software

Installing Twisted Tools instruments and effects is easy, but first you’ll need to be sure you have Native Instruments Native Access and Reaktor installed. Native Access allows you to authorize Reaktor, which in turn allows you to run Twisted Tools instruments and effects as a plugin or standalone application. Once you have Native Access and Reaktor installed and setup, please proceed to the next section.

1. Install ​Native Access (used to authorize Reaktor)
2. Install Reaktor​ (used to run Twisted Tools instruments and effects)

Setting Up Reaktor's Default User Content Path

Reaktor Ensembles are files that can be loaded into Native Instruments Reaktor. While these files can be placed anywhere on your computer and are recognized by Reaktor regardless of their location, it's best practice to choose one single location for all your Reaktor content and to make Reaktor aware of the location you've chosen by setting Reaktor's User Content path. You will only need to do this once and should choose a directory where all your 3rd Party Content will be installed.

Please be aware that this guide applies to 3rd Party Reaktor Products which do not require serial number authorization with Native Access, and as such only require the full version of Reaktor to be installed without additional authorizations.

To configure the Reaktor User Content path

1. Open Reaktor in either Standalone or Plugin Mode

2. Click on the drop-down triangle next to the Reaktor logo

3. Choose File > Preferences

   
4. Click on the Directories tab

5. Click on the Folder icon to select the default Reaktor User Content to any folder on your drive

   
6. Set the default User Content path to the following location:

   OS X: Macintosh HD > Users > Shared

   Windows: C: > Users > Public > Public Documents

To navigate quickly to the Shared folder on the Mac type Shared in the search box

Where to place and extract the downloaded zip files

Once you have set your default Reaktor User Content path, you will need to create a set of folders for your Twisted Tools products and simply unzip them to this location.

1. From the Finder or Explorer, navigate to the default Reaktor User Content location folder
2. Inside this folder, create a folder called Twisted Tools and a sub-folder called Reaktor Ensembles

3. Unzip all your Twisted Tools Reaktor Ensembles into this location Your folder structure should look like this: Macintosh HD > Users > Shared > Twisted Tools > Reaktor Ensembles Windows C: > Users > Public > Documents > Public Documents > Twisted Tools > Reaktor Ensembles

To navigate to the Shared folder on the Mac and create a folder: 1. Open the Finder 2. Open the Go menu and select Go To Folder (shift+command+g) 3. Type /Users/Shared 4. Click Shift+Command+N to make a new folder there

Getting started using Reaktor Ensembles

Reaktor Ensembles can be used in standalone or plug-in mode, which allows you use them in your favorite host software such as Logic or Ableton. In most cases, you will be using Reaktor as a plug-in within your host software. The process of using Reaktor Ensembles within your host is essentially a three-step process, which we've outlined in this section and can be summarized as follows:

1. Determine which type of plug-in slot to use

2. Insert Reaktor into the relevant plug-in slot in your host software

3. Navigate to a Reaktor Ensemble from within the Reaktor plug-in sidepane browser and open it

Overview of Plug-In Types

Depending on which product you are trying to use, you will need to load Reaktor into the correct plug-in location within your host software. To help you determine where to load Reaktor, we've outlined the basic types of plug-in instances available in most hosts. Plug-in Types

1. Instruments - Receive MIDI and output audio. These types of plug-ins are inserted on an instrument/MIDI track within your host software.

2. Effects - Process incoming audio. These types of effects can be inserted on an audio track or on an instrument track in its insert effects section (after the instrument).

3. MIDI Controllable Effects - Process incoming audio, but respond to MIDI notes and is most often inserted on an instrument track. Audio is usually routed into these effects from another track and MIDI messages are used to manipulate the effect which then outputs processed audio.

4. MIDI Plug-in - Capable of sending MIDI messages to other instruments or effects. Do not output audio.

The following table lists the supported plug-in types for each Twisted Tools Reaktor Ensemble

Product	Instrument	Effect	MIDI Controllable Effect	MIDI Plug-in
Vortex	x
Colorflex				x
Buffeater			x
Scapes	x	x	x
Rolodecks		x	x
MSMAX		x
S-Layer	x
Ultraloop	x
Twisted KP				x

Inserting Reaktor as a plug-in within your host environment

Reaktor is a VST/AU/AAX plug-in that is designed to run within your host software. It allows you to run Twisted Tools Reaktor Ensembles as plug-ins. If you are unsure which type of plug-in to use for a given Twisted Tools product, please read the Overview of Plug-In Types section.

1. Open your host software (Ableton, Logic, Pro Tools, etc.)

2. Create or select a track

3. Open the plug-in list and select Native Instruments > Reaktor

   

You can also drag and drop your Reaktor Ensembles from your OS browser to the Reaktor interface if you prefer that method of loading files.

Opening a Reaktor Ensemble in plug-in mode

Once you have opened Reaktor as a plug-in inside your host, you will need to locate the Ensemble files within Reaktor's Sidepane browser. Please be sure you have followed the proper installation steps before proceeding.

1. Select the Player tab in the Reaktor sidepane

2. Click the User Content icon (highlighted in red)

3. Navigate to your Twisted Tools > Reaktor Ensembles folder

4. Double-click the .ens file from the lower half of the sidepane window to load it

5. Save your host project and the loaded instrument will be stored and recalled with your project