If you’re new to music production or looking to expand your toolkit without breaking the bank, Komplete Start by Native Instruments is the perfect place to start. This free bundle includes a collection of high-quality instruments, effects, and samples that can help you create professional-sounding tracks right out of the box. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the basics of Komplete Start, from installation to creating your first track. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Download and Install Komplete Start

Before we get started, you’ll need to download and install Komplete Start:

  1. Visit the Native Instruments website (native-instruments.com).
  2. Navigate to the Komplete Start page and click the Download Now button.
  3. Create a Native Instruments account or log in if you already have one.
  4. Download the Native Access application, which will handle the installation of Komplete Start.
  5. Open Native Access, log in, and locate Komplete Start in the Available Products section.
  6. Click Install and follow the prompts to complete the installation.

Step 2: Exploring the Included Plugins

Komplete Start includes a variety of instruments, effects, and samples. Here’s a quick overview of what’s included:

  1. Instruments:
    • MONARK: A monophonic analog-modeled synth.
    • REAKTOR PRISM: A hybrid synth combining physical modeling and granular synthesis.
    • KONTAKT 7 PLAYER: A sampler with the Factory Selection library, including pianos, strings, and more.
  2. Effects:
    • REPLIKA: A versatile delay plugin.
    • SUPERCHARGER: A compressor and saturation tool.
    • VOID: A reverb plugin.
  3. Samples and Loops:
    • Over 2,000 samples and loops across various genres.
    • Drum kits and one-shots for building beats.
  4. Utilities:
    • KOMPLETE KONTROL: A plugin host for browsing and playing instruments.

Step 3: Loading Your First Instrument

Let’s start by loading an instrument and playing some sounds:

  1. Open your DAW and create a new track.
  2. Load KOMPLETE KONTROL as a plugin on the track.
  3. In the KOMPLETE KONTROL interface, browse the included instruments. For this tutorial, let’s start with KONTAKT 7 PLAYER.
  4. Select an instrument from the Factory Selection library, such as the Grand Piano.
  5. Play some notes on your MIDI keyboard or piano roll to hear the instrument.

Step 4: Creating a Simple Beat

Now let’s create a basic beat using the included samples:

  1. Create a new MIDI track in your DAW.
  2. Load KONTAKT 7 PLAYER on the track.
  3. Browse the Factory Selection library and select a drum kit, such as Studio Drummer.
  4. Open your DAW’s piano roll or MIDI editor and program a simple drum pattern. For example:
    • Kick on beats 1 and 3.
    • Snare on beats 2 and 4.
    • Hi-hats on every eighth note.
  5. Play back your pattern and adjust the velocities for a more dynamic feel.

Step 5: Adding a Bassline with MONARK

Next, let’s add a bassline using MONARK:

  1. Create a new MIDI track in your DAW.
  2. Load MONARK as a plugin on the track.
  3. Initialize the patch by selecting Init from the preset menu.
  4. Set the oscillator waveform to Sawtooth.
  5. Adjust the filter cutoff and resonance to shape the tone.
  6. Program a simple bassline in your DAW’s piano roll. For example, use root notes following the kick drum pattern.
  7. Play back your track and adjust the bassline to fit the beat.

Step 6: Enhancing with Effects

Now let’s add some effects to polish your track:

  1. Create a new audio track in your DAW.
  2. Load REPLIKA as a plugin on the track.
  3. Set the delay type to Analog and adjust the delay time and feedback for a rhythmic echo effect.
  4. Load SUPERCHARGER on your drum track to add punch and warmth.
  5. Adjust the compression and saturation settings to taste.
  6. Load VOID on a send track and route your instruments to it for a spacious reverb effect.

Step 7: Saving and Exporting Your Project

Once you’re happy with your track, save and export it:

  1. Save your DAW project to preserve all your settings and arrangements.
  2. Export your track as an audio file (e.g., WAV or MP3) to share or upload.

Tips for Further Exploration

  • Experiment with Presets: Browse the included presets in each plugin to discover new sounds and inspiration.
  • Layer Instruments: Combine multiple instruments (e.g., a pad from REAKTOR PRISM and a lead from MONARK) to create rich, layered textures.
  • Use the Samples: Explore the included samples and loops to add variety and depth to your tracks.

Conclusion: Start Your Music Production Journey with Komplete Start

Komplete Start is an incredible free bundle that provides everything you need to start making music. By following this tutorial, you’ve learned how to load instruments, create beats, add basslines, and enhance your tracks with effects. But this is just the beginning—Komplete Start offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.

So fire up your DAW, load Komplete Start, and start creating your own music. Happy producing! 🎛️✨