Every now and then, something comes along that makes you wonder, “How is this free?” This is one of those times.
Sound designer Robert Dudzic is back with details on Komplete Start from Native Instruments. Over to you, RD…
Talk about getting more bang for your buck, well this time you don’t even need the buck! All you need is Komplete Start from Native Instruments. If you’re producing radio imaging, promos, podcasts, or anything that needs sonic personality, this bundle is loaded. Instruments, effects, MIDI tools, this is pro stuff you can actually use, not just fluffy filler.
Here’s the highlight reel:
Instruments & Sounds: You get Massive X Player for that big, modern synth sound. Bass Music Essentials for the low-end punch. The Leap sampler with Lo-Fi Vibes and Acoustic Drums for grit or warmth, depending on your mood. Analog Dreams, Hypha, and Ethereal Earth give you those lush textures. And for something different? The Jacob Collier Audience Choir (yep, really), an Irish Harp, a Yangqin, plus the versatile Factory Selection 2.
MIDI Tools in Kontakt 8 Player: Chords, phrases, patterns, stuff that gives you instant inspiration when you’re staring at a deadline and your brain’s gone on lunch break.
Creative & Studio Effects: Raum reverb for depth, iZotope Ozone EQ to shape your mix, Guitar Rig 7 Player for amps and effects, and iZotope Trash Lite when you need to rough things up in all the right ways.
Why it matters for imaging:
-The variety here means you can pivot between styles without hunting down new plugins.
-The built-in MIDI tools are deadline savers, with quick compositions, layered textures, complex arrangements without complex headaches.
-The effects are broadcast-quality, so your final mix actually sounds finished.
Bottom line: this is a no-brainer download. It’s not “good for free,” it’s just good. And if you’re building fresh, dynamic, broadcast-ready audio, this gives you a pile of options without touching your budget.
Until next time, happy producing!
—Robert
Robert Dudzic is a world-class sound designer and the creator and producer of SPLAT!’s Trynity HDFX. Each week here, he recommends software, apps, or plugins to amp up your audio production and radio imaging