Best way to use Kontakt in Logic

I'd like to chime in here...

...it is indeed possible to write volume (cc7) and pan (cc10) info on Kontakt's multi-timbral tracks within logic and have them behave as expected. The main problem, as we all know, is that Logic intercepts CC7 and CC10 at the channel strip level and does not allow these to pass through to the instrument itself. The solution, as hinted at in earlier posts, is to use transformers. These handy little things (though not exactly easy to figure out) can be found in the "new" menu within the environment window.

The basic concept is that you need to transform CC7 and CC10 to two unused continuous controller numbers (132 and 133 for instance) which can get through to Kontakt. Then, within Kontakt's "Auto" tab, and "MIDI" sub tab, drag the corresponding CC# to the portion of Kontakt you wish it to control. For example, if you transformed CC7 to CC132, then for each instrument within your Kontakt Multi you would drag (from the list of MIDI CC's) #132 to each of the volume faders on each instrument. Do the same for Pan.

As far as the transformer goes, you need one for each CC you need to change. The cabling would go from the multi-instrument--->first transformer--->second transformer--->instrument channel. Settings within each transformer are the same.. Status = Control, Channel (leave blank), Data Bit 1 = CC7 (or 10), and directly under Data Bit one set to "Fix" and enter the CC you want to change it to (i.e. 132).

Takes some setup, but at least this way you don't have to write your volumes and pans with different controllers than you use with everything else.

Note I have only tried this with Kontakt 3, and I'm pretty sure it works the same way in Kontakt 2, but can't speak for Kontakt 1.

That allows setting levels independently, but does it split instruments into separate audio outputs?

No, you still have to add channels within Kontakt and use the AUX bussing within Logic. That is unavoidable. 😟

yes, it works in kontakt 2 and i do it very often when using kontakt.

obviously it has no bearing on audio output - this is a midi issue. you can think of the actual kontakt channel strip as being like a bus. in most situations this scenario is desirable.

but in this way, you can do all the independent automation of the 16 slots in kontakt you want.

in fact, you can do the same thing with one instance of exs, setting it up to play multi-timbrally. but it doesn't make sense to do it that way - much easier just to use a separate instance.

I am also working with orchestral arrangments with Logic and Kontakt. I had a problem running out of RAM not due to physical RAM installed but Logics limitation to use a maximum of RAM around 3.35 GB before crashing ( 32 bit app ).
The solution is to use Kontakt in standalone mode and then routing the audio back to Logic with Soundflower. I use virtual MIDI ports created in Sound/MIDI settings built in in OSX and then 8 virtual stereo outs back to Logic ( aux channels ) from the Kontakt standalone app using Soundflower. You have to create a Aggregate audio device too in Sound/MIDI settings including your audiointeface of choice AND soundflowers virtual 16 in/outs.

What orchestral libraries are you using? If it's EWQLSO, their PLAY version of the libraries is supposed to get around the ram limitation. I hope it delivers.

Firechild wrote:
The solution is to use Kontakt in standalone mode and then routing the audio back to Logic with Soundflower. I use virtual MIDI ports created in Sound/MIDI settings built in in OSX and then 8 virtual stereo outs back to Logic ( aux channels ) from the Kontakt standalone app using Soundflower. You have to create a Aggregate audio device too in Sound/MIDI settings including your audiointeface of choice AND soundflowers virtual 16 in/outs.

In addition, you could use the 'external instrument' plugin to route MIDI and audio between Logic and Kontakt.
This way each Kontakt instrument would appear in Logic on a single track for handling MIDI and audio.

Kontakt is not made to run alongside any other audio application. Trying this with Kontakt 3 causes major crashes and forced samplerate issues... Just sayin, for those who might try this in Leopard.

O.K., I am still stuck. I am having some problems here and I can't get them resolved.

I am working on an orchestral score I wrote in Sibelius. I exported that as a MIDI file.
In Logic I created 2 Multi-Timbral Instruments (18 tracks.) I opened the MIDI files and dumped them on the 18 tracks. I then selected track 1 and opened Kontakt 3. In this instance I opened instruments (flute - Viola) for the 16 tracks in the multi. I then did the same for the remaining instruments in the second multi. On Each track I then assigned it thusly: e.g. Flute - select pull down --> I Kontakt 3 --> 001. Clarinet - select pull down menu --> I Kontakt 3 --> 002 and so on.

Two things have happened: 1) in one attempt I get MIDI files playing on the wrong instruments. 2) I get no sound out of the first multi.

Where am I going wrong here? I am trying to avoid having load and instance of Kontakt on every track.
Thanks.