Kontakt vs. Soundbox: What’s the Difference?

If you're diving into the world of virtual instruments, you've likely come across Kontakt and Soundbox—two powerful platforms for music creators. But what are the key differences, and which one is right for you?

Kontakt Instruments (Full Kontakt vs. Kontakt Player)

Native Instruments’ Kontakt is one of the most popular samplers in the industry. Many virtual instruments (including ours at Kompose Audio) are built specifically for the full version of Kontakt, which offers advanced scripting, routing, and deep customization.

However:

• The full version of Kontakt is a paid product.
• Kontakt Player is free, but only works with Player-licensed libraries.
• If you load a full Kontakt-only instrument into Kontakt Player, it runs in demo mode for 15 minutes.
• If you see a library labeled “Full Kontakt Required,” you'll need the paid version to use it properly.

Soundbox by Audiomodern: A Fresh, Evolving Platform

Soundbox is a sleek, modern sample player developed by Audiomodern. It’s free to use, supports third-party instruments like ours, and offers a smooth, intuitive experience.

With the free version of Soundbox, you can:

• Load and play Soundbox-format instruments
• Use essential sound controls
• Explore sounds with a clean, user-friendly interface

Soundbox is a new and actively evolving platform, with new features and improvements being added regularly, making it a fantastic choice for forward-thinking composers.

Unlocking Full Soundbox Features

Kompose Audio Soundbox packs do not unlock the full Sample and Mapping features of Soundbox. By using the Soundbox player, all features are unlocked and fully functional, except for the Sample and Mapping editor, which allows you to import and edit your own sounds. The Sample & Mapping editor can be unlocked through the settings tab, by entering a license key that comes with any Audiomodern Soundbox Instrument. Once unlocked, it stays unlocked permanently, with no need for further upgrades, as it includes free lifetime updates.

Ultimately, both Kontakt and Soundbox are excellent sample players—each offering unique benefits. Kontakt’s complex scripting and deep customization make it perfect for advanced, highly detailed instruments, while Soundbox shines with its simplicity, elegant interface, and ever-evolving feature set. At Kompose Audio, we design some instruments in Kontakt to take advantage of its powerful capabilities, and others in Soundbox to embrace its streamlined, modern approach. The best choice depends on your creative needs and workflow preferences.