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This guide covers how to set up multi-out routing for Soft Drums, Mallet Drums, and Indie Drums in Kontakt. Multi-out lets you send individual kit pieces (kick, snare, toms, cymbals, etc.) to separate mixer channels in your DAW for independent processing. 

For additional help, visit Native Instruments website

Prerequisites

• Kontakt 6+ (full version recommended)
• Your DAW configured to receive multiple outputs from Kontakt
• Soft Drums, Mallet Drums, or Indie Drums loaded

Step 1: Load the Multi-Out NKI

1. Open Kontakt as a plugin in your DAW or in standalone mode.
2. Load the multi-out version of the drum library (e.g., “Soft Drums Multi-Out.nki”, “Mallet Drums Multi-Out.nki”, or “Indie Drums Multi-Out.nki”).

Step 2: Open the Output Section in Kontakt

1. Click the Output button in the Kontakt header (or press F2) to open the Output Mixer.
2. You’ll see the default stereo output channel (“st. 1”).

Step 3: Create Additional Output Channels

1. In the Output Mixer, click the + button to add new stereo output channels.

2. Create one output for each kit piece you want to route separately. Common setup:

   • Kick
   • Snare
   • Toms
   • Hi-Hat
   • Cymbals / Overheads
   • Room / Ambience (if applicable)

3. Name each output by double-clicking on the channel label.

    

   

Step 4: Assign Kit Pieces to Outputs

Somerville drum libraries include a ROUTE panel in the GUI for easy output assignment—no need to dig into Kontakt’s Edit Mode.

1. Locate the ROUTE section on the instrument interface.
2. Use the dropdown (e.g., “TOM LOW”) to select the kit piece you want to route.
3. Below each mic type (CLOSE, OH, ROOM), click the DEFAULT button to assign that signal to a different output channel.
4. The individual close mics can be routed to different channels, along with overhead, room, and kit (kit mic not pictured).
5. Repeat for each kit piece.

Tip: Use the PAN and GAIN controls in the ROUTE panel to fine-tune each mic’s position and level before it hits your DAW mixer.

Step 5: Configure Your DAW to Receive Multi-Out

This step varies by DAW. Here are quick instructions for common DAWs:

Logic Pro

1. Click the + button on the Kontakt track header.
2. Select Create New Auxiliary Channel Strip for each output.
3. Assign each aux to the corresponding Kontakt output.

Pro Tools

1. Insert Kontakt on a stereo instrument track.
2. Create additional Aux Input tracks.
3. Set each aux input to receive from the corresponding Kontakt output pair.

Cubase / Nuendo

1. In the VST Instruments panel, click Activate Outputs on Kontakt.
2. Enable each output pair you created.
3. New mixer channels will appear automatically.

Ableton Live

1. Unfold the Kontakt track in the mixer.
2. Enable each output pair using the Audio To dropdown.
3. Route each to a new audio track or group.

Studio One

1. Right-click the Kontakt channel and select Expand.
2. Enable additional outputs.
3. New channels appear in the mixer.

Step 6: Mix and Process Individually

Once routed, you can:

• Apply EQ, compression, and effects to each kit piece independently.
• Adjust levels per element without affecting the full mix.
• Print stems for delivery or collaboration.

Troubleshooting