Octa is the latest instrument developed by producer Chris Hein, and marks the first release in a new Mega Structure series. Octa contains 100 high-quality acoustic and electronic solo instruments, and allows users to combine and layer up to eight of them in a single patch as well as manipulating them via a powerful on-board sequencer.
Samples & Layering
The collection of sounds includes 64 sampled acoustic instruments, along with 32 synthesizers, and four percussion sets that utilise a total of 1500 samples. As well providing instruments such as pianos, guitars, and a selection of orchestral offerings, Octa also contains some slightly more unusual sound sources, including MyTube, a unique instrument built by Chris Hein from a collection of plastic pipes.
The GUI is centred around an eight-channel mixer, with each channel capable of loading a separate instrument. A range of controls are provided on a per-channel basis, with users able to control transposition and tunings, as well as shape the loaded sounds with an envelope and velocity-based dynamics controls. Keyswitches can be assigned to switch between different channel configurations, and individual outputs are provided for those who wish to process the individual sources even further outside of the instrument.
Sequencer
Octa also features a powerful built-in eight-channel sequencer, which is capable of modulating each channel’s parameters to create a range of creative rhythmic effects. The company say that despite its complex look, the sequencer is extremely intuitive and is capable of delivering interesting results very quickly. To see and hear it in action, take a look at the video below.
Compatibility
Octa runs within Native Instruments Kontakt Player 6.7.1 and above, which is supported on PCs running Windows 10 or 11, and Macs running macOS 10.14 and above. VST, VST3, AU, and AAX versions of Kontakt Player are available.
Pricing & Availability
Octa is available now, priced at $299. Until the end of January 2023, registered users of any other Chris Hein library are eligible for a loyalty discount which brings the cost down to $239.
