Checking Out: Kithara by Native Instruments

Kithara, the latest release from Native Instrument (teaming up with Audio Imperia) is a cinematic workhorse that will have your listeners transported to new and exciting worlds

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Checking Out: Kithara by Native Instruments

Kithara, released by Native Instruments in collaboration with Audio Imperia, is an eclectic collection of guitars and plucked string instruments from across the world. From the moment you play Kithara, it’s clear this instrument is something special. With its blend of instruments and dynamic performances, you can immediately sense its potential for creating immersive soundscapes with a mystic, global feel—drawing on the musical traditions of Asia and South America and adding a kick of granular synthisis..

What sets Kithara apart is its Fragments engine, which introduces granular effects that add a new dimension to the sound. Even just a few presets in, I could tell how the granular engine and programming could transform the instrument into something far more than a standard acoustic plucked collection. You can layer up to four different instruments at once, allowing you to craft evolving soundscapes that feel organic, while still sounding modern and cinematic.

The instrument also seems to give a nod to composer Gustavo Santaolalla, known for his work on “The Last of Us”  While some might think this library is just for creating score-like music reminiscent of “The Last of Us,” Kithara offers so much more. Santaolalla has been perfecting this sound for over two decades (check out “The Motorcycle Diaries score”, and Kithara expands on this approach, delivering a much broader range of sonic possibilities.

Kithara’s 4-layer engine provides access to over more than 350 sound sources. The Attack layer offers crisp, plucked sounds, while the Sustain layers bring texture with loops, strums, and pads. The Release layer adds natural decay or designed effects that come alive as notes fade. Each layer is fully customizable, allowing you to mix, match, and build your own presets. The Fragments engine, in particular, introduces fluttering granular effects that evolve within the Sustain and Release layers, adding depth and harmonic patterns that shift and flow. The Fragments are tasteful and subtle and not overbearing, allowing for them to linger, twist and shimmer behind the  acoustic sample playback.

One of the most exciting features is the ability to randomize fragment selections, which can lead to unexpected and creative directions for your compositions. Whether you need one-note wonders or instruments that come alive with just a bit of melodic motion, Kithara delivers highly usable presets that are emotionally evocative and ready to inspire.

The range of sounds makes Kithara a powerful tool for a wide variety of genres, from uplifting fantasy to suspenseful tension cues. The expression and modwheel-controlled dynamics are effective for shaping musical lines with emotion and nuance, which is perfect for film, game, and TV scoring.

In my time exploring this instrument, I was flooded with inspiration for new cue ideas. It’s no exaggeration to say that Kithara is one of my favorite instruments Native Instruments has released in a while. The developer is on a roll, consistently delivering AAA-quality cinematic tools for composers, and Kithara stands out as a magical soundscape and melody generator that can transport listeners to new and exciting worlds.

If you’re looking for an instrument that’s versatile, cinematic, and loaded with inspirational presets, Kithara is an excellent choice.

Kithara normally sells for $199.00 from Native Insturments
Included in the Komplete 15 Collector’s Edition

Facts

Downloads as 21.05 GB
Samples From 12 Guitar Instruments & Plucked Strings: Classical, Flamenco, Steel Guitars, Mandolin, Balalaika, Cuatro, Ronroco & more
Milui-Layer Interface including Fragments Engine for Granular Effects
Over 300 Presets
Runs in Free Kontakt Player 8+

Kithara normally sells for $199.00 from Native Insturments
Included in the Komplete 15 Collector’s Edition

Demos of Kithara by Native Insturments

Videos of Kithara by Native Insturments