Native Instruments introduces Skanner XT

Native Instruments introduces Skanner XT:
Native Instrument has introduced Skanner XT, a new Reaktor-based instrument with – and I quote – “a strong focus on unconventional tone and genuine musical expression”.

Part sampler, part synth, SKANNER XT utilizes a unique synthesizer architecture to create a wide variety of intense and cutting-edge sounds for contemporary electronic music production and sound design. Two oscillators ‘scan’ a sample, which at low frequencies deliver a scratch sound. At higher frequencies the oscillators, shaped by the sample waveform, become the dominant force. In this way, SKANNER XT provides a broad range of highly distinctive sounds – from heavy and dirty bass tones to morphing soundscapes and organic pads.
Developed together with NI synthesis mastermind Stephan Schmitt, SKANNER XT offers two interface views for different levels of interaction with the complex architecture under the hood. Besides a simplified page with a preset morpher and four macro controls, a second view provides access to more detailed parameters in order to further explore the sonic potential of the instrument. A morph control option allows for convenient switching between eight different snapshots – producing unpredictable, evolving sounds that range from the ethereal to the extreme.

Skanner XT requires either the full Reaktor 5 or the free Reaktor 5 Player, and is also optimized for easy browsing from the Maschine hardware (yay!).
It’s available at the NI Online Shop for $59 / €49. Users of the previous free version Skanner are entitled to crossgrade for a special price of $29.50 / €24,50 until May 31st.