In Kontakt's multi-output function, the difference between 8out and 16out is the number of instruments you can use. Stereo instruments use two outputs each, so 8out lets you send up to four instruments to separate outputs, and 16out up to eight. Considering that the number of instruments grows as production progresses, 16out is usually recommended. Multi-output lets you send multiple instruments in Kontakt to your DAW individually and apply different effects to each, enabling flexible, advanced audio editing.
Understand the Number of Outputs and Choose Accordingly
We previously introduced multi-output settings, which let you control the output of each instrument in Kontakt separately.
Kontakt Multi-Output Explained
For these multi-output settings, "8out/16out" options are provided,
but what exactly are they?
Put simply, it is "the number of instruments that can use multi-output".
In most cases, instruments in Kontakt output in stereo.
- Mono: uses one output
- Stereo: uses two outputs
That's how it works.
The image above shows "Kontakt_out16."
Each instrument outputs in stereo, so it uses two outputs.
So up to eight instruments can be sent to separate outputs.
This is the case with "Kontakt_out8."
As you can see, no outputs are assigned from the fifth track onward.
Four stereo instruments are being used,
so at this point all eight outputs (8out) have been used up.
Considering that the number of instruments you use grows as production progresses,
we usually recommend using "out16."
As a side note, the plain "Kontakt" with no suffix also supports 16out multi-output.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How do mono and stereo differ in the number of outputs used for Kontakt multi-output?
A mono instrument uses one output, while a stereo instrument uses two. So in the same 8out setup, you can send up to eight mono instruments or up to four stereo instruments to separate outputs.
Q2. Which should I choose, 8out or 16out?
Considering that the number of instruments you use grows as production progresses, 16out is usually recommended. With 16out, you can send up to eight stereo instruments to separate outputs, giving you flexibility.
Q3. Can I use 16out multi-output with the standard Kontakt?
Yes, the regular Kontakt with no suffix also supports 16out multi-output. You don't need to buy a separate upgrade.
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