Native Instruments NOIRE Kontakt Library

Native Instruments NOIRE Kontakt Library

Native Instruments NOIRE is a deeply expressive virtual grand piano built around a handpicked, custom-intonated Yamaha CFX 9′ concert grand. The instrument was developed around the piano sound associated with composer and pianist Nils Frahm and captured in the distinctive acoustic environment of Saal 3 at Funkhaus Berlin.

Rather than being limited to a traditional concert piano presentation, NOIRE combines detailed piano sampling with extensive sound customization and creative processing. It can deliver a natural grand piano sound, an intimate felt-dampened tone, or evolve into moving and experimental textures through its sound design tools and Particles Engine.

A Custom-Intonated Yamaha CFX Concert Grand

At the center of NOIRE is a Yamaha CFX 9′ concert grand selected and customized for its distinctive character. Native Instruments and Galaxy Instruments captured the instrument over several weeks using vintage microphones and preamps in Funkhaus Berlin.

The result is a piano library designed to offer both detailed realism and an atmospheric recording character suitable for modern composition and production.

Two Distinct Piano Instruments

NOIRE includes two separate Kontakt instruments:

NOIRE Pure

NOIRE Pure presents the Yamaha CFX without the felt preparation. It delivers a clear and detailed grand piano tone while retaining the depth, sustain, and expressive dynamic range of the sampled instrument.

NOIRE Felt

NOIRE Felt uses the same piano with a felt moderator placed between the hammers and strings. This produces a gentler tone with reduced attack, making it especially suitable for intimate, atmospheric and delicate compositions.

Creative Sound Customization

NOIRE goes beyond basic piano playback by offering extensive control over the instrument’s character.

You can shape elements including:

• Attack
• Release
• Resonance
• Overtones
• Velocity response
• Temperament
• Piano noises
• EQ
• Compression
• Reverb
• Delay

These controls allow the same sampled piano to be adapted for natural performances, modern productions, cinematic scoring, ambient soundscapes and more experimental sound design.

The Particles Engine

One of NOIRE’s most creative features is the Particles Engine.

The engine generates clouds of pulsating and harmonic elements based on the notes you play. This adds motion to performances and can help transform simple piano parts into evolving textures and more experimental compositions.

It is particularly useful for:

• Ambient music
• Film scoring
• Sound design
• Experimental composition
• Textural production
• Modern classical music

100 Snapshots

NOIRE includes 100 snapshots, giving users a broad collection of starting points for different piano characters and creative directions.

These snapshots can provide useful starting points before further adjusting the piano’s response, effects and creative processing.

Built for Composition and Production

NOIRE can fit naturally into a wide variety of musical styles.

Its Pure version can work well for detailed piano performances, while the Felt instrument offers a softer and more intimate character. The Particles Engine and sound design options expand the library beyond traditional piano production.

Possible applications include:

• Film and TV scoring
• Modern classical music
• Ambient music
• Pop ballads
• Singer-songwriter production
• Electronic music
• Lo-fi and atmospheric production
• Experimental sound design

Made for KOMPLETE KONTROL

NOIRE is designed to integrate with Native Instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboards, allowing compatible hardware to work naturally with the instrument’s performance workflow.

Technical Specifications

The current official Native Instruments page should be used as the final reference for system compatibility because Kontakt requirements can change with product updates.

Why Choose NOIRE?

NOIRE is designed for producers and composers who want more than a conventional sampled piano.

It combines a detailed concert grand with two distinct tonal approaches, extensive sound shaping, 100 snapshots and a creative engine capable of generating evolving harmonic textures.

The combination of NOIRE Pure, NOIRE Felt, and the Particles Engine makes the library suitable for both realistic piano performances and more experimental production.

Product FAQ

What is Native Instruments NOIRE?

NOIRE is a KOMPLETE piano instrument based on a custom-intonated Yamaha CFX 9′ concert grand associated with Nils Frahm.

How many instruments are included?

NOIRE includes two NKIs: NOIRE Pure and NOIRE Felt.

What is NOIRE Felt?

NOIRE Felt uses the Yamaha CFX with a felt moderator between the hammers and strings, creating a softer tone with reduced attack.

What is the Particles Engine?

The Particles Engine generates moving harmonic and pulsating elements based on your playing.

How many snapshots are included?

NOIRE includes 100 snapshots.

How large is the library?

The official product page lists NOIRE at 16 GB.

Does NOIRE work with Kontakt Player?

Yes. The current official page lists compatibility with KONTAKT PLAYER or KONTAKT, with the version requirement shown on the official product page.