8.7Great
Kontakt 8 is Native Instruments' software sampler platform for hosting and building virtual instruments, available as a plugin or standalone app.
Plugin comparison
Kontakt 8 vs SampleTank 4
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which sampler to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
Sampler / IK Multimedia
SampleTank 4
7.6Good
SampleTank 4 is IK Multimedia's sample-based virtual instrument and sound workstation plugin with over 8,000 instrument presets.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Kontakt 8 comes out ahead (8.7). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Kontakt 8 | SampleTank 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $299 | — |
| Dubspot Score | 8.7 | 7.6 |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU (macOS), AAX | Standalone, VST 2, VST 3, Audio Units (AU), AAX |
| macOS formats (64-bit) | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | — |
| Windows formats (64-bit) | Standalone, VST3, AAX | — |
| Factory Library 2 | 40 GB ready-to-use instrument toolset included | — |
| CPU / RAM | Intel Core i5 or equivalent / Apple Silicon; 4 GB RAM (6 GB recommended) | — |
| Disk space | 2 GB free; 52 GB for complete installation | 40 GB (SE), 128 GB (Standard), 640 GB (MAX) |
| Free Player version | Kontakt 8 Player hosts NI and third-party Kontakt instruments at no cost | — |
| Instrument presets | — | Over 8,000 (MAX edition) |
| Sound content | — | Over 250 GB (MAX edition) |
| Editions | — | Custom Shop (free), Special Edition, Standard, MAX |
| macOS requirement | — | macOS 10.13 or later, 64-bit, 4 GB RAM (8 GB suggested) |
| Windows requirement | — | Windows 7 or later, 64-bit, 4 GB RAM (8 GB suggested), ASIO sound card |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.