Native Instruments O Kore 2 User manual

OPERATION MANUAL

The information in this document is subject to change without
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH. The software described by
this document is subject to a License Agreement and may
not be copied to other media. No part of this publication may
be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded,
for any purpose, without prior written permission by NATIVE
INSTRUMENTS GmbH, hereinafter referred to as NATIVE
INSTRUMENTS. All product and company names are ™ or
® trademarks of their respective owners.
Furthermore, the fact that you are reading this text means you
are the owner of legal version rather than an illegal, pirated
copy. It is only through the loyalty and honesty of people like
yourself that NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH can continue to
develop and create innovative audio software. On behalf of
the entire company, thank you very much.
Users Guide written by Thomas Loop.
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable
not just in tracking down bugs, but in making this a better
product.

Germany
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 28
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
[e-mail]
www.native-instruments.de
USA
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
5631 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
[e-mail]
www.native-instruments.com
MASSIVE was designed and developed entirely by
Native Instruments GmbH. Solely the name Massive is
a registered trademark of Massive Audio Inc, USA.
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2007. All rights reserved.

KORE 2 – 4
1. Introduction
This part of the User’s Manual gives a brief overview over KORE 2’s abilities
and explains how to use this manual. Additionally, it contains notes about
using the KORE 2 Controller safely and provides some general product-
related information.
1.1 Welcome to KORE 2
Thank you for buying KORE 2. On behalf of the entire NATIVE
INSTRUMENTS team, we hope you are truly inspired by this product.
KORE 2 has been designed in order to let you nd the sound you have
in mind fast. The Browser of KORE 2 is lled with musical attributes
– specify any combination, and the sounds that match the description are
immediately listed.
The repertoire of the KORE 2 Browser is lled with more than 500 sounds,
each providing several variations which can be morphed seamlessly.
They have been created for immediate use in your production: All 3.000
variations can be loaded and played instantaneously without the need for
additional software, as KORE 2 is equipped with six Integrated Engines.
Their individual power and sonic variety shape KORE 2 as The Super
Instrument.

KORE 2 – 5
Effort has been given to make all sounds of KORE 2 accessible in a simple
and unied way. While the technical details that generate a sound can
differ enormously from engine to engine, your sound control is always
similar: the most important parameters for each individual sound have been
manually assigned to the hardware, and you can tweak them directly and
effectively. The recall and morphing of variations can also be controlled
remotely with the KORE 2 Controller.
Beyond these immediate usage possibilities, you can integrate any other
plug-in into the KORE 2 host application. Import your favorite plug-in’s
presets into KORE 2 and integrate them into your sound database, or
create more personal sound processing using more than Internal Audio
and MIDI Components.
This manual will help you get the best out of KORE 2.
1.2 How to Use This Manual
This manual is split into three main parts: The rst part explains how to
install the KORE 2 hardware. The software installation and activation is
described within the separate Setup Guide. The second part covers KORE
2 systematically and provides information about all parts of KORE 2,
structured according to the software’s user interface. As each part of the
user interface is focused on a specic functionality, the manual structure
will guide you quickly and easily to the information you need. Note that
the reference part is introduced by two overview sections. They explain
some basic concepts of KORE 2 and show how the user interface is
%
Within the margin column
of this manual, additional
information is given that often goes
beyond a specic chapter’s scope or
provides additional hints.
%
Within the margin column
of this manual, additional
information is given that often goes
beyond a specic chapter’s scope or
provides additional hints.

KORE 2 – 6
structured. Reading these is strongly recommended if you want to
understand and use all the features KORE 2 provides. The last part of the
manual, nally, is the appendix that contains some specic information
about using KORE 2 with other products by NATIVE INSTRUMENTS. It
also holds an index of important terms as well as a keyboard shortcut
overview.
1.3 Safety Considerations
Please always use the KORE 2 Controller according to the following security
advices.
Warning
Before using the KORE 2 hardware, please thoroughly read the
instructions below and the Owner’s Manual.
The device contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not open the device
or attempt to disassemble or modify any internal hardware. If it appears
to malfunction, immediately stop using it and have it inspected by
qualied service personnel.
Do not expose the unit to rain, and do not use it near water or in damp
or wet conditions. Also, make sure that no glasses or bottles containing
liquids which might spill are placed on the hardware. Do not allow any
objects or liquids of any kind to penetrate the unit.
The KORE 2 Controller is USB bus-powered. Operation can only be
guaranteed as a single device with a USB2 controller or with a self-
powered USB2 hub.
►
►
►
►
%
Those who don’t like read-
ing manuals will nd that
after mastering a few basics, KORE
2 is unusually easy to learn. This is
supported by the Info Pane of the
KORE 2 software: Each time you
move your mouse over an element
of KORE 2, the Info Pane explains
the control’s usage. Note that you
can set the Info Pane’s language
within the application’s Options
dialog explained in chapter 3.3.5
below.
%
Those who don’t like read-
ing manuals will nd that
after mastering a few basics, KORE
2 is unusually easy to learn. This is
supported by the Info Pane of the
KORE 2 software: Each time you
move your mouse over an element
of KORE 2, the Info Pane explains
the control’s usage. Note that you
can set the Info Pane’s language
within the application’s Options
dialog explained in chapter 3.3.5
below.

KORE 2 – 7
Caution
Do not place the KORE 2 Controller in an unstable position where it
might accidentally fall to the ground.
Before moving the KORE 2 Controller, remove all connected cables.
Never use or store the unit in places that are subject to extreme
temperatures (e.g., direct sunlight in a closed vehicle, near to a heating
or heat-generating equipment), or high levels of vibration.
Do not use excessive force on the buttons, knobs, switches, or
connectors.
When cleaning the KORE 2 Controller, use a soft, dry cloth. Do not
use paint thinner, solvents, cleaning uids, or chemically-impregnated
wiping cloths.
1.4 Notes
Disclaimer: Native Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for
damage or data-loss caused by improper use or modication to the
KORE 2 Controller or the KORE 2 software.
Specications subject to change: The information contained in this
manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Native
Instruments reserves the right to make changes to the specications
of software and hardware at any time without notice or obligation to
update existing units.
►
►
►
►
►
►
►

KORE 2 – 8
Name Plate Location: The name plate is located on the bottom of
the product. It lists the product’s model name and other technical
information. The serial number is also located on the bottom of the
unit.
Disposal Notice: Should this product become damaged beyond
repair, or for some other reason come to the end of its life, please
observe all regulations of your country that relate to the disposal of
electronic products. Copyright: © Native Instruments GmbH 2007. This
publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part, summarized,
transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or translated into
any language, in any form or by any means without the prior written
permission of Native Instruments GmbH.
All product and company names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.
1.5 Software Installation
For details about the KORE 2 Controller driver installation, refer to
Chapter 2.2 of this manual. More information about the KORE 2 software
installation is available from the NATIVE INSTRUMENTS Setup Guide
included with this package.
►
►
►

KORE 2 – 9
2. Hardware Setup
Thanks to the seamless integration of KORE 2’s software and hardware
components, your software becomes a tangible instrument that is highly
intuitive and uniform in its operation.
The KORE 2 Controller is a tactile interface to the world of KoreSounds.
By implementing the Control Page concept explained in chapter 3.1.4,
it unies the interface of all different instrument and effect plug-ins
within KORE 2.
The KORE 2 Controller can also access all types of S ound V ariationS ,
and can act as a powerful hardware interface to KORE 2’s Sound
Database.
If you own a KORE 1 Controller, please note that it is fully compatible with
KORE 2. Read more on this in chapter 3.9.
►
►
!
When you install KORE 2
for the rst time, please
make sure that you also choose to
install the KORE 2 Controller driver.
Refer to chapter 2.2 for more infor-
mation.
!
When you install KORE 2
for the rst time, please
make sure that you also choose to
install the KORE 2 Controller driver.
Refer to chapter 2.2 for more infor-
mation.

KORE 2 – 10
2.1 The hardware elements of your KORE 2 Controller
2.1.1 Rear Panel
(1, 2) Footswitch ports
These two ports can be used to attach any type of foot controller. The
inputs only work with on/off signals. The footswitches can be assigned to
uSer Page buttons. Read more on using footswitches in chapter 2.3.3.
(3, 4) Pedal inputs
Various pedals (expression, sustain, volume, etc.) can be attached here.
The pedal input receives continuous signals. It can be assigned to u Ser
Page Knobs. Read more on using pedals in chapter 2.3.3.
(5) USB 2 port
Be aware that at least the USB 2 connection has to be established to
make the KORE 2 Controller work; all other connections described here
are optional. It provides the unit’s functionality as a Controller and supplies
electrical power to the hardware.

KORE 2 – 11
(6, 7) MIDI Input/Output
The KORE 2 Controller is also a MIDI interface. Use the IN port to attach
a master keyboard and the OUT to drive an external device such as a drum
machine or sampler. Please note that, at the time of writing, the KORE 2
Controller's knobs, buttons, and transport do not send MIDI information.
(8) Kensington Lock socket
Use this to attach a Kensington-style lock to prevent your KORE 2
Controller from being stolen. This kind of lock can be found at dealers for
notebook accessories.

KORE 2 – 12
2.1.2 Top Panel
1-8: Controller Knobs
These are digital endless encoders with a far higher resolution than would
be possible with the MIDI standard. They control the target parameters
incrementally, leading to a very smooth control of values on the software side.
You can also use the Control Knobs to morph between Sound VariationS.

KORE 2 – 13
The Control Knobs are touch-sensitive, i.e., if the knob is touched (without
altering its value) the KORE 2 Controller reacts and displays the controller’s
name and its current value in the hardware display (32). This is also very
convenient for assigning parameters. Each Control Knob is surrounded by
a Selection Ring that displays a dimmed red light if there is an assignment
(i.e., functionality) present. It blinks when the controller is becoming
assigned, and it is bright red when the knob is touched on the hardware
or clicked in the software.
9-16: Controller Buttons 1-8
The buttons contain a light indicating their on/off state. On the software
level (see the section about Control Pages) the buttons can be used in
gate or toggle mode. They can also be used to recall a Sound Variation’s
settings.
17: Stop
Equivalent to the tranSPort area’s StoP button.
18: Start
Equivalent to the tranSPort area’s Start button.
19: Record
Unused in this version of the KORE 2 software.
20: Pre-Listen
Activates Pre-liSten mode for quickly testing KoreSounds.

KORE 2 – 14
21: Control
This button provides access to the Control PageS of the component
currently in focus.
22: F2
Jump to the BrowSer and the hardware options with this button.
23: Sound
Switches into S ound M ode for navigating the S ound M atrix . S ound M ode also
allows to morph Sound VariationS.
24: Enter
This button conrms a selection and enters a selected Sound Matrix
level.
25: F1
This button is context sensitive and changes its function depending on the
situation. Please read chapter 3.9 for details.
26: Escape
Use this button to return to the next higher level of the menu structure.
27: Scrollwheel
The wheel has the same function as the Up/Down buttons.
28-31: Up, Down, Left, Right
Navigation through channels, Pages, menus and lists.

KORE 2 – 15
32: Display
The Main Display shows Controller states, Pages, parameter names and
values, menus, lists and folder structures.
2.2 Driver Installation
KORE 2 is a tightly integrated system of software and hardware. Before
using the KORE 2 Controller, the hardware driver must be installed.
If you are unsure if the driver was correctly installed during the installation
procedure, you can add it manually: The driver installer is located in the
KORE 2 Program Folder on your computer.
Windows: Program Files / Native Instruments / KORE 2 /
Mac OS X: Applications / KORE 2 / Driver /
Driver Installation on Windows XP
Insert the KORE 2 Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive or locate
the driver setup in the KORE 2 program folder, Program Files / Native
Instruments / KORE 2 /.
Use the Windows Explorer to view the contents of the folder.
Start the installation by double-clicking Kore 2 Driver Setup.exe
The setup program will suggest C:\Program Files\Native Instruments\
KORE 2\ as the path for the destination folder. You may also choose
another folder if you wish.
During the installation you will be asked to attach the KORE 2
Controller. Please connect the KORE 2 Controller to a USB2 port on
your computer and follow the installation dialogs until installation is
nished.
►
►
►
►
►
!
Start the driver install
process before connect-
ing the KORE 2 Controller to your
computer.
!
Start the driver install
process before connect-
ing the KORE 2 Controller to your
computer.
!
For Windows XP, Service
Pack 2 is necessary for
the KORE 2 Controller to function
properly. This Windows update pro-
vides support for USB 2.0.
!
For Windows XP, Service
Pack 2 is necessary for
the KORE 2 Controller to function
properly. This Windows update pro-
vides support for USB 2.0.

KORE 2 – 16
Driver Installation on Mac OS X
Insert the KORE 2 Installation CD into the CD-ROM drive or locate the
driver setup in the KORE 2 application, folder Applications / KORE 2
/ Driver.
Start the driver installation package NI Hardware Driver Installer.app
with a double-click.
After clicking “Continue” you can select the installation location. The
startup disk is chosen by default.
2.3 Connecting the Hardware
2.3.1 Connecting the hardware to a computer
Before using your KORE 2 Controller, the driver must be installed. If
this has not taken place, please refer to the manual section above for
instructions on manual driver installation.
After starting your computer, connect the KORE 2 Controller to
your computer with the enclosed USB cable and launch the KORE 2
application.
Whenever the KORE 2 Controller goes from a power-off to power-on state
(by connecting it to a powered-up computer or starting the computer with
the Controller connected), it initiates a routine that calibrates its knobs.
During this process, the red Selection Ring around the knobs stays lit. Do
not touch the controls, or have anything lying on top of the Controller that
might affect a knob position, during calibration as the calibration will be
►
►
►

KORE 2 – 17
inaccurate. If you accidentally move a control, disconnect the KORE 2
Controller then re-connect it to re-initiate calibration.
2.3.2 Connecting to an external MIDI device
Hardware:
To receive data from a MIDI controller such as a keyboard or a MIDI pedal
board, connect the MIDI Out socket of your controller to the MIDI In socket
on the KORE 2 Controller with a MIDI cable. To send MIDI data from KORE 2,
connect its MIDI Out socket to the MIDI In on the device you wish to
control. Make sure both connected MIDI devices are set to the same MIDI
channel.
Software:
In the F ile M enu choose Audio and MIDI Settings. On the Midi taB , activate
the NI KORE 2 MIDI device by clicking on oFF. When the device is enabled
it will show on.
2.3.3 Connecting a pedal or footswitch
Additional pedals (expression, volume, etc.) can also be used with the
KORE 2 Controller by connecting them to the Pedal inPutS to the right of
the MIDI jacks. The pedals are calibrated automatically when the KORE 2
Controller is starts up. If the pedal and/or footswitch are plugged in after
KORE 2’s initial power-up, recalibrate KORE 2 as described in chapter
3.3.5.
!
It can happen that the
display is showing stripes
or other artifacts. Go into the op-
tions menu of the controller and
tweak the Contrast and Brightness
settings to correct this.
!
It can happen that the
display is showing stripes
or other artifacts. Go into the op-
tions menu of the controller and
tweak the Contrast and Brightness
settings to correct this.

KORE 2 – 18
Footswitches can be connected to the two inputs at the far left of the back
panel. Either normally closed or normally open type footswitches can be
used, but make sure they’re plugged in on power-up so that KORE 2 can
detect which type you’re using. Please read chapter 3.5.3 for information
about assigning footswitches and pedals to KORE 2‘s Control PageS.

KORE 2 – 19
3. Reference
The reference chapters make up the bulk of this manual. Here you will nd
detailed description of all functions, commands and interface elements of
KORE 2. Please make sure that you at least completely read the chapters
3.1 and 3.2 for getting an overview.
3.1 Important concepts: Understanding KORE 2
The following paragraphs provide general information about KORE 2.
You will read about hosts and plug-ins, integrated engineS and other
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS products that work with KORE 2. You will also
be introduced to the way KORE 2 integrates hardware and software to
produce one easily usable entity, and the powerful concept of nested
sounds is presented. If these terms are familiar to you, feel free to skip
these passages. However, reading these chapters will help you to better
your understanding of KORE 2 and its concepts.
3.1.1 The instrument KORE 2: Stand-alone, plug-in and host
KORE 2 is an instrument that can create a wide variety of sounds natively
on your computer without the need for additional hardware. Just as you
would switch on a hardware synthesizer you can simply launch KORE 2 on
your computer and it connects directly to the computer’s hardware. This

KORE 2 – 20
hardware would be your audio interface and any MIDI keyboard or controller
available. This mode is called stand-alone within this manual.
However, a hardware synthesizer will probably not be used alone but in
combination with a mixing desk, an effect rack and some cabling. You
cannot connect software with cables, so another mechanism is used to
accomplish this common use case: A so-called host application loads other
applications during runtime as plug-ins. While the plug-in applications
represent the synthesizers, samplers or effect units, the host application
mimics the mixing environment.
Within the host you can dene how the plug-ins are connected and there
you also handle your system’s hardware.
Sometimes an application can be used as a stand-alone and as
a plug-in; and some applications may be used as a plug-in and as a
host. Often, stand-alone applications are hosts that use plug-ins (in
both senses) – common examples are software sequencers. Those
sequencers mostly do not work as plug-in versions. Vice versa, there are
synthesizers and, more commonly, effects which are only available as
plug-ins and cannot be used as a stand-alone without the host. KORE 2
however, can be used in all suggested ways.
KORE 2 provides a stand-alone version and a plug-in version. You can use
KORE 2 without any other software, as described above, but you can also
use it as plug-in within another host. This ensures that you can combine
it with any other sound generator you want to use.
But KORE 2 is also a host by itself and can load other plug-ins. This
functionality is available when KORE 2 is running as stand-alone as well
as in plug-in mode; in the latter case, KORE 2 becomes a sub-host.