Native Instruments Vertikal is a new Kontakt instrument created in collaboration with Nils Frahm, featuring his monumental 4.5-meter vertical piano and the evolving Particles 2.0 sound engine.
This is more than just another virtual piano. Vertikal combines expressive acoustic piano sounds with experimental sound design tools that can transform simple keyboard performances into evolving layers of notes, rhythms, and atmospheric textures.
Watch the video below for a look at Native Instruments Vertikal and its main features.
Nils Frahm’s Monumental Piano
At the heart of Vertikal is Nils Frahm’s 4.5-meter vertical piano, one of the tallest ever built. The instrument was recorded in Saal 3 at Funkhaus Berlin, capturing not only the piano itself but also the resonance, space, and atmosphere surrounding it.
One of the interesting things about this instrument is how long the notes can ring out. Even playing a single low note can create a sustained, atmospheric sound that continues long after you release the keys.
Vertikal includes two different piano variations: Pure and Felt.
Pure and Felt Piano Sounds
The Pure piano sound delivers a warm, clear tone that works well for traditional piano performances and more expressive compositions.
Felt takes things in a different direction, offering a softer, darker, and more intimate sound.
Having both variations gives you two distinct tonal approaches, depending on whether you’re looking for a more present piano sound or something softer and more atmospheric.
Particles 2.0: Turning Notes Into Evolving Soundscapes
One of the biggest attractions of Vertikal is Particles 2.0.
This evolving sound engine takes your keyboard performances and transforms them into layers of continuously changing notes. As you play, it generates additional notes that can shift within adjustable ranges of pitch, timing, dynamics, and stereo position.
Rather than simply repeating a static pattern, Particles creates an evolving cloud of sound that develops around your performance.
Particles 2.0 is the successor to the original Particles engine found in Noire, bringing several new features and additional performance possibilities.
Rhythm Mode
Rhythm Mode introduces tempo-synchronized patterns with an adjustable number of steps and individual step velocities.
This gives you more control over the rhythmic movement of the generated notes and makes it possible to create repeatable patterns that work with your music.
Play Mode
Play Mode takes a different approach by allowing you to play the Particles sound sources directly from your keyboard.
This opens up additional possibilities for expressive performances and experimental sound design.
Experimental Sound Sources
Particles also includes different tonal, percussive, and textural sound sources.
These range from delicate piano-like textures to more experimental soundscapes, giving you plenty of options for creating sounds beyond traditional piano performances.
Is Native Instruments Vertikal Worth Exploring?
Vertikal brings together two interesting approaches to music production.
On one side, you have Nils Frahm’s monumental piano, with its expressive tone, natural resonance, and atmospheric character. On the other, Particles 2.0 provides a collection of evolving sound-generation tools that can turn simple notes into much more complex textures.
I can see this being particularly interesting for film scoring, ambient music, cinematic soundtracks, and productions where you want to introduce movement and atmosphere without relying on conventional piano sounds.
If you’re looking for a Kontakt instrument that goes beyond traditional piano sampling, Vertikal is worth checking out.
Native Instruments Vertikal Price and Availability
Native Instruments Vertikal is available for $149 / €149.
It requires the free Kontakt Player or Kontakt 8.13.1 or higher.
You can find more information and purchase Vertikal directly from Native Instruments below.
Links to Native Instruments and Plugin Boutique are affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through these links, at no additional cost to you. I only share products and tools that I think are worth checking out.
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