It's all about the BASS (and kick...): TRK-01 reviewed (Native Instruments)

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Kick and bass are the beating heart of electronic music - the challenge is they occupy similar portions of the audio spectrum and if they don't sit together well, can send a track down hill quickly in a river of mud.
TRK-01 from Native Instruments aims to solve that problem, get you started on the right foot and on track, if you don't mind the pun...
It contains a variety of tools for kick and bass synthesis, modulation and frequency management.
TRK-01 is a software plugin for Mac or PC (it runs in Reaktor) and can be used with any DAW. It doesn't require any hardware, though it's integrated nicely with Maschine and Komplete controllers.
My mixer and Komplete are on stands by Cremacaffe Design
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any what by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@henryl8757]

still the most concise overview of this tool over 4 years later. Thank you

[@mrd5024]

Some of the best music tech videos on the internet. Great stuff.

[@soundboy605]

For sure !

[@user-ri6ow1us3k]

9:10 omg that pun was beautiful.

[@OmriCohen-Music]

This looks very interesting and intuitive... A great tool to start a composition with, that's for sure. Thanks for the video!

[@floflow1024]

This looks great! And a very informative video, thanks!

[@SPIRIT706]

I dont comment often, but goshdang, loopop makes some amazing videos! VERY very helpful but not rambly like so many others. Cheers from Michigan

[@StEvE1961able]

Awesome review. Thanks. Really helpful timecode index too; almost a video manual.

[@robrenee1]

Just purchased Komplete 12 Ultimate after seeing this video! Please create more videos, your presentation style is crisp and on point. I'm not a psychic but, I see many sleepless nights in my future! Keep up the great work! - Thanks

[@robrenee1]

The Collector's Edition

[@peterbakker9531]

Another nice vid! Thx for the explanation, consider to buy it!

[@8db50]

This was really helpfull video to learn main functions of trk 01. Thank you man!

[@viorelursu564]

Excellent tutorial, as always! Very informative. Already have this plugin, very happy, a real time-saver.

[@deepcellarsoundz]

Pretty straightforward. Nicely done!

[@Ardspans]

No stone unturned ! Excellent tut, thank you much

[@dcupmusic]

very helpful review - thanks

[@dvdny]

This thing is unbelievably powerful. Thanks for making this vid, you expose many features I not aware of. Now I'm running clock-synched instances. Next they really need a right-click midi osc/learn functionality so I can hook up a BCR2000 and this would be complete!

[@marcellokabora]

As a usual perfect tutorial, thanks :)

[@hein_Solo]

Very good review 😍😍😍

[@ElectronisoundsAudio]

Really well explained - Thank You! 🤗😁👊

[@TheAudioDabbler]

That interface would be perfect on my iPad!!!

[@ElectronisoundsAudio]

Awwwww, yeah - Could you imagine? That would be crazy sweet! 😁👊

[@armandocardenas5029]

Hell yeah it is, I like the plugin pretty bad ass.

[@epicon6]

This is so dope!!

[@villagenumerique9085]

Thanks for this video this plug in still relevant and really powerfull....

[@forgottenmohawks8734]

Native Instruments knows what’s UP! Their software is nothing short of A++ in terms UI polish and UX. Very cool! Also, great video on your part ^^

[@kaibe5241]

This synth sounds really bloody awesome.

[@jeromeweaver809]

Great video, your suggested features would be helpful, I'm looking to buy the TRK 01.

[@daumantasercmonas2500]

Ive been looking for something like this for my techno productions and the bass plugin I got for free together with Komplete Kontrol. Super happy you can make crazy basslines in seconds. Modulation part is very easy to learn and play around with. Nice tutorial aswell thanks

[@daumantasercmonas2500]

NI give you the Komplete Kontrol with some dope plugins inside for free now

[@issiewizzie]

wow watching in 2021 and my jaw almost hit the flow amazing

[@blue.sunset]

Amazing

[@MikeUIibarri]

I thought you were all hardware. Just got Collector's so, I'm digging this!

[@kage-fm]

the wobbly LFOs are an amazing idea

[@Akreem]

What i like about native instruments tools is not so complex , amazing video u get my sub 👍👍

[@jacopoV1984]

How do I drag / export the audio filefrom the synth to my daw? Thanks

[@RISCGames]

Bad ass!

[@miyasanta01]

Hi! thanks for your video! was very helpful! I wanted to ask what are 2 affordable options for analog gear with similar capabilities. Thank you again!

[@andyjardine8192]

Does anyone know how to record out into a daw on this? There's not much in the manual about it. I can get audio out but no midi, the audio never starts at the beginning either

[@klauko7565]

super !

[@shiftedfocusmusic]

trk-01 sounds pretty good but idk how I should integrate it with producing and arranging full tracks. It looks more something you could like to use in a live environment. Or am i wrong?

[@blkrbbt]

I bought Kontakt Standard, and just now came across this plug in... Now I got Ziv to guide me through it!

[@noodlingaround2023]

Any chance of showing us how you made that nice tune at the start..?

[@kcat80]

looks cool! take it no way to import a bass sample loop? just the synth engine?

[@maus3454]

Still a very much underrated synth/sequencer

[@artao5]

I've had this ever since NI gave it to me for free, but I keep forgetting I have it and haven't ever really used it. Gotta remember I've got this beast.

[@mantis834]

Still new to TRK-01, love it and this video was great, but I'm still trying to figure out how to actually get the output printed onto a track in Logic? Sure it plays along but say I'd like to copy the pattern I'm hearing and drag it as audio, or the midi pattern triggering the module, like you would do in Maschine, for example. Or is it supposed to just live on an instrument track and simply play in real-time with the rest of a full mix?

[@dangerbird64]

hey, i don't know if you ever solved this problem, but i had the same question for Ableton and figured out that i needed to create an output track to receive audio from the TRK-01. I would imagine it works the same way in Logic. Just create an audio track. Set the input on this track to receive audio from the track where TRK-01 sits. Arm the track receiving the audio, then hit record and play. good luck!

[@BrettRiverBoat1]

As soon as yiu switched over to the bass you had hats in there? Did you drag a sample into the kick?

[@thosesmallyesterdays]

This is all great, but -caps on- how do you arrange it?!

[@D.3TH13R]

Watching this video 3 years late… Im not sure if it was just over looked or they added it later but for those asking how to transpose the root note via midi keyboard/ DAW use MIDI channel 16. 👍

[@99MUZIK]

Hopefully it will comes with komplete 12.

[@eugenijuskonysevas8266]

Hello,i see you use it keyboard,i have komplete kontrol,but when want play,not sound,please help me how you setup,thank you very much.

[@sounddiaryess]

its fine for a "live" instrument but for studio stuff could do better with other 303 emulators and decent perc library but as a instrument for "live" use its pretty decent

[@spacetofu]

Another great video. Do you have a patreon account?

[@loopop]

Thanks so much. Not yet...

[@saardean4481]

Thank by now in Nov 2018 you can play Notes via Midi normally. N.I listened

[@skyko]

@Sarr Dean Thanks for the update!!! Now usable!!! (& compatible)!

[@DavidBleyTV]

Hey, nice Review.=) But what i would like to know is: Can you send the Kick and Bass to different Outputs?

[@loopop]

David Bley sort of. Please see discussion elsewhere in the comments

[@GenTal1969]

How do you export things. Do you have to record it direct to you DAW via a audio track ? And can you rout the bass and kick to separate outputs ?

[@andyjardine8192]

This is my number one let down with trk 01, great to play around with but a massive pain to record/export into the daw.

[@dj2bklyn]

He never mentioned separate out puts or levels for each sounds

[@PsyMike3d]

Hello loopop! I've been working with the TKR-01 plugin in FL Studio and recently viewed your detailed review on it. Your insights were very enlightening. I'm facing a challenge and hope you can offer some advice. Some of my friends have pointed out that having both the kick and bass in the same plugin and also mixer channel isn't ideal for control and mixing purposes. I'm trying to route the kick and bass to separate mixer channels in FL Studio, but I'm not certain if this is feasible with TKR-01 or how to properly set it up. Could you please shed some light on whether this is possible and provide any tips on how to achieve it? Thank you for your time and the knowledge you share!

[@loopop]

It's been a while since I used this so I don't remember if that's possible (perhaps contact NI support and lets us know back here). Until then, I guess you could just create two instances on separate tracks

[@PsyMike3d]

@@loopop thanks a lot 🙏

[@funkuncle999]

Noob question: Where is that snare sound coming from?

[@dman030]

wish they would tell us when komplete 12 is coming out. guess i will just wait till then.

[@ChumpyDumps]

dman030 it will probably be in September or at least in the fall some time, like in the past. I'm willing to bet it is coming out before the end of the year.

[@piiiytpiiiyt5067]

Hey, how can I get the kick and bass side by side as in your video? When I open TRK as a plugin in Reaper or Garageband, I either have only kick or just bass in one window but not Kick and Bass side by side.

[@loopop]

Did you just download their holiday gift product? That doesn’t include both together.

[@piiiytpiiiyt5067]

@@loopop oh yes, I downloaded the holiday gift ... ah okay. Thank you.

[@JacobAndJamal]

How do I get the audio from TRK01 into a DAW ?? Like if all I want is the 303 bassline in a audio track in Logic ?? I don't get the intended use for this thing

[@loopop]

It's a plugin in a DAW already

[@jexmartinez9343]

How do you record your patterns in Logic pro x? I love this video and all I can do with this software, but when I press record on Logic, nothings is recorded.

[@murahachibu]

Jex I have the same question. Did you figure it out?

[@duckmanVSR]

Did you ever figure it out?

[@embersandash]

Is that the 49 or 61 keyboard?

[@melonenstrauch1306]

This is basically Future / Bass House in one Plugin

[@rectalulcer]

Can you render the bass and kick independently? How would you go about mixing this afterwards? Thanks a lot!

[@RevJ7]

It kind of mixes it for you, though~

[@sjcongo]

Yes

[@Eightball69]

You could solo each part and record to audio

[@andrewcampbell8938]

Hi there..How did you get this into fullscreen mode?Are you running it in Reaktor or Maschine?

[@loopop]

Andrew Campbell I was running it in Komplete - but regardless, it’s not resizable unfortunately - I reduced my screen resolution

[@andrewcampbell8938]

Ahh o.k thanks. I find it a bit hard to read on my laptop screen.

[@DavidvbZombieFX]

Great video!! Very informative, well structured and nicely mastered (of course 😊) I’m really enjoying TRK-01 for making something that is usually complex and hard to balance right very intuitive and makes it a more fun and creative experience again! That said, what I really don’t get is why they didn’t make the UI scalable. I run at a high resolution of 5760x3600 and TRK-01 is tediously tiny (serato sample is even worse..) Hopefully they’ll add resizing soon as it really is expected behavior these days. @TS Is there a valid reason why they didn’t also make this a stand-alone VST plug-in but require it to run in a NI host plugin? Lastly, playing with TRK-01 quickly made me realize one thing: everything about this instrument is just begging to used on a tablet! Even the UI design appears to have had this in mind as it looks very finger friendly (if only it would scale...) - I sure hope NI will bring this to iPad!

[@transcodinger]

Please make a patreon account. We will support you for taking all the time and effort to do this great reviews! Great review!

[@loopop]

Thanks so much - I have one - Patreon.com/loopop - thanks in advance!

[@dman030]

capabilites are fantastic.....but the sound isn't quite catching my ear (using genelics). bit digital or 303. admittedly i am more analog and i think thats where its the toughest to duck your kick sounds. like to see more sound design with the bass engine side. also think i caught it but kick samples can be loaded in? it's a great feature step and idea though.

[@loopop]

Yes the kick supports loading samples

[@LaughingBubba]

Hey there thanks for Vid. May I ask what midi controller you were using?

[@loopop]

LaughingBubba thanks - it’s called Komplete - also by Native Instruments

[@dvdny]

Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2 (unless it's the 49-key version). Make sure to get the MK2, which gives you the screens. MK1's just have knobs.

[@LaughingBubba]

Thanks for the tip!

[@soundboy605]

How are you able to get those two to come up side by side when I use it in my complete control they look like separate programs is there two different versions of this software ?

[@loopop]

DJ Soundboy100 yes, two versions

[@soundboy605]

@@loopop Ok cool TR01 Play

[@Bobzekat21]

Oh my days Trk1 is hard.

[@gianfry1980]

Hi , There is a way to change the note of the bass pattern from a midi hardware keyboard?

[@loopop]

in this version - as I say in the clip - not directly. hopefully they add it - I can't imagine after they have the synth engine going, that adding keyboard control would be too difficult... right now you need to program different patterns (you have 8) and then you can change them using a hardware keyboard or MIDI

[@gianfry1980]

this is not a good thing, why not make it?

[@loopop]

Gianfranco Carone I agree with you. Email the company and tell them... I know I have in this video...

[@dds3corp]

NI is moving IMHO to a closed ecosystems that create internal patterns and output only the audio, so you cannot use midi to use other instruments or other synths. all their new instruments looks this way, and is a same because their software is pretty nice. you can see the same with their orquestal tools or guitars etc.. etc... the idea looks that you need to use their software always.0...............

[@dvdny]

J stone - I don't find that at all. I think they're very good at exchanging info with other DAWs, etc as many of their own videos show people using Reaktor, Kontakt, Battery, and even Maschine within Ableton (and I might have seen Logic Pro). I get the feeling they will enable that functionality in a future maintenance release. This thing is so new, it's still 'warm'.

[@otisobl]

Feels to me like something from the Reaktor user library. Just prettier.

[@andrzejolejnik991]

why this seems to be more interesting that any other of Your videos. Do you think that's better to spend Our money On That Thing? Seems to make a possibilities bigger in every step , right?

[@loopop]

First thing, don't spend your money on it - there's a free demo, try it out first. To the point, maybe it's because of the 3D intro ;) joking aside, the last thing I want to do is tell people how to spend their money. What I try to do is tell people about interesting ideas or cool gear that I encounter, that I think are worth sharing (these videos take a TON of time to make... I don't make videos about stuff that sucks...). I think this is an interesting way to create, and I think the other stuff I showed is interesting too. Sometimes it's hardware, sometimes it's software, many times it costs money, and sometimes it's free, open source, or with free demos like this one. In this particular case, this product doesn't do everything, and it doesn't do many things that other stuff I showed last week or last month does. But it sure sounds good... and has some nice tricks.... and can add to your toolbox of things that make cool sounds. Hopefully I answered the question....?

[@andrzejolejnik991]

sure :)

[@juhoturunen]

Does this work with any DAW that support VST?

[@loopop]

Yes

[@Amatteus]

On minute 4 when you talk about the kick area what you hear is not only the kick I guess. I guess it´s the kick anb bass? Because if you would only let us listen to the kick it would be easier to understand what you do with it. Now, to me it´s confusing.

[@tripplethrendo]

I can't figure out how to get the demo to work with a DAW

[@dvdny]

Install Reaktor6 or the free Reaktor6 player and run it as a VST in your DAW. Then load the TRK-01 ensemble into your running instance of Reaktor.

[@EgeDai]

I wish instead of A/B ing in between a kick and a snare, we could have more... A C, a D and such. Great tool regardless.

[@chiboreache]

That slightly darker area is also mapped or just only gray knobs?

[@loopop]

I’m not sure exactly what your referring to but you can download a free demo of the and try it out

[@chiboreache]

there waves under the knobs ~_~ you tweaked that flat parameters near it with a cursor

[@hectormaximilianogutierrez5698]

Amazing, but I'm using Reaktor and I'm really new with this and I can't to know how to record the sound from reaktor in Logic pro x. I know, this is very basic thing, but, maybe you cant give me a key or a tutorial to see how can i do that. Because it's a impossible for me to found something clear to learn. Thank a lot, and sorry for the inconvenience. ;)

[@loopop]

Hey - sorry... I don’t know logic - but doesn’t it just record to the track when you hit record or export a song? In Ableton you can also route audio from one track to the other - I’m sure there’s a way to do that in logic too. Maybe someone else can chime in

[@sjcongo]

Set the output to bus, make a new audio with bus insert and press rec ;) i will show this on my new channel next week

[@jeromeweaver809]

How do you add your own samples?

[@loopop]

You know that’s a great question. I saw the user files section but didn’t really feel the need to add my own - please ask support and if you can report back here...

[@jeromeweaver809]

How do I open the TRK 01 interface in maschine MK3?

[@loopop]

It should just appear

[@jeromeweaver809]

I see it but how do I open the interface?

[@djjas764]

How you resized this plugin to fit the screen................... Thanks

[@loopop]

You can’t. I resized the screen resolution

[@djjas764]

loopop thxxxx

[@djjas764]

loopop thx for the video n effeorts

[@benoit.gerin-lajoie]

TRK-01 is an app, granted; but is is dispalyed on a screen. The one you use is what ? your laptop ? or a NI provided dedicated screen ?

[@loopop]

It's a Reaktor ensemble ("preset")

[@benoit.gerin-lajoie]

Let's try again with a simpler question : the TRK-01 displayed in front of your keyboard is displayed on what ? your laptop ?

[@loopop]

Benoit Gérin-Lajoie oh yes a laptop under the keyboard

[@benoit.gerin-lajoie]

@@loopop Ok ! Thanks...

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

Smart clever easy but deep, and sounds looooovelyyyy. BUT no transpose? I was ready to buy i guess i’ll wait for an update.

[@brandonbanks32278]

it has transpose... watch the vid again

[@FrakBeats]

Transpose is tune. It's there haha.

[@javierdonaire6877]

Buena mierda, muchas gracias

[@javierdonaire6877]

Congrat for your channel, I see most of your videos. I have a suggestion ... I have the KOMPLETE M32 and TRK-01 .. . but I cant control it with the keyboard like you ... could you send me a link where I can see how to set it up. Thanks master.

[@solidrecords]

I just bought this how do u hear the sound?

[@loopop]

Press play!

[@solidrecords]

loopop I’m still a little confused about this product. Can U use this product without It playing In demo mode. I finally got to hear sound. But now it won’t stop playing

[@loopop]

Press stop!

[@fuckwadify]

Lol

[@dvdny]

hehe - was same here. Space bar!

[@MrEnagee]

Would have been nice to hear sounds play in isolation...

[@loopop]

Enagee there are sound samples on their site

[@berobujanovi4331]

Can you import your own kicks and bass?

[@loopop]

You can synthesize your own sounds and import samples

[@berobujanovi4331]

@@loopop ,thanks alot.

[@walterpreston9663]

I smell the release of Komplete Ultimate 12

[@dvdny]

Yes, the tipoff is the cut-rate pricing of 11.

[@blaizet7600]

How on earth do I record it? This is so complicated

[@brandonbanks32278]

what DAW you have?

[@andyjardine8192]

I have exactly the same problem it really shouldn't be so difficult. I can only work out how to record audio but it never starts recording at the beginning. Such a clunky design

[@definty]

I don't get it, What does this do that we can't do already?

[@xamxamxamxa]

🌚🖤🎶

[@n_o_]

Thanks for this video, definitely better than the paid-for wafflefest "parts one and two" that NI references on their product page. Anyone know if it's possible to control compression per-step or via any modulator routing? Externally maybe?

[@jasonmcgary]

Do you make a living doing music or do you have a day job and this is a hobby?i ask because you seem to own a lot of nice gear and expensive gear.

[@loopop]

I wish I could make a living just doing this... no, it’s just a hobby. As the channel as grown some manufacturers offer discounts or review units that I (sadly...) need to return. I’m fortunate to be able to afford this indeed expensive hobby

[@jasonmcgary]

loopop I am a subscriber and appreciate your videos the are very informative and conveniently labeled time signatures.thanks for reply.

[@dvdny]

Loopop - You do a great service to us, and always cover the items I'm interested in. Keep it up.

[@Digiphex]

If I can't hear it equally as well on my laptop speakers, then it isn't a good start.

[@macboogieland2897]

how is this better then the official NI video?! smh

[@MickBenjamins]

than*

[@loopop]

I should do a vs.!

[@alexkuiper1115]

Great review, but sad that TRK-01 couldn't synthesize a dadum-tsk after that pigeon joke

[@loopop]

Indeed the opportunity flew over my head. Maybe I shouldn’t have ducked

[@adamvolkinshtein1184]

first. to say hi

[@loopop]

Yo!

[@adamvolkinshtein1184]

I wish more people like us appreciate sound and creative synth. not just the ugly trap and repetitive electronic music. I wish I could produce some music with you. You are such an inspiration. I think you will love Erased Tapes Records players: Nils Frahm, Olafur Arnalds and lovely Rival Consoles. (Who I suspect might be giving a licence of his Persona album to Stranger Things) my favorite from them: erasedtapes.bandcamp.com/track/recovery-3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqLRgnaqbLx4e6c vimeo.com/49131274 If me Modular Man and you could meet and jam, that would just be awesome. Too bad you have so little time in life /: Thank you for being out here in KZbin.

[@loopop]

Adam Volk thanks very much for the comment Adam - I will check out your links. Love Nils that’s for sure... and perhaps we will find a way to make it work ;)

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

Meh, I just do all this with my analog synth, and it sounds way better. Sounds like digital poo.

[@Iredidv]

You're listening to something that was recorded on a camera, compressed in the process, converted to yt encoder, and probably listened on headphones/mono speaker. so yes it sounds digital...

[@weirdmary]

Go back to your analog cave Troll

[@Anonymous-yw1cv]

GT, soundcloud is mp3-128kbps digital poo, you wouldn't be able to hear any analog goodness.

[@embersandash]

Your analog synth also cost a whole lot more.