Full sampling and virtual instrument platform with a 900+ instrument factory library.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
Checked September 2026
Kontakt 8 vs BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover (2026)
Kontakt 8 is best for building and editing custom sample-based instruments; BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover is best for beginners wanting a free taste of orchestral scoring. Kontakt 8 starts at $299 one-time and BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover at Free.
Free orchestral plugin with 34 BBC Symphony Orchestra instruments recorded at Maida Vale Studios.
VST3supportedAUsupportedAAXsupportedCLAPnot supportedWINsupportedMACsupportedLNXnot supported
| Kontakt 8 | BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | building and editing custom sample-based instruments | beginners wanting a free taste of orchestral scoring |
| Starting price | $299 one-time | Free |
| Free version | No | Yes |
| Free trial | No | — |
| Formats | Standalone, VST3, AU, AAX | VST3, AU, AAX |
| OS | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
| Key features | 900+ factory instruments (orchestral, acoustic, band, beats, synths), Leap loop-manipulation and performance-effects engine, Conflux hybrid wavetable/FM synth engine, Built-in Humanizer, Scale Lock, Chord Builder, Arpeggiator, NKS hardware integration | 34 instruments with 47 playing techniques, Single mix signal (mic position), Steinway Model D concert grand piano included, Recorded at Maida Vale Studios with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Lightweight ~240MB download |
| Developer | Native Instruments | Spitfire Audio |
Questions people ask
Kontakt 8 starts at $299 one-time; BBC Symphony Orchestra Discover starts at Free.
900+ factory instruments (orchestral, acoustic, band, beats, synths), Leap loop-manipulation and performance-effects engine, Conflux hybrid wavetable/FM synth engine, Built-in Humanizer, Scale Lock, Chord Builder, Arpeggiator, NKS hardware integration.
34 instruments with 47 playing techniques, Single mix signal (mic position), Steinway Model D concert grand piano included, Recorded at Maida Vale Studios with the BBC Symphony Orchestra, Lightweight ~240MB download.