Make Drum Kits for More DAWs with Numbered Files
Kit Maker makes drum kit presets for MPC, Ableton and more, and it can also build kits for DAWs it has no preset format for. The Numbered Files format turns your sample packs and Maschine Expansions into organized, labeled folders of 16-pad drum kits.
For many DAWs, loading a kit is as simple as dragging the contents of a kit folder onto the pads. Kit Maker sorts and numbers the files, so each kit comes out in the right layout with the right number of samples.
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As featured on the Native Instruments blogFrom sample packs to kit folders
Import sample libraries
Drag and drop your sample libraries into Kit Maker.
Make kit folders
Samples are numbered and put into individual kit folders.
Play your kit
Drag the contents of any kit folder to your pads (usually pad 1). The kit is in order and ready to play.
Convert your Maschine Expansion kits into kit folders, too
The Maschine Factory Library and your Maschine Expansions are easy to process. Kit Maker rebuilds the drum kits inside each library as individual kits, ready to use.
Import your Maschine library folders, pick the layout you want, and make kit folders for any DAW on the list below.
Why kit folders instead of presets?
How is this different from dragging samples in yourself? Kit Maker builds a whole library of kits at once, each already organized with the right amount of kicks, snares and so on to make a quality kit. Every layout comes pre-arranged, and every option can be customized.
Why not make preset files for these DAWs directly? Many DAWs use encrypted preset formats that can’t be recreated, and some have no kit presets at all. Numbered Files is an easy workaround. Once a kit is imported, you can usually save it in your DAW as a preset for later.
How to load a kit in each DAW
Watch the overview, then find your DAW below.
Logic Pro Drum Machine Designer
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Maschine
With Maschine open, select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to the first pad of a pad group (pad 1). The kit loads instantly in your chosen layout. Kit Maker doesn’t make direct Maschine presets, but it builds the kits and groups them into folders like these. More on making Maschine drum kits →
Reason Kong
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Bitwig Studio
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Groove Agent SE 5
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. Release in the lower section of the pad to fill multiple pads using your layout.
Reason Umpf
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Geist2
Select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Novation Circuit Rhythm and Tracks
In the Novation Components app, select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to the first pad of a pad group (pad 1). The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
Roland SP-404MKII
In the Roland SP-404MKII app, select all 16 files in a kit folder and drag them to the first pad of a pad group (pad 1). Roland numbers its pads from the top, the reverse of most pad devices, so choose the SP404MK2 layout in Kit Maker’s dropdown. The pads look reversed in Kit Maker but come out right on the SP-404.
The SP-404MKII only accepts 16-bit .wav files and stops importing when it hits a 32-bit one. That is a limit of the SP-404, not of Kit Maker, but with this many kits you may run into a few files it won’t take.
Koala Sampler
Open a kit folder in the Samples browser, select all 16 files and drag them to pad 1. The kit replaces the current one and keeps your chosen layout.
As seen on
“A very useful tool, not just for converting NI stuff, but even your own custom packs.”
Ave Mcree
“A super easy way to convert the expansions.”
Sanjay C, NI Blog
“Very easy to use.”
Jef Gibbons
DAWs and hardware that support kit folders
The Numbered Files format works in most situations where you can drag a set of samples onto the pads.
Logic · Maschine · Reason (Kong) · Bitwig Studio · Koala Sampler · Roland SP-404MKII · Geist2 · Groove Agent SE 5 · iMPC Pro 2 (iOS) · Novation Circuit Rhythm · Novation Circuit Tracks
macOS · Windows
Kit Maker is a third-party application, not affiliated with any of the companies or software listed on this page.
Start making kit folders for your DAW
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