Current status of the industry.
Native Instruments has officially entered preliminary insolvency in Germany. The servers are staying on for now, but the bond between a producer and their Kontakt libraries has officially entered the “it’s complicated” phase. Restructuring is underway. #NativeInstruments #MusicTech #StudioLogic #IndustryNews
The bond between a producer and their Kontakt libraries just entered the “it’s complicated” phase. Following the news of Native Instruments entering preliminary insolvency in Germany, the industry is navigating a high-stakes moment of corporate restructuring and platform risk. While the Berlin courts appoint administrators to untangle a 12x debt-to-earnings ratio, we’re faced with a sobering reality: in a world of online activations, we don’t always own what we pay for.
Despite the “technological horror” vibes of the headlines, the immediate signal is one of stability. CEO Nick Williams has confirmed it is “business as usual,” with Native Access, support, and sales remaining fully operational. The move toward preliminary insolvency isn’t a funeral; it’s a legal shield designed to protect the business while a new buyer is found.
For now, your plugins are safe, and your sessions will open. But as the “Soundwide” era faces its biggest test yet, it’s a perfect time to audit your dependencies. Whether you’re sticking to the cloud or hand-drawing MIDI notes in a wicker basket, the lesson is clear: your workflow is only as secure as the infrastructure behind it. This isn’t a collapse; it’s a forced hardware refresh for the soul of the digital studio.
Sources: Amtsgericht Berlin-Charlottenburg Court Filings (Jan 27, 2026); Native Instruments CEO Statement (Jan 29, 2026); Create Digital Music (CDM) Analysis.
The restructuring will not televised. Or streamed. Or updated. 🔌 My plugins and I have decided to go off the grid. If you need me, I’ll be in the bunker with my 14th copy of Kontakt 7 and a very long extension cord. Stay safe out there. #NativeInstruments #MusicProducer #StudioHorror #OfflineForever
