Is Anybody Concerned About What's Going On With Native Instruments?

[JBMusic]

Almost every year it's something new going on in the music creation industry. A few years ago it was a possible crisis with Waves and then the following year it was changes at Cakewalk and now we've come to Native Instruments filing for preliminary bankruptcy. I have quite a few NI (and Isotope) plugins. Should I be worried about one day not being able to access my virtual instruments? I'll be 71 this year and it's gotten to the point where I can no longer concern myself with these types of things because I have many more important things to concern myself with (like my health, for instance). I was considering upgrading to Fender 8 but now I'm just thinking about saying to hell with all of it and packing it all in. What are some of your thoughts on these issues? Let's talk about it.

John B

 

[Vocalpoint]

Almost every year it's something new going on in the music creation industry. A few years ago it was a possible crisis with Waves and then the following year it was changes at Cakewalk and now we've come to Native Instruments filing for preliminary bankruptcy.

JB

Your observation is not correct. NI is in a preliminary insolvency audit for a 90 day period. This is not anywhere near bankruptcy.

The laws in Germany differ vastly from those in North America and the end game of this process is usually a restructuring.

As already widely broadcast by NI's CEO - everyone simply needs to relax and let this process run it's course. There is nothing to worry about whatsoever until early summer at the earliest.

VP

 

[lokeyfly]

Almost every year it's something new going on in the music creation industry. A few years ago it was a possible crisis with Waves and then the following year it was changes at Cakewalk and now we've come to Native Instruments filing for preliminary bankruptcy. I have quite a few NI (and Isotope) plugins. Should I be worried about one day not being able to access my virtual instruments? I'll be 71 this year and it's gotten to the point where I can no longer concern myself with these types of things because I have many more important things to concern myself with (like my health, for instance).

Those issues will always be there. Its still a worthy point, John but I would simply say follow your heart. If your passion is truly music and not the next release, then you'll surely know that you could go on writing and chasing dreams no different than than at any other time. Learn a new phrase on your instrument(s). Find a chordal melody that makes you feel like continuing. Heck, even write the frustration you're feeling. Only dont, let what surrounds you, control you into "packing it all in". Where, I come from, that means giving up. Do you mean to tell me, you are giving up what you enjoy, based on some companies position in the market? Then, I'm just going to have to take the cruel to be kind position (positively), and say you weren't ever cracked up for it. You're evidently looking for excuses. Sun get in your eyes?

Suggestion: Yeah man, work out all the seriously worthwile songwriting, production techniques, and make it fun. Nothing has really changed. You look for inspiration. You turn your computer on, and instead of doing the same rudimentary things as the last four times you opened your DAW, try something new. Create some rythmic cycles that get the blood going. That's actually a very primal thing and it can be so motivating. Want to try something off the wall? Grab a harmonica and get stupid with some delay, and tone bending. Sample it on Sample One! Because that's just a whole helluva lot better than reading about Native Instruments, or worrying about what you may or may not be able to open, going forward.

I was considering upgrading to Fender 8 but now I'm just thinking about saying to hell with all of it and packing it all in. What are some of your thoughts on these issues? Let's talk about it.

John B

F version 8. That's right, I said it. If it didnt come along just yet, you'd still have every possibility to create in version 7. No? If you're truly that broken up over the product evolution, then either poop or get off the pot. I know my words are harsh, but its because I'd rather have you show me up by reaching your capability as a creator, than your doing any "packing".

That said, and I believe this in my heart of hearts, your health will benefit by doing. Not by fearing.
All the best, and we are here for any encouraging support.

 

[Jemusic]

Should I be worried about one day not being able to access my virtual instruments?

John B

The libraries will always load no matter what happens. If you are off line etc, anything current changes with NI which sounds like not too much to worry about... Libraries and sounds will always load up. Things may not get updated but they will still work.

 

[TimC340]

Almost every year it's something new going on in the music creation industry. A few years ago it was a possible crisis with Waves and then the following year it was changes at Cakewalk and now we've come to Native Instruments filing for preliminary bankruptcy. I have quite a few NI (and Isotope) plugins. Should I be worried about one day not being able to access my virtual instruments? I'll be 71 this year and it's gotten to the point where I can no longer concern myself with these types of things because I have many more important things to concern myself with (like my health, for instance). I was considering upgrading to Fender 8 but now I'm just thinking about saying to hell with all of it and packing it all in. What are some of your thoughts on these issues? Let's talk about it.

John B

Firstly, the topic has been raised a number of times by people who are concerned. However, as VP says, unless you actually work for NI (in which case you have my best wishes), there doesn’t seem to be too much to be actually concerned about as yet. No NI product you own is about to stop working, whatever happens to the company. And nothing is likely to happen to the company in the short term.

The salient question is: what is it about the situation that makes you feel you may no longer be able to make music with what you have?

As for the actual NI situation, the Administrator will have a number of options, including a sell-off of the entire group (ie another entity takes on the debt); a disposal of one or more of the constituent companies in order to defray the debt; or (and probably least likely) a disposal of one or more product lines in order to defray the debt but keep the group of companies together. Whichever of these takes place, none threatens the continuation of any of the NI group’s products - but, like Studio One/Pro, the headline name might change.

As someone who also will be 71 this year, and a prolific NI customer, I am spectacularly unconcerned about the likelihood of any of my NI products becoming unusable any time soon.

 

[JBMusic]

JB

Your observation is not correct. NI is in a preliminary insolvency audit for a 90 day period. This is not anywhere near bankruptcy.

The laws in Germany differ vastly from those in North America and the end game of this process is usually a restructuring.

As already widely broadcast by NI's CEO - everyone simply needs to relax and let this process run it's course. There is nothing to worry about whatsoever until early summer at the earliest.

VP

Please excuse my use of the wrong word.

I didn't even know this was going on until last night when I was cruising through YouTube and saw a video about it and then I started seeing other videos popping up with the typical nerve wracking click bait titles saying to the effect of "Is This The End Of Native Instruments?" by every clown that owns a "home studio". Not all were "gloom and doom" but I really didn't want to take the time to watch every one that came into my feed. Thanks for enlightening me on this situation. It does make me feel better, but in regards to the last sentence of your post-"There is nothing to worry about whatsoever until early summer at the earliest." Is there something to be concerned about then? What exactly could/will happen early this summer?

John B

 

[JBMusic]

The good aspects are that the TAVR procedure was successful and I have premium Medicare and Medicare Supplemental Insurance, so it didn't cost me a penny, which is excellent since my best guess is that the total cost was in the range of $250,000 to $500,000 (USD), based in part on every time a physician appeared for a few minutes to do something, they billed Medicare $200, which was several times a day for 25 or so physicians, not including tests, physical therapy to keep me moving at least for a few minutes each day, and so forth.

Yes, aren't the Medicare Supplements wonderful? I keep advising my friends who are about to embark on it to get a supplement plan and avoid Advantage if at all possible.
John B

 

[lokeyfly]

Please excuse my use of the wrong word.

I didn't even know this was going on until last night when I was cruising through YouTube and saw a video about it and then I started seeing other videos popping up with the typical nerve wracking click bait titles saying to the effect of "Is This The End Of Native Instruments?" by every clown that owns a "home studio". Not all were "gloom and doom" but I really didn't want to take the time to watch every one that came into my feed. Thanks for enlightening me on this situation. It does make me feel better, but in regards to the last sentence of your post-"There is nothing to worry about whatsoever until early summer at the earliest." Is there something to be concerned about then? What exactly could/will happen early this summer?

John B

John, you're being as dramatic as the ones you're accusing of posting click bait. You know that garbage is going to go on. More so today with social media. So if something in six months occurred, it was still presented to you that libraries will still hold. Your PC will have years of service, unless its time to shop for a new one. In short, you'll be fine. I'm dropping out of this thread because "packing it all in" is a bit much. Your words, not mine.
Stop shaking the dissolutionment tree.
Take care.

 

[TimC340]

Please excuse my use of the wrong word.

I didn't even know this was going on until last night when I was cruising through YouTube and saw a video about it and then I started seeing other videos popping up with the typical nerve wracking click bait titles saying to the effect of "Is This The End Of Native Instruments?" by every clown that owns a "home studio". Not all were "gloom and doom" but I really didn't want to take the time to watch every one that came into my feed. Thanks for enlightening me on this situation. It does make me feel better, but in regards to the last sentence of your post-"There is nothing to worry about whatsoever until early summer at the earliest." Is there something to be concerned about then? What exactly could/will happen early this summer?

John B

I believe the Administrator has 90 days - unless that is extended by the court - to come up with a plan and begin its execution. It may be that a solution is put in place earlier than that, but it's more likely that it'll take all of that (and maybe more) to come up with a plan that suits all participants. So don't be surprised if you hear nothing much till April.

 

[JBMusic]

John, you're being as dramatic as the ones you're accusing of posting click bait. You know that garbage is going to go on. More so today with social media. So if something in six months occurred, it was still presented to you that libraries will still hold. Your PC will have years of service, unless its time to shop for a new one. In short, you'll be fine. I'm dropping out of this thread because "packing it all in" is a bit much. Your words, not mine.
Stop shaking the dissolutionment tree.
Take care.

FYI there are many other factors to my considering "packing it all in" as I stated in my original post, my health being a large one, so before you ridicule me please go back and read my original post. Thank you.

 

[lokeyfly]

FYI there are many other factors to my considering "packing it all in" as I stated in my original post, my health being a large one, so before you ridicule me please go back and read my original post. Thank you.

I read your OP. You didnt respond to my observations which I included your quotes. I would have had to read your post.
You're obviously in this for other reasons than actually creating. You get no soft shoulder here.
Anyway, I wish you all the best in progress and health.
Take care.

 

[lokeyfly]

Healthwise, I had a bad heart valve this time last year and was near death; but I found a good cardiologist and had a TAVR procedure to replace my heart valve, which is the same procedure Mick Jagger had a few years earlier. Without going into too much detail, I was on 4 liters of oxygen per minute and barely could walk 10 feet; but this changed after the TAVR procedure, and the physicians tell me the clock has rolled back a few decades for me, which is excellent, although I am still a bit weak from being in bed for months before the TAVR procedure.

Instead of giving up, I decided to write a series of books on "The Art of Digital Music Production"

Way to recover, and finding your place going forward! A good doctor with the wherewithal to see what you needed before and during surgery was also huge.

.....I am 76 years-old, and while there are some things I cannot do any more, my hearing continues to be excellent; and I joined a gym so I can work on muscular strength and all that stuff.

Well, as I see it, showing by example is always a good place setter.
Good attitude!

 

[JBMusic]

I read your OP. You didnt respond to my observations which I included your quotes. I would have had to read your post.
You're obviously in this for other reasons than actually creating. You get no soft shoulder here.
Anyway, I wish you all the best in progress and health.
Take care.

I don't want a "soft shoulder" and I never asked for one, thank you. All I respectfully ask is that you don't read more into my posts than I intended. There are a few other reasons I'm considering "packing it in" that have absolutely nothing to do with the industry. I was just trying to convey in my OP that with so many things going on at this time with the industry as well as my personal life I'm losing time and patience and may need to re adjust my priorities.

I think I'll drop out of this thread too because obviously what I've said has been taken out of context. Sorry to offend. Didn't want to.

John B

 

[theblacklaser]

I am less concerned overall about NI, but definitely keeping my eye on Izotope. I use RX is just about everything I do and I would be lost without Mouth Declick.

 

[BobF]

Not too worried here either. Even with the worst possible outcome for NI, I figure what I have will keep chugging along for the foreseeable future.

 

[lokeyfly]

Sorry to offend. Didn't want to.

John B

You wouldn't ever offend John. I think some good commentary came your way in NI is not technically in trouble, even if they were, you'd have years of usage from your investment. From others here, you got a tremendous account of rebounding with health. (I too, so make that two accounts). Others have reinforced a non issue. The industry isn't going to fold, although bloggers who seem to know more about being a CEO in their bedroom, than real life management will have their say to rack up click bait (what a life, huh?).

Don't mind me, nothing was ill intended. I think you can go forward knowing that. Also, no matter what health issues you have, there is no substitute for preventative medicine. Every day..... eating organic foods, celery juice, heavy metal detox smoothies, etc. Laugh if you will, but I've seen countless results and testimonies. You can and will heal more than you can imagine.

 

[Vocalpoint]

heavy metal detox smoothies, etc.

Or just more "metal" - period.

VP

 

[Gray Wolf]

Healthwise, I had a bad heart valve this time last year and was near death; but I found a good cardiologist and had a TAVR procedure to replace my heart valve, which is the same procedure Mick Jagger had a few years earlier. Without going into too much detail, I was on 4 liters of oxygen per minute and barely could walk 10 feet; but this changed after the TAVR procedure, and the physicians tell me the clock has rolled back a few decades for me, which is excellent, although I am still a bit weak from being in bed for months before the TAVR procedure.

I'm very happy that worked out for you and that you're doing better now. I can sympathize because I had a similar experience a little over two years ago, but it was the full magilla. Open heart surgery to repair an aortic aneurysm and to replace a valve. They cracked me open like a walnut and the surgical scar is still itchy and tender 2 years later.

I'm still kind of rehabbing from that, excercising regularly, lifting weights, to eventually get back to full strength. I assume that when the artificial valve needs to be replaced in 10 years or so it will be via TAVR, not cracking me open again.

I think in the bigger picture, we're both pretty lucky.

 

[Craig Anderton]

Zooming out, although it's always a drag to lose tools you like, companies come and go but a good song is forever.

I would be lost without Mouth Declick.

You and me both! It's still possible to declick manually, but it's such a PITA.

More importantly with respect to this thread, it's good to hear stories of people recovering from nasty medical conditions.

 

[Ken Morgan]

Gee...and here I am feeling like Jurassic Superman almost fully recovered from total left knee replacement less than a month ago. Minimal narcotic interventions, lots of physical therapy, but strength and motion range equalling that of a 35 yr old soldier.

Still hurts like a bejeezus bug sometimes though.

As for software gone the way of the dodo, I was involved with Terry Manning in a discussion about this very thing long ago. He informed the group his audio files and sessions are always on external drives, and how he occasionally will simply retire a computer, so in the off chance he needs a long gone whatever, he simply plugs it back in, turn it on, and there it is. Kept away from the ugliness of internet license checks and such (hello iLok) its as if the computer thinks its been 5 seconds, where it may have been 15 years.

Doesn't ALWAYS work, but really, what does?