Editing Reaktor (section)

==Functionality==
From the end-user standpoint, Reaktor can behave as a sound creation/manipulation tool with a modular interface, provided there is enough CPU to manage its sample decryption processes.<ref name=Review1>{{cite journal|title=Native Instruments' Reaktor 5 Review |publisher=FutureMusic|date=2006-05-08 |url=http://www.futuremusic.com/news/testdrive/reaktor5.html|accessdate=2007-03-09}}</ref> Its patches consist of modules, connected by lines to provide a visual interpretation of signal flow. The building blocks used give Reaktor users freedom of choice to help shape their sound design. The modules are categorized into particular hierarchy to aid clarity in patching.

The patcher window allows one to navigate the inner structure of user's models. Many factory-shipped objects within Reaktor can be accessed and edited, and new objects can be generated on the fly, expansion thereof to the users' specification coming with relative ease.<ref name=Review2>{{cite journal|title=NI Reaktor 5 Review |publisher=Sound on Sound|date=2005-09-01 |url=http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep05/articles/nireaktor5.htm|accessdate=2007-03-09}}</ref>

The objects that are available within Reaktor range from simple math operators to large sound modules. Implementation of Core Technology with version 5 enables user to view and edit the structure of any "Core Module" building block, although successful manipulation of Core Cells with predictable results requires in-depth knowledge of algorithmic implementation of signal generation and processing. Native Instruments promote this functionality with online side-by-side comparison of Core implementation of simple [[Digital signal processing|DSP]] algorithm against [[C++]] [[pseudocode]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124122125/http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core1 |archive-date=24 November 2010 |title=core example 1}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124123609/http://co.native-instruments.com/index.php?id=r5core2 |archive-date=24 November 2010 |title=core example 2}}</ref>

Provided adequate CPU is available, Reaktor enables a user to implement variables (static or dynamic) which are used as defining properties of the patch. Users have an ability to generate a [[GUI]] of their own to provide dynamic control to their systems. Starting with version 4, Reaktor supports user-generated graphical content, enabling users to customize their instruments.

Depending on the available processing power, a finished Reaktor ensemble may be loaded into a host sequencer (such as [[Steinberg]] [[Cubase]] or [[Ableton Live]]), and used in a similar manner to a stand-alone software [[Plug-in (computing)|plug-in]] for audio generation or processing (a multi-format proprietary loader is included with the software). Unlike truly stand alone devices, like VST plug-ins, Reaktor ensembles must be loaded in host sequencers using the Reaktor platform, which requires about 10 times the CPU processing power of more sophisticated VST. Each panel control in the ensemble is capable of [[MIDI]] automation in the host sequencer.