Sibelius has the ability to automatically load Virtual Drumline instruments into hosted AU or VST plug-ins of Kontakt Player allowing for a seamless way of integrating VDL into Sibelius. This functionality was first introduced in Sibelius 5 as a part of its "Soundworld" technology. Depending on the version of Sibelius you're using, only certain versions of Kontakt Player will be recognized as a "Kontakt" style VST or AU plugin. If Sibelius doesn't specify it as a "Kontakt AU or VST" in its Playback Devices window, it will not be able to auto-load your VDL instruments.


 
Kontakt 2Kontakt 3Kontakt 4Kontakt 5Kontakt 6
Kontakt 7
 Sibelius 2023.8 (& higher)no no no Yes Yes  Yes
Sibelius 2020.x (& higher)nononoYes
Yesno
Sibelius 2019.xnononoYes
Yesno
Sibelius 2018.xnononoYes
Yes (v. 2018.11 and higher)
no
Sibelius 8.xnononoYes
(not Catalina compatible)
nono
Sibelius 7.x
no
noYes
Yes (Sib 7.1+)
(but not Catalina compatible)
no
no
Sibelius 6.2Yes
Yes
Yes
no
no
no
Sibelius 5.2.5Yes
Yesnonono
no
Sibelius 4 no plug-in support

 

Operating System compatibility: Also keep in mind whether your version of Sibelius and/or Kontakt are supported on your current operating system. Visit the Avid and Native Instruments sites to ensure all your components work together.


Legacy versions of Kontakt Player 5  are available as a free download from Native Instruments. (NI login required)


Still need Kontakt 4 Player? Even though Kontakt 4 Player has now been discontinued by Native Instruments and isn't technically supported by them, registered users of Virtual Drumline may request a free installer here. (May not work on more current operating systems.)