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 8 Kontakt 7 Kontakt 6  Kontakt 5Kontakt 4 Kontakt 3  Kontakt 2
Sibelius 2025.2
(& higher)		Mac-Yes (AU only)
Win-no 		 Mac-Yes (AU only)
Win-no		Yes Yesno nono  
Sibelius 2023.8
(& higher)		 noMac-Yes (AU only)
Win-no 		Yes Yesno nono 
Sibelius 2020.x
(& higher)		 nono Yes Yesno  no no
Sibelius 2019.x no noYes Yesno  no no
Sibelius 2018.x no noYes
(v. 2018.11 and higher)  		 Yesno no no
Sibelius 8.x no nono Yes
(not Catalina compatible)  		no nono 
Sibelius 7.x
no  nonoYes (Sib 7.1+)
(but not Catalina compatible) 		Yes  nono
Sibelius 6.2no  nono no YesYes  Yes 
Sibelius 5.2.5no  nono nonoYes  Yes 
Sibelius 4  no plugin 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)