This is where the debate gets interesting. EastWest still sells RA as part of their ComposerCloud subscription (PLUS or OPUS editions). However, the ComposerCloud version uses the OPUS engine (PLAY’s successor), not Kontakt.
Comparison table:
| Feature | RA Repack (Kontakt) | RA via ComposerCloud (OPUS) | |---------|---------------------|------------------------------| | Engine | Kontakt 6-8 (full or player) | EastWest OPUS (requires iLok) | | Legato | Scripted (good, not perfect) | True sampled legato (superior) | | Sample Quality | 44.1kHz / 16-bit (original) | 96kHz / 24-bit (remastered) | | SSD Optimization | Manual | Automatic with Opus Cache | | Price | Free (if you own original) | $19.99/mo (or $299 perpetual) | | Mic Positions | None (or emulated IR) | 5 true mic positions (close, stage, hall, surround, ambient) |
Verdict: The repack is not “better” than the modern Opus version—but it is different. The repack excels for producers who:
If you actually own East West RA (now part of EastWest Sounds), here’s how to use it properly:
It is imperative to note that downloading a "Repack" constitutes software piracy. While EastWest has moved to a subscription model (ComposerCloud), offering the latest versions of their software, the legacy
Overview
Key features
Legal & ethical considerations
Technical notes (if you already have a repack)
Recommendations
Short checklist before using a repack
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EastWest Quantum Leap RA is a foundational world instrument library designed to provide authentic ethnic sounds for film, TV, and game scoring. While originally released in the mid-2000s, it remains a staple for composers seeking a "one-stop shop" for global instruments. Core Overview
Content: A 13–14GB collection spanning Africa, the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Far East, India, and the Middle East.
Recording Quality: Recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood using high-end microphones (Neumann, AKG, Schoeps) and an API console for a "first-class" 3D audio image. Engine Transition:
Legacy: Originally powered by NI Kompakt (a simplified version of Kontakt), making it compatible with Kontakt versions 1.5 and higher.
Current: Now primarily hosted in EastWest's proprietary OPUS engine (formerly PLAY), which offers enhanced 64-bit performance and advanced articulation controls. east west quantum leap ra repack kontakt library
"Repack" Context: In the community, "repack" often refers to unofficial versions converted specifically for modern Kontakt versions, as EastWest moved away from Native Instruments years ago. Key Instrument Highlights
The library is organized by region, with a strong focus on melodic instruments over percussion:
Africa: Standouts include the harp-like Kora and the Kalimbas.
Americas/Australia: The Dobro is highly praised for its 15 different performance articulations, including various slide speeds.
Middle East: Features authentic, "reedy" Duduks from Armenia, Turkey, and Bulgaria, alongside a distinctive Persian Santoor.
Far East: Includes meticulously sampled Koto, Shamisen, and a "breathy" Shakuhachi flute. Pros & Cons EastWest RA Walkthrough
The East West Quantum Leap RA is a massive world instrument library featuring samples from six continents, including Africa, the Americas, Australia, Europe, the Far East, India, and the Middle East. Key Features of the RA Library
Vast Instrument Collection: Includes rare and ethnic instruments such as drums, percussion, wind, and plucked instruments.
Recording Quality: Recorded with an eight-microphone setup and phase-aligned via an API console for high-fidelity sound.
Engine Transition: While originally designed for the EastWest Play engine, a repacked version for Native Instruments Kontakt exists, allowing users to run it within the Kontakt sampler rather than the standalone Opus or Play engines. The "Repack" for Kontakt
The "repack" version of this library is a community-modified format typically found on sites like VSTHouse.
Size: The repacked version is approximately 8.82 GB, whereas the original full installation is around 14 GB.
Format: Provided as .nicnt and .nki files for compatibility with Kontakt 5.3 or higher.
Setup Note: Official EastWest libraries are no longer natively supported in modern versions like Kontakt 7 or 8 unless specifically bridged via NKS or using older license-registration methods. Instrument Categories by Region Region Featured Instrument Types Africa Bells, drums, pit percussion, plucked instruments, shakers Americas & Australia Percussion, wind, and various solo tribal instruments Far East & India Sitar, various flutes, and traditional percussion ensembles Europe Traditional folk instruments and historic woodwinds EastWest RA Walkthrough
The EastWest Quantum Leap RA library is a legendary "World Music" collection. It features authentic instruments from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, the Americas, and the Far East. 🎹 Library Overview Developer: EastWest / Quantum Leap Format: Kontakt (Repack/NKC/NKX) Size: Approximately 14 GB (Compressed) Sound Quality: High-fidelity 24-bit samples
Key Feature: Focuses on rare, ethnic instruments with natural vibrato and articulation. 🌍 What’s Inside? The library is categorized by geographic region: Africa: Kalimba, Kora, Log Drums, Udu. Americas/Europe: Bagpipes, Banjo, Hurdy Gurdy, Pan Flute. Far East: Erhu, Koto, Shakuhachi, Shamisen, Taiko Drums.
Middle East/Empire: Duduk, Oud, Sitar, Turkish Lute, Zither. India: Bansuri, Esraj, Sarangi, Sitar, Tambura. ⚙️ Installation Guide (Repack Version)
Since this is a Kontakt Repack, it usually bypasses the original PLAY engine for better performance and flexibility within the Kontakt Sampler.
Download & Extract: Ensure all parts are in one folder and extract using WinRAR or 7-Zip. Add to Kontakt: Open Kontakt (v5.6.8 or newer recommended). This is where the debate gets interesting
Use the "Manage Libraries" or "Add Library" tool (or "Library Manager" for newer versions). Select the root folder of the RA library.
Locate NICNT: Ensure the .nicnt file is present in the root folder so the library shows up in the "Libraries" tab with its custom wallpaper.
Batch Resave (Optional): If you get "Missing Samples" errors, use the Batch Resave function in Kontakt to re-link files to your specific hard drive path. 🚀 Performance Tips
SSD Storage: Use an SSD to reduce loading times for heavy multi-sampled patches.
Expression (CC11): Most instruments use MIDI CC11 for realistic volume swells.
Key Switches: Check the bottom of the virtual keyboard for red keys; these change playing styles (staccato vs. legato). If you're having trouble, let me know: Which version of Kontakt are you using?
Are you getting a specific error message (e.g., "Library not found" or "Demo mode")?
The EastWest Quantum Leap RA is a legendary 14 GB world and ethnic instrument library. While modern versions are officially powered by the EastWest OPUS engine , legacy versions—often referred to in "repack" contexts—were originally released for Native Instruments' Kompakt player, a licensed version of the Kontakt engine . Overview of EastWest Quantum Leap RA
RA (named after the Egyptian sun god) was produced by Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix to preserve rare and ancient instruments in pristine detail. It provides a comprehensive collection of sounds from across six major regions: Africa, Europe, Middle East/Turkish Empire, India, Far East, and the Americas/Australia.
The library is prized for its high-caliber recording quality, featuring a phase-aligned eight-microphone setup (including Neumann and AKG mics) to capture a three-dimensional image of every sound. Key Instruments and Articulations
RA is organized by continent, offering a mix of solo instruments and grand ensembles: EastWest RA Walkthrough
The "East West Quantum Leap Ra Repack Kontakt Library" represents a fascinating chapter in the evolution of virtual instruments, marking a transition point between the era of physical sample CDs and modern standalone software engines. The Origin: "Rare Instruments" The story begins with an earlier 2001 library called Rare Instruments
, which was originally released on CD-ROMs in Akai and Gigastudio formats. While highly acclaimed, it was limited by the technology of the time. When producers Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix decided to expand it, they recorded 90% new content at the famous Ocean Way Studios in Hollywood to create Sound On Sound The Engine Shift: From Kontakt to PLAY
The "Kontakt" or "Repack" part of the name refers to a specific technical period in the mid-2000s: The NI Partnership:
Originally, many EastWest libraries were released using Native Instruments' engines like (a streamlined version of Kontakt). The Repack Necessity: As EastWest eventually moved toward their own proprietary PLAY engine
around 2007–2008, the older Kontakt-compatible versions became rare "legacy" items. The Legacy:
Community "repacks" often sought to keep these older versions alive for users who preferred the Kontakt interface
or wanted to avoid the iLok security requirements that came with the newer PLAY engine versions. Vi-Control Library Highlights
The library remains a staple for film and TV composers due to its massive 14GB collection: Sound On Sound If you actually own East West RA (now
East West Quantum Leap (EWQL) RA is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and high-quality world instrument collections ever produced . Originally released as a Native Instruments Kontakt-based library
before EastWest transitioned to its proprietary PLAY (and later Opus) engine, it remains a staple for film composers and world music producers. EastWest Sounds A Global Sonic Journey
RA—named after the ancient Egyptian sun god—was created by award-winning producers Doug Rogers and Nick Phoenix to preserve rare instruments from across the globe in pristine detail. The library is organized by geographic region, offering a vast array of melodic and percussive textures: EastWest Sounds
: Features the Kora, Djembe Ensemble, Kalimbas, and various Ewe drum ensembles. Americas & Australia
: Includes the Didjeridoo, Banjo, Mandolin, and unique items like the 1890 Washburn Guitar.
: Covers traditional sounds such as the Hurdy Gurdy, Hardanger Fiddle, Highland Pipes, and Uilleann Pipes.
: Showcases the Koto, Erhu, Shakuhachi, and massive Taiko Drums. : Provides the Sitar, Sarangi, Bansuri, and Tablas. Middle East & Turkish Empire
: Includes the Armenian Duduk, Oud, Ney Flute, and Middle East String Section. EastWest Sounds Legacy of the Kontakt Version
The original version of RA was built on the Native Instruments Kompakt/Kontakt engine
, which allowed for deep user customization. While EastWest eventually moved to the Opus engines
to gain more control over their software's ecosystem, many users still seek out the "legacy" Kontakt versions (often referred to as "repacks" in community circles) due to Kontakt's legendary stability and advanced scripting capabilities. EastWest Sounds Key Performance Features (Legacy & Modern Versions): Intelligent Performance
: Includes dedicated buttons for portamento, repetition, and legato to ensure natural-sounding transitions. Round Robin Reset
: Helps avoid the "machine gun effect" by cycling through different samples of the same note. Micro-tuning
: Essential for world music, allowing users to adjust scales to match non-Western musical traditions. High-Resolution Audio
: Recorded with an eight-microphone setup through an API console for maximum clarity. EastWest RA Walkthrough
I understand you're looking for a guide on the "East West Quantum Leap RA" library, specifically regarding a "repack" for Kontakt.
However, I must give you a clear and important heads-up:
In the original Play Engine, RA was a resource hog. In the Kontakt Repack:
Given the legal risks, you might want to consider these official alternatives that give you similar (or better) world instruments directly for Kontakt.