While the library has its technical nuances (specifically regarding third-party handling in Kontakt), the core product is undeniably impressive. It delivers the lush pads, cutting leads, and beautiful vocal textures of the Yamaha Montage directly to your computer. For the producer who has always wanted that "Montage sound" but operates strictly inside the box, Synthage 1.4 is currently the best alternative available. It truly opens the doors for musicians to explore new, inspiring sounds without limits, proving that a 9.77 GB Kontakt library can be bigger than just the sum of its samples.
Setting up Synthage is the same as for any standard Kontakt library:
Synthage 1.4 introduces an array of brand-new presets and multi-sampled sound sources. The update expands its palette of:
Chime-like bells and piercing digital leads that offer an excellent alternative to overused analog waveforms. Workflow Benefits: Why Use Synthage Over Hardware?
Watch these tutorials to see step-by-step layering and sound design techniques for Synthage 1.4: Worship patch on Synthage (kontakt library) | SYNTHAGE 1.4 14K views · 11 months ago YouTube · Temkeys 💻🎹 How To Use Syntage 1.4 on Kontakt 1K views · 5 months ago YouTube · Merseile Music Academy 🎹🎶
Native Instruments Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher (Full Version recommended). At least 8GB of RAM. Approximately 10GB to 15GB of free disk space.
Users on various music production forums have noted that the library hits the "sweet spot" for sound design. According to one user on MaxforLive, the synth is "not too resonant and makes sound design easily accessible. Has such a nice sound." This suggests that while Synthage provides high-quality presets, the raw samples are also flexible enough to be manipulated further within Kontakt's extensive editing engine.
The library includes a wide array of categories, such as:
Iconic PianosThe piano samples in Synthage are remarkably detailed. They cut through a dense mix without needing excessive EQ, which is a hallmark of the Yamaha sound.
Modulation is the lifeblood of synthesis. Version 1.4 offers a more accessible modulation matrix. Users can easily assign LFOs, envelopes, and MIDI controllers (like mod wheels and aftertouch) to parameters such as filter cutoff, pitch, and panning to create dynamic, living sounds. The User Interface: Intuitive Sound Shaping
4.5/5
Fat analog synths, digital wavetables, and cutting-edge leads.
Features
How do I configure Start Menu?
Either right-click Start button and click "Properties" or right-click opened Start Menu itself and choose "Properties" context menu item.
Can I use app without start menu, just for skinning / jump list / awesomeness?
Yes. You can select taskbar and start meanu styles separately.
Can StartIsBack/StartAllBack break my system?
No. If you experience issues with old app on too recent Windows update, just hold Escape key when logging in to disable all functionality. synthage 1.4 kontakt
How do I uninstall StartIsBack/StartAllBack?
As expected: go to Control Panel - Programs and Features, find StartIsBack and click Uninstall.
Trial, licensing and activation
How trial version works?
There are no limitations in trial version. After installing it runs for 30 days.
If you don't activate it with license number you bought within 30 days, it will still work, but in limited mode:
Start Menu will be blank and sad; every boot you'll be nagged about evaluation period over.
Trial period runs for each user which have installed StartIsBack on one PC separately.
What is activation and why is it needed? While the library has its technical nuances (specifically
Activation is a process of validating your license online.
It ties your computer to your license via online service.
It is required in order to make sure license use is not abused.
One license key allows you to activate a limited number of computers.
How my computer is identified?
Your computer is uniquely identified by motherboard unique number and hard disk physical serial number OS is installed to.
What if I change hardware configuration of my PC or replace it?
If you change both hard disk and motherboard, you will need to activate your license again as modified PC will count as new.
You can activate your license on new PC after 30 days since you used license on the old PC, so you may need to wait while trial period is over. It truly opens the doors for musicians to
Does StartIsBack/StartAllBack "phone home"?
No information is collected about your PC hardware or software.
It does not use Internet connection for license validation purposes except the moment you activate it.
Online activation service does not collect your IP address or any other information which could identify you or your computer.
Computer unique identifiers are transferred in hash form, which does not allow anyone else to view it.
Also: automatic new version checking functionality requires Internet connection.
How many times can I reinstall / reactivate?
There is no limitation on how many times you can activate an installation on the same PC.
Does my license expire?
No, your license will never expire. New versions of the app for new OS / upgrades may require an license upgrade payment.
While the library has its technical nuances (specifically regarding third-party handling in Kontakt), the core product is undeniably impressive. It delivers the lush pads, cutting leads, and beautiful vocal textures of the Yamaha Montage directly to your computer. For the producer who has always wanted that "Montage sound" but operates strictly inside the box, Synthage 1.4 is currently the best alternative available. It truly opens the doors for musicians to explore new, inspiring sounds without limits, proving that a 9.77 GB Kontakt library can be bigger than just the sum of its samples.
Setting up Synthage is the same as for any standard Kontakt library:
Synthage 1.4 introduces an array of brand-new presets and multi-sampled sound sources. The update expands its palette of:
Chime-like bells and piercing digital leads that offer an excellent alternative to overused analog waveforms. Workflow Benefits: Why Use Synthage Over Hardware?
Watch these tutorials to see step-by-step layering and sound design techniques for Synthage 1.4: Worship patch on Synthage (kontakt library) | SYNTHAGE 1.4 14K views · 11 months ago YouTube · Temkeys 💻🎹 How To Use Syntage 1.4 on Kontakt 1K views · 5 months ago YouTube · Merseile Music Academy 🎹🎶
Native Instruments Kontakt 5.8.1 or higher (Full Version recommended). At least 8GB of RAM. Approximately 10GB to 15GB of free disk space.
Users on various music production forums have noted that the library hits the "sweet spot" for sound design. According to one user on MaxforLive, the synth is "not too resonant and makes sound design easily accessible. Has such a nice sound." This suggests that while Synthage provides high-quality presets, the raw samples are also flexible enough to be manipulated further within Kontakt's extensive editing engine.
The library includes a wide array of categories, such as:
Iconic PianosThe piano samples in Synthage are remarkably detailed. They cut through a dense mix without needing excessive EQ, which is a hallmark of the Yamaha sound.
Modulation is the lifeblood of synthesis. Version 1.4 offers a more accessible modulation matrix. Users can easily assign LFOs, envelopes, and MIDI controllers (like mod wheels and aftertouch) to parameters such as filter cutoff, pitch, and panning to create dynamic, living sounds. The User Interface: Intuitive Sound Shaping
4.5/5
Fat analog synths, digital wavetables, and cutting-edge leads.
Buy Personal Edition license
You can buy personal license with PayPal or direct card payment (with Gumroad). All payments are processed securely.
You should receive license key to your buyer e-mail address in several minutes after payment.
Please check your spam folder. If you don't receive email in reasonable time, please try resending your license key
Personal License can be used only for personal purposes. You must agree to be bound by terms of license agreement.
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Business Edition license
If you want to use program at business environment, you should buy Business License.
It is perfectly suited for corporate use: 100% compatible with all Windows 7 start menu group policies and settings + has additional group policies which will help you restrict features
as well as customize appearance.
Additional features provided by Business License
- Offline license activation (Only licenses for 1000PC and up).
- Priority e-mail support.
- Future optional updates.
Business Edition License Agreement
Mini-FAQ
Does Business license requires downloading special version?
No. Currently, Business license key is applicable to standard program version you download.
Can I split, resell my license key?
No. You can't resell, split, sublicense, lease or rent your license key. You may want to resell Personal Edition instead.
How do I proceed with offline activation?
Offline activation is possible with StartIsBack+ version 1.7.5 and later and only available to license keys for 1000PC or more. To use it, either:
- Prepare OS image with StartIsBack+ installed and activated online; such image won't be tied to hardware, or
- Save activation response when using 'Activate by web browser' request and use it on another PC, or
- Contact support
Buy Business Edition License Key
You should receive license key to your Paypal buyer e-mail address in several minutes after payment.
Please check your spam folder.
If you don't receive email in reasonable time, please contact me
Sorry, but there are no alternate payment methods now.
Query license information
If you have lost or never received your license key, use the form below.
General support
If you have licensing or urgent support questions, please email me to 
StartIsBack MSFN forum
