Also like other NI programs, you could use Maschine on a basic level without digging much deeper, and you will eventually stumble upon new things, but you may be missing out on some really powerful sound editing hidden under a small menu arrow, or some Group-level routing or quantizing options, and so on, and so on. To get the most out of it, you should dive just as deep into learning it, which means scouring manuals and tutorials. You have full sound editing capabilities, many onboard sounds and effects, the option to sample straight into Maschine, and Maschine can even host plug-in instruments and effects, making its possibilities truly infinite.Īs with Native Instruments’ other software products, Maschine runs quite deep in functionality. You create Patterns with the Group sounds, then group together Patterns into Scenes, and then order Scenes to create a song. Maschine assembles Groups of sounds - often a drum kit’s worth of percussion sounds, but also instrument sounds - that act like tracks in a typical DAW. Maschine can be an extremely capable standalone system, yet users of other production software can also use Maschine as a plug-in instrument and/or a MIDI controller.Īs someone who has a background with both MPCs and (more so) with DAW software, the Maschine workflow came with somewhat of a learning curve – but the basics are fundamental. Maschine’s hardware provides a familiar drum-pad workstation interface, and its software and connection to a computer allow it to leverage the power, user-friendliness, and easy updatability of computer music while keeping the price much lower than expensive hardware workstations. It’s a rather ingenious meeting halfway between the worlds of hardware music production - specifically MPC-style sampling workstations - and software digital audio workstation (DAW) production. That process has had some success, is still ongoing, and of course along the way many other music producers and DJs embraced the very worthy Maschine platform as well. My speculation is that NI developed Maschine several years ago to rip the hip-hop producers away from the popular Akai MPC workstation and bring them into NI’s universe of computer-based music production. In case any of you are not familiar with Native Instruments Maschine, the concept bears reiterating, especially because the Mk2 update is more of an evolutionary than revolutionary update. This should entice novice producers with its all-in-oneness and tempt initiated music makers to incorporate it into a larger setup. The Bottom Line: While not an essential hardware update for existing users (the free 1.8 update is much more essential for them), the Maschine Mk2 makes concrete improvements to an already solid, flexible music production platform for the same retail price. We’re still waiting for some mind-blowing Maschine/Traktor integration. Its unique workflow takes some learning for producers coming from either hardware or software backgrounds. The Bad: The TSI for Traktor is either janky, not updated for Maschine Mk2, or both. Latest software retains compatibility with Mk1 hardware. Attractive price compared to hardware workstations. MIDI mode for general control of other hardware and software. Well-made hardware components and absurdly slick-looking multi-colored LEDs. The Good: Flexible, powerful production platform works stand-alone or as a plug-in to a DAW program. System Requirements: Windows 7 (latest Service Pack, 32-bit/64-bit), Intel Core Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2 GB RAM / Mac OS X 10.6 or 10.7 (latest update), Intel Core Duo, 2 GB RAM Ships with: Maschine 1.8 software, 6 GB sound library, USB 2.0 cableĮditor’s note: All Maschine models now ship with Maschine 2.0 software and a license for Komplete Select.ĭimensions: 12.6 x 11.6 x 2.6 inches (32 x 29.5 x 6.5 cm) Reviewed: Native Instruments Maschine Mk2Ĭommunication: MIDI over USB (USB powered)Īlso Available: Maschine Mikro Mk2 ($399/349) Just in case, we’re going to examine every last perk of Maschine Mk2 and get to the bottom of this enigma. Are you the all-in-one music production hardware/software for the masses, the ultimate drum pad MIDI controller, a killer plug-in instrument, or just the prettiest multicolored light show on the music store shelf? Could you possibly be all of the above? No, that can’t be possible.
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