Native Instruments 21933, 21931, 21947, 21949 User manual
Manual
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
Mac, Mac OS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
All other trade marks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: Nicolas Sidi, David Gover
Software version: 1.8 (09/2012)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Germany
Native Instruments GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
USA
Native Instruments North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
Contact
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2012. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO! ..................................................................................
1.1 Where To Start? .......................................................................................................................... 15
1.2 What’s New in MASCHINE 1.8? ................................................................................................... 17
1.3 Manual Conventions ................................................................................................................... 19
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know ...................................................................................... 21
2.2 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 23
2.3 Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 33
2.4 Preferences .................................................................................................................................35
2.2.1 Switching Views ........................................................................................................ 23
2.2.2 Hiding the Browser .................................................................................................... 24
2.2.3 Minimizing the Arranger ............................................................................................ 25
2.2.4 Minimizing the Control Area ...................................................................................... 26
2.2.5 Hiding the Automation Lane ...................................................................................... 26
2.2.6 Navigating the MASCHINE MIKRO Controller Display ................................................. 27
2.2.7 Navigating Parameter Pages ..................................................................................... 29
2.2.8 Undo and Redo .......................................................................................................... 31
2.2.9 Pinning a Mode .......................................................................................................... 31
2.2.10 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 32
2.3.1 Differences between Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 33
2.3.2 Switching Instances in Plug-in Mode ........................................................................ 34
2.3.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 34
2.3.4 Controlling your Host’s Transport Functions in Plug-in Mode .................................... 35
2.4.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 36
2.4.2 Preferences – Defaults Page ..................................................................................... 38
2.4.3 Preferences – User Paths Page .................................................................................. 40
14
21
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 4
Table of Contents
2.5 Audio and MIDI Settings ............................................................................................................. 50
2.6 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ......................................................................................... 55
2.4.4 Preferences – Libraries Page ..................................................................................... 42
2.4.5 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 43
2.4.6 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 47
2.4.7 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 49
2.5.1 Audio Page ................................................................................................................ 51
2.5.2 Routing Page ............................................................................................................. 52
2.5.3 MIDI Page .................................................................................................................. 53
2.6.1 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 55
2.6.2 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 56
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
3.1 Elements of the Browser ............................................................................................................. 58
3.2 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 65
3.3 Importing Your Own Files ............................................................................................................ 67
3.4 Tagging your Files ...................................................................................................................... 70
3.5 Quick Browse .............................................................................................................................. 72
3.6 The Browser on the Hardware ..................................................................................................... 73
3.1.1 DISK Button ............................................................................................................... 59
3.1.2 File Type Selector ....................................................................................................... 60
3.1.3 Tag Filter ................................................................................................................... 60
3.1.4 Search Field ............................................................................................................... 61
3.1.5 RESULTS List ............................................................................................................. 62
3.1.6 Audition Controls ....................................................................................................... 64
3.1.7 Loading Groups with their Patterns ........................................................................... 65
3.6.1 Browsing Your Library ................................................................................................ 73
3.6.2 Additional Features ................................................................................................... 75
57
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 5
Table of Contents
4 Working with Sounds .................................................................................................
4.1 Sound Basics ..............................................................................................................................76
4.2 The Sampler Module ................................................................................................................... 94
4.3 Using VST/AU Plug-ins ............................................................................................................... 105
4.4 The Sound Properties .................................................................................................................. 118
4.1.1 The Modules .............................................................................................................. 77
4.1.2 Module Slot 1: Choosing the Sound’s Role ................................................................. 79
4.1.3 Selecting a Module Slot ............................................................................................. 79
4.1.4 Loading a Module ...................................................................................................... 82
4.1.5 Adjusting the Module Parameters .............................................................................. 85
4.1.6 Bypassing Module Slots ............................................................................................. 86
4.1.7 Moving Modules ......................................................................................................... 86
4.1.8 Saving Module Presets .............................................................................................. 90
4.1.9 Recalling Module Presets .......................................................................................... 91
4.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings and Engine ............................................................................ 95
4.2.2 Page 2: Pitch/Gate and Amplitude Envelope .............................................................. 96
4.2.3 Page 3: FX and Filter ................................................................................................. 99
4.2.4 Page 4: Modulation Envelope and Destination ........................................................... 101
4.2.5 Page 5: LFO and Destination ..................................................................................... 102
4.2.6 Page 6: Velocity Destination and Modwheel Destination ............................................ 103
4.3.1 Loading a Plug-in ...................................................................................................... 105
4.3.2 Opening and Closing Plug-in Windows ...................................................................... 109
4.3.3 Assigning Plug-in Parameters ................................................................................... 111
4.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 116
4.4.1 Selecting a Set of Properties ...................................................................................... 118
4.4.2 Adjusting the Properties ............................................................................................ 120
4.4.3 Sound – Groove Properties (GRV) ............................................................................... 121
4.4.4 Sound – Output Properties (OUT) ............................................................................... 123
76
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 6
4.5 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................125
4.6 Mute and Solo .............................................................................................................................131
4.7 Choke All Notes ...........................................................................................................................135
4.8 Loading REX Files ....................................................................................................................... 136
4.9 Using MIDI with Sounds ..............................................................................................................136
4.5.1 Naming Sound Slots .................................................................................................. 125
4.5.2 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 126
4.5.3 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 127
4.5.4 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 128
4.5.5 Moving Sound Slots ................................................................................................... 129
4.5.6 Resetting a Sound Slot .............................................................................................. 130
4.6.1 Mute and Solo on the Hardware ................................................................................. 131
4.6.2 Mute and Solo in the Software ................................................................................... 133
4.9.1 Sound MIDI Batch Setup ............................................................................................ 137
4.9.2 Sound MIDI Settings .................................................................................................. 140
4.9.3 MIDI Output from Sounds .......................................................................................... 142
5 Working with Groups .................................................................................................
5.1 The Group Properties .................................................................................................................. 146
5.2 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 158
5.1.1 Group – Source Properties (SRC) ............................................................................... 146
5.1.2 Group – Groove Properties (GRV) ............................................................................... 147
5.1.3 Group – Macro Properties (MCR) and Macro Controls ................................................ 148
5.1.4 Group – Output Properties (OUT) ............................................................................... 156
5.2.1 Naming Group Slots ................................................................................................... 158
5.2.2 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 159
5.2.3 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 160
5.2.4 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 161
5.2.5 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 163
Table of Contents
146
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 7
Table of Contents
5.3 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ............................................................................................ 166
5.2.6 Moving Group Slots .................................................................................................... 164
5.2.7 Resetting a Group Slot ............................................................................................... 165
5.3.1 Supported Parameters from MPC Programs ............................................................... 166
5.3.2 Importing MPC Program Files .................................................................................... 167
6 Working with Patterns (Controller) .............................................................................
6.1 Creating Patterns ....................................................................................................................... 170
6.2 Editing Patterns ......................................................................................................................... 185
6.1.1 Pattern Mode ............................................................................................................. 170
6.1.2 Pad Modes ................................................................................................................. 172
6.1.3 Pad Link .................................................................................................................... 174
6.1.4 Recording the Pads ................................................................................................... 176
6.1.5 Using the Metronome and the Count-in ..................................................................... 177
6.1.6 Using the Step Sequencer .......................................................................................... 178
6.1.7 Using Note Repeat ..................................................................................................... 179
6.1.8 Using the Keyboard Mode .......................................................................................... 180
6.1.9 Recording Automation ............................................................................................... 181
6.1.10 Step Grid, Pattern Length, and Quantization ............................................................. 182
6.2.1 Selecting, Quick Selecting, and Quick Editing Events/Notes ...................................... 185
6.2.2 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 186
6.2.3 Copy and Paste Events/Notes .................................................................................... 188
6.2.4 Nudge ........................................................................................................................ 188
6.2.5 Transposing Events/Notes ......................................................................................... 189
6.2.6 Compare/Split ........................................................................................................... 189
7 Working with Patterns (Software) ...............................................................................
7.1 The Pattern Editor .......................................................................................................................190
7.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 190
7.1.2 Navigating the Pattern Editor from the Controller ..................................................... 192
170
190
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
7.2 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 208
7.1.3 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 193
7.1.4 Step Grid and Quantization ....................................................................................... 194
7.1.5 Adjusting the Pattern Length ..................................................................................... 196
7.1.6 Mouse Actions in the Step Grid .................................................................................. 198
7.1.7 The Zoom Tool ............................................................................................................ 199
7.1.8 Compare/Split ........................................................................................................... 200
7.1.9 Using the Keyboard View ........................................................................................... 200
7.1.10 Recording and Editing Automation ............................................................................ 201
7.1.11 Pad Link .................................................................................................................... 205
7.2.1 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 208
7.2.2 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 209
7.2.3 Saving Patterns ......................................................................................................... 210
7.2.4 Copy and Paste Patterns ........................................................................................... 211
7.2.5 Moving Pattern Slots ................................................................................................. 212
7.2.6 Resetting a Pattern Slot ............................................................................................ 212
7.2.7 Rendering Audio from Patterns via Drag and Drop .................................................... 213
7.2.8 Rendering MIDI from Patterns via Drag and Drop ...................................................... 215
8 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
8.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................217
8.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 223
8.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 217
8.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 218
8.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 220
8.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 221
8.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 222
8.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 223
8.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 225
217
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 9
8.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 227
8.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 233
8.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................238
8.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 244
8.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 227
8.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 228
8.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 229
8.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 230
8.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 231
8.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 233
8.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 234
8.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 235
8.4.4 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 236
8.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 238
8.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 240
8.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 241
8.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 243
8.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 244
8.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 245
8.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 246
9 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
9.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 251
9.2 Bypassing Effects .......................................................................................................................255
9.3 Applying Effects to an External Instrument ................................................................................ 257
9.4 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 263
9.4.1 Setting up a Sound as Send Effect ............................................................................ 263
9.4.2 Routing Audio to a Send Effect .................................................................................. 266
9.4.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 269
Table of Contents
250
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 10
9.5 Creating Multi-effects ................................................................................................................ 270
10 Creating a Song using Scenes ....................................................................................
10.1 Navigating the Arranger from the Controller ............................................................................... 274
10.2 Selecting a Scene ....................................................................................................................... 276
10.3 Creating and Deleting Clips ....................................................................................................... 277
10.4 Manipulating Scenes .................................................................................................................. 278
10.5 Playing with Scenes ....................................................................................................................284
10.6 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ......................................................................................................... 289
10.4.1 Naming Scene Slots ................................................................................................... 279
10.4.2 Changing the Scene’s Color ....................................................................................... 279
10.4.3 Moving Scene Slots .................................................................................................... 280
10.4.4 Duplicating, Clearing, and Removing Scene Slots ..................................................... 281
10.4.5 Cut, Copy, and Paste Scenes ..................................................................................... 283
10.5.1 The Scene Position Marker ......................................................................................... 285
10.5.2 Selecting a Loop Range ............................................................................................. 285
10.5.3 Jumping to Other Scenes ........................................................................................... 286
11 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
11.1 Controlling Sampling from the Hardware ................................................................................... 291
11.2 Controlling Sampling from the Software ..................................................................................... 305
11.1.1 Recording a Sample (Hardware) ................................................................................ 291
11.1.2 Editing a Sample (Hardware) .................................................................................... 294
11.1.3 Slicing a Sample (Hardware) ..................................................................................... 301
11.1.4 Mapping a Sample (Hardware) .................................................................................. 303
11.2.1 Recording a Sample (Software) ................................................................................. 305
11.2.2 Navigating the Sample Editor from the Controller ..................................................... 310
11.2.3 Editing a Sample (Software) ...................................................................................... 311
11.2.4 Slicing a Sample (Software) ...................................................................................... 318
11.2.5 Mapping a Sample (Software) ................................................................................... 324
Table of Contents
273
291
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 11
Table of Contents
12 The Master ...............................................................................................................
12.1 The Master Properties ................................................................................................................. 330
12.2 Exporting Audio .......................................................................................................................... 335
12.1.1 Master – Mix Properties (MIX) .................................................................................... 331
12.1.2 Master – Groove Properties (GRV) .............................................................................. 332
12.1.3 Master – Output Properties (OUT) .............................................................................. 333
12.2.1 Export Audio .............................................................................................................. 335
12.2.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 338
13 Troubleshooting – Getting Help ..................................................................................
13.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 341
13.2 Getting Help ............................................................................................................................... 343
13.1.1 The MASCHINE Software Won’t Start .......................................................................... 341
13.1.2 Latency Issues ........................................................................................................... 341
13.1.3 The MASCHINE Software Crashes .............................................................................. 342
13.1.4 Updates ..................................................................................................................... 342
13.2.1 Knowledge Base ........................................................................................................ 343
13.2.2 Technical Support ...................................................................................................... 343
13.2.3 Registration Support ................................................................................................. 344
13.2.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................ 344
14 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
14.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 345
14.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 345
14.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 345
14.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 345
14.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 346
14.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 346
14.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 346
14.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 346
330
341
345
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 12
14.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 347
14.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 348
14.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 347
14.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Scene Sync ............................................................................... 347
14.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 347
14.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 347
14.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 348
14.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 348
14.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 348
14.3.3 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 349
15 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
350
361
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 13
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
1 Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Thank you for buying MASCHINE MIKRO!
MASCHINE MIKRO is a groove production studio that implements the familiar working style of
classical groove boxes along with the advantages of a computer based system. MASCHINE
MIKRO is ideal for making music live, as well as in the studio. It’s the hands-on aspect of a
dedicated instrument, the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller, united with the advanced
editing features of the MASCHINE software.
Creating beats is often not very intuitive with a computer, but using the MASCHINE MIKRO
hardware controller to do it makes it easy and fun. You can tap in freely with the pads or use
Note Repeat to jam along. Alternatively, build your beats using the step sequencer just as in
classic drum machines.
Patterns can be intuitively combined and rearranged on the fly to form larger ideas. You can try
out several different versions of a song without ever having to stop the music.
Since you can integrate it into any sequencer that supports VST, Audio Units, or RTAS plugins, you can reap the benefits in almost any software setup, or use it as a stand-alone application. You can sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them easily.
However, MASCHINE MIKRO is a lot more than an ordinary groovebox or sampler: it comes
with an inspiring 6-gigabyte library, and a sophisticated, yet easy to use tag-based Browser to
give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for.
What’s more, MASCHINE MIKRO provides lots of options for manipulating your sounds via internal effects and other sound-shaping possibilities. You can also control external MIDI hardware and 3rd-party software with the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller, while customizing the functions of the pads, knobs and buttons according to your needs utilizing the included
Controller Editor application. We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do.
Now let’s get going!
—The MASCHINE team at Native Instruments.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 14
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Where To Start?
1.1 Where To Start?
MASCHINE MIKRO provides you with many information sources. The main documents are
meant to be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE MIKRO Setup Guide
2. MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started and online video tutorials
3. MASCHINE MIKRO Manual (this document)
The Setup Guide is available in printed form in the product box. The whole documentation
set is available in PDF format and located within the MASCHINE installation folder on your
hard disk. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help menu.
Please check the Service Center or the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date
and localized versions of these documents.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference
▪ Controller Editor Manual
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
Your First Stop: the Setup Guide
A printed Setup Guide is included in the product box. It will guide you through the software
and hardware installation of MASCHINE MIKRO, from the very beginning to the first sound
coming through your speakers.
First read the Setup Guide. Then proceed with this MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started to get
more familiar with MASCHINE MIKRO.
MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started
After reading the Setup Guide and following its instructions, your MASCHINE MIKRO should
be up and running. The next step is to read the MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started. This gives
you a practical approach to MASCHINE MIKRO via a set of tutorials covering easy and more
advanced tasks in order to help you familiarize yourself with MASCHINE MIKRO.
Video Tutorials
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 15
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Where To Start?
The Native Instruments website provides you with a lot of video tutorials that give you a handson approach to many sides of the MASCHINE workflow. To see them, point your favorite browser to following URL: http://native-instruments.com/maschinemedia.
MASCHINE MIKRO Manual
This MASCHINE MIKRO Manual provides you with a comprehensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference
The MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference provides an overview of a MASCHINE
Project, the quick access options performed using the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller,
and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
Controller Editor Manual
Besides using your MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller together with its dedicated MASCHINE software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile MIDI controller to pilot
any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible by the Controller Editor
software, a little application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI assignments for your
MASCHINE MIKRO controller. The Controller Editor should have been installed during the MASCHINE installation procedure. For more info on this, please refer to the Controller Editor
Manual available as a PDF file in the Documentation subfolder of the Controller Editor installation folder on your hard disk.
Other Online Resources
If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments product that the supplied
documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more info on these in chapter ↑13, Troubleshooting – Getting Help.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 16
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
What’s New in MASCHINE 1.8?
1.2 What’s New in MASCHINE 1.8?
Here is a short overview of the new or improved software and hardware features in MASCHINE 1.8.
New Features
▪ MASCHINE MK2 and MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 support: The version 1.8 of the MASCHINE
software supports the new MASCHINE MK2 and MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 hardware controllers with RGB LEDs.
▪ Color support: You can now choose custom colors for your Sounds, Groups, Patterns, and
Scenes. See section ↑4.5.2, Changing the Sound’s Color, ↑5.2.2, Changing the Group’s
Color, ↑7.2.2, Changing the Pattern’s Color, and ↑10.4.2, Changing the Scene’s Color, re-
spectively.
▪ Offline time stretching / pitch shifting: The new Stretch function allows you to apply time
stretching or pitch shifting separately to your Samples. See section ↑11.1.2, Editing a
Sample (Hardware) and ↑11.2.2, Navigating the Sample Editor from the Controller.
▪ Tape and Tube saturation: The Saturator Module now offers two additional modes that emu-
late tape and tube saturation. See section ↑8.6.3, Saturator.
▪ Transient Master effect: The Module collection now includes a new Transient Master effect
based on Native Instruments’ TRANSIENT MASTER. See section ↑8.1.3, Transient Mas-
ter.
▪ Playhead indicator: In the Sample Editor and on your controller in Sampling mode, the
new Playhead indicator shows you the current play position in the Sample. See chapter
↑10.6, Triggering Scenes via MIDI.
▪ Improved missing Samples handling: If you provide a new path for a missing Sample, the
Missing Samples feature automatically reuses this new path to find other missing Samples. See section ↑3.2, Locating Missing Samples.
▪ Save Group with Samples: You can now save a Group together with all Samples used in this
Group. This notably allows you to easily transfer the Group to another user or computer.
See section ↑5.2.4, Saving a Group with its Samples.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 17
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
What’s New in MASCHINE 1.8?
▪ Multiple controllers focus choice: You can now use two or more MASCHINE controllers of
different types to control different instances of the MASCHINE software simultaneously,
and select which controller is assigned to each software instance. See section ↑2.2.10,
Using Two or More Hardware Controllers and ↑2.3.3, Controlling Various Instances with
Different Controllers.
Hardware New Features and Workflow Improvements
▪ Extended Select mode: The Select mode on your controller now allows you to select event
ranges based on timings instead of event indexes, to faster select individual events, and
to quickly change the position, length, pitch and velocity of the selected events. Furthermore, you can now pin the Select mode. See section ↑6.2.1, Selecting, Quick Selecting,
and Quick Editing Events/Notes.
▪ Host Transport Control: When MASCHINE is running as a plug-in in a host sequencer, you
can split the control elements on your controller so that the transport buttons control your
sequencer via MIDI while all other control elements still control the MASCHINE plug-in
instance. See section ↑2.3.4, Controlling your Host’s Transport Functions in Plug-in
Mode.
▪ Quick Select Events: The new shortcut SHIFT + SELECT + pad allows you to quickly select
all events linked with that pad (depending on the current Pad mode). See section ↑6.2.1,
Selecting, Quick Selecting, and Quick Editing Events/Notes.
▪ Quick Erase Events: The new shortcut ERASE + SELECT + pad allows you to quickly erase
all events linked to that pad (depending on the current Pad mode). See section ↑6.2.2,
Deleting Events/Notes.
▪ You can now record automation from your MASCHINE MIKRO controller. See section
↑6.1.9, Recording Automation.
▪ New Choke All Notes function: The shortcut SHIFT + MUTE allows you to choke all playing
notes, i.e. kill all audio voices — this, without disabling MASCHINE’s audio engine. See
section ↑4.7, Choke All Notes.
▪ The Browser’s Prehear feature is now also available on the controller. See section ↑3.6.1,
Browsing Your Library.
▪ The MASTER section of the controller has been improved with a Control encoder and dedi-
cated buttons for VOLUME, SWING and TEMPO. See section
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 18
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Manual Conventions
1.3 Manual Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note
carefully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to
the setup or operating system you are using; however, it’s always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-
tions on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is
printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE MIKRO controller is printed in orange. When-
ever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Return]”).
Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
→
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE MIKRO controller (or just controller) as
the hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 19
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Manual Conventions
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on Your Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be
pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY”
means:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 20
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
2 Basic Concepts
This chapter will reintroduce you to MASCHINE’s main elements and terminology and explain
how they relate to one another. You will also learn how to set up your audio interface and how
to connect MIDI devices.
Before reading this chapter it is strongly recommended that you read the MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started first.
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know
We will start with a list defining the most important concepts and names.
Browser
The Browser is the front end for accessing all the elements of your MASCHINE Projects:
Projects, Groups, Sounds, Samples, Patterns, instruments and effect presets. Each of these
can be stored and tagged in a way that allows you easy access to all of them. MASCHINE’s
factory library is already completely tagged, and you can also import your own Samples to the
Library and tag them as well. To learn more about the Browser, please read chapter ↑3, Brows-
er.
Projects
A Project contains all data needed for a song: up to eight Groups with their Patterns, 64
Scenes and all settings, automation, effects, routings, Sounds and Samples. It’s like a snapshot of the entire state of MASCHINE. Please read the MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started for
a complete overview of the MASCHINE Project structure.
Sounds
Sounds are the building blocks of all sound content in MASCHINE. A Sound can hold up to
four Modules which can be a Sampler, any VST/AU plug-in instrument or effect, any internal
MASCHINE effect, as well as an Input or a MIDI Out Module. Each Sound of the selected
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 21
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller, so you
can play the Sounds by pressing the pads. Refer to chapter ↑4, Working with Sounds for more
information on Sounds.
Groups
A Group contains 16 Sound slots, each of which can hold one Sound. In addition to the effects
applied to an individual Sound, a Group can have up to 4 insert effects. These affect all the
Sounds in the Group. A Group can also contain up to 64 Patterns assigned from one of the
four Pattern Banks. Refer to chapter ↑5, Working with Groups for more information on Groups.
Master
This is where all audio signals from each of the Groups and Sounds come together and get
mixed. The Master bus can also host up to four insert effects of its own, these effects are applied to all Groups and the Sounds within them. More information on the Master can be found
in chapter ↑12, The Master.
Patterns
A Pattern is a sequence that plays Sounds from the current Group. A Pattern is therefore usually linked to a Group since it is a part of the Group; however you can also save it independently from the Group. This is useful if you want to try out different drum kits with the same Pattern or different Sounds with a given melody. More information on Patterns can be found in
chapter ↑5.3.2, Importing MPC Program Files and chapter ↑7, Working with Patterns (Soft-
ware).
Scene
A Scene is a combination of Clips for your different Groups. Each Clip references a specific
Pattern of a Group. In a Scene you can create one Clip for each Group. Scenes are located in
the Arranger. They can be used to build up a finished arrangement or to trigger different parts
of a song during a live performance.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 22
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
Events
Events are the individual drum hits or notes that make up a Pattern. In the Pattern Editor,
events are visually represented by rectangles in the Step Grid. Depending on the current view
in the Pattern Editor, you can see events for all Sounds slots (Group view) or for the select
Sound slots only (Keyboard view).
Modules
MASCHINE contains four Module slots on each of the three MASCHINE Project levels Sound,
Group, and Master. MASCHINE Modules are the MASCHINE Sampler, VST/AU plug-in instruments or effects, internal MASCHINE effects, as well as the Input Module and the MIDI Out
Module.
Effects (FX)
MASCHINE comes with many different effects. You may also use VST/AU effect plug-ins too.
Up to four effects can be directly applied as insert effects to each Sound, Group or Master level. With the routing system you can also create send effects and multi-effects. Refer to chapter
↑4, Working with Sounds.
Please refer to chapter ↑15, Glossary at the end of this Manual for more definitions!
2.2 Common Operations
2.2.1 Switching Views
From the Main menu and the Plug-in menu you can select one of four different sizes to display
MASCHINE’s software GUI:
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 23
The View menu in the Application Menu Bar (Windows depicted).
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The View submenu in the Plug-in menu.
Full screen view is also available from your computer keyboard via the [F5] function key.
2.2.2 Hiding the Browser
Hardware
Press and hold VIEW; now press pad 13 to show/hide the Browser.
►
Software
Click the Browser button (with the magnifier symbol) in the Header to show and hide the
►
Browser.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 24
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The Browser button in the Header.
You can also show/hide the Browser from your computer keyboard via the [F10] function
key.
2.2.3 Minimizing the Arranger
Hardware
Press VIEW + pad 14 to minimize the Arranger to the currently selected Group slot and again
to show all Group slots.
Software
Click the Minimize button (showing an arrow) on the left of the Arranger to minimize the
►
Arranger to the currently selected Group slot and again to show all Group slots.
The Arranger in minimized view showing the Group slot in focus.
You can also show/hide the Arranger from your computer keyboard via the [F10] function
key.
Your controller provides you with additional shortcuts to zoom and scroll the display of the
Arranger without having to touch your mouse. Please refer to section ↑10.1, Navigating the
Arranger from the Controller for more info!
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 25
2.2.4 Minimizing the Control Area
Hardware
Press VIEW + pad 15 to minimize the Control area to its topmost row containing the
►
MASTER, GROUP, and SOUND tabs along with the Module slot tabs; press VIEW +
pad 15 again to maximize the Control area.
Software
Click the Minimize button (showing an arrow) to the left of the Control area to minimize/
►
maximize it.
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The Control area in full size.
You can also show/hide the Control area from your computer keyboard via the [F11] function key.
2.2.5 Hiding the Automation Lane
Hardware
Press VIEW + pad 16 to show and hide the Automation Lane.
►
Software
Click the Automation Lane button on the bottom left of the Pattern Editor to show and
►
hide it.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 26
The Automation Lane button.
You can also show/hide the Automation Lane from your computer keyboard via the [F12]
function key.
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
2.2.6 Navigating the MASCHINE MIKRO Controller Display
The buttons above and below the display, along with the Control encoder (on the right), have
functions relating to what is shown on the display:
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 27
The control elements around the display.
▪ Depending on what is shown on the display, some of the buttons might be inactive — in
that case they are off. The active buttons (i.e. those that would do something if you would
press them) are always dim or fully lit.
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
▪ The F1, F2, and F3 buttons above the display allow you to select the tab under them (at
the top of the display). For example, in the picture above the SOUND tab is selected.
▪ The Left and Right Arrow buttons under the display allow you to switch the selection be-
tween the four fields above them (at the bottom of the display). For example, in the picture above the bottom right field is selected — in Control mode this field represents the
value (65.0 in the picture above) of the selected parameter.
▪ Press NAV + Left/Right Arrow button to quickly scroll to the previous/next value in the
bottom left field — in Control mode this field represents the selected parameter (7/8: LFO
AM. in the picture above).
▪ The Control encoder allows you to change the value of the highlighted field. For continu-
ous parameters, by pressing and turning the Control encoder you can change the value in
finer increments. The Control encoder can also aid navigation (e.g., in the Browser).
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 28
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
2.2.7 Navigating Parameter Pages
In some situations, the selected Module or Properties provide more parameters than the display on your controller and the Parameter area in the software can show at once. Examples of
this are the parameters for the Groups’ or Sounds’ Output Properties (OUT button in the software) and those for the Sampler Module. In these cases, the number of parameters is divided
into several Parameter pages that you can easily navigate with the hardware and software.
Software
In the software you click the Page menu at the top left corner of the Parameter area to navigate through the pages:
The Page menu in the Parameter area: first page of parameters for the Sampler Module.
Hardware
On the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller you can use the buttons below the display
along with the Control encoder as described in section ↑2.2.6, Navigating the MASCHINE
MIKRO Controller Display to navigate through the parameters and Parameter pages:
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The four fields at the bottom of the display (in Control mode).
In Control mode, the four fields are:
(1) Selected Module slot or Properties (in the picture above, Module slot 1 with the MASSIVE
instrument plug-in loaded).
(2) Selected Parameter page (the MAS MCS page in the picture above) or selected section of the
current Parameter page. Parameter pages of Modules and Properties are often split into several
sections. This is for example the case with the MASCHINE internal effects (see chapter ↑8, Ef-
fect Reference). If Parameter pages contain more than one section, the top right field (2) al-
lows you to select the desired section of parameters. Note that you can browse all sections of
all Parameter pages in one go by turning the Control encoder when this field is selected. On
the other hand, VST/AU plug-ins have only one section in each page. In that case the top right
field allows you to select the desired page.
(3) Selected parameter within the selected page or section (OSC 1 S in the picture above). Note
that you can browse all parameters of all sections in one go by pressing NAV + Left/Right Arrow
button repeatedly.
(4) Parameter value.
Your controller provides another quick method for selecting Module slots or Properties as
well as their respective Parameter pages and sections. For more info see section ↑4.1.3,
Selecting a Module Slot and ↑4.4.1, Selecting a Set of Properties, respectively.
MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 - Manual - 30
Loading...