Native Instruments Maschine 1.5 Getting Started Guide
GETTING STARTED
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. All
product and company names are ™ or ® trademarks of their respective owners.
Getting Started guide written by: Benjamin Weiss, Nicolas Sidi
Edited by: Nicolas Sidi, Patryk Korman
Document Version: 1.0 (02/2010)
Product Version: 1.5 (02/2010)
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. 28
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
info@native-instruments.de
www.native-instruments.de
USA
Native Instruments North America, Inc.
5631 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
sales@native-instruments.com
www.native-instruments.com
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2010. All rights reserved.
Table Of Contents
1 WelcometoMASCHINE!....................................................................................................7
2 InstallationandSetup.......................................................................................................8
2.1 What’sintheBox....................................................................................................8
2.2 TheMASCHINEDocumentation................................................................................8
2.2.1 About this Getting Started Manual ...................................................... 8
2.2.2 Other Documentation ........................................................................ 9
2.3 InstallingMASCHINE...............................................................................................9
2.3.1 Installing MASCHINE on Windows XP and Windows Vista ....................... 9
2.3.2 Installing the MASCHINE Software on Mac OS X ..................................10
2.4 ActivatingMASCHINE............................................................................................ 11
2.5 ConnectingtheMASCHINEController..................................................................... 12
3 Overview........................................................................................................................ 13
3.1 Hardware..............................................................................................................13
3.2 Software............................................................................................................... 15
4 CreatingaPattern...........................................................................................................21
4.1 FindingSamplesintheBrowser.............................................................................21
4.2 SelectingSoundsandCreatingaGroup..................................................................23
4.3 CreatingPatterns.................................................................................................24
4.3.1 Adjusting Quantization Using the Grid ................................................ 24
4.3.2 Adjusting Pattern Length ................................................................. 25
4.3.3 Recording a Pattern with the MASCHINE Controller ............................. 26
4.3.4 Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 27
4.3.5 Note Repeat ................................................................................... 28
4.3.6 Recording a Pattern with the Software ............................................... 28
4.4 CreatingPatternsinthePianoRoll/KeyboardMode................................................29
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – IV
4.5 Mute&Solo.........................................................................................................31
4.5.1 Hardware ....................................................................................... 31
4.5.2 Software ........................................................................................ 31
5 UsingEffects&Routing..................................................................................................33
5.1 AvailableFX..........................................................................................................33
5.1.1 Dynamics ...................................................................................... 33
5.1.2 Filtering ......................................................................................... 34
5.1.3 Modulation ..................................................................................... 34
5.1.4 Spatial and Reverb .......................................................................... 35
5.1.5 Delay ............................................................................................ 35
5.1.6 Distortion ....................................................................................... 36
5.2 ApplyingFXtoaSound..........................................................................................36
5.3 ApplyingFXtoaGroup..........................................................................................39
5.4 MasterFX............................................................................................................. 41
5.5 MutingFX.............................................................................................................42
5.6 AutomatingFXandSamplerParameters.................................................................43
5.7 TheInputModuleandAdvancedRouting................................................................45
5.7.1 Applying an Effect to an External Audio Source ................................... 45
5.7.2 Setting Up a Send Effect ................................................................. 48
5.7.3 Routing Tips ................................................................................... 50
6 CreatingaSongUsingScenes......................................................................................... 51
6.1 CreatingaClipintheArranger............................................................................... 51
6.2 InsertingandDeletingScenes...............................................................................53
6.3 UsingtheLoopMode.............................................................................................54
7 Sampling........................................................................................................................55
7.1 EditingaSample...................................................................................................57
7.2 SlicingaSample...................................................................................................60
7.3 MappingSamples..................................................................................................62
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – V
8 ManagingProjects..........................................................................................................65
8.1 SavingSounds,Groups,PatternsandFXPresets....................................................65
8.1.1 Saving a Sound .............................................................................. 65
8.1.2 Saving a Group ............................................................................... 66
8.1.3 Saving a Pattern ............................................................................. 66
8.1.4 Saving an FX Preset ........................................................................ 67
8.1.5 Tagging your Files ........................................................................... 67
8.2 ExportingAudio.....................................................................................................69
9 TipsforPlayingLive........................................................................................................71
9.1 FocusontheHardware.......................................................................................... 71
9.2 CheckyourCPUPowerBeforePlaying...................................................................71
9.3 NameyourGroupsandSounds............................................................................... 71
9.4 UseMute&SoloandScenesandPatternswiththeLockFunction..........................72
9.5 UseNoteRepeat...................................................................................................72
9.6 SetUpyourOwnMultieffectGroups....................................................................... 72
9.7 UseaLimiteronyourMaster.................................................................................72
9.8 HookUpyourOtherGearandSyncitwithMIDIClock.............................................73
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – VI
1 Welcome to MASCHINE!
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE is essentially the synergy of the MASCHINE Controller hardware and the
MASCHINE software combining the advantages of both worlds for making music, live as well
as in the studio. The intuitive, hands-on qualities of a dedicated Instrument, the MASCHINE
Controller, with the advanced editing features and the versatility of the MASCHINE software
turn it into the creative center of your musical productions.
Creating beats is often not very intuitive with a computer, but using the MASCHINE 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 utilizing the Step Sequencer just as in classic drummachines.
Since you can integrate it in any DAW that supports VST, Audio Units or the RTAS – format
with multiple instances, you can prot from its abilities 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 is a lot more than an ordinary Groovebox or Sampler: It comes with a 7
Gigabyte large Library programmed and gathered by well known artists and a sophisticated,
yet easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for.
You can also control your external MIDI Hardware and your Software with the MASCHINE
Controller and customize the functions of the Pads, Encoders and Buttons to your needs,
utilizing the Controller Editor Application. This is possible at the same time you are using the
Stand Alone version or the plug-in.
We hope you enjoy the MASCHINE playground as much as we do. Now let’s get going!
The MASCHINE team at Native Instruments
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 7
2 Installation and Setup
2.1 What’s in the Box
1 After opening the MASCHINE package you will nd the following:
2 The MASCHINE Controller
3 The Installer DVDs
4 This Getting Started Manual
5 The Service Center Quick Start Guide
6 USB cable
7 The Serial Number Card
2.2 The MASCHINE Documentation
2.2.1 About this Getting Started Manual
This section will introduce you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual.
Special Formatting
This manual contains some elements that appear in a different font type. This distinctive formatting has been applied in order to let you recognize certain elements in the text at a glance:
Menu Item: Items from MASCHINE’s menus are printed in italics.
GUI E
CapS. Consequently you will notice that this formatting has been applied to all names of knobs,
lEmEnt
: Elements from MASCHINE’s graphical user interface (GUI) are printed in S
mall
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 8
buttons and other elements that let you interact with the MASCHINE software, but not to the
names that relate to the MASCHINE Controller’s rotary encoders, pads, etc.
2.2.2 Other Documentation
What you are holding in your hands right now is the Getting Started Manual that will give you
a fast overview of MASCHINE’s main features and functions. For more in-depth information
on all the topics not covered here, please refer to the MASCHINE Reference Manual that is
available via the Native Instruments Service Center application. Alternatively, you can download the Reference Manual from the Update Manager on the Native Instruments Website:
http://www.native-instruments.com
You can use the MASCHINE Controller for controlling other MIDI-enabled software or external
MIDI hardware. For all information on these functions, please refer to the Controller Editor
Manual, located in the Documentation folder inside the Controller Editor installation folder.
2.3 Installing MASCHINE
This chapter will guide you through the MASCHINE installation procedure step by step. The
installation includes all components of MASCHINE: the MASCHINE application, the sound
library and the Controller Editor application.
2.3.1 Installing MASCHINE on Windows XP and Windows Vista
Please make sure that your MASCHINE Controller is not connected during the installation
!
!
1. Place the installation Windows-specic DVD in your computer’s DVD-ROM drive.
2. Use Windows Explorer to browse the content of the DVD-ROM.
3. Double-click the installer le named “MASCHINE Setup.exe.”
procedure.
If a warning message concerning the Windows Logo test appears during installation, there
is no need to worry – just click “Continue” to proceed.
4. Click “Next.”
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 9
5. To continue, you need to rst accept the license agreement. After you have read the li-
cense agreement, check the corresponding checkbox and click “Next.”
6. To perform a complete installation, leave the Complete option checked and click “Next”
to install all components to their default location. To deselect components or to install
the MASCHINE application or sound library to an alternative location, select Custom.
Then click “Next.”
7.
The Setup program will lead you through the installation procedure. Please follow the
onscreen instructions.
8. After the installation has been performed successfully, click “Finish.”
9.
To install the MASCHINE Controller hardware driver, you need to connect the MASCHINE
Controller to your computer now. On Windows Vista, the driver setup will nish automatically. On Windows XP, the following screen should appear:
10. Select “No, not this time” and click “Next.”
11. On the following screen select “Install software automatically” and click “Next.”
12.
Now the MASCHINE Controller hardware driver installation will nish. After that you need
to go through the same procedure in order to install the MASCHINE Controller USB driver.
2.3.2 Installing the MASCHINE Software on Mac OS X
1. Place the installation DVD-ROM in your computer’s DVD-ROM drive. Its icon will appear
in the Mac OS X Finder.
2. Double-click the MASCHINE DVD icon to display the content of the DVD.
3. Double-click the installer le named “MASCHINE Installer.mpkg.”
4. Click “Continue” to proceed.
5.
To continue, you need to rst accept the license agreement. After you have read the
license agreement, check the corresponding checkbox and click “Agree.” Then click
“Continue” to proceed.
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 10
6.
Select the hard disk onto which you would like to install MASCHINE. Please note that
you can only install MASCHINE onto hard disks which contain a Mac OS X version that
matches the system requirements. Hard disks without a suitable Mac OS X version on
them will be agged with a red Stop sign, and you cannot select them in the Installation
Destination dialog. From Mac OS X 10.5 on, this screen will be skipped automatically.
7. Click “Continue.”
8. Select the elements you want to install (we recommend installing all elements, however
if you know that you don’t need a certain element like a plug-in format, uncheck the
checkbox next to it). If you want to install the Maschine Library contents to a custom
location, e.g. to an external hard disk, click the folder icon in the “Location” column to
open a dialog in which you can specify a destination for the installation.
You cannot deselect the Service Center application because it is required for activating
!
9.
Click “Install” to continue. The Setup Program will lead you through the installation procedure. Please follow the onscreen instructions.
the MASCHINE software.
10. To nish the MASCHINE Controller hardware driver installation you need to restart your
computer now.
2.4 Activating MASCHINE
When you start the MASCHINE software for the rst time, you will be asked to activate
MASCHINE using the Service Center. Please refer to the Service Center Quick Start Guide
for all information on that matter.
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 11
2.5 Connecting the MASCHINE Controller
Connecting the MASCHINE Controller to your computer is easy: plug the USB cable (included
in delivery) into the USB port on the back of the MASCHINE Controller, then connect the
cable’s other end to one of the USB-ports of your computer.
If you have any MIDI equipment such as synthesizers, keyboards, drum machines or samplers,
you may connect them to MASCHINEs MIDI In and MIDI Out ports.
On its rear panel, the MASCHINE Controller features a MIDI In and a MIDI Out port as well as a USB port that connects it to your computer. Use the Kensington Lock slot to lock your MASCHINE controller to something immobile
and thus save it from being stolen.
1 MIDI Out
2 MIDI In
3 USB socket to connect to your computer.
4 Kensington Lock slot to lock your MASCHINE Controller to something immobile.
If you want to connect the MASCHINE Controller to a USB-hub instead, make sure that
!
(bus-powered) USB hub.
the hub has its own power supply - the MASCHINE Controller will not work on a passive
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 12
3 Overview
This chapter will introduce you to the MASCHINE Controller’s hardware elements and the
MASCHINE Software’s user interface. Nearly all functions are available on both interfaces. If
you need to look up a certain user interface element’s name, you can return to this chapter
at any time for a refresher!
3.1 Hardware
The MASCHINE Hardware Controller
1 Step Mode / Instance Button
2 Control Mode / MIDI Button
3 Sampling Button
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 13
4 Browse / Modules Button
5 Page Buttons
6 Auto Write Button (F2)
7 Snap Button (F1)
8 Note Repeat / Tap Tempo Button
9 Master Encoders: Volume, Tempo and Swing
10 Group Buttons
11 Grid Button
12 Transport Buttons
13 Buttons 1-8
14 MASCHINE Displays
15 Knobs 1-8
16 Pads
17 Erase Button
18 Shift Button
19 Modier Buttons
If you own an older Hardware Controller, some of its Buttons might have a different name. In
%
this document, we use the new names, followed by the older ones in brackets if necessary.
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 14
3.2 Software
The MASCHINE Software
1 Header
2 Browser
3 Arranger
4 Control Area
5 Pattern Editor
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 15
The Header
1 Menu Button
2 Browser Button
3 Display Area
4 Transport Controls
5 Connect Button
6 Audio Engine Button
7 CPU Meter
8 Volume Control
9 NI Logo
The Arranger
1 Play Mode Controls
2 Group Slots
3 Arranger Timeline
4 Clip Area
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 16
The Browser
1 Browser Mode Selector
2 File Type Selector
3 Tag Filter
4 Text Search Field
5 Search Result List
6 Tag Editor
7 Audition Controls
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 17
The Control Area
1 Master Tab
2 Group Tab
3 Sound Tab
4 Source Tab
5 FX1 Tab
6 FX2 Tab
7 Output Tab
8 Quick Browse Area
9 Page Selector
10 Parameter Pages, depending on the selected Tab and Page
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 18
The Pattern Editor
1 Step Editor View Switch
2 Dragger Icon
3 Step Editor
4 Piano Roll / Keyboard View Switch
5 Sampling View Switch
6 Sound Slots
7 Automation Lane
8 Automation View Switch
9 Edit Controls
10 Pattern Timeline
11 Pattern Slots
12 Pattern Length Controls
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 19
The Sampling Area
1 Record Tab
2 Edit Tab
3 Slice Tab
4 Mapping Tab
5 Trim Controls
6 Sample Loop Controls
7 Zone Envelope Controls
8 Info Bar
9 Sample Timeline
10 Sample View
11 Zoom Tool
12 Start Marker
13 End Marker
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 20
4 Creating a Pattern
In order to get you started with MASCHINE, let’s lay out a basic Pattern with some drums, a
bassline and a melody. On the way, you will learn how to create Sounds and Groups and how
to add Effects (FX) to them.
4.1 Finding Samples in the Browser
The Browser is your tool for managing, nding, tagging and categorizing Projects, Groups,
Patterns, Sounds, FX and Samples. If you want to know more about the Browser’s capabilities, read the “Browser” chapter in the MASCHINE Reference Manual.
Hardware
1.
On the MASCHINE Controller, press the Browse Button. In the Left Display, you will now
be presented with a selection of choices.
2. Press the Button 4 above the Left Display to select the Sound Tab.
3.
Turn Rotary Encoder 1 until the Filter on the Left Display turns to “Sample.” This indicates that only Samples will be displayed now in the right display.
4.
Since we are looking for a bass drum, rst turn Rotary Encoder 2 until the Bank entry
is set to DRUMS. Turn Rotary Encoder 3 to select Type entry KICK, then turn Rotary
Encoder 4 until the Subtype is set to SUB. Using the Right Display and Rotary Encoder
5 you can browse through all the bass drums now. With Button 8 you can now load the
selected bass drum into your Sound Slot.
The Browser on the Hardware
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 21
Software
1. Click the BrowSEr BUtton in the top row to show the Browser within the MASCHINE win-
dow (the button gets highlighted):
Click the Browser Button to open the Browser.
2. We will start by nding a bass drum for our Pattern: In the top row of the Browser, click
on lIB to select your library, then click the SamplE ICon to get a list of all the available
samples in the library. Now activate Prelisten by clicking the a
UdItIon BUtton
(with the
loudspeaker symbol on it) underneath the list:
A List of Samples in the Browser. Click the Audition Button to listen to the samples as you select them.
3. You can listen to the Samples by clicking on their names.
MASCHINE 1.5 Getting Started – 22
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