Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 Operation Manual v2.7.6
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.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover and Nico Sidi.
Software version: 2.7.6 (05/2018)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Disclaimer
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS FRANCE SARL
113 Rue Saint-Maur
75011 Paris
France
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
SHENZHEN NATIVE INSTRUMENTS COMPANY Limited
203B & 201B, Nanshan E-Commerce Base Of
Innovative Services
Shi Yun Road, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen
China
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2018. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 21
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 22
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4 ............................................................................................... 23
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3 ............................................................................................... 25
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Important Names and Concepts ................................................................................................. 28
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 31
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 35
2.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 46
2.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 47
2.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................50
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 31
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View ..................................................... 32
2.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 33
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 33
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 34
2.3.1 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 35
2.3.2 Focusing on a Group or a Sound ................................................................................ 37
2.3.3 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 40
2.3.4 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 41
2.3.5 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 44
2.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 48
2.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 49
2.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 51
20
28
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 4
Table of Contents
2.7 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 80
2.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 54
2.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 56
2.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 58
2.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 62
2.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 70
2.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 75
2.6.8 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 77
2.7.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 80
2.7.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 80
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 82
3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 84
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 107
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 82
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 83
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 84
3.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 87
3.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 92
3.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 97
3.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 97
3.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 98
3.2.7 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 102
3.2.8 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 103
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 108
3.3.2 Auditioning Instrument Presets ................................................................................. 108
82
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 5
Table of Contents
3.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 111
3.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 115
3.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 121
3.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 131
3.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 133
3.3.3 Auditioning Samples ................................................................................................. 109
3.3.4 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 110
3.3.5 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 110
3.3.6 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 111
3.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 115
3.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 117
3.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 118
3.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 120
3.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 121
3.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 123
3.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 124
3.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 125
3.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 126
3.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 129
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
135
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 135
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................141
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 136
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 137
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 138
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 143
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 153
4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 164
4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 174
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 143
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 144
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 145
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 146
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 148
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 150
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 152
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 154
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 155
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 156
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 156
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 158
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 160
4.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 162
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 163
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 164
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 166
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 168
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 174
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 175
5 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
179
5.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 179
5.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 179
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 7
Table of Contents
5.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 197
5.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 209
5.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 183
5.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 184
5.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 190
5.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 190
5.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 192
5.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 192
5.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 193
5.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 193
5.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................194
5.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................195
5.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................196
5.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 199
5.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 201
5.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 203
5.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 205
5.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 206
5.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 208
5.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 209
5.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 212
5.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 213
5.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 218
5.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 220
6 Using the Audio Plug-in .............................................................................................
222
6.1 Loading a Loop into the Audio Plug-in ........................................................................................ 226
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 8
6.2 Using Loop Mode ........................................................................................................................ 227
6.3 Using Gate Mode ........................................................................................................................ 229
7 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
7.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 232
7.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 236
7.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................255
7.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 232
7.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 232
7.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 235
7.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 235
7.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 235
7.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 238
7.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 240
7.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 243
7.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 244
7.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 247
7.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 248
7.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 250
7.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 252
7.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 253
7.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 257
7.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 259
7.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 261
7.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 262
7.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 264
7.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 266
Table of Contents
231
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 9
Table of Contents
7.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................276
7.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 286
7.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................297
7.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 308
7.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 268
7.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 270
7.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 272
7.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 274
7.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 277
7.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 279
7.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 281
7.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid ......................................................................................................... 283
7.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 285
7.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 288
7.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 290
7.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 294
7.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 296
7.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 299
7.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 302
7.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 304
7.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 310
7.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 312
8 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
315
8.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 316
8.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 316
8.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 318
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 10
Table of Contents
9 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
9.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 320
9.2 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 334
9.3 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 337
9.4 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 351
9.5 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 360
9.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 321
9.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 323
9.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 325
9.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 326
9.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 327
9.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 329
9.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 331
9.2.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 334
9.3.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 337
9.3.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 341
9.3.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 342
9.3.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 343
9.3.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 345
9.3.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 346
9.3.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 348
9.3.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 349
9.3.9 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 350
9.4.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 352
9.4.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 353
9.4.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 355
320
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 11
9.6 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 362
9.7 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 375
9.6.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 362
9.6.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 364
9.6.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 365
9.6.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 366
9.6.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 367
9.6.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 369
9.6.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 371
9.6.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 372
9.6.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 374
9.7.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 375
9.7.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 377
9.7.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 379
10 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
Table of Contents
388
10.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 389
10.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 411
10.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 390
10.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 394
10.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 399
10.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 402
10.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 407
10.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................408
10.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 412
10.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 418
10.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 419
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 12
Table of Contents
10.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 432
10.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 427
10.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 428
10.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 432
10.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls Using the Software ........................................................... 433
11 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
11.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 440
11.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 443
11.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................456
11.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 457
11.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 440
11.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 441
11.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 444
11.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 446
11.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 447
11.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 448
11.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 450
11.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 454
11.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 459
11.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 461
11.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 462
11.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 465
11.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 469
12 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
440
472
12.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 472
12.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 472
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 13
Table of Contents
12.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 483
12.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 485
12.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 489
12.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 479
12.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 480
12.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 483
12.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 484
12.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 484
12.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 486
12.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 488
12.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 488
13 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
13.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................493
13.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 508
13.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 515
13.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 493
13.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 496
13.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 499
13.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 501
13.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 505
13.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 508
13.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 510
13.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 514
13.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 515
13.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 516
13.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 518
492
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 14
Table of Contents
13.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 522
13.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................535
13.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 542
13.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 549
13.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 519
13.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 520
13.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 522
13.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 523
13.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 525
13.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 526
13.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 528
13.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................528
13.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................531
13.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................533
13.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 535
13.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 537
13.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 539
13.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 540
13.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 542
13.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 543
13.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 545
13.6.4 Analog Distortion ....................................................................................................... 548
13.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 550
13.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 552
13.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 555
13.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 557
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 15
Table of Contents
13.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 560
13.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 562
13.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 565
13.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 568
14 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
14.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 571
14.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 578
14.3 Using Song View ......................................................................................................................... 591
14.1.1 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 574
14.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 576
14.1.3 Jumping to Other Sections ......................................................................................... 576
14.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 579
14.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 579
14.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 580
14.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 582
14.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 583
14.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 583
14.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 583
14.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 584
14.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 585
14.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 586
14.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 587
14.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 588
14.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 589
14.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 591
14.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 593
571
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 16
Table of Contents
14.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 610
14.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 612
14.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 593
14.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 594
14.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 597
14.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 598
14.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................599
14.3.7 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................................ 601
14.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 601
14.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................602
14.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 603
14.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 604
14.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 605
14.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 606
14.3.13 Working with Patterns in Song view ........................................................................... 606
14.3.13.1 Creating a Pattern in Song View ................................................................606
14.3.13.2 Selecting a Pattern in Song View ...............................................................606
14.3.13.3 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................606
14.3.13.4 Renaming a Pattern in Song View ............................................................. 607
14.3.13.5 Coloring a Pattern in Song View ................................................................ 607
14.3.13.6 Removing a Pattern in Song View ..............................................................607
14.3.13.7 Duplicating a Pattern in Song View ...........................................................608
14.3.14 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 608
14.3.15 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 609
14.3.15.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................609
14.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 611
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 17
14.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................614
14.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................616
15 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
15.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 617
15.2 Recording Audio ......................................................................................................................... 618
15.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 628
15.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 636
15.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 647
15.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 618
15.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 619
15.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 623
15.2.4 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 625
15.2.5 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 627
15.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 629
15.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 632
15.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 637
15.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 637
15.4.3 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 639
15.4.4 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 643
15.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 647
15.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 648
15.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 649
15.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 654
15.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 658
15.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 660
15.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 663
Table of Contents
617
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
16 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
16.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 665
16.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 666
16.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 668
16.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 665
16.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 665
16.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 665
16.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 666
16.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 666
16.1.6 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 666
16.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 666
16.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 667
16.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 667
16.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 667
16.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 667
16.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 668
16.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 668
16.3.3 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 668
16.3.4 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 668
17 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
665
669
17.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 669
17.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................669
17.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 670
17.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 670
18 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 19
671
679
Welcome to MASCHINE
1 Welcome to MASCHINE
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE 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 is ideal
for making music live, as well as in the studio. It’s the hands-on aspect of a dedicated instrument, the MASCHINE 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 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, AU, or AAX plug-ins, 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 is a lot more than an ordinary groovebox or sampler: it comes with an
inspiring 7-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 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 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 2 - Manual - 20
Welcome to MASCHINE
MASCHINE Documentation
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation
Native Instruments provide many information sources regarding MASCHINE. The main documents should be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Getting Started: This document provides a practical approach to MASCHINE via
a set of tutorials covering easy and more advanced tasks in order to help you familiarize
yourself with MASCHINE.
2. MASCHINE Manual (this document): The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a compre-
hensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ Controller Editor Manual: Besides using your MASCHINE 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, an application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI
assignments for your MASCHINE controller. The Controller Editor was installed during the
MASCHINE installation procedure. For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF file via the Help menu of Controller Editor.
▪ Online Support Videos: You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native In-
struments Support Channel under the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupport-
EN. We recommend that you follow along with these instructions while the respective ap-
plication is running on your computer.
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 information on these subjects in the chapter Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 21
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
MASCHINE documents are available in PDF. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help menu or the following location:
www.native-instruments.com.
Please check the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date and localized versions of these
documents.
1.2 Document 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:
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 22
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
▪ Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever 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] + [Enter]”).
► 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 controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
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.
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
Audio Plug-in Improvements
▪ Added a new Target parameter to the Loop recording mode of the Sampling Page which de-
termines what should be done with a new recording when the recording is complete. Take
simply adds the new recording to the Audio Pool of the current plug-in, Sound puts the
new recording into an Audio plug-in in the next unoccupied Sound Slot (useful for layering
the recording with whatever else is in the current Pattern, like a guitar looper pedal), and
Pattern puts the new recording into an Audio plug-in in the next unoccupied Sound Slot
and additionally creates a new Pattern where only this loop is being played (useful for capturing different versions of a part and quickly reviewing them by switching Patterns). For
more information, refer to ↑15.2, Recording Audio.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 23
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
▪ Added a new workflow to MASCHINE JAM which automates the use of the new Target pa-
rameter for fast sampling and layering. Holding the IN 1 button enables this new Loop Recording mode (it’s also helpful to pin this mode on by holding IN 1 and pressing the SONG
button). While this new Loop Recording mode is active, pressing an existing Pattern will
trigger a recording of a new loop which is then added as a new Sound in the existing Pattern; doing this repeatedly allows you to quickly layer recordings on top of each other. Alternatively, pressing an empty Pattern button will trigger a recording and will then place
that recording in a new Sound Slot and a new Pattern will be created where only the new
loop is playing back. When pressing the IN 1 button, External Input 1 is selected as the
source for the recording. Pressing GRP while in the Loop Recording mode will select the
focused Group as the source. Pressing MST will select MASCHINE’s Master output as the
source (for resampling what is currently playing). For more information, refer to the MASCHINE JAM Manual available from Help menu.
▪ Added footswitch control of Sampling. When in the Sampling page, or when the Loop Re-
cording mode is enabled on MASCHINE JAM, a connected footswitch can be used to control recording. Pressing the footswitch will arm a recording according to the current settings. Pressing the footswitch again before recording has actually started will cancel the recording. If recording is in progress, pressing the footswitch once will stop the recording,
double-pressing will abort the recording (any recorded audio to that point will be discarded). If the recording is complete, holding the footswitch down for a few moments will trigger Undo so you can try another take. For more information, refer to the MASCHINE JAM
Manual available from Help menu, or to the following section when using MASCHINE MK3
or MASCHINE STUDIO: Using the Footswitch for Recording Audio.
▪ Improved the automatic tempo detection of the Audio plug-in so that it now chooses a tem-
po that’s closest to your current project tempo. For example, if your project tempo is 170
BPM and you load a loop which should be 174 BPM, MASCHINE will now set the Source
Tempo as 174 BPM instead of 87 BPM as it did previously.
▪ Added a Re-Pitch sync mode to the Audio plug-in which simply retunes/repitches the loop
(like speeding up or slowing down a record) to make it conform to the Project tempo. This
mode requires significantly less CPU power than the default mode, but you will not be able
to retune the loop at all (any pitches programmed in Gate mode will be ignored—only the
timing of the programmed notes will be used to gate the playing audio). For more information refer to ↑6, Using the Audio Plug-in.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
MASCHINE MK3 Improvements
▪ Added Ableton Live DAW Integration for MASCHINE MK3 - Mixer and basic DAW Control.
Access Ableton Live Mixer via MASCHINE MK3 hardware: Volume, Pan, Mute / Solo / Arm
states are visible on screens. Also access essential controls: Play / Stop / Record / Session
record, Clip Navigation, Launch & Record, Quantize, Undo / Redo, Automation Toggle, Tap
Tempo, and Loop Toggle. For more information refer to Host Integration.
General Improvements
▪ Improved the Take management system (previously called “Recording History”) for the
Sampler and Audio plug-ins such that Takes are now saved and recalled as part of the
Project.
▪ Improved external audio recording by implementing basic recording latency compensation.
This compensation will be in effect when recording from an External Input and with the
Monitoring parameter turned Off. The system currently works based upon the overall latency reported by the selected audio interface.
▪ Removed the function where a right click will remove Events in the Pattern Editor. Instead,
the context menu is opened. Events can still be deleted using double-click as well as using
the "Paint" and "Erase" tools. For more information refer to ↑9.3.5, Deleting Events/Notes.
▪ Changed the behavior of right-click in the Arranger. This no longer removes Patterns from
Scenes. It now opens a context menu with many useful options for arranging. For more information on using the Pattern context menu within Song view refer to ↑14.3.13, Working
with Patterns in Song view.
▪ Improved behavior and cursor icons for resizing Events in the Pattern Editor. The active
area for resizing Events is increased.
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 25
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
Audio Plug-in Improvements
▪ Added the ability to enable and disable Audio plug-in playback per Pattern when in Loop
mode. Double-clicking the waveform will toggle playback for the selected Pattern. Alternatively, the loops can be enabled or disabled via the STEP page on the hardware controllers.
For more details see ↑6.2, Using Loop Mode.
▪ Added a Loop recording mode to the Record tab, and the Record tab is now available for
both Sampler and Audio plug-ins. When choosing the new Loop mode, the start of recording will be quantized to the start of the Pattern. Furthermore, when the recording is complete, the loop will automatically be loaded into an Audio plug-in and will immediately begin playback. For more details see ↑15.2, Recording Audio.
MASCHINE Controller Improvements
▪ Added Ideas View on MASCHINE MK3 and MASCHINE STUDIO. Access Ideas view with
the MASCHINE MK3 hardware. For more details see ↑14.2, Using Ideas View.
▪ Added Event Editing on MASCHINE MK3 with 4-Directional Encoder. Select, nudge, pitch-
shift and change the length of notes with the 4-Directional Encoder in the events window
(on hardware screens). For more details see ↑9.3, Editing Events.
▪ Added Apple Logic DAW Integration for MASCHINE MK3, Mixer and basic DAW Control.
◦ Access Logic Mixer via MASCHINE MK3 hardware (Volume, Pan, Mute / Solo states
are visible on screens).
◦ Access Essential Controls: Play / Stop / Record / Quantize, Undo / Redo, Automation
Toggle, Tap Tempo, and Loop Toggle.
General Improvements
▪ Added additional Scales from KOMPLETE KONTROL into MASCHINE. For more details see
Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords.
▪ Added loading of Perform FX at the end of a Group plug-in chain.
▪ Fixed an issue the broke Pattern Duplicate on the MASCHINE MIKRO.
▪ Fixed an issue where the MASCHINE Transport Loop would influence Ideas View playback
when hosted in a DAW.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 26
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
▪ Fixed a crash that could occur when zooming horizontally in the Arranger with special char-
acters in Section names.
▪ Fixed some issues around renaming Scenes and Sections.
▪ Removed 32-bit versions of standalone application and plug-in.
▪ Added Velocity Curves to Controller Editor for MASCHINE MK3.
▪ Removed the modal dialog at startup that suggests to download sound preview files from
Native Access. The preview files are still available for installation in Native Access.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 27
Basic Concepts
Important Names and Concepts
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 Getting Started first.
2.1 Important Names and Concepts
We will start with a list defining the most important concepts and names.
Arranger View
The Arranger is the big area located in the upper part of the MASCHINE window, right under
the Header. On its left you can select Groups. The Arranger allows you to combine Sections
(references to Scenes), and arrange them into a song.
Browser
The Browser is the front end for accessing all the elements of your MASCHINE Projects:
Projects, Groups, Sounds, instruments and effect presets, and Samples. 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, as well as factory libraries of any Native Instruments products installed on your computer. You can also import your own files to the Library and tag them
as well. To learn more about the Browser, please read chapter ↑3, Browser.
Ideas View
The Ideas view allows you to experiment with your musical ideas without being tied to a timeline or arrangement. You can create Patterns for each Group and combine them into a Scene.
Scenes can then be added to Sections in the Arranger view to create a larger musical structure.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 28
Basic Concepts
Important Names and Concepts
Project
A Project contains all data needed for a song: Groups with their Patterns, all Scenes and all
settings, modulation, effects, routings, Sounds and Samples. It’s like a snapshot of the entire
state of MASCHINE. Please read the MASCHINE Getting Started for a complete overview of
the MASCHINE Project structure.
Sound
Sounds are the building blocks of all sound content in MASCHINE. A Sound is made up of any
number of Plug-ins. Each Sound of the selected Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the
hardware controller, so you can play the Sounds by pressing the pads. Refer to chapter ↑4,
Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project for more information on Sounds.
Group
A Group contains 16 Sound slots. In addition to the Effect Plug-ins applied to each individual
Sound, a Group can have its own insert effect. These affect all the Sounds in the Group. A
Group can also contain any number of Patterns (grouped into banks of 16 Patterns each). Refer to chapter ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project 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 channel can also host any number of 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 ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project.
Pattern
A Pattern is a sequence that plays Sounds from a Group. It belongs to that Group and will be
saved together with the Group. In every Scene you can choose for each Group which of its Patterns has to be played. More information on Patterns can be found in chapter ↑9, Working with
Patterns.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
Important Names and Concepts
Scene
A Scene is a combination of Patterns for each Group. They can be used to combine Patterns in
order to create musical ideas. Scenes are created in the Ideas view and then added to Sections
in the Arranger view to create an arrangement. Refer to chapter ↑14.3, Using Song View for
more information on Scenes.
Section
A Section is a reference to a specific Scene on the Timeline of the Arranger view. They are
used to arrange the Scenes into a larger musical structure. The benefit of using Sections is
that any changes made to a Scene are replicated in each Section where the Scene is referenced therefore making the process of changing parts of a song quick and easy.
Event
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 Event area. Depending on the current view
in the Pattern Editor, you can see events for all Sounds slots (Group view) or for the selected
Sound slot only (Keyboard view). Events are described in more detail in chapter ↑9, Working
with Patterns.
Plug-in
Each Sound, each Group, and the Master can hold any number of Plug-ins. Plug-ins can be
instruments or effects, and they can be internal (included with MASCHINE), from other Native
Instruments products (instruments or effects), or external (third-party VST/AU plug-ins). Instrument and Effect Plug-ins can be loaded in the first Plug-in slot of Sounds. The other Plug-in
slots of Sounds, as well as the Plug-in slots of Groups and of the Master can hold Effect Plugins only. At each level (Sound, Group, and Master), Plug-ins process the audio in series, according to the order in which they are stacked up. Refer to chapter ↑5, Working with Plug-ins.
Effect
MASCHINE comes with many different effects in the form of Internal Plug-ins. You may also
use Native Instruments or third-party VST/AU effect plug-ins. Each Sound, each Group, and
the Master can hold any number of effects that will be applied as insert effects. The flexible
routing system also allows you to create send effects, multi-effects, and side-chains. For more
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 30
Loading...