Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 Operation Manual v2.6.8
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.
Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
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, Nicolas Sidi
Software version: 2.6.8 (08/2017)
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
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D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
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USA
www.native-instruments.com
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Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
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London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2017. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 22
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 24
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8 ............................................................................................... 25
1.1.1 MASCHINE Getting Started Guide .............................................................................. 22
1.1.2 MASCHINE Manual ..................................................................................................... 22
1.1.3 MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference ..................................................................... 23
1.1.4 Controller Editor Manual ............................................................................................ 23
1.1.5 Support Channel Videos ............................................................................................ 23
1.1.6 Other Online Resources ............................................................................................. 23
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know ...................................................................................... 26
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 29
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 33
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 29
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View ..................................................... 30
2.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 31
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 31
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 32
2.3.1 Setting the Focus on a Group or a Sound ................................................................... 33
2.3.2 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 37
2.3.3 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 37
2.3.4 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 41
2.3.5 Pinning a Mode on Your Controller ............................................................................. 43
2.3.6 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 43
21
26
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 4
2.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 44
2.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 46
2.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................48
2.7 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 82
2.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 46
2.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 48
2.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 49
2.6.1.1 Usage Data Tracking .................................................................................53
2.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 54
2.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 57
2.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 60
2.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 63
2.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 71
2.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 76
2.6.8 Controller Menu in the Hardware Page of the Preferences Panel ............................... 78
2.6.9 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 79
2.7.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 82
2.7.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 82
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
84
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 84
3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 86
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 84
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 85
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 86
3.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 89
3.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 94
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 5
Table of Contents
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 109
3.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 113
3.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 117
3.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 123
3.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 133
3.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 135
3.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 99
3.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 99
3.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 100
3.2.7 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 104
3.2.8 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 105
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 110
3.3.2 Auditioning Your Samples ......................................................................................... 111
3.3.3 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 111
3.3.4 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 112
3.3.5 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 112
3.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 117
3.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 119
3.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 120
3.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 122
3.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 123
3.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 125
3.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 126
3.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 127
3.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 128
3.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 131
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 137
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................143
4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 155
4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 167
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 138
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 139
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 140
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 145
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 145
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 146
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 147
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 148
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 150
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 153
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 154
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 157
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 157
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 158
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 159
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 161
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 163
4.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 165
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 166
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 167
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 169
137
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4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 178
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 171
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 178
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 179
5 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
5.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 183
5.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 200
5.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 212
5.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 183
5.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 187
5.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 187
5.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 193
5.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 194
5.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 195
5.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 195
5.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 196
5.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 196
5.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................197
5.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................199
5.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................199
5.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 202
5.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 203
5.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 206
5.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 207
5.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 209
5.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 210
183
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5.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 212
5.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 215
5.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 216
5.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 221
5.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 223
6 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
6.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 224
6.2 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 238
6.3 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 239
6.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 225
6.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 227
6.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 229
6.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 230
6.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 231
6.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 233
6.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 235
6.2.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 238
6.3.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 239
6.3.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 243
6.3.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 244
6.3.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 244
6.3.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 247
6.3.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 248
6.3.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 250
6.3.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 251
6.3.9 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 252
224
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 9
6.4 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 252
6.5 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 262
6.6 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 264
6.7 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 277
6.4.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 254
6.4.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 255
6.4.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 256
6.6.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 264
6.6.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 266
6.6.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 267
6.6.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 269
6.6.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 270
6.6.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 271
6.6.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 273
6.6.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 274
6.6.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 276
6.7.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 277
6.7.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 279
6.7.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 281
7 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
Table of Contents
290
7.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 291
7.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 292
7.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 296
7.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 301
7.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 304
7.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 309
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 10
Table of Contents
7.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 314
7.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 334
7.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 315
7.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 320
7.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 321
7.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 329
7.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 330
7.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 334
7.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls .......................................................................................... 335
7.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................310
8 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
8.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 342
8.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 345
8.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................358
8.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 359
8.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 342
8.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 343
8.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 346
8.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 348
8.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 349
8.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 350
8.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 352
8.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 356
8.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 361
8.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 363
8.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 364
342
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 11
Table of Contents
8.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 367
8.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 371
9 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
9.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 375
9.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 379
9.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................398
9.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 375
9.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 375
9.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 378
9.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 378
9.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 378
9.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 381
9.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 383
9.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 386
9.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 387
9.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 390
9.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 391
9.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 393
9.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 395
9.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 396
9.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 400
9.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 402
9.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 404
9.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 405
9.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 407
9.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 409
374
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9.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................419
9.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 429
9.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................440
9.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 451
9.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 411
9.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 413
9.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 415
9.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 417
9.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 420
9.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 422
9.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 424
9.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid ......................................................................................................... 426
9.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 428
9.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 431
9.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 433
9.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 437
9.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 439
9.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 442
9.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 445
9.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 447
9.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 453
9.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 455
10 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
458
10.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 459
10.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 459
10.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 461
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 13
Table of Contents
11 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
11.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 463
11.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 474
11.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 477
11.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 481
11.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 463
11.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 470
11.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 471
11.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 474
11.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 476
11.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 476
11.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 478
11.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 480
11.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 480
12 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
12.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................485
12.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 499
12.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 506
12.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 485
12.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 488
12.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 491
12.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 493
12.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 496
12.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 499
12.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 501
12.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 505
463
484
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Table of Contents
12.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 513
12.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................526
12.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 533
12.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 540
12.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 506
12.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 507
12.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 509
12.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 510
12.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 511
12.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 513
12.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 515
12.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 516
12.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 518
12.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 519
12.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................520
12.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................522
12.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................525
12.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 526
12.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 528
12.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 530
12.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 531
12.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 533
12.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 534
12.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 536
12.6.4 Analog Distortion ....................................................................................................... 539
12.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 541
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 15
Table of Contents
12.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 543
12.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 545
12.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 548
12.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 551
12.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 553
12.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 556
12.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 558
13 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
13.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 561
13.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 568
13.1.1 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 564
13.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 566
13.1.3 Jumping to Other Sections ......................................................................................... 566
13.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 569
13.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 569
13.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 570
13.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 572
13.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 573
13.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 573
13.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 573
13.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 574
13.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 575
13.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 577
13.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 577
13.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 578
13.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 579
561
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 16
13.3 Using Arranger View ................................................................................................................... 581
13.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 600
13.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 602
13.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................604
13.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 581
13.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 583
13.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 583
13.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 584
13.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 587
13.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 588
13.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................589
13.3.7 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 591
13.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 593
13.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................594
13.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 595
13.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 596
13.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 597
13.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 598
13.3.13 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 598
13.3.14 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 599
13.3.14.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................599
13.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 600
14 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
Table of Contents
606
14.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 606
14.2 Recording a Sample ................................................................................................................... 607
14.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 607
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 17
Table of Contents
14.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 616
14.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 623
14.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 635
14.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 608
14.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 611
14.2.4 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 612
14.2.5 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 615
14.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 616
14.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 620
14.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 624
14.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 625
14.4.3 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 627
14.4.4 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 631
14.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 635
14.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 636
14.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 637
14.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 642
14.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 646
14.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 648
14.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 653
15 Using KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Keyboards ..........................................................
655
15.1 Switching the Keyboard Focus to/from a MASCHINE Instance ..................................................... 655
15.2 Controlling the Transport in MASCHINE ...................................................................................... 662
15.3 Navigating and Controlling Your Sounds within a Group ............................................................ 667
15.4 Browsing Your MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 674
15.4.1 Browsing with the Hardware ...................................................................................... 676
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
15.5 Using the Perform Features ........................................................................................................ 684
15.6 Using the Touch Strips ............................................................................................................... 690
15.7 Recording Modulation from Your Keyboard ................................................................................. 695
15.8 Adjusting the Settings for Your Keyboard in the MASCHINE Preferences ..................................... 699
15.9 Arp Hold Mode ............................................................................................................................ 701
15.4.2 Browsing with the On-Screen Overlay ........................................................................ 678
16 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
16.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 702
16.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 703
16.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 705
16.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 702
16.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 702
16.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 702
16.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 703
16.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 703
16.1.6 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 703
16.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 703
16.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 704
16.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 704
16.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 704
16.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 704
16.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 705
16.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 705
16.3.3 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 705
16.3.4 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 705
702
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
17 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
17.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 706
17.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................706
17.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 707
17.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 707
18 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
706
708
716
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 20
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 - 21
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
2. MASCHINE Manual (this document)
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
▪ Controller Editor Manual
▪ Online Support Videos
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
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.
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
1.1.1 MASCHINE Getting Started Guide
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.
1.1.2 MASCHINE Manual
The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a comprehensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 22
Welcome to MASCHINE
MASCHINE Documentation
1.1.3 MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
The MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference provides an overview of a MASCHINE Project, the
quick access options performed using the MASCHINE hardware controller, and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
1.1.4 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.
1.1.5 Support Channel Videos
You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native Instruments Support Channel
under the following url: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupportEN We recommend that you follow
along with these instructions while the respective application is running on your computer.
1.1.6 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 - 23
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
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.
▪ 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.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8
▪ 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 2.6.8
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
▪ Bass Synth
MASCHINE now includes its first internal synth: Now you can create rich bass tones with
this monophonic bass synth, exclusive to MASCHINE. Design and shape with intuitive, fun,
and fully-automatable controls, including filter, mod envelope, decay, drive, and glide
time, directly from the hardware. Morph seamlessly between waveforms, from sine to saw
to square, to create your own unique sounds, with no synth programming knowledge required. Or load any of the pro-designed presets to get studio-ready bass for any genre, from
booming subs to dripping acid. For more information on the Bass Synth please refer to the
following chapter: ↑10, Using the Bass Synth, and the MASCHINE JAM Manual.
▪ Isomorphic Keyboard Layout for MASCHINE JAM
MASCHINE JAM now comes with an Isomorphic Keyboard, a new, easy way to play harmonies and melodies. Now you can use the 8x8 grid to play any chord or musical interval by
playing a combination of notes using the same hand formation wherever it occurs, within a
key, across keys, and across octaves. For more information on the Isomorphic Keyboard
please refer to the MASCHINE JAM Manual, available from the Help menu and Native Instruments website.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 25
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
2 Basic Concepts
This chapter will reintroduce you to MASCHINE’s main elements and terminology and explain
how they relate to one another. You will also learn how to set up your audio interface and how
to connect MIDI devices.
Before reading this chapter it is strongly recommended that you read the MASCHINE
Getting Started first.
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know
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 - 26
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
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 ↑6, Working with
Patterns.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 27
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
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 ↑13.3, Using Arranger 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 ↑6, 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 - 28
Basic Concepts
Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface
details on using effects in MASCHINE, refer to chapter ↑11, Using Effects. You will find an
exhaustive description of all internal effects included in MASCHINE in chapter ↑12, Effect
Reference.
Please refer to chapter ↑18, Glossary at the end of this Manual for more definitions!
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface
The MASCHINE software user interface is very flexible. You can choose what to display and
what not, allowing you to focus on your workflow. This section shows you how to adjust the MASCHINE GUI to suit your needs.
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface
From the View menu in the Application Menu Bar and from the View submenu in the MASCHINE menu you can select one of four different sizes to display MASCHINE’s software GUI:
The View menu in the Application Menu Bar (Windows depicted).
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface
The View submenu in the MASCHINE menu.
Full screen view is also available from your computer keyboard via [Ctrl]+[F] (Mac OS X:
[Cmd]+[F]).
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View
At any time you can quickly switch between the Ideas view and the Arranger view, using the
Arranger View button.
The Arranger View button in the top left corner.
Click the Arranger View button to toggle between the Ideas view and Arranger view.
►
The Arrangement area switches from Ideas view (default view) to Arranger view. Click the
→
button again to return back to Ideas view.
MASCHINE 2 - Manual - 30
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