Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 MK1 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.
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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

Hardware version: MASCHINE MK1
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
Schlesische Str. 29-30 D-10997 Berlin Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard 5th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90028 USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp

Contact

NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street 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 .......................................................................................................... 24
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 26
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8 ............................................................................................... 28
1.1.1 MASCHINE Getting Started Guide .............................................................................. 24
1.1.2 MASCHINE Manual ..................................................................................................... 24
1.1.3 MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference ..................................................................... 25
1.1.4 Controller Editor Manual ............................................................................................ 25
1.1.5 Support Channel Videos ............................................................................................ 25
1.1.6 Other Online Resources ............................................................................................. 25
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know ...................................................................................... 30
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 33
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 37
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 33
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View ..................................................... 34
2.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 35
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 36
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 36
2.3.1 Setting the Focus on a Group or a Sound ................................................................... 37
2.3.2 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 42
2.3.3 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 43
2.3.3.1 Extended Navigate Mode on Your Controller ..............................................49
2.3.4 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 51
2.3.5 Pinning a Mode on Your Controller ............................................................................. 53
23
30
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2.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 55
2.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 57
2.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................60
2.7 Integrating MASCHINE into Your MIDI Setup ............................................................................... 95
2.8 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 100
2.3.6 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 54
2.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 57
2.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 59
2.5.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 59
2.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 61
2.6.1.1 Usage Data Tracking .................................................................................65
2.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 66
2.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 69
2.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 72
2.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 75
2.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 83
2.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 88
2.6.8 Controller Menu in the Hardware Page of the Preferences Panel ............................... 91
2.6.9 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 92
2.7.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 95
2.7.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 96
2.7.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 98
2.8.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 100
2.8.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 100
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
102
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 102
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3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 104
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 102
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 103
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 104
3.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 108
3.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 113
3.2.3.1 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank on the
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 132
3.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 137
3.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 142
3.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 148
3.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 118
3.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 119
3.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 120
3.2.7 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 126
3.2.8 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 126
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 133
3.3.2 Auditioning Your Samples ......................................................................................... 134
3.3.3 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 135
3.3.4 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 136
3.3.5 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 136
3.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 142
3.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 144
3.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 145
3.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 147
Controller ...................................................................................................118
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3.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 158
3.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 160
3.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 148
3.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 150
3.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 151
3.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 152
3.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 153
3.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 156
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 163
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................171
4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 185
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 164
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 165
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 166
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 173
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 174
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 175
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 176
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 177
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 179
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 182
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 184
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 186
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 188
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 189
163
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4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 199
4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 210
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 190
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 191
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 193
4.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 197
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 198
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 200
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 201
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 203
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 210
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 211
5 Playing on Your Controller .........................................................................................
5.1 Adjusting Your Pads ................................................................................................................... 215
5.2 Adjusting the Key, Choke, and Link Parameters for Multiple Sounds .......................................... 227
5.3 Adjusting the Base Key ............................................................................................................... 228
5.4 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 229
5.1.1 The Pad View in the Software .................................................................................... 215
5.1.2 Choosing a Pad Mode ................................................................................................ 217
5.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 220
5.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 222
5.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 224
5.4.1 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 230
5.4.2 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 234
5.4.3 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 235
5.4.4 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 237
215
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5.5 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 240
5.6 Creating Parameter Snapshots using Lock ................................................................................. 252
5.5.1 Overview of the Perform Features .............................................................................. 240
5.5.2 Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords ..................................................................... 243
5.5.3 Scale and Chord Parameters ..................................................................................... 245
5.5.4 Creating Arpeggios and Repeated Notes ................................................................... 251
5.5.5 Swing Also Applied to Note Repeat / Arp Output ........................................................ 252
5.6.1 Creating a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 253
5.6.2 Using Extended Lock .................................................................................................. 254
5.6.3 Updating a Lock Snapshot ......................................................................................... 254
5.6.4 Recalling a Lock Snapshot ........................................................................................ 255
5.6.5 Morphing Between Lock Snapshots ........................................................................... 255
5.6.6 Deleting a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 256
5.6.7 Triggering Lock Snapshots via MIDI ........................................................................... 257
6 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
Table of Contents
259
6.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 259
6.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 259
6.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 263
6.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 263
6.1.3.1 Browser Plug-in Slot Selection ...................................................................269
6.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 272
6.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 272
6.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 274
6.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 274
6.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 276
6.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 276
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6.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 280
6.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 293
6.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 282
6.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 283
6.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 286
6.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 288
6.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 289
6.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 291
6.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 293
6.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 296
6.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 297
6.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 302
6.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 304
6.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................277
6.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................278
6.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................279
7 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
306
7.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 306
7.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 326
7.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 307
7.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 310
7.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 312
7.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 313
7.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 315
7.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 317
7.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 321
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7.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 334
7.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 339
7.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 366
7.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 377
7.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 379
7.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 326
7.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 329
7.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 330
7.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 331
7.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 333
7.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 334
7.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 338
7.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 339
7.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 343
7.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 344
7.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 348
7.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 353
7.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 356
7.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 359
7.4.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 361
7.4.9 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 362
7.4.10 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 363
7.5.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 368
7.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 369
7.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 371
7.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 379
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Table of Contents
7.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 397
7.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 381
7.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 383
7.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 385
7.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 387
7.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 389
7.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 391
7.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 392
7.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 395
7.7.10 Adjusting Pattern Length in Fine Increments ............................................................. 396
7.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 397
7.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 398
7.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 401
8 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
8.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 411
8.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 436
8.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 412
8.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 417
8.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 422
8.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 426
8.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 431
8.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................432
8.1.5.2 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in MASCHINE ...............................436
8.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 437
8.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 443
8.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 444
410
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8.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 457
8.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 452
8.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 452
8.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 458
8.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls .......................................................................................... 458
9 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
9.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 465
9.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 468
9.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................481
9.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 482
9.5 Controlling Your Mix from Your Controller ................................................................................... 497
9.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 465
9.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 466
9.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 469
9.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 471
9.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 472
9.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 473
9.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 475
9.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 479
9.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 484
9.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 486
9.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 487
9.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 490
9.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 494
10 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
465
499
10.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 500
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10.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 504
10.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................523
10.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 500
10.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 500
10.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 503
10.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 503
10.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 503
10.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 506
10.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 508
10.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 511
10.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 512
10.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 515
10.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 516
10.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 518
10.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 520
10.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 521
10.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 525
10.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 527
10.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 529
10.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 530
10.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 532
10.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 534
10.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 536
10.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 538
10.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 540
10.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 542
MASCHINE - Manual - 14
10.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................544
10.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 554
10.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................565
10.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 576
10.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 545
10.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 547
10.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 549
10.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid ......................................................................................................... 551
10.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 553
10.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 556
10.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 558
10.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 562
10.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 564
10.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 567
10.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 570
10.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 572
10.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 578
10.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 580
11 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
Table of Contents
583
11.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 584
11.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 584
11.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 586
12 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
12.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 588
12.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 588
12.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 597
MASCHINE - Manual - 15
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Table of Contents
12.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 602
12.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 608
12.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 616
12.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 599
12.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 602
12.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 605
12.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 606
12.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 608
12.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 613
12.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 615
13 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
13.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................620
13.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 635
13.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 644
13.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 620
13.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 624
13.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 627
13.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 629
13.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 632
13.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 635
13.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 638
13.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 642
13.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 644
13.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 645
13.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 647
13.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 648
619
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13.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 652
13.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................664
13.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 673
13.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 681
13.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 650
13.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 652
13.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 653
13.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 655
13.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 656
13.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 658
13.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................658
13.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................661
13.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................663
13.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 664
13.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 667
13.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 669
13.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 671
13.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 673
13.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 675
13.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 676
13.6.4 Analog Distortion ....................................................................................................... 679
13.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 682
13.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 684
13.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 686
13.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 689
13.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 692
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13.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 694
13.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 697
13.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 699
14 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
14.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 702
14.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 711
14.3 Using Arranger View ................................................................................................................... 728
14.1.1 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 705
14.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 707
14.1.3 Jumping to Other Sections ......................................................................................... 708
14.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 711
14.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 713
14.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 714
14.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 717
14.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 718
14.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 720
14.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 720
14.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 721
14.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 722
14.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 724
14.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 725
14.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 726
14.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 727
14.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 728
14.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 731
14.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 732
702
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Table of Contents
14.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 754
14.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 757
14.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................759
14.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................761
14.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 733
14.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 738
14.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 739
14.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................740
14.3.6.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................742
14.3.7 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 742
14.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 744
14.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................745
14.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 747
14.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 748
14.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 749
14.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 750
14.3.13 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 751
14.3.14 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 752
14.3.14.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................752
14.3.14.2 Setting the Loop Range Using the Controller .............................................753
14.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 754
15 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
762
15.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 762
15.2 Recording a Sample ................................................................................................................... 764
15.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 764
15.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 765
MASCHINE - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
15.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 779
15.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 792
15.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 812
15.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 771
15.2.5 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 775
15.2.6 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 779
15.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 780
15.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 785
15.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 793
15.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 794
15.4.3 Live Slicing ................................................................................................................ 800
15.4.3.1 Live Slicing Using MASCHINE ....................................................................800
15.4.3.2 Delete All Slices .........................................................................................801
15.4.4 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 801
15.4.5 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 806
15.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 812
15.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 813
15.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 815
15.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 820
15.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 824
15.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 827
15.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 833
16 Using KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Keyboards ..........................................................
836
16.1 Switching the Keyboard Focus to/from a MASCHINE Instance ..................................................... 836
16.2 Controlling the Transport in MASCHINE ...................................................................................... 843
16.3 Navigating and Controlling Your Sounds within a Group ............................................................ 848
MASCHINE - Manual - 20
16.4 Browsing Your MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 855
16.5 Using the Perform Features ........................................................................................................ 865
16.6 Using the Touch Strips ............................................................................................................... 871
16.7 Recording Modulation from Your Keyboard ................................................................................. 876
16.8 Adjusting the Settings for Your Keyboard in the MASCHINE Preferences ..................................... 880
16.9 Arp Hold Mode ............................................................................................................................ 882
16.4.1 Browsing with the Hardware ...................................................................................... 857
16.4.2 Browsing with the On-Screen Overlay ........................................................................ 859
17 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
17.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 884
17.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 886
17.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 887
17.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 884
17.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 884
17.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 884
17.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 885
17.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 885
17.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 885
17.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 885
17.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 886
17.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 886
17.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 886
17.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 886
17.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 887
17.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 887
17.3.2 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 887
Table of Contents
884
MASCHINE - Manual - 21
Table of Contents
18 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
18.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 888
18.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................888
18.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 889
18.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 889
19 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
888
890
898
MASCHINE - Manual - 22

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 - Manual - 23
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 - Manual - 24
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 - Manual - 25
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 - Manual - 26
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
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.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on Your Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY
means:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
Unlabeled Buttons on the Controller
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE controller do not have labels (all other elements on the controller do).
MASCHINE - Manual - 27
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
Welcome to MASCHINE

New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8

The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the MASCHINE controller.
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the ele­ments are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons above the displays are written Button 1 to Button 8, while the knobs under the displays are written Knob 1 to Knob 8. E.g., whenever you see an instruction such as “Press Button 2 to open the EDIT page,” you’ll know it’s the second button from the left above the displays.
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: ↑11, 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
MASCHINE - Manual - 28
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8
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 - Manual - 29

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.
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