Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 MK2 Operation Manual v2.8
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.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover and Nico Sidi.
Software version: 2.8 (02/2019)
Hardware version: MASCHINE MK2
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS FRANCE SARL
113 Rue Saint-Maur
75011 Paris
France
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
SHENZHEN NATIVE INSTRUMENTS COMPANY Limited
5F, Shenzhen Zimao Center
111 Taizi Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen,
Guangdong
China
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2019. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 24
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 25
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.8 .................................................................................................. 27
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.10 ............................................................................................. 28
1.5 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.8 ............................................................................................... 29
1.6 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.7 ............................................................................................... 29
1.7 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4 ............................................................................................... 31
1.8 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3 ............................................................................................... 33
2 Quick Reference ........................................................................................................
2.1 Using Your Controller .................................................................................................................. 36
2.2 MASCHINE Project Overview ........................................................................................................ 40
2.3 MASCHINE Hardware Overview ................................................................................................... 45
2.4 MASCHINE Software Overview ..................................................................................................... 56
2.1.1 Controller Modes and Mode Pinning .......................................................................... 36
2.1.2 Controlling the Software Views from Your Controller ................................................. 38
2.2.1 Sound Content ........................................................................................................... 40
2.2.2 Arrangement .............................................................................................................. 42
2.3.1 MASCHINE Hardware Overview .................................................................................. 45
2.3.1.1 CONTROL Section .......................................................................................47
2.3.1.2 MASTER Section .........................................................................................49
2.3.1.3 GROUPS Section ........................................................................................50
2.3.1.4 TRANSPORT Section ...................................................................................51
2.3.1.5 PADS Section .............................................................................................53
2.4.1 Header ....................................................................................................................... 57
23
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2.4.2 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 59
2.4.3 Arranger .................................................................................................................... 61
2.4.4 Control Area ............................................................................................................... 64
2.4.5 Pattern Editor ............................................................................................................ 65
3 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
3.1 Important Names and Concepts ................................................................................................. 67
3.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 70
3.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 73
3.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 96
3.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 97
3.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 70
3.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Song View ........................................................... 71
3.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 72
3.2.4 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 72
3.3.1 Pinning a Mode on the Controller ............................................................................... 73
3.3.2 Adjusting Volume, Swing, and Tempo ........................................................................ 74
3.3.3 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 77
3.3.4 Focusing on a Group or a Sound ................................................................................ 79
3.3.5 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 84
3.3.6 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 85
3.3.6.1 Extended Navigate Mode on Your Controller ..............................................90
3.3.7 Navigating the Software Using the Controller ............................................................ 93
3.3.8 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 94
3.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 98
3.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 99
3.5.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 100
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3.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................100
3.7 Integrating MASCHINE into a MIDI Setup .................................................................................... 134
3.8 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 137
3.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 101
3.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 105
3.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 108
3.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 111
3.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 115
3.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 123
3.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 128
3.6.8 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 131
3.7.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 134
3.7.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 135
3.7.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 136
3.8.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 137
3.8.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 137
4 Browser ....................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
139
4.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 139
4.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 141
4.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 139
4.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 140
4.2.1 Overview of the Library Pane ..................................................................................... 141
4.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 145
4.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 149
4.2.3.1 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank on the
Controller ...................................................................................................153
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4.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 166
4.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 172
4.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 176
4.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 182
4.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 192
4.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 154
4.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 155
4.2.6 Selecting Type and Character Tags ........................................................................... 155
4.2.7 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 160
4.2.8 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 161
4.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 167
4.3.2 Auditioning Instrument Presets ................................................................................. 168
4.3.3 Auditioning Samples ................................................................................................. 169
4.3.4 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 170
4.3.5 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 171
4.3.6 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 172
4.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 177
4.5.2 The Bank Page ........................................................................................................... 178
4.5.3 The Types and Characters Pages ............................................................................... 179
4.5.4 The Properties Page ................................................................................................... 181
4.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 182
4.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 184
4.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 185
4.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 186
4.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 187
4.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 190
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4.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 194
5 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
5.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 197
5.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................205
5.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 219
5.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 232
5.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 198
5.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 199
5.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 200
5.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 207
5.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 208
5.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 209
5.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 210
5.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 211
5.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 213
5.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 216
5.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 217
5.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 220
5.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 222
5.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 223
5.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 223
5.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 225
5.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 227
5.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 230
5.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 231
5.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 233
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5.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 242
5.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 234
5.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 236
5.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 242
5.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 243
6 Playing on the Controller ...........................................................................................
6.1 Adjusting the Pads ..................................................................................................................... 247
6.2 Adjusting the Key, Choke, and Link Parameters for Multiple Sounds .......................................... 258
6.3 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 259
6.4 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 270
6.5 Using Lock Snapshots ................................................................................................................ 293
6.1.1 The Pad View in the Software .................................................................................... 247
6.1.2 Choosing a Pad Input Mode ....................................................................................... 249
6.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 252
6.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 253
6.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 255
6.3.1 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 260
6.3.2 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 264
6.3.3 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 265
6.3.4 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 267
6.4.1 Overview of the Perform Features .............................................................................. 270
6.4.2 Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords ..................................................................... 273
6.4.3 Scale and Chord Parameters ..................................................................................... 275
6.4.4 Creating Arpeggios and Repeated Notes ................................................................... 288
6.4.5 Swing on Note Repeat / Arp Output ........................................................................... 292
6.5.1 Creating a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 293
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6.5.2 Using Extended Lock .................................................................................................. 294
6.5.3 Updating a Lock Snapshot ......................................................................................... 294
6.5.4 Recalling a Lock Snapshot ........................................................................................ 295
6.5.5 Morphing Between Lock Snapshots ........................................................................... 295
6.5.6 Deleting a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 296
6.5.7 Triggering Lock Snapshots via MIDI ........................................................................... 297
7 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
7.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 299
7.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 321
7.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 299
7.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 303
7.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 304
7.1.3.1 Browser Plug-in Slot Selection ...................................................................310
7.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 313
7.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 313
7.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 315
7.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 315
7.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 317
7.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 317
7.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................318
7.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................319
7.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................320
7.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 323
7.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 325
7.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 328
7.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 329
299
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7.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 334
7.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 331
7.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 333
7.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 335
7.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 338
7.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 339
7.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 344
7.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 346
8 Using the Audio Plug-in .............................................................................................
8.1 Loading a Loop into the Audio Plug-in ........................................................................................ 352
8.2 Editing Audio in the Audio Plug-in ..............................................................................................353
8.3 Using Loop Mode ........................................................................................................................ 354
8.4 Using Gate Mode ........................................................................................................................ 356
9 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
9.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 359
9.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 363
9.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 359
9.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 359
9.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 362
9.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 362
9.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 362
9.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 365
9.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 367
9.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 370
9.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 371
9.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 374
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9.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................382
9.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................403
9.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 413
9.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 375
9.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 377
9.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 379
9.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 380
9.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 384
9.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 386
9.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 388
9.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 389
9.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 391
9.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 393
9.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 395
9.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 397
9.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 399
9.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 401
9.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 404
9.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 406
9.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 408
9.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid .......................................................................................................... 410
9.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 412
9.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 415
9.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 417
9.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 421
9.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 423
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9.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................424
9.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 435
9.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 426
9.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 429
9.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 431
9.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 437
9.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 439
10 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
10.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 443
10.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 443
10.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 445
11 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
11.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 447
11.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 465
11.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 448
11.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 451
11.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 452
11.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 454
11.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 456
11.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 458
11.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 461
11.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 466
11.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 468
11.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 469
11.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 471
11.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 473
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442
447
MASCHINE - Manual - 13
11.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 473
11.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 479
11.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 507
11.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 516
11.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 518
11.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 473
11.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 477
11.3.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 478
11.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 479
11.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 482
11.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 483
11.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 488
11.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 493
11.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 496
11.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 499
11.4.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 501
11.4.9 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 502
11.4.10 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 502
11.5.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 508
11.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 509
11.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 511
11.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 519
11.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 521
11.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 523
11.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 525
11.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 527
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11.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 537
11.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 529
11.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 531
11.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 532
11.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 535
11.7.10 Adjusting Pattern Length in Fine Increments ............................................................. 536
11.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 537
11.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 538
11.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 541
12 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
12.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 551
12.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 575
12.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 597
12.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 552
12.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 557
12.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 562
12.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 566
12.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 571
12.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................572
12.1.5.2 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in MASCHINE ...............................575
12.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 576
12.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 583
12.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 584
12.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 592
12.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 593
12.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 598
550
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12.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls Using the Software ........................................................... 599
13 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
13.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 606
13.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 609
13.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................622
13.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 623
13.5 Controlling Your Mix from the Controller ..................................................................................... 637
13.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 606
13.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 607
13.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 610
13.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 612
13.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 613
13.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 614
13.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 616
13.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 620
13.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 625
13.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 627
13.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 628
13.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 631
13.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 635
14 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
606
640
14.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 640
14.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 654
14.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 640
14.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 649
14.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 651
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14.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 660
14.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 667
14.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 654
14.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 657
14.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 658
14.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 660
14.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 664
14.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 666
15 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
15.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................671
15.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 687
15.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 696
15.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 704
15.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 671
15.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 675
15.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 678
15.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 680
15.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 684
15.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 687
15.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 690
15.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 694
15.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 696
15.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 697
15.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 699
15.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 700
15.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 702
670
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15.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................717
15.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 726
15.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 734
15.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 704
15.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 705
15.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 707
15.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 708
15.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 710
15.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................710
15.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................713
15.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................716
15.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 717
15.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 720
15.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 722
15.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 724
15.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 726
15.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 729
15.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 730
15.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 735
15.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 737
15.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 740
15.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 742
15.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 745
15.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 747
15.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 750
15.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 753
MASCHINE - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
16 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
16.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 756
16.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 766
16.3 Using Song View ......................................................................................................................... 783
16.1.1 Navigating Song View ................................................................................................ 759
16.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 761
16.1.3 Performing with Scenes and Sections using the Pads ............................................... 762
16.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 766
16.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 768
16.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 768
16.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 772
16.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 773
16.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 775
16.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 775
16.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 776
16.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 777
16.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 779
16.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 780
16.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 781
16.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 782
16.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 783
16.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 786
16.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 787
16.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 788
16.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 792
16.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 794
756
MASCHINE - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
16.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 809
16.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 811
16.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................813
16.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................815
16.3.7 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................................ 797
16.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 797
16.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 799
16.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 801
16.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 802
16.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 803
16.3.13 Working with Patterns in Song view ........................................................................... 803
16.3.14 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 806
16.3.15 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 807
16.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 809
16.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................795
16.3.6.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................796
16.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................798
16.3.13.1 Creating a Pattern in Song View ................................................................804
16.3.13.2 Selecting a Pattern in Song View ...............................................................804
16.3.13.3 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................804
16.3.13.4 Renaming a Pattern in Song View ............................................................. 804
16.3.13.5 Coloring a Pattern in Song View ................................................................ 805
16.3.13.6 Removing a Pattern in Song View ..............................................................805
16.3.13.7 Duplicating a Pattern in Song View ...........................................................805
16.3.15.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................807
16.3.15.2 Setting the Loop Range Using the Controller .............................................808
MASCHINE - Manual - 20
Table of Contents
17 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
17.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 817
17.2 Recording Audio ......................................................................................................................... 819
17.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 833
17.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 846
17.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 866
17.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 819
17.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 821
17.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 826
17.2.5 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 829
17.2.6 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 833
17.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 834
17.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 839
17.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 847
17.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 848
17.4.3 Live Slicing ................................................................................................................ 854
17.4.3.1 Live Slicing Using MASCHINE ....................................................................854
17.4.3.2 Delete All Slices .........................................................................................855
17.4.4 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 855
17.4.5 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 860
17.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 866
17.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 867
17.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 869
17.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 874
17.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 878
17.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 881
817
MASCHINE - Manual - 21
Table of Contents
17.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 887
18 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
18.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 890
18.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 892
18.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 893
18.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 890
18.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 890
18.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 890
18.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 891
18.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 891
18.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 891
18.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 891
18.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 892
18.2.2 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 892
18.2.3 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 892
18.2.4 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 892
18.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 893
18.3.2 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 893
19 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
890
894
19.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 894
19.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................894
19.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 895
19.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 895
20 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
MASCHINE - Manual - 22
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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: This document provides a practical approach to MASCHINE via
a set of tutorials covering easy and more advanced tasks in order to help you familiarize
yourself with MASCHINE.
2. MASCHINE Manual (this document): The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a compre-
hensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ Controller Editor Manual: Besides using your MASCHINE hardware controller together with
its dedicated MASCHINE software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile
MIDI controller to pilot any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible
by the Controller Editor software, an application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI
assignments for your MASCHINE controller. The Controller Editor was installed during the
MASCHINE installation procedure. For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF file via the Help menu of Controller Editor.
▪ Online Support Videos: You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native In-
struments Support Channel under the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupport-
EN. We recommend that you follow along with these instructions while the respective ap-
plication is running on your computer.
Other Online Resources: If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments
product that the supplied documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these subjects in the chapter Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
MASCHINE documents are available in PDF. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help menu or the following location:
www.native-instruments.com.
Please check the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date and localized versions of these
documents.
1.2 Document Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
MASCHINE - Manual - 25
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
▪ Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
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.
MASCHINE - Manual - 26
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
7
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.8
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 2.8
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
Sounds.com Integration
▪ Browse on Sounds.com, create your own collections of loops and one-shots and send them
directly to the MASCHINE browser.
Improvements to the Browser
▪ Samples are now cataloged in separate Loops and One-shots tabs in the Browser.
▪ Previews of loops selected in the Browser will be played in sync with the current project.
When a loop is selected with Prehear turned on, it will begin playing immediately in-sync
with the project if transport is running. If a loop preview starts part-way through the loop,
the loop will play once more for its full length to ensure you get to hear the entire loop
once in context with your project.
MASCHINE - Manual - 27
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.10
▪ Filters and product selections will be remembered when switching between content types
and Factory/User Libraries in the Browser.
▪ Browser content synchronization between multiple running instances. When running multi-
ple instances of MASCHINE, either as Standalone and/or as a plug-in, updates to the Library will be synced across the instances. For example, if you delete a sample from your
User Library in one instance, the sample will no longer be present in the other instances.
Similarly, if you save a preset in one instance, that preset will then be available in the other instances, too.
▪ Edits made to samples in the Factory Libraries will be saved to the Standard User Directo-
ry.
For more information on these new features, refer to the following chapter ↑4, Browser.
Improved Support for A-Series Keyboards
▪ When Browsing with A-Series keyboards, you can now jump quickly to the results list by
holding SHIFT and pushing right on the 4D Encoder.
▪ When Browsing with A-Series keyboards, you can fast scroll through the Browser results list
by holding SHIFT and twisting the 4D Encoder.
▪ Mute and Solo Sounds and Groups from A-Series keyboards. Sounds are muted in TRACK
mode while Groups are muted in IDEAS.
▪ Adjust Pattern Length with A-Series keyboards. Push the 4D Encoder on a Pattern in
IDEAS. Twist for 1 bar increments, or hold SHIFT and twist for finer increments. Press
again to set.
▪ Clear patterns from A-Series keyboards by holding SHIFT and pressing STOP.
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.10
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
New Hardware Support
▪ Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series keyboards.
MASCHINE - Manual - 28
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.8
Audio Plug-in Improvements
▪ Added Edit Tab to Audio plug-in: Like the Sampler plug-in, you can now perform destruc-
tive audio edits to loops loaded into the Audio plug-in via the new Edit tab.
▪ Added Usable Play Range for Audio plug-in: in the Edit tab of the Audio plug-in, there are
now Playable Range Start and End markers which can be used to isolate only a portion of
the loaded audio file that you wish to loop. The timeline along the top of the waveform now
shows musical units rather than samples.
For more information on editing audio, refer to ↑8, Using the Audio Plug-in.
General Improvements
▪ Items can now be dragged from the Browser to external locations.
1.5 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.8
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
New Hardware Support
▪ Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL S88 MK2
▪ Support for MASCHINE MIKRO MK3 hardware
1.6 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.7
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
Audio plug-in Improvements
▪ Added a Formant mode to the Audio plug-in which preserves formants when pitching an
audio loop up or down. This can be particularly useful when working with vocal material.
For more information, refer to ↑8, Using the Audio Plug-in.
▪ The Engine Modes are now listed in order of CPU load, from lowest (Re-pitch) to highest
(Formant).
MASCHINE - Manual - 29
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.7
▪ The Take Recording workflow has been improved by muting the previously-playing Take
when you trigger a new recording so you're not distracted hearing the old Take while trying
to record a new one. If you abort the recording, the previously-playing Take will be restored.
▪ The Pattern Recording workflow has been improved by muting the previously-playing Pat-
tern when you trigger a new recording so you're not distracted hearing the old Pattern while
trying to record a new one. If you abort the recording, the previously-playing Pattern will be
restored.
▪ When you drag a bounced audio file from the Pattern Editor dragger to a Sound Slot or
Group, MASCHINE will now load this into an Audio plug-in instead of a Sampler.
▪ When Exporting loop content from MASCHINE, the Project Tempo will now be written into
the files. MASCHINE will read this tempo when later loading this file into the Audio plugin.
▪ MASCHINE now writes both the Tempo and Loop tags to recordings made with Loop mode.
Tempo is attached to recordings made in Sync mode. These recordings will therefore always be in sync with the project when loading them into an Audio plug-in.
Pattern Editor
▪ The number of tools available in the software for editing the Patterns has been reduced
due to redundant functionality. Instead of an arrow, a pencil, and an eraser, there is now
just a pencil tool which can be toggled on and off. When the pencil is off, the mouse will
behave as it did when using the arrow tool (and the mouse will look like a normal arrow in
this mode). When the pencil is on, this enables the same pencil/paint functionality as before (and the mouse will look like a pencil when in this mode). For more information, see
↑11.4.1, Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview.
▪ There are some changes to keyboard shortcut behavior as they relate to view switching in
the pattern editor:
◦ W = toggle between Group view and Keyboard view
◦ S = toggle Sampling view on/off
◦ E = toggle Pencil/Paint on/off
MASCHINE - Manual - 30
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