Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 MK3 Operation Manual v2.8
MASCHINE MK3 GETTING STARTED
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“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, Nicolas Sidi
Software version: 2.8 (02/2019)
Hardware version: MASCHINE MK3
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
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D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
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Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
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75011 Paris
France
www.native-instruments.com
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USA
www.native-instruments.com
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UK
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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 Documentation Overview ............................................................................................................ 11
1.1.1 In This Document ....................................................................................................... 12
1.1.2 Document Conventions .............................................................................................. 13
2 Setting Up MASCHINE ................................................................................................
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer ................................................................................. 17
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration .......................................................................................................... 18
2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software ............................. 19
2.2.2 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Software ........... 21
2.2.3 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Default Audio Output Device in Your Operat-
2.3 Setup Examples .......................................................................................................................... 23
2.3.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers .......................................................................... 23
2.3.2 Connecting Headphones ............................................................................................ 25
2.3.3 MASCHINE in a Recording Setup ................................................................................ 26
ing System ................................................................................................................. 22
2.2.3.1 On Windows ...............................................................................................22
2.2.3.2 On macOS ..................................................................................................22
2.3.3.1 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone ............................................................27
2.3.3.2 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer / Computer / Mixer Line
10
17
2.3.4 Connecting a Pedal ................................................................................................... 30
2.3.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 30
Out) ........................................................................................................... 28
3 First Steps ................................................................................................................
3.1 Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library .............................................................................. 33
3.2 Playing with the Pads ................................................................................................................. 37
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 4
32
3.3 Recording Your First Pattern ....................................................................................................... 38
3.4 Playing with Your Pattern ........................................................................................................... 40
3.5 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 43
3.6 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................44
3.4.1 Using Solo and Mute .................................................................................................. 40
3.4.2 Using Note Repeat ..................................................................................................... 42
4 Building Your Own Drum Kit .......................................................................................
4.1 Opening Your Project .................................................................................................................. 46
4.2 Customizing Your Drum Kit ......................................................................................................... 49
4.3 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 65
4.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................65
4.2.1 Selecting Another Snare Sample ................................................................................ 50
4.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth ................................................................................................ 53
4.2.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth into a Plug-in List on the Controller ........................57
4.2.3 Adjusting Volume, Swing and Tempo ......................................................................... 59
4.2.4 Changing the Color of Your Sounds ........................................................................... 62
4.2.5 Moving your Sounds and Groups ................................................................................ 64
5 Creating Beats ..........................................................................................................
Table of Contents
46
67
5.1 Fine-tuning your First Pattern ..................................................................................................... 67
5.2 Adding a Second Pattern ............................................................................................................ 73
5.1.1 Your Pattern in the Software ...................................................................................... 68
5.1.2 Doubling the Pattern and Adding a Variation ............................................................ 69
5.1.3 Quantizing the Rhythm .............................................................................................. 70
5.2.1 Selecting a Pattern Slot ............................................................................................. 73
5.2.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length ..................................................................................... 74
5.2.3 Recording a New Pattern Using the Count-in ............................................................ 76
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 5
Table of Contents
5.3 Editing Patterns in the Software ................................................................................................. 77
5.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 78
5.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................79
5.2.4 Switching Patterns .................................................................................................... 76
6 Adding a Bass Line ....................................................................................................
6.1 Selecting Another Group ............................................................................................................. 81
6.2 Renaming and Coloring the Group .............................................................................................. 83
6.3 Using an Instrument Plug-in for the Bass .................................................................................. 84
6.4 Recording a Bass Line ................................................................................................................ 93
6.5 Accessing the Plug-in Parameters .............................................................................................. 95
6.6 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 98
6.7 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................99
6.3.1 Browsing the MASSIVE Presets .................................................................................. 85
6.3.2 Switching to Keyboard Mode ...................................................................................... 89
6.3.3 Adjusting the Root Note for the Pads ......................................................................... 91
6.4.1 Recording a Bass Pattern .......................................................................................... 93
6.4.2 Recording Another Bass Pattern ................................................................................ 93
6.4.3 Loading an Additional Bass Sound ............................................................................ 94
7 Applying Effects ........................................................................................................
80
100
7.1 Loading Effects .......................................................................................................................... 101
7.2 Playing with Effects ....................................................................................................................106
7.3 Modulating Effect Parameters .................................................................................................... 110
7.2.1 Adjusting the Effect Parameters ................................................................................ 106
7.2.2 Practice Makes Perfect! ............................................................................................. 108
7.2.3 Bypassing Effects ...................................................................................................... 108
7.3.1 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 111
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 6
Table of Contents
7.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 114
7.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................114
7.3.2 Editing Modulation .................................................................................................... 113
8 Creating Beats with the Step Sequencer .....................................................................
8.1 Building Up a Beat in Step Mode ................................................................................................ 116
8.2 Adjusting the Step Grid .............................................................................................................. 120
8.3 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 122
8.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................123
8.1.1 Using Step Mode ........................................................................................................ 116
8.1.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length in Step Mode ............................................................... 117
8.1.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 118
8.1.4 A Few Notes on Step Mode ......................................................................................... 119
9 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................
9.1 Working with Scenes ................................................................................................................... 124
9.2 Assigning Patterns to Scenes ..................................................................................................... 125
9.3 Managing Scenes ....................................................................................................................... 128
9.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................131
9.5 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 131
9.3.1 Renaming and Coloring Scene Slots .......................................................................... 129
9.3.2 Duplicating and Deleting Scenes ............................................................................... 129
10 Creating an Arrangement ...........................................................................................
115
124
133
10.1 Accessing Song view .................................................................................................................. 133
10.2 Managing Sections ..................................................................................................................... 137
10.1.1 Creating your First Section ........................................................................................ 135
10.1.2 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 136
10.2.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 137
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 7
Table of Contents
10.3 Selecting a Loop Range .............................................................................................................. 142
10.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 143
10.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................144
10.2.2 Duplicating and Removing Sections .......................................................................... 140
10.2.1.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................138
10.2.1.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................139
11 Playing Live ..............................................................................................................
11.1 Performing with Scenes and Sections using the Pads ................................................................ 145
12 Quick Reference ........................................................................................................
12.1 Using Your Controller .................................................................................................................. 149
12.2 MASCHINE Project Overview ........................................................................................................ 154
12.3 MASCHINE Hardware Overview ................................................................................................... 159
12.4 MASCHINE Software Overview ..................................................................................................... 176
12.1.1 Controller Modes and Mode Pinning .......................................................................... 149
12.1.2 Controlling the Software Views from Your Controller ................................................. 151
12.2.1 Sound Content ........................................................................................................... 155
12.2.2 Arrangement .............................................................................................................. 156
12.3.1 MASCHINE Hardware Overview .................................................................................. 159
12.3.1.1 Control Section ..........................................................................................161
12.3.1.2 Edit Section ...............................................................................................164
12.3.1.3 Performance Section ..................................................................................165
12.3.1.4 Group Section ............................................................................................167
12.3.1.5 Transport Section ......................................................................................167
12.3.1.6 Pad Section ...............................................................................................169
12.3.1.7 Rear Panel .................................................................................................174
12.4.1 Header ....................................................................................................................... 177
145
149
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 8
Table of Contents
12.4.2 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 179
12.4.3 Arranger .................................................................................................................... 181
12.4.4 Control Area ............................................................................................................... 184
12.4.5 Pattern Editor ............................................................................................................ 185
13 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
13.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 187
13.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................187
13.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 188
13.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 188
14 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
187
189
197
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 9
Welcome to MASCHINE
1 Welcome to MASCHINE
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE is essentially the synergy of the MASCHINE controller hardware and the MASCHINE software combining the advantages of both worlds for making music, live as well as in
the studio. The intuitive, hands-on qualities of a dedicated Instrument, the MASCHINE controller, with the advanced editing features and the versatility of the MASCHINE software turn it
into the creative center of your musical productions.
You can create tight rhythms, harmonies and melodies — the highly enjoyable instrument
combines a pattern-based sequencer, professional sampler, multiple studio and creative effects, and VST/AU plug-in host. Everything is intuitively controllable via the fully integrated
hardware — once you touch the tactile controller the fun and intuitive workflow takes over, allowing you to stay focused on your music.
Since you can integrate it in any DAW that supports VST, Audio Units or the AAX format with
multiple instances, you can profit from its abilities in almost any software setup or use it as a
stand-alone application. You can sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them
easily turning your ideas into full productions.
However, MASCHINE is a lot more than an ordinary drum machine or sampler: It comes with
an 8-gigabyte Library programmed and created by well-known artists and a sophisticated, yet
easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for. But
it doesn’t stop there! You can create your own sounds and samples or use MASCHINE EXPANSION packs, available for purchase from the Native Instruments website to further enhance
your library of sounds.
You can also control your external MIDI Hardware and Software with the MASCHINE controller
and customize the functions of the pads, knobs and buttons to your needs, utilizing the Controller Editor Application.
We hope you enjoy the MASCHINE playground as much as we do. Now let’s get going!
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 10
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
1.1 Documentation Overview
Native Instruments provide many information sources regarding MASCHINE. The main documents should be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Getting Started (this document): The MASCHINE Getting Started guide provides
a practical approach to MASCHINE via a set of tutorials covering simple tasks in order to
help you familiarize yourself with MASCHINE.
2. MASCHINE Manual: The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a comprehensive descrip-
tion 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 ↑13, Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 11
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
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.
1.1.1 In This Document
What you are reading now is the MASCHINE Getting Started. This document consists of a set
of tutorials that will guide you through common workflows in MASCHINE. Please follow these
tutorials in the described order. You will learn a little something in each of them which will be
essential later on. On the way, you will get to know the main objects and concepts of MASCHINE. After reading this, you should have the basic know-how allowing you to make music
with MASCHINE!
Even if you’re already familiar with MASCHINE, all tutorials are worth a read as every chapter may
have little workflow hints of which you weren’t aware. Should you wish to revise a specific task covered in a later tutorial, be sure to check the prerequisites listed at the beginning of each chapter!
This document is structured as follows:
▪ The first part includes this introduction and the following chapter ↑2, Setting Up MA-
SCHINE, which shows you how to integrate MASCHINE into your studio setup.
▪ The second part holds the tutorials:
◦ Chapter ↑3, First Steps: Load a drum kit from the factory library via the Browser, play
this kit with the pads and use it to record a simple rhythmic pattern — all this using
your MASCHINE controller only.
◦ Chapter ↑4, Building Your Own Drum Kit: Customize your drum kit by quickly ex-
changing some of its sounds via the Browser and by adjusting some of the sounds’ basic settings.
◦ Chapter ↑5, Creating Beats: Record a second pattern and discover how to fine-tune
your patterns.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 12
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
◦ Chapter ↑6, Adding a Bass Line: Add a bass line to your song using a VST/AU instru-
ment plug-in in MASCHINE.
◦ Chapter ↑7, Applying Effects: Add effects to the various instruments in your song and
quickly automate the effect parameters.
◦ Chapter ↑8, Creating Beats with the Step Sequencer: Create a Pattern, this time with
the step sequencer, which is another great way of creating grooves from your controller.
◦ Chapter ↑9, Creating Scenes: Arrange your Patterns into Scenes and play them live.
◦ Chapter ↑10, Creating an Arrangement: Assign your Scenes to Sections and Arrange
your song.
▪ The third and last part consists of useful global information on MASCHINE to be used at
any time:
◦ Chapter ↑12, Quick Reference provides you with a quick reference of the MASCHINE
hardware controller and the MASCHINE software. It gives you a good overview of the
main concepts and features of MASCHINE, along with lists of hardware shortcuts for
various tasks. You can use it as a quick reminder before you dive into the MASCHINE
Manual.
◦ Chapter ↑13, Troubleshooting gathers useful information for troubleshooting and get-
ting help.
◦ Chapter ↑14, Glossary holds definitions of all the important terms and concepts used
in MASCHINE.
1.1.2 Document Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this document. This
document 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:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note carefully and
follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 13
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may
often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to the setup or operating system you are using; however, it’s always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-
tions on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere in the software (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkbox-
es etc.) is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same
text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE controller is printed in orange. Whenever you
see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Text appearing on the display(s) of your controller is printed in gray. Whenever you see this
formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller’s display(s).
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard are in square brackets (e.g., “Press [Shift]
+ [Return]”).
► 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” is 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 the 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:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 14
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
Displayed Products
Some images displayed in this document include products from the KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE series. These products are not included with MASCHINE.
For more information on KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE please visit the Native Instruments website.
Unlabeled Buttons and Knobs on the Controller
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE MK3 controller do
not have labels (all other elements on the controller do).
The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the MASCHINE MK3 controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 15
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons are written Button (1–8), while the knobs
are written Knob (1–8). For example, 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.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 16
Setting Up MASCHINE
Connecting the Controller to the Computer
2 Setting Up MASCHINE
This chapter provides basic setup information and guides you through the process of integrating MASCHINE into your studio.
The MASCHINE software is installed both as a stand-alons application as well as a VST, Audio
Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in within your
DAW for the first time, after every upgrade, and after installing new MASCHINE EXPANSIONS.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and MIDI interfaces, which you can configure in the MASCHINE Preferences as described later in this
chapter (see ↑2.2, Basic Audio Configuration). When MASCHINE is used as a plug-in within a
host, the communication with your audio and MIDI interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI configuration of your host, and how to load plug-ins, please
refer to its documentation.
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer
To connect the MASCHINE controller to your computer:
1. Attach the “device end” of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel
of the controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 17
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2. Attach the “computer end” of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on
your computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the controller to switch it on.
→ The controller is now detected by the operating system.
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration
In this section, we describe the few steps required to make use of the MASCHINE controller’s
integrated audio interface in various situations: with the MASCHINE software, with other music
software, and within your operating system.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 18
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software
By default, when you launch the MASCHINE software as a stand-alone application it already
uses your MASCHINE controller as audio input/output device, so you shouldn’t have to set up
anything particular to have it work.
If this is not the case, e.g., if you have already changed the audio configuration in the MASCHINE software or if you want to use more advanced input or output routings, please proceed
as follows:
1. In the MASCHINE menu click File > Preferences… to open the Preferences:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 19
2. Click Audio to display the Audio page:
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 20
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
3. Select the hardware driver supported by your controller (e.g., ASIO on Windows) from the
Driver drop-down menu.
4. Select Maschine MK3 from the Device drop-down menu.
5. In the Routings section, click Input and select 1: Input Left and 2: Input Right in the
Maschine In 1 L and Maschine In 1 R drop-down menus, respectively.
This assigns the LINE IN / MIC IN combo inputs on your controller to the first pair of virtual inputs in the MASCHINE software.
6. In the same Routings section, click Output and select the left and right output channels
of your controller you want to use for the various virtual outputs of the MASCHINE software.
→ The MASCHINE software is now configured for using the internal audio interface of your
MASCHINE controller.
By default, the virtual outputs of the MASCHINE software are assigned as follows:
▪ The Maschine Out 1 L and Maschine Out 1 R virtual outputs are sent to the 1: Main Left
and 2: Main Right outputs, which correspond to the LINE OUT L and R sockets on the rear
panel of your controller, respectively.
▪ The Maschine Out 2 L and Maschine Out 2 R virtual outputs are sent to the 3: Headphone
Left and 4: Headphone Right outputs, which both correspond to the PHONES stereo socket
on the rear panel of your controller.
2.2.2 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Software
Before using the MASCHINE controller with music production software, you will need to set it
up as the software’s audio output device. Most music production programs provide direct access to the soundcard properties in the audio and MIDI setup section of their preferences dialog. Please refer to the documentation of your music production software for more information
on how to configure audio interfaces.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 21
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2.2.3 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Default Audio Output Device in Your
Operating System
You can make your MASCHINE controller operate as your computer’s default soundcard. By
doing this, you will send all audio coming from your operating system (e.g., system sounds,
media player, etc.) to the desired output on the rear panel of your controller.
2.2.3.1 On Windows
1. Open Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
2. In the Sound control panel, select the Playback tab.
3. In the list of available output devices, click the entry corresponding to the pair of outputs
on your MASCHINE controller that you want to set as default: In the list, your controller
appears as Maschine MK3 WDM Audio, and the available entries Main and Headphone
correspond to the LINE OUT and PHONES sockets on the rear panel of your controller,
respectively.
4. Click Set Default.
5. Click OK to confirm your selection and close the window.
→ Your MASCHINE controller is now selected as the default audio output device.
2.2.3.2 On macOS
1. Open the System Preferences under the gray Apple Icon menu in the top left corner of
your screen.
2. Below Hardware (second row from top), select Sound.
3. In the Sound control panel, select the Output tab.
4. Select Maschine MK3 from the list of available soundcards.
5. Close the panel.
→ Your MASCHINE controller is now selected as the default audio output device.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 22
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2.3 Setup Examples
In this section, you will learn how to connect the MASCHINE controller in various setup scenarios. Although we cannot cover all imaginable setups here, the examples are general enough
to apply the information to most situations.
2.3.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers
This example shows an all-in-one production system setup in which your active monitor speakers are directly plugged into your MASCHINE controller’s main outputs.
MASCHINE setup with active monitors.
To use active speakers (self-powered speakers with a built-in amplifier) with your MASCHINE
controller:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 23
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the
left-end stop to set the output volume to minimum.
2. Connect the LINE OUT L/R sockets on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to your
active speakers using balanced cables with 1/4" TRS jack plugs. First, connect the L output channel with the left speaker, then the R output channel with the right speaker.
3. Once you have connected the speakers to the device, set the volume knob on your active
speakers to 0 dB and turn them on.
4. Start the playback of a Project in MASCHINE or an audio file on your computer.
5. Gradually turn the LINE OUT VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller until you reach an appropriate listening level.
If you have a main mixer connected to your monitors, and various devices plugged into your main
mixer, you can simply add the MASCHINE controller to your setup by connecting its audio outputs
to any stereo line input on your main mixer. Just follow the instructions above and replace the monitors’ volume knob with the volume fader of the input channel on your mixer to which you want to
connect the MASCHINE controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 24
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2.3.2 Connecting Headphones
This example shows a setup for “on-the-road” beat making or performance including laptop,
MASCHINE controller and a pair of headphones.
MASCHINE setup with headphones.
To use headphones with your MASCHINE controller:
1. Turn the PHONES VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the
left-end stop to set the headphones volume to minimum.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 25
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphones into the PHONES socket nearby.
3. Start the playback of a Project in MASCHINE or an audio file on your computer.
4. Gradually turn the PHONES VOLUME knob on the MASCHINE controller until you reach a
comfortable listening level.
The headphones output of your MASCHINE controller is an additional stereo output, distinct from
the main output pair, and perfectly tailored for the Cue channel of MASCHINE. However, if you
want to monitor the main outputs in your headphones, please check the Route Main to Headphones
box in the Audio Outputs section of the Hardware page in the Preferences. For more information,
please refer to the Manual.
2.3.3 MASCHINE in a Recording Setup
The following instructions will assist you in using the MASCHINE controller in a recording situation for capturing audio to MASCHINE — for example, for recording samples or process a
live input during a performance.
You will find two examples using a recording setup with step-by-step instructions on how to route
external audio to a particular Sound of your MASCHINE Project in section Using an External Sound
Source and How to Sample.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 26
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
You can use the described setups with MASCHINE as well as with any other music software running
on your computer. For the audio device configuration required on the software side, see --- MISSING LINK --- or ↑2.2.2, Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Soft-
ware, respectively.
2.3.3.1 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone
This example shows a setup with both a pair of active speakers (see ↑2.3.1, Connecting Active
Monitor Speakers) and a pair of headphones (see ↑2.3.2, Connecting Headphones) with an ex-
tra dynamic microphone, e.g., for working with voice.
MASCHINE setup with a dynamic microphone.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 27
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
Make sure the MASCHINE controller’s LINE OUT VOLUME, PHONES VOLUME, and MIC IN GAIN
knobs are turned down before connecting a microphone to the MASCHINE controller. Microphones
nearby speakers can cause a loud squealing tone from the speakers (a phenomenon called the
“Larsen effect” or “audio feedback loop”) and can seriously damage your hearing and your equipment. The greater the distance between a microphone and speakers means this effect is less likely
to occur.
You cannot plug a condenser microphone into the MASCHINE controller.
To use the MASCHINE controller in a recording setup with a dynamic microphone:
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME, PHONES VOLUME and MIC IN GAIN knobs on the rear
panel of the MASCHINE controller to the left-end stop to set the output volume, headphones volume, and microphone input level to minimum.
2. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your dynamic microphone into the MIC IN socket on the rear
panel of your MASCHINE controller.
3. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs back to their usual levels.
4. While singing / playing an instrument into the microphone, adjust the input signal level by
gradually turning the MIC IN GAIN knob clockwise while checking that the signal is not
clipping.
When a microphone is plugged in the MIC IN socket, the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets are bypassed.
Hence, if you want to record the audio from a line level device, make sure that no microphone is
connected to the MIC IN socket!
2.3.3.2 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer / Computer / Mixer Line Out)
This example shows a setup with both a pair of active speakers (see ↑2.3.1, Connecting Active
Monitor Speakers) and a pair of headphones (see ↑2.3.2, Connecting Headphones) with an ex-
tra line level input device, e.g., a synthesizer.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 28
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
MASCHINE setup with a line level device (here a synthesizer) as input.
To use the MASCHINE controller in a setup with typical line level equipment:
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the left-end stop to set the output and headphones volumes to minimum.
2. Plug a pair of 1/4" TRS jacks from the outputs of your device into the LINE IN 1 and 2
sockets on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller (use a single jack plugged into the
LINE IN 1 socket if you are using a mono device).
3. Adjust the output signal of your connected device by using its relevant volume/gain control. Check that your input signal does not clip.
4. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs back to their usual levels.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 29
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
In order to use the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets on your MASCHINE controller, please make sure that
no microphone is connected to the MIC IN socket nearby! Indeed, plugging a microphone into the
MIC IN socket bypasses the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets.
2.3.4 Connecting a Pedal
Your MASCHINE MK3 Controller provides a pedal input in the form of 1/4" socket on its rear
panel.
The PEDAL socket on the rear panel of your controller.
The PEDAL socket allows you to use a pedal footswitch to control the transport in MASCHINE.
A single footswitch with two pedals can be used to control the transport in the following way:
▪ Pedal 1: Starts/stop the playback in MASCHINE. This is equivalent to the PLAY button on
your controller and the Play button in the software’s Header.
▪ Pedal 2: Engage/disengage recording in MASCHINE. This is equivalent to the REC button
on your controller and the Record button in the software’s Header.
The PEDAL socket can also be configured to send Continuous MIDI CC messages in the Preferences
of the Controller Editor software. For more information read the MASCHINE MK3 chapter of the
Controller Editor manual.
2.3.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment
The MASCHINE controller has dedicated MIDI sockets that allow you to directly connect other
MIDI devices using a MIDI cable with a 5-pin DIN MIDI jack and integrate the controller into
your MIDI setup.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 30
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