Native Instruments Maschine 2.0 MK3 Operation Manual v2.7.10
MASCHINE MK3 MANUAL
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover and Nico Sidi.
Software version: 2.7.10 (10/2018)
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
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, 2018. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 26
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 27
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.10 ............................................................................................. 29
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.8 ............................................................................................... 30
1.5 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.7 ............................................................................................... 30
1.6 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4 ............................................................................................... 32
1.7 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3 ............................................................................................... 34
2 Quick Reference ........................................................................................................
2.1 Using Your Controller .................................................................................................................. 37
2.2 MASCHINE Project Overview ........................................................................................................ 42
2.3 MASCHINE Hardware Overview ................................................................................................... 47
2.4 MASCHINE Software Overview ..................................................................................................... 64
2.1.1 Controller Modes and Mode Pinning .......................................................................... 37
2.1.2 Controlling the Software Views from Your Controller ................................................. 39
2.2.1 Sound Content ........................................................................................................... 43
2.2.2 Arrangement .............................................................................................................. 44
2.3.1 MASCHINE Hardware Overview .................................................................................. 47
2.3.1.1 Control Section ..........................................................................................49
2.3.1.2 Edit Section ...............................................................................................52
2.3.1.3 Performance Section ..................................................................................53
2.3.1.4 Group Section ............................................................................................55
2.3.1.5 Transport Section ......................................................................................55
2.3.1.6 Pad Section ...............................................................................................57
2.3.1.7 Rear Panel .................................................................................................62
25
37
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2.4.1 Header ....................................................................................................................... 65
2.4.2 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 67
2.4.3 Arranger .................................................................................................................... 69
2.4.4 Control Area ............................................................................................................... 72
2.4.5 Pattern Editor ............................................................................................................ 73
3 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
3.1 Important Names and Concepts ................................................................................................. 75
3.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 78
3.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 82
3.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 78
3.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Song View ........................................................... 79
3.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 80
3.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 80
3.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 81
3.3.1 Using the 4-Directional Push Encoder ....................................................................... 82
3.3.2 Pinning a Mode on the Controller ............................................................................... 83
3.3.3 Adjusting Volume, Swing, and Tempo ........................................................................ 84
3.3.4 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 87
3.3.5 List Overlay for Selectors ........................................................................................... 89
3.3.6 Zoom and Scroll Overlays .......................................................................................... 90
3.3.7 Focusing on a Group or a Sound ................................................................................ 91
3.3.8 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 96
3.3.9 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 97
3.3.9.1 Extended Navigate Mode on Your Controller ..............................................102
3.3.10 Navigating the Software Using the Controller ............................................................ 105
3.3.11 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 106
75
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3.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 110
3.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 111
3.6 Host Integration ..........................................................................................................................114
3.7 Preferences .................................................................................................................................120
3.8 Integrating MASCHINE into a MIDI Setup .................................................................................... 156
3.3.12 Touch Auto-Write Option ............................................................................................ 108
3.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 112
3.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 113
3.5.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 114
3.6.1 Setting up Host Integration ....................................................................................... 115
3.6.1.1 Setting up Ableton Live (macOS) ...............................................................115
3.6.1.2 Setting up Ableton Live (Windows) ............................................................116
3.6.1.3 Setting up Apple Logic Pro X ......................................................................116
3.6.2 Integration with Ableton Live ..................................................................................... 117
3.6.3 Integration with Apple Logic Pro X ............................................................................. 119
3.7.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 121
3.7.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 126
3.7.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 130
3.7.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 133
3.7.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 137
3.7.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 145
3.7.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 150
3.7.8 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 154
3.8.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 156
3.8.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 157
3.8.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 158
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3.9 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 159
3.10 Using a Pedal with the MASCHINE Controller .............................................................................. 160
3.11 File Management on the MASCHINE Controller ........................................................................... 161
3.9.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 159
3.9.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 159
4 Browser ....................................................................................................................
4.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 163
4.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 165
4.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 163
4.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 164
4.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 165
4.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 170
4.2.2.1 Browsing by Product Category Using MASCHINE MK3 ................................174
4.2.2.2 Browsing by Product Vendor Using MASCHINE MK3 ...................................175
4.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 175
4.2.3.1 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank on the
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163
4.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 195
4.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 180
4.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 181
4.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 182
4.2.7 List and Tag Overlays in the Browser ......................................................................... 188
4.2.8 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 190
4.2.9 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 190
4.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 195
4.3.2 Auditioning Instrument Presets ................................................................................. 197
Controller ...................................................................................................179
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4.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 201
4.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 207
4.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 213
4.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 223
4.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 225
4.3.3 Auditioning Samples ................................................................................................. 198
4.3.4 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 199
4.3.5 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 200
4.3.6 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 200
4.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 207
4.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 209
4.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 210
4.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 212
4.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 213
4.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 215
4.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 216
4.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 217
4.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 218
4.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 221
5 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
229
5.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 229
5.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................237
5.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 230
5.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 231
5.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 232
5.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 239
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5.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 251
5.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 264
5.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 274
5.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 240
5.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 241
5.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 241
5.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 243
5.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 245
5.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 248
5.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 249
5.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 252
5.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 253
5.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 255
5.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 255
5.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 257
5.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 259
5.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 262
5.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 263
5.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 265
5.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 266
5.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 268
5.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 274
5.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 275
6 Playing on the Controller ...........................................................................................
279
6.1 Adjusting the Pads ..................................................................................................................... 279
6.1.1 The Pad View in the Software .................................................................................... 279
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6.2 Adjusting the Key, Choke, and Link Parameters for Multiple Sounds .......................................... 290
6.3 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 291
6.4 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 304
6.5 Using Lock Snapshots ................................................................................................................ 326
6.6 Using the Smart Strip ................................................................................................................. 331
6.1.2 Choosing a Pad Input Mode ....................................................................................... 281
6.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 284
6.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 286
6.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 288
6.3.1 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 292
6.3.2 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 296
6.3.3 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 297
6.3.4 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 299
6.3.5 Tap Tempo ................................................................................................................. 303
6.4.1 Overview of the Perform Features .............................................................................. 304
6.4.2 Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords ..................................................................... 307
6.4.3 Scale and Chord Parameters ..................................................................................... 307
6.4.4 Creating Arpeggios and Repeated Notes ................................................................... 320
6.4.5 Swing on Note Repeat / Arp Output ........................................................................... 325
6.5.1 Creating a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 326
6.5.2 Using Extended Lock .................................................................................................. 327
6.5.3 Updating a Lock Snapshot ......................................................................................... 327
6.5.4 Recalling a Lock Snapshot ........................................................................................ 328
6.5.5 Morphing Between Lock Snapshots ........................................................................... 328
6.5.6 Deleting a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 329
6.5.7 Triggering Lock Snapshots via MIDI ........................................................................... 330
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6.6.1 Pitch Mode ................................................................................................................. 332
6.6.2 Modulation Mode ....................................................................................................... 332
6.6.3 Perform Mode ............................................................................................................ 332
6.6.4 Notes Mode ................................................................................................................ 333
7 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
7.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 334
7.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 356
7.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 334
7.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 338
7.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 339
7.1.3.1 Browser Plug-in Slot Selection ...................................................................345
7.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 348
7.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 348
7.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 350
7.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 350
7.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 352
7.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 352
7.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................353
7.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................354
7.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................355
7.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 358
7.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 360
7.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 363
7.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 365
7.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 367
7.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 369
334
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7.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 371
7.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 371
7.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 374
7.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 375
7.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 380
7.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 382
8 Using the Audio Plug-in .............................................................................................
8.1 Loading a Loop into the Audio Plug-in ........................................................................................ 388
8.2 Editing Audio in the Audio Plug-in ..............................................................................................389
8.3 Using Loop Mode ........................................................................................................................ 390
8.4 Using Gate Mode ........................................................................................................................ 392
9 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
9.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 395
9.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 399
9.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 395
9.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 395
9.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 398
9.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 398
9.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 398
9.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 401
9.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 403
9.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 406
9.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 407
9.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 410
9.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 411
9.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 413
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384
394
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9.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................418
9.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................439
9.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 449
9.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................460
9.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 415
9.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 416
9.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 420
9.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 422
9.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 424
9.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 425
9.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 427
9.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 429
9.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 431
9.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 433
9.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 435
9.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 437
9.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 440
9.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 442
9.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 444
9.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid .......................................................................................................... 446
9.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 448
9.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 451
9.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 453
9.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 457
9.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 459
9.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 462
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9.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 471
9.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 465
9.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 467
9.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 473
9.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 475
10 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
10.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 479
10.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 479
10.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 481
11 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
11.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 483
11.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 505
11.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 512
11.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 484
11.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 490
11.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 492
11.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 493
11.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 495
11.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 497
11.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 501
11.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 505
11.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 508
11.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 509
11.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 510
11.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 512
11.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 512
478
483
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11.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 518
11.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 550
11.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 559
11.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 561
11.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 515
11.3.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 517
11.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 518
11.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 521
11.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 522
11.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 530
11.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 536
11.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 539
11.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 542
11.4.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 544
11.4.9 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 545
11.4.10 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 545
11.5.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 551
11.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 552
11.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 554
11.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 562
11.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 564
11.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 567
11.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 569
11.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 570
11.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 572
11.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 574
MASCHINE - Manual - 15
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11.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 580
11.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 575
11.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 578
11.7.10 Adjusting Pattern Length in Fine Increments ............................................................. 579
11.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 580
11.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 581
11.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 584
12 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
12.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 594
12.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 618
12.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 640
12.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 595
12.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 600
12.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 605
12.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 609
12.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 614
12.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................615
12.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 619
12.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 626
12.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 627
12.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 635
12.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 636
12.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 641
12.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls Using the Software ........................................................... 642
12.3.3 Assigning Macro Controls Using the Controller .......................................................... 648
593
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13 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
13.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 650
13.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 653
13.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................666
13.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 667
13.5 Controlling Your Mix from the Controller ..................................................................................... 681
13.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 650
13.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 651
13.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 654
13.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 656
13.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 657
13.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 658
13.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 660
13.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 664
13.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 669
13.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 671
13.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 672
13.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 675
13.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 679
13.5.1 Navigating Your Channels in Mix Mode ..................................................................... 682
13.5.2 Adjusting the Level and Pan in Mix Mode .................................................................. 683
13.5.3 Mute and Solo in Mix Mode ........................................................................................ 684
13.5.4 Plug-in Icons in Mix Mode .......................................................................................... 684
14 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
650
685
14.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 685
14.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 685
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14.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 699
14.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 705
14.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 713
14.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 694
14.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 696
14.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 699
14.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 702
14.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 704
14.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 706
14.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 710
14.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 712
15 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
15.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................717
15.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 734
15.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 742
15.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 717
15.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 721
15.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 725
15.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 727
15.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 731
15.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 734
15.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 737
15.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 741
15.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 742
15.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 744
15.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 746
716
MASCHINE - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
15.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 751
15.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................766
15.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 775
15.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 783
15.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 747
15.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 749
15.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 751
15.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 753
15.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 754
15.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 756
15.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 758
15.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................758
15.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................761
15.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................764
15.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 766
15.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 769
15.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 771
15.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 773
15.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 775
15.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 778
15.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 779
15.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 784
15.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 786
15.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 789
15.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 791
15.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 794
MASCHINE - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
15.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 796
15.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 799
15.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 802
16 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
16.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 805
16.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 815
16.3 Using Song View ......................................................................................................................... 832
16.1.1 Navigating Song View ................................................................................................ 808
16.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 810
16.1.3 Performing with Scenes and Sections using the Pads ............................................... 811
16.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 815
16.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 817
16.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 817
16.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 821
16.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 822
16.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 824
16.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 824
16.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 825
16.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 826
16.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 828
16.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 829
16.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 830
16.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 831
16.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 832
16.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 837
16.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 838
805
MASCHINE - Manual - 20
Table of Contents
16.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 859
16.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 860
16.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 839
16.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 843
16.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 844
16.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................845
16.3.6.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................847
16.3.7 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................................ 847
16.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 848
16.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................849
16.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 850
16.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 852
16.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 853
16.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 854
16.3.13 Working with Patterns in Song view ........................................................................... 854
16.3.13.1 Creating a Pattern in Song View ................................................................854
16.3.13.2 Selecting a Pattern in Song View ...............................................................854
16.3.13.3 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................855
16.3.13.4 Renaming a Pattern in Song View ............................................................. 855
16.3.13.5 Coloring a Pattern in Song View ................................................................ 855
16.3.13.6 Removing a Pattern in Song View ..............................................................856
16.3.13.7 Duplicating a Pattern in Song View ...........................................................856
16.3.14 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 856
16.3.15 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 857
16.3.15.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................858
16.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 859
MASCHINE - Manual - 21
16.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................862
16.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................864
17 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
17.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 866
17.2 Recording Audio ......................................................................................................................... 867
17.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 880
17.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 894
17.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 916
17.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 867
17.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 869
17.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 872
17.2.5 Using the Footswitch for Recording Audio ................................................................. 875
17.2.6 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 876
17.2.7 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 880
17.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 881
17.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 886
17.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 895
17.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 897
17.4.3 Live Slicing ................................................................................................................ 902
17.4.3.1 Live Slicing Using the Controller ................................................................902
17.4.3.2 Delete All Slices .........................................................................................903
17.4.4 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 903
17.4.5 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 910
17.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 916
17.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 917
17.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 919
Table of Contents
866
MASCHINE - Manual - 22
Table of Contents
17.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 924
17.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 928
17.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 931
17.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 938
18 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
18.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 941
18.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 942
18.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 944
18.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 941
18.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 941
18.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 941
18.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 942
18.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 942
18.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 942
18.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 942
18.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 942
18.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 943
18.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 943
18.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 943
18.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 943
18.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 944
18.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 944
18.3.3 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 944
18.3.4 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 944
19 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
941
945
19.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 945
MASCHINE - Manual - 23
19.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................945
19.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 946
19.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 946
20 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
947
Index ........................................................................................................................
955
MASCHINE - Manual - 24
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 - 25
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 - 26
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 - 27
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 - 28
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the MASCHINE controller.
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.10
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 2.7.10
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
New Hardware Support
▪ Support for KOMPLETE KONTROL A-Series keyboards.
MASCHINE - Manual - 29
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.
1.4 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
1.5 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 - 30
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