Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK1 Operation Manual v2.6.8
MANUAL
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
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in the United States and/or other countries.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
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All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover, Nicolas Sidi
Software version: 2.6.8 (08/2017)
Disclaimer
Hardware version: MASCHINE MIKRO MK1
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2017. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 23
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 25
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8 ............................................................................................... 26
1.1.1 MASCHINE Getting Started Guide .............................................................................. 23
1.1.2 MASCHINE Manual ..................................................................................................... 23
1.1.3 MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference ..................................................................... 24
1.1.4 Controller Editor Manual ............................................................................................ 24
1.1.5 Support Channel Videos ............................................................................................ 24
1.1.6 Other Online Resources ............................................................................................. 24
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know ...................................................................................... 28
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 31
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 35
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 31
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View ..................................................... 32
2.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 33
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 33
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 34
2.3.1 Setting the Focus on a Group or a Sound ................................................................... 35
2.3.2 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 40
2.3.3 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 41
2.3.4 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 47
2.3.5 Pinning a Mode on Your Controller ............................................................................. 49
2.3.6 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 50
22
28
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2.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 51
2.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 53
2.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................56
2.7 Integrating MASCHINE into Your MIDI Setup ............................................................................... 91
2.8 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 95
2.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 53
2.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 55
2.5.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 55
2.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 57
2.6.1.1 Usage Data Tracking .................................................................................61
2.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 62
2.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 65
2.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 68
2.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 71
2.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 79
2.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 84
2.6.8 Controller Menu in the Hardware Page of the Preferences Panel ............................... 87
2.6.9 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 88
2.7.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 91
2.7.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 91
2.7.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 93
2.8.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 95
2.8.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 95
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
97
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 97
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 97
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3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 99
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 98
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 99
3.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 103
3.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 108
3.2.3.1 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank on the
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 128
3.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 133
3.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 139
3.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 145
3.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 114
3.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 115
3.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 115
3.2.7 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 122
3.2.8 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 122
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 129
3.3.2 Auditioning Your Samples ......................................................................................... 130
3.3.3 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 131
3.3.4 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 132
3.3.5 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 132
3.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 139
3.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 141
3.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 141
3.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 144
3.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 145
Controller ...................................................................................................113
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3.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 155
3.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 157
3.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 147
3.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 148
3.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 149
3.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 150
3.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 153
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 160
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................168
4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 182
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 161
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 162
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 163
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 170
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 171
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 172
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 173
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 174
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 176
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 179
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 181
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 183
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 185
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 186
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 187
160
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4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 196
4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 207
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 188
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 190
4.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 194
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 195
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 197
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 198
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 200
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 207
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 208
5 Playing on Your Controller .........................................................................................
5.1 Adjusting Your Pads ................................................................................................................... 212
5.2 Adjusting the Key, Choke, and Link Parameters for Multiple Sounds .......................................... 223
5.3 Adjusting the Base Key ............................................................................................................... 225
5.4 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 226
5.5 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 237
5.1.1 The Pad View in the Software .................................................................................... 212
5.1.2 Choosing a Pad Mode ................................................................................................ 214
5.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 217
5.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 219
5.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 221
5.4.1 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 226
5.4.2 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 231
5.4.3 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 231
5.4.4 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 234
212
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5.5.1 Overview of the Perform Features .............................................................................. 237
5.5.2 Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords ..................................................................... 240
5.5.3 Scale and Chord Parameters ..................................................................................... 240
5.5.4 Creating Arpeggios and Repeated Notes ................................................................... 246
5.5.5 Swing Also Applied to Note Repeat / Arp Output ........................................................ 247
6 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
6.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 248
6.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 269
6.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 248
6.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 252
6.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 252
6.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 260
6.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 260
6.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 263
6.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 264
6.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 265
6.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 265
6.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................265
6.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................267
6.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................268
6.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 270
6.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 272
6.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 275
6.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 276
6.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 278
6.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 280
248
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6.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 281
6.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 282
6.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 285
6.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 286
6.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 291
6.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 294
7 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
7.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 295
7.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 315
7.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 324
7.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 328
7.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 296
7.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 299
7.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 301
7.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 303
7.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 305
7.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 307
7.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 310
7.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 316
7.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 318
7.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 319
7.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 321
7.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 323
7.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 324
7.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 327
7.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 328
Table of Contents
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7.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 352
7.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 363
7.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 365
7.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 384
7.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 332
7.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 333
7.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 336
7.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 339
7.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 342
7.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 345
7.4.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 347
7.4.9 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 348
7.4.10 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 349
7.5.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 354
7.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 355
7.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 357
7.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 365
7.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 367
7.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 370
7.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 372
7.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 374
7.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 376
7.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 379
7.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 380
7.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 383
7.7.10 Adjusting Pattern Length in Fine Increments ............................................................. 384
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Table of Contents
7.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 384
7.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 386
7.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 388
8 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
8.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 398
8.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 423
8.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 444
8.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 399
8.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 404
8.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 409
8.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 413
8.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 418
8.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................419
8.1.5.2 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in MASCHINE MIKRO ....................423
8.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 424
8.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 430
8.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 431
8.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 439
8.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 440
8.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 445
8.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls .......................................................................................... 446
9 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
397
453
9.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 453
9.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 456
9.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 453
9.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 454
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9.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................470
9.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 471
9.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 457
9.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 459
9.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 460
9.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 461
9.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 463
9.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 468
9.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 473
9.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 475
9.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 476
9.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 479
9.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 483
10 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
10.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 487
10.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 491
10.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 487
10.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 487
10.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 490
10.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 490
10.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 490
10.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 493
10.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 495
10.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 498
10.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 499
10.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 502
486
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10.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................510
10.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................531
10.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 541
10.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 503
10.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 505
10.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 507
10.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 508
10.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 512
10.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 514
10.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 516
10.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 517
10.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 519
10.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 521
10.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 523
10.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 525
10.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 527
10.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 529
10.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 532
10.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 534
10.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 536
10.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid ......................................................................................................... 538
10.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 540
10.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 543
10.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 545
10.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 549
10.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 551
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10.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................552
10.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 563
10.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 554
10.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 557
10.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 559
10.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 565
10.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 567
11 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
11.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 571
11.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 571
11.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 573
12 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
12.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 575
12.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 589
12.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 596
12.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 604
12.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 575
12.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 584
12.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 586
12.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 589
12.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 592
12.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 594
12.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 597
12.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 601
12.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 603
Table of Contents
570
575
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13 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
13.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................608
13.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 624
13.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 633
13.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 641
13.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 608
13.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 612
13.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 615
13.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 617
13.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 621
13.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 624
13.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 627
13.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 631
13.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 633
13.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 634
13.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 636
13.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 638
13.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 639
13.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 641
13.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 642
13.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 644
13.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 645
13.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 647
13.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................648
13.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................650
13.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................653
607
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13.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................654
13.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 663
13.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 672
13.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 654
13.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 657
13.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 660
13.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 661
13.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 663
13.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 665
13.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 667
13.6.4 Analog Distortion ....................................................................................................... 670
13.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 673
13.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 675
13.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 677
13.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 680
13.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 683
13.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 685
13.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 688
13.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 690
14 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
Table of Contents
693
14.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 693
14.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 702
14.1.1 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 696
14.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 698
14.1.3 Jumping to Other Sections ......................................................................................... 700
14.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 702
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14.3 Using Arranger View ................................................................................................................... 720
14.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 704
14.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 705
14.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 708
14.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 709
14.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 711
14.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 711
14.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 712
14.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 714
14.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 715
14.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 716
14.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 717
14.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 718
14.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 720
14.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 722
14.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 724
14.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 724
14.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 728
14.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 730
14.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................731
14.3.6.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................733
14.3.7 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 733
14.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 735
14.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................737
14.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 737
14.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 739
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
14.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 744
14.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 747
14.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................750
14.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................752
14.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 740
14.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 741
14.3.13 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 741
14.3.14 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 742
14.3.14.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................743
14.3.14.2 Setting the Loop Range Using the Controller .............................................744
14.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 745
15 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
15.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 753
15.2 Recording a Sample ................................................................................................................... 755
15.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 770
15.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 784
15.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 755
15.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 757
15.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 762
15.2.5 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 765
15.2.6 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 769
15.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 770
15.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 777
15.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 785
15.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 787
15.4.3 Live Slicing ................................................................................................................ 792
753
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
15.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 804
15.4.4 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 794
15.4.5 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 798
15.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 804
15.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 806
15.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 807
15.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 812
15.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 816
15.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 819
15.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 829
15.4.3.1 Live Slicing Using MASCHINE MIKRO .........................................................792
15.4.3.2 Delete All Slices .........................................................................................793
16 Using KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series Keyboards ..........................................................
16.1 Switching the Keyboard Focus to/from a MASCHINE Instance ..................................................... 831
16.2 Controlling the Transport in MASCHINE ...................................................................................... 838
16.3 Navigating and Controlling Your Sounds within a Group ............................................................ 843
16.4 Browsing Your MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 850
16.5 Using the Perform Features ........................................................................................................ 860
16.6 Using the Touch Strips ............................................................................................................... 866
16.7 Recording Modulation from Your Keyboard ................................................................................. 871
16.8 Adjusting the Settings for Your Keyboard in the MASCHINE Preferences ..................................... 875
16.9 Arp Hold Mode ............................................................................................................................ 877
16.4.1 Browsing with the Hardware ...................................................................................... 852
16.4.2 Browsing with the On-Screen Overlay ........................................................................ 854
17 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
831
879
17.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 879
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 20
Table of Contents
17.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 881
17.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 882
17.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 879
17.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 879
17.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 879
17.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 880
17.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 880
17.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 880
17.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 880
17.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 881
17.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 881
17.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 881
17.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 881
17.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 882
17.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 882
17.3.2 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 882
18 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
883
18.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 883
18.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................883
18.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 884
18.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 884
19 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 21
885
893
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 MIKRO - Manual - 22
Welcome to MASCHINE
MASCHINE Documentation
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation
Native Instruments provide many information sources regarding MASCHINE. The main documents should be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Getting Started
2. MASCHINE Manual (this document)
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
▪ Controller Editor Manual
▪ Online Support Videos
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
MASCHINE documents are available in PDF. You can also access these documents from
the application’s Help menu or the following location:
www.native-instruments.com.
Please check the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date and localized versions of these documents.
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
1.1.1 MASCHINE Getting Started Guide
This document provides a practical approach to MASCHINE via a set of tutorials covering easy
and more advanced tasks in order to help you familiarize yourself with MASCHINE.
1.1.2 MASCHINE Manual
The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a comprehensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 23
Welcome to MASCHINE
MASCHINE Documentation
1.1.3 MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
The MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference provides an overview of a MASCHINE Project, the
quick access options performed using the MASCHINE hardware controller, and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
1.1.4 Controller Editor Manual
Besides using your MASCHINE hardware controller together with its dedicated MASCHINE
software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile MIDI controller to pilot any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible by the Controller Editor software,
an application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI assignments for your MASCHINE
controller. The Controller Editor was installed during the MASCHINE installation procedure.
For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF
file via the Help menu of Controller Editor.
1.1.5 Support Channel Videos
You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native Instruments Support Channel
under the following url: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupportEN We recommend that you follow
along with these instructions while the respective application is running on your computer.
1.1.6 Other Online Resources
If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments product that the supplied
documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these subjects in the chapter Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
1.2 Document Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task
more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full
attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 25
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
→
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
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.
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
▪ Bass Synth
MASCHINE now includes its first internal synth: Now you can create rich bass tones with
this monophonic bass synth, exclusive to MASCHINE. Design and shape with intuitive, fun,
and fully-automatable controls, including filter, mod envelope, decay, drive, and glide
time, directly from the hardware. Morph seamlessly between waveforms, from sine to saw
to square, to create your own unique sounds, with no synth programming knowledge re-
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 26
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.6.8
quired. Or load any of the pro-designed presets to get studio-ready bass for any genre, from
booming subs to dripping acid. For more information on the Bass Synth please refer to the
following chapter: ↑11, Using the Bass Synth, and the MASCHINE JAM Manual.
▪ Isomorphic Keyboard Layout for MASCHINE JAM
MASCHINE JAM now comes with an Isomorphic Keyboard, a new, easy way to play harmonies and melodies. Now you can use the 8x8 grid to play any chord or musical interval by
playing a combination of notes using the same hand formation wherever it occurs, within a
key, across keys, and across octaves. For more information on the Isomorphic Keyboard
please refer to the MASCHINE JAM Manual, available from the Help menu and Native Instruments website.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 27
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
2 Basic Concepts
This chapter will reintroduce you to MASCHINE’s main elements and terminology and explain
how they relate to one another. You will also learn how to set up your audio interface and how
to connect MIDI devices.
Before reading this chapter it is strongly recommended that you read the MASCHINE
Getting Started first.
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know
We will start with a list defining the most important concepts and names.
Arranger View
The Arranger is the big area located in the upper part of the MASCHINE window, right under
the Header. On its left you can select Groups. The Arranger allows you to combine Sections
(references to Scenes), and arrange them into a song.
Browser
The Browser is the front end for accessing all the elements of your MASCHINE Projects:
Projects, Groups, Sounds, instruments and effect presets, and Samples. Each of these can be
stored and tagged in a way that allows you easy access to all of them. MASCHINE’s factory
library is already completely tagged, as well as factory libraries of any Native Instruments products installed on your computer. You can also import your own files to the Library and tag them
as well. To learn more about the Browser, please read chapter ↑3, Browser.
Ideas View
The Ideas view allows you to experiment with your musical ideas without being tied to a timeline or arrangement. You can create Patterns for each Group and combine them into a Scene.
Scenes can then be added to Sections in the Arranger view to create a larger musical structure.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 28
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
Project
A Project contains all data needed for a song: Groups with their Patterns, all Scenes and all
settings, modulation, effects, routings, Sounds and Samples. It’s like a snapshot of the entire
state of MASCHINE. Please read the MASCHINE Getting Started for a complete overview of
the MASCHINE Project structure.
Sound
Sounds are the building blocks of all sound content in MASCHINE. A Sound is made up of any
number of Plug-ins. Each Sound of the selected Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the
hardware controller, so you can play the Sounds by pressing the pads. Refer to chapter ↑4,
Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project for more information on Sounds.
Group
A Group contains 16 Sound slots. In addition to the Effect Plug-ins applied to each individual
Sound, a Group can have its own insert effect. These affect all the Sounds in the Group. A
Group can also contain any number of Patterns (grouped into banks of 16 Patterns each). Refer to chapter ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project for more information on Groups.
Master
This is where all audio signals from each of the Groups and Sounds come together and get
mixed. The Master channel can also host any number of insert effects of its own, these effects
are applied to all Groups and the Sounds within them. More information on the Master can be
found in chapter ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project.
Pattern
A Pattern is a sequence that plays Sounds from a Group. It belongs to that Group and will be
saved together with the Group. In every Scene you can choose for each Group which of its Patterns has to be played. More information on Patterns can be found in chapter ↑7, Working with
Patterns.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
Scene
A Scene is a combination of Patterns for each Group. They can be used to combine Patterns in
order to create musical ideas. Scenes are created in the Ideas view and then added to Sections
in the Arranger view to create an arrangement. Refer to chapter ↑14.3, Using Arranger View for
more information on Scenes.
Section
A Section is a reference to a specific Scene on the Timeline of the Arranger view. They are
used to arrange the Scenes into a larger musical structure. The benefit of using Sections is
that any changes made to a Scene are replicated in each Section where the Scene is referenced therefore making the process of changing parts of a song quick and easy.
Event
Events are the individual drum hits or notes that make up a Pattern. In the Pattern Editor,
events are visually represented by rectangles in the Event area. Depending on the current view
in the Pattern Editor, you can see events for all Sounds slots (Group view) or for the selected
Sound slot only (Keyboard view). Events are described in more detail in chapter ↑7, Working
with Patterns.
Plug-in
Each Sound, each Group, and the Master can hold any number of Plug-ins. Plug-ins can be
instruments or effects, and they can be internal (included with MASCHINE), from other Native
Instruments products (instruments or effects), or external (third-party VST/AU plug-ins). Instrument and Effect Plug-ins can be loaded in the first Plug-in slot of Sounds. The other Plug-in
slots of Sounds, as well as the Plug-in slots of Groups and of the Master can hold Effect Plugins only. At each level (Sound, Group, and Master), Plug-ins process the audio in series, according to the order in which they are stacked up. Refer to chapter ↑6, Working with Plug-ins.
Effect
MASCHINE comes with many different effects in the form of Internal Plug-ins. You may also
use Native Instruments or third-party VST/AU effect plug-ins. Each Sound, each Group, and
the Master can hold any number of effects that will be applied as insert effects. The flexible
routing system also allows you to create send effects, multi-effects, and side-chains. For more
MASCHINE MIKRO - Manual - 30
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