Native Instruments Maschine Mikro MK2 Getting Started Guide
Getting Started
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Document authored by: David Gover
Document version: 1.0 (08/2011)
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs,
but in making this a better product.
Disclaimer
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© Native Instruments GmbH, 2011. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO! ..................................................................................
1.1 The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation ........................................................................................ 9
1.1.1 Manual Conventions .................................................................................................. 9
1.1.2 Where To Start? ......................................................................................................... 10
1.1.3 In This Document ....................................................................................................... 11
2 Overview ...................................................................................................................
2.1 MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware ....................................................................................................... 14
2.2 MASCHINE Software .................................................................................................................... 22
2.1.1 CONTROL Section ....................................................................................................... 15
2.1.2 TRANSPORT Section ................................................................................................... 18
2.1.3 PADS Section ............................................................................................................. 20
2.2.1 The Header ................................................................................................................ 23
2.2.2 The Browser ............................................................................................................... 25
2.2.3 Arranger .................................................................................................................... 26
2.2.4 Control Area ............................................................................................................... 27
2.2.5 Pattern Editor ............................................................................................................ 28
3 Overview of a MASCHINE Project ...............................................................................
3.1 The Structure of a MASCHINE Project .......................................................................................... 30
3.2 Navigating the MASCHINE MIKRO Controller Display .................................................................. 36
3.3 Controller Modes and Mode Locking ........................................................................................... 37
3.4 Navigation and Shortcuts ........................................................................................................... 38
3.1.1 Sound Content ........................................................................................................... 31
3.1.2 Arrangement .............................................................................................................. 33
3.4.1 Control Mode ............................................................................................................. 38
3.4.2 Controlling the Software View from the Hardware ..................................................... 38
3.4.3 Property Page and Module Shortcuts ......................................................................... 41
8
13
30
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 4
Table of Contents
3.4.4 Sampling Shortcuts ................................................................................................... 44
4 Creating a Pattern .....................................................................................................
4.1 Finding Samples in the Browser ................................................................................................. 47
4.2 Selecting Sounds and Creating a Group ..................................................................................... 50
4.3 Creating Patterns ....................................................................................................................... 51
4.4 Creating Patterns in Keyboard Mode ........................................................................................... 57
4.5 Creating Patterns with Plug-in Instruments ............................................................................... 59
4.6 Mute & Solo ................................................................................................................................ 66
4.3.1 Adjusting Quantization using the Grid ....................................................................... 52
4.3.2 Adjusting Pattern Length ........................................................................................... 52
4.3.3 Recording a Pattern with the Controller ..................................................................... 54
4.3.4 Step Sequencer .......................................................................................................... 55
4.3.5 Note Repeat ............................................................................................................... 56
4.3.6 Recording a Pattern with the Software ...................................................................... 57
4.5.1 Module Slots .............................................................................................................. 59
4.5.2 Defining Sources for Module Slots ............................................................................. 60
4.5.3 Loading an Instrument Plug-in .................................................................................. 60
4.5.4 Opening and Closing Plug-in Windows ...................................................................... 64
4.6.1 Hardware ................................................................................................................... 66
4.6.2 Software .................................................................................................................... 67
5 Using Effects & Routing .............................................................................................
5.1 Available Internal Effects ........................................................................................................... 69
5.1.1 Dynamics ................................................................................................................... 69
5.1.2 Filtering ..................................................................................................................... 69
5.1.3 Modulation ................................................................................................................ 70
5.1.4 Spatial and Reverb .................................................................................................... 70
5.1.5 Delay ......................................................................................................................... 70
5.1.6 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 71
47
69
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 5
5.2 Applying Effects to a Sound ........................................................................................................71
5.3 Applying Effects to a Group ........................................................................................................ 74
5.4 Applying Effects to the Master .................................................................................................... 77
5.5 Bypassing Effects .......................................................................................................................80
5.6 Automating Effects and Sampler Parameters ............................................................................. 80
6 The Input Module and Advanced Routing ....................................................................
6.1 Applying an Effect to an external audio source ........................................................................... 82
6.2 Setting up a Send Effect .............................................................................................................85
6.3 Routing Tips ............................................................................................................................... 89
7 Creating a Song using Scenes ....................................................................................
7.1 Creating a Clip in the Arranger ................................................................................................... 91
7.2 Inserting and Deleting Scenes .................................................................................................... 93
7.3 Using the Loop Mode .................................................................................................................. 94
8 Sampling ..................................................................................................................
8.1 How to Sample ............................................................................................................................95
8.2 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 98
8.3 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 100
8.4 Mapping Samples .......................................................................................................................103
9 Managing Projects ....................................................................................................
9.1 Saving Sounds, Groups, Patterns ............................................................................................... 107
9.2 Saving and Recalling Module Presets ......................................................................................... 109
9.3 Exporting Audio .......................................................................................................................... 111
9.1.1 Saving a Sound ......................................................................................................... 107
9.1.2 Saving a Group .......................................................................................................... 108
9.1.3 Saving a Pattern ........................................................................................................ 108
9.2.1 Saving Module Presets .............................................................................................. 109
9.2.2 Recalling Module Presets .......................................................................................... 109
10 Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................................
Table of Contents
82
91
95
107
114
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 6
10.1 Focus on the Hardware ............................................................................................................... 114
10.2 Check your CPU Power Before Playing ......................................................................................... 114
10.3 Name your Groups and Sounds ................................................................................................... 114
10.4 Use Mute & Solo and Scenes and Patterns with the Lock function ............................................. 114
10.5 Use Note Repeat ......................................................................................................................... 115
10.6 Set up your own Multi-effect Groups ........................................................................................... 115
10.7 Use a Limiter on your Master ...................................................................................................... 115
11 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
116
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 7
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
1 Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE is essentially the synergy of the MASCHINE MIKRO controller hardware and
the MASCHINE software combining the advantages of both worlds for making music, live
as well as in the studio. The intuitive, hands-on qualities of a dedicated Instrument, the
MASCHINE MIKRO controller, with the advanced editing features and the versatility of the
MASCHINE software turn it into the creative center of your musical productions.
You can create tight rhythms, harmonies and melodies — the highly enjoyable instrument
combines a pattern-based sequencer, professional sampler, multi-effect unit and VST/AU
plug-in host. Everything is intuitively controllable via the fully integrated hardware — once
you touch the tactile controller the fun and intuitive workflow takes over, allowing you to
stay focused on your music.
Since you can integrate it in any DAW that supports VST, Audio Units or the RTAS format
with multiple instances, you can profit from its abilities in almost any software setup or
use it as a stand-alone application. You can sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them easily turning your ideas into full productions.
However, MASCHINE is a lot more than an ordinary Groovebox or Sampler: It comes with a
6 Gigabyte Library programmed and created by well known artists and a sophisticated, yet
easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for.
But it doesn't stop there! You can create your own sounds and samples or use MASCHINE
EXPANSION packs, available from Native Instruments website to further enhance your library of sounds.
You can also control your external MIDI Hardware and Software with the MASCHINE MIKRO controller and customize the functions of the pads, knobs and buttons to your needs,
utilizing the Controller Editor Application.
We hope you enjoy the MASCHINE playground as much as we do. Now let’s get going!
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 8
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation
1.1 The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation
1.1.1 Manual 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:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note carefully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information
may often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to the setup or operating system you are using; however, it's always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to
locations on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is
printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text
appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE controller is printed in orange. Whenever
you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ 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] + [Return]").
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE MIKRO as the hardware controller
and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term 'effects' will often be abbreviated as 'FX' when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 9
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation
1.1.2 Where To Start?
MASCHINE MIKRO provides you with many information sources. The main sources are
meant to be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Setup Guide
2. MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started Guide (this document) and online video tutorials
3. MASCHINE MIKRO Reference Manual
4. MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
The Setup Guide is available in printed form in the product box. The whole documentation
set is also available in PDF format and located within the MASCHINE MIKRO installation
folder on your hard drive. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help
menu.
Your First Stop: the Setup Guide
A printed Setup Guide is included in the product box. It will guide you through the software and hardware installation of MASCHINE MIKRO, from the very beginning to the first
sound coming through your speakers. This should be your first stop in learning MASCHINE.
First read the Setup Guide. Then proceed with this MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started
Guide to get more familiar with MASCHINE MIKRO.
MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started Guide
After reading the Setup Guide and following its instructions, your MASCHINE MIKRO
should be up and running. The next step is to read this MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started Guide. The MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started Guide first gives you an overview of MASCHINE MIKRO and a practical approach to creating a project.
MASCHINE MIKRO Reference Manual
The MASCHINE MIKRO Reference Manual provides you with a detailed reference of your
MASCHINE software along with extra information (solving common issues, specifications,
etc.).
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference
The MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware Control Reference provides an overview of a MASCHINE
project, the quick access options performed using the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller, and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 10
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation
Video Tutorials
The Native Instruments website provides you with a lot of video tutorials that give you a
hands-on approach to many sides of the MASCHINE workflow. To see them, point your favorite browser to following URL: www.native-instruments.com/maschinemikromedia.
Controller Editor Reference Manual
Besides using your MASCHINE MIKRO 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, a little application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI assignments for your MASCHINE MIKRO controller. The Controller Editor should have been
installed during the MASCHINE MIKRO installation procedure. For more info on this,
please refer to the Controller Editor Reference Manual available as a PDF file in the Documentation subfolder of the Controller Editor installation folder on your hard disk.
1.1.3 In This Document
What you are reading now is the MASCHINE MIKRO Getting Started Guide Manual. This
manual is structured as follows:
The first part is this introduction.
▪ Chapter 2 quickly introduces you to the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware and software.
▪ Chapter 3 provides an overview of a MASCHINE project and a description of how
sound content and arrangement elements are linked.
▪ Chapter 4 is the first tutorial, and focused on creating a Pattern — the basic starting
point for a MASCHINE project. You will discover how to use both MASCHINE MIKRO
hardware and MASCHINE software to layout a Pattern with some drums, a bass line
and a melody. This practical example will simplify the learning process and get you
quickly started making beats!
▪ Chapter 5 provides an overview of effects and routing and also contains the second tu-
torial focused on adding effects to the Pattern you created in chapter 4.
▪ Chapter 6 describes the Input Module and more advanced routing options.
▪ Chapter 7 shows you how to arrange your patterns and develop them into a song using
the arranger.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 11
Welcome to MASCHINE MIKRO!
The MASCHINE MIKRO Documentation
▪ Chapter 8 describes how to use your soundcard and MASCHINE software to sample in-
ternal and external audio.
▪ Chapter 9 provides an overview of how to efficiently manage MASCHINE Projects, by
saving different elements independently so you can easily use and find them in other
Projects.
▪ Chapter 10 provides some hands-on tips for producing music with MASCHINE MIKRO
as well as for performing live.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 12
2 Overview
This mini-chapter will quickly introduce you to the main areas and concepts of MASCHINE, both on your MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller and in the MASCHINE software. By now you should have read the printed Setup Guide included in the product box
and will have setup MASCHINE MIKRO by making the necessary connections and configuring the software.
Take the time to read these few pages, as they will familiarize you with MASCHINE MIKRO's
workflow and provide an insight to the power of its design.
First of all lets have a quick look at the MASCHINE MIKRO hardware.
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 13
2.1 MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
MASCHINE MIKRO hardware controller overview
(1) CONTROL section: provides instant access to all Sound, Group and Master parameters
via the MAIN button and the Control knob. There are also dedicated buttons to access the
Browser, Groups and Sampling. For more information on this section please view ↑2.1.1,
CONTROL Section.
(2) TRANSPORT section: Start, stop and restart playback, activate record and skip bars
while playing, simply by pressing the dedicated buttons in the transport area of the MASCHINE MIKRO controller. For more information on this section please view ↑2.1.2,
TRANSPORT Section
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 14
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
(3) PADS section: Access the various modes of MASCHINE MIKRO using the mode buttons
on the left-hand side of this section. By pressing any of the 16 pads you will hear the corresponding Sound if one has been assigned. For more information on this section please
view ↑2.1.3, PADS Section.
2.1.1 CONTROL Section
Overview
Control section overview
(1-3) F1, F2 and F3 buttons: The three buttons above the LCD display dynamically adapt
their function to the currently active environment, allowing direct access to the most important sub-sections and functions. The action they will perform is shown below each button in the display. Using the SHIFT button you can also use F1 to access MIDI mode and F2
to access Instance mode:
▪ MIDI mode: In this mode you can use MASCHINE MIKRO as a MIDI controller. Press
SHIFT + F1 to access MIDI mode.
▪ Instance mode: In this mode you can select another instance of MASCHINE if you
have more than one open in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Press SHIFT + F2
to access Instance mode. Use the Control knob to select an instance.
(4) MAIN button: Press the MAIN button to toggle between Control mode and Main mode.
▪ Control mode is the default MASCHINE MIKRO page and may be used to access the
Sound, Group and Master levels of the MASCHINE project.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 15
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
▪ Main mode is used to change Volume, Swing and Tempo parameters. Press the MAIN
button plus: F1 for main Volume, F2 for global Swing, and F3 Tempo to control the
tempo of your project. Use the Control knob to change a parameter value.
When a pad or the GROUP button is held Tempo will be replaced by the Tune setting allowing
you to tune individual Sounds or Groups on the fly by rotating the Control knob.
(5) Display: Part of the hardware interface is occupied by the multi-functional control area,
which forms the core of MASCHINE's mouse-free workflow. The crystal-clear LCD display
will provide you with all essential information — no need to glance at the computer
screen.
(6) Control knob: Turn the Control knob to dynamically change the value of the parameter
shown in the display. Press the SHIFT button to change a value in finer increments. In
combination with the NAV button, Left and Right Arrow buttons (below the Display) you
can also use the Control knob to navigate the display area.
(7) NAV button: Press NAV + Left or Right Arrow buttons to quickly scroll fields on the display.
▪ If you press and hold the NAV button in Control mode you can change the mode of the
pads to operate as shortcuts to specific modules or parameter pages. See ↑3.4, Navi-
gation and Shortcuts for more details.
(8) Arrow Left button: Use this button to navigate left in the display. Use with the NAV button to quickly navigate to the previous page.
(9) Arrow Right button: Use this button to navigate right in the display. Use with the NAV
button to quickly navigate to the next page.
(10) ENTER (TAP): Press the ENTER button to confirm a specific value or to load from the
Browser. Press SHIFT and repeatedly tap the ENTER button to set the required tempo for
your project.
(11) BROWSE button: MASCHINE comes with over 6GB of sample content, organized in an
infinitely expandable library. The browser is fully integrated into the hardware-based workflow of MASCHINE, so finding the right Sound in MASCHINE is easier and faster than
anything you've experienced before. Anytime you press the BROWSE button, the characteristics of the currently selected Sound are used to filter the Library (i.e., Drums/Snare/Analog) so that you can immediately step through and audition alternatives. This feature is
known as Quick Browse.
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 16
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
(12) SAMPLING (SAVE) button: MASCHINE comes with fully integrated sampling functionality. Record external audio from a turntable, instrument or MP3 player or resample the
MASCHINE output to create tightly cut loops. Press the SAMPLING button to access this
Sample mode.
(13) GROUP button: Pressing the GROUP button will toggle the function of pads 9-16 from
Sound pads to Group pads to allow you to select the Group you want to work in. Dimmed
blue pads show which Groups contain Sounds, while fully lit blue pads show the selected
Group — the name of this Group will show in the display.
Overview
Press the GROUP button to toggle Group pads
The Group pads can also used to solo and mute Groups on the fly when the SOLO or MUTE
mode buttons are pressed. In the MASCHINE software each Group is represented by a
Group Slot A to H. In a MASCHINE Project you may have up to 8 Groups each containing
16 Sounds.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 17
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
(14) NOTE REPEAT button: Note Repeat is a really handy way to program beats — it plays
the selected Sound automatically at a given quantization. While holding the NOTE REPEAT
button, press the pad you want to record: notes will now repeatedly triggered at the selected rate shown in the display. With buttons F1, F2 and F3, you can select different quantization settings while playing. You can select new quantization values for each of these
buttons by turning the Control knob. By pressing SHIFT + NOTE REPEAT you can enter
STEP mode.
For more information on Step mode please refer to ↑4.3.4, Step Sequencer.
2.1.2 TRANSPORT Section
Overview
TRANSPORT section overview
Start, stop and restart playback, activate record and skip bars while playing, simply by
pressing the dedicated buttons in the transport area of the MASCHINE MIKRO controller.
Use the SHIFT button to invoke secondary commands such as the Metronome, Count in
and Step forward and backward in smaller increments.
(1) RESTART button: Press the RESTART button to restart the track at anytime. Playback
will begin at bar 1 of the project.
(2) Step Backwards button: Skip back through the arrangement one bar at a time. Press the
SHIFT button and STEP to skip backwards through the arrangement in finer increments.
(3) Step Forwards button:
(4) GRID button: Select grid sizes for quantization when recording single events, for changing pattern lengths or switching scenes. Turn the grid off completely for a direct groove
without quantization.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 18
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
(5) PLAY button: Press the PLAY button to activate playback. Press PLAY a second time to
stop playback. Press SHIFT and PLAY to turn the Metronome on. Press SHIFT and PLAY a
second time to turn the Metronome off.
(6) REC button: Press PLAY and REC at the same time to begin recording. Press PLAY and
REC a second time to stop recording.
(7) ERASE button: When creating music, erasing needs to be as quick and simple as recording, so there is a dedicated button for this! Hold ERASE during playback and press any
number of pads to erase the events of the currently activated pattern on the fly. Press the
button of a Group to erase all its events at once. If you turn any knobs while holding
ERASE, it will clear the automation of the associated parameter.
(8) SHIFT button: While the most important features are accessible through dedicated buttons, many shortcuts are available by holding the SHIFT button and pressing pads 1-16 or
several other buttons. You can also use the SHIFT button to change parameters in fine increments when entering values with the Control knob.
All MASCHINE MIKRO hardware shortcuts are explained in the Hardware Control Reference.
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 19
2.1.3 PADS Section
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
PADS section overview
(1) SCENE button: Create Scenes to work out the structure of your track. During playback,
you can switch to other Scenes for quick on-the-fly arrangement. Dimmed pads show
which scenes contain clip, while fully lit pads show the currently selected Scene.
(2) PATTERN: Working with Patterns allows you to create different beats with the same set
of Sounds. Switch between different patterns or create a new one during playback. Dimmed pads show which Patterns contain Events, fully lit pads show the selected Pattern.
(3) PAD MODE: MASCHINE is designed to record drum sounds, but the pads can easily be
used to play melodies or even chords! Besides the standard layout mapping, there are two
options to map a single Sound to all 16 pads. In Keyboard mode, the pads represent 16
chromatic steps, ascending from the selected root note — this way you can play the se-
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 20
MASCHINE MIKRO Hardware
lected Sound like an instrument. You can also use F2 to transpose down or F3 to transpose
up an octave at a time. In 16 Velocities mode, the pads represent 16 levels from the softest to the full velocity — this is especially useful for building up dynamic grooves.
(4) VIEW: When working on large projects, it is sometimes necessary to look at the computer screen. With MASCHINE there is no need to use the mouse and search for scroll bars or
magnifying glasses! Just use the pads and the knobs to zoom in and out or scroll through
Patterns and Scenes.
(5) DUPLICATE: Use the Duplicate button to swiftly create another instance of any Sound,
Pattern, Group or Scene. This can be useful for creating variations or trying out something
new while preserving the current state of your work.
(6) SELECT: Select a Sound without having to play it, or select the notes playing a particular Sound, which is useful for limiting quantization, nudging notes and other operations
specific to the selected events.
(7) SOLO: Instantly solo any Sound or Group (equals muting all other Sounds/Groups) useful to tweak the sound or for performing live. Sounds and Groups that are not muted
are represented by their corresponding button or pad being dimmed. The LCD screen show
the names of all the Groups and Sounds as well as their current status.
(8) MUTE: Instantly mute Sounds or Groups — good for getting on top of your production
when you have many sounds playing and especially useful for performing live. Muted
Sounds and Groups are represented by the corresponding buttons' lights turning off. The
LCD screen show the names of all the Groups and Sounds as well as their current status.
(9) Pads 1-16: Hitting the ultra responsive pads will play (and record, if REC is on) the corresponding Sound. When a Sound is selected you can instantly edit it's parameters. Press
and hold a pad to toggle to Main mode and change the value for TUNE by turning the Control knob. Press F1 to change VOLUME and F2 to change SWING for the sound on each pad.
Overview
For a detailed explanation of each feature please refer to the Reference Manual.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 21
2.2 MASCHINE Software
Overview
MASCHINE Software
The MASCHINE Software
(1) Header: The Header contains the main controls for the MASCHINE software including
the Display Area, Transport controls and the main volume output levels. You can also use
this area to toggle the Browser, connect to MASCHINE controller and monitor your computers CPU usage.
(2) Browser: The Browser is your tool for managing, finding, tagging and categorizing
Projects, Groups, Patterns, Sounds, Samples, FX and Plug-in presets. Using the search facility you can quickly find things and audition sounds.
(3) Arranger: Use this area to drag and drop up to 64 Scenes in order to build your track
and make arrangements.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 22
MASCHINE Software
(4) Control Area: The Control Area allows you control parameters and settings for each of
the four modules at each project level (Sound, Group and Master). This area can hold settings for Samples, Sounds, Plug-ins, internal FX, MIDI and Routing.
(5) Pattern Editor: The Pattern Editor features both step programming and real-time recording and is the basis for each Scene. Up to 8 groups of 64 patterns can be created here
and then arranged into Scenes in the Arranger. The Pattern Editor also supports automation for Sounds, Samples, FX, Plug-ins and mixer parameters.
2.2.1 The Header
The Header
(1) Menu button: Click the Menu button to access the software menus. This button is particularly useful in Full-screen mode and when MASCHINE is used as a DAW plug-in.
(2) Browser button: Use the Browser button to toggle the Browser. The Browser is your tool
for managing, finding, tagging and categorizing Projects, Groups, Patterns, Sounds, Plugin and FX presets. From the Browser you can to directly search your computer or an external drive to add new samples. You may also audition sounds directly from the Browser and
apply new tags.
(3) Display Area: The Display area provides visual feedback regarding Tempo, Global Swing
and Time signature.
(4) Transport controls: The Transport control contains buttons like a conventional tape recorder or CD player, such as Play, Restart, Record and Stop.
(5) Connect button: Use the Connect button to connect an instance of MASCHINE to the
hardware controller.
(6) Audio Engine button: Click the Audio Engine button to completely bypass the sound
processing of MASCHINE.
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 23
MASCHINE Software
(7) CPU Meter: The CPU Meter represents the current load on your computer's processor
and is constantly measured; it should not go above 70% to avoid clicks and interruptions.
You can save CPU power by sampling the audio output of MASCHINE if necessary using
export.
Please refer to the Reference Manual for more information on exporting audio from MASCHINE.
(8) Volume control: Shows the amplitude of the MASCHINE audio output and features an
integrated Volume fader that controls the output level.
(9) NI Logo: The NI logo and MASCHINE logo opens the About Screen which displays the
version number and edition of your MASCHINE software.
Overview
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 24
2.2.2 The Browser
Overview
MASCHINE Software
The Browser
(1) Disk button: Use the Disk button to access your computer hard drives.
(2) File Type Selector: This contains 7 icons each representing the different files types of
MASCHINE. From the left to right the file types are Project, Group, Sound, Pattern, Instrument, FX, and Sample. By clicking one of them it causes only the files of the selected type
to be displayed in the Search Result List.
MASCHINE MIKRO - Getting Started - 25
MASCHINE Software
(3) Tag Filter: The Tag Filter allows you to search for file types based on tags that have
been applied to them. You can quickly find files based on the Bank, Type and Subtype
categories.
(4) Text Search Field: Use the Text Search Field to quickly find files based on their name or
tagged attribute. Select the type of file you are looking for from the File Type Selector and
enter the name or category of a file into the Text Search Field to perform a search. Results
are displayed in the Search Result List below.
(5) Search Result List: The Search Result List displays all files that match your query.
(6) Tag Editor: The Tag Editor allows you to edit Tags applied to files and add Tags to new
files from the three available categories.
(7) Audition controls: This allows you to listen to Samples, Sounds, which can be listened
to in context with the rest of your Project while it is playing.
2.2.3 Arranger
Overview
The Arranger
(1) Play mode controls: This area contains the controls for Scene Sync which allow you to
quantize Scene transitions and retrigger them.
(2) Arranger Timeline: This area displays the current position within the track and allows
you to set the loop range.
(3) Group Slots: The Group Slots each contain 16 Sound Slots, each of which can hold one
Sound.
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(4) Clip Area: Each Clip represents a Pattern from a given Group. A combination of several
Clips stacked vertically is called a Scene. A Scene can be moved freely by dragging and
dropping it into place, or you can use more conventional Copy, Paste and delete functions.
2.2.4 Control Area
The Control Area
(1) Master tab: Controls sound at the main outputs of MASCHINE (including all Groups).
(2) Group tab: Use the Group tab to gain access to the Group page which contains the
Group Modules and Group Property Pages. Controls on the Group tab affect the sound of
the currently selected Group A-H (including all Sound Slots).
(3) Sound tab: Use the Sound tab to gain access to the Sound page which contains the
Sound Modules and Sound Property Pages. Controls on the Sound Page affect the sound
of the currently selected Sound Slot (1-16).
(4) Module tabs 1-4: There are four modules on each project level; Sound, Group and Master. They can contain instruments and FX and are the building blocks for your project. Use
modules to change sound parameters, setup FX sends and route audio. These will be explained in more detail in chapter ↑4.5.1, Module Slots.
(5) Quick Browse Area: The Quick Browse area can be used to recall a file in the Browser
and the search query you performed to find to the given file. If you rollover the Quick
Browse Area with your mouse when using a VST/AU plug-in the edit icon appears. Click
this to open the plug-in in a separate window.
(6) Property Page buttons: Use the Property Pages to control the Source, Groove, Macro and
Output properties. These are available at each level of the Project.
Overview
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(7) Parameter Pages: Displays parameters based on the selected Tab and Property Page.
2.2.5 Pattern Editor
Overview
The Pattern Editor
(1) Pattern Editor view switch: Use this button to select the Pattern Editor view.
(2) Dragger Icon: The Dragger Icon allows you to conveniently drag and drop audio or MIDI
patterns to your desktop or host software.
(3) Pattern Editor: Here you can see rectangular blocks known as Events from the selected
Pattern Slot. In Pattern Editor view these represent each part of your drum pattern. In Piano Roll/Keyboard view they represent musical notes. The Events can be edited using your
mouse; they can be dragged to a new position, elongated, shortened or deleted. Use the
Edit Control (9) to change the steps in which Events can be moved.
(4) Piano Roll / Keyboard view switch: Use this button to select the Piano Roll/Keyboard
view.
(5) Sampling view switch: Use this button to select the Sampling view.
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(6) Sound Slots: Sounds Slots 1-16 of a selected Group are listed here. Click a Sound Slot
to bring it into focus.
(7) Automation Lane: The Automation Lane provides a visual overview of the each parameters automation.
(8) Automation View Switch: The Automation View Switch allows you to toggle the Automation Lane view on or off.
(9) Edit Controls: The Edit Controls allow you to change the Grid of the Steps, select a new
value from the drop-down Grid menu.
(10) Pattern Timeline: The timeline at the top of the Arrange area displays musical time
units, including bars and beats.
(11) Pattern Slots: Each Group has 4 Pattern Banks which can contain up to 64 Patterns
known as Pattern Slots. Each slot can contain many Events to make up a single Pattern.
This can be a drum pattern or musical phrase. When a Pattern Slot is selected it is referenced by the selected Scene, this is known as a Clip. The Clip will take the name of the
Pattern number although it is possible to give the Clip a unique name. Create different
Clips from Pattern Slots to form an arrangement.
(12) Pattern Length controls: The Pattern Length controls allow you to change the length of
the pattern, select a new value from the drop-down Pattern Length menu.
Overview
For a detailed explanation of each section please refer to the Reference Manual.
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Overview of a MASCHINE Project
The Structure of a MASCHINE Project
3 Overview of a MASCHINE Project
This chapter will familiarize you with the core concepts and terms of MASCHINE and explain the structure of a MASCHINE project.
3.1 The Structure of a MASCHINE Project
MASCHINE's file format is called a MASCHINE Project, and it has the file extension
".mprj."
A MASCHINE Project contains all the information stored with a MASCHINE-produced
piece of music. In the following diagram we can see the different aspects of a MASCHINE
Project.
Overview of a MASCHINE Project.
▪ The Project references all the sound content, the instruments, sounds and samples,
and all the effects you apply to them.
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