Native Instruments Maschine MK2 Operation Manual
Manual
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
Mac, Mac OS, GarageBand, Logic, iTunes and iPod are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Windows, Windows Vista and DirectSound are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation
in the United States and/or other countries.
AKAI S-x000/z8, AKAI S-1000/3000/5000/6000 and MPC are trademarks of Akai Professional, L.P. and used with permission.
Emax and SP-1200 are trademarks of E-mu Systems, Inc. The trademark holders are not affiliated with the maker of this product and do not endorse this product.
All other trade marks are the property of their respective owners and use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Disclaimer
Document authored by: David Gover
Product version: 1.7 (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.
Germany
Native Instruments GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
USA
Native Instruments North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
Contact
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2011. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Introduction ..............................................................................................................
1.1 Welcome to MASCHINE! .............................................................................................................. 12
1.2 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 14
1.1.1 Manual Conventions .................................................................................................. 13
1.1.2 Naming Conventions ................................................................................................. 13
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and concepts you should know ....................................................................................... 16
2.2 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 18
2.3 Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 24
2.4 Preferences .................................................................................................................................25
2.2.1 Switching Views ........................................................................................................ 18
2.2.2 Showing and hiding the Browser ............................................................................... 19
2.2.3 Minimizing the Arranger ............................................................................................ 20
2.2.4 Hiding Parameter Pages in the Control Area .............................................................. 20
2.2.5 Hiding the Modulation Lane ....................................................................................... 21
2.2.6 Navigating Parameter Pages in the Control Area ....................................................... 22
2.2.7 Undo and Redo .......................................................................................................... 23
2.2.8 Pinning a Mode .......................................................................................................... 23
2.3.1 Differences between Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 24
2.3.2 Switching Instances with the Hardware in Plug-in Mode ........................................... 24
2.3.3 Switching Instances with the Software in Plug-in Mode ............................................ 24
2.4.1 Preferences – General Tab ......................................................................................... 26
2.4.2 Preferences – Defaults Tab ....................................................................................... 28
2.4.3 Preferences – User Paths Tab .................................................................................... 29
2.4.4 Preferences – Libraries Tab ....................................................................................... 31
2.4.5 Preferences – Plug-ins Tab ....................................................................................... 31
12
16
MASCHINE - Manual - 4
Table of Contents
2.5 Audio and MIDI Settings ............................................................................................................. 36
2.6 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ......................................................................................... 40
2.4.6 Preferences – Hardware Tab ...................................................................................... 35
2.5.1 Audio Tab .................................................................................................................. 37
2.5.2 Routing Tab ............................................................................................................... 38
2.5.3 MIDI Tab .................................................................................................................... 39
2.6.1 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 41
2.6.2 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 41
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
3.1 Elements of the Browser ............................................................................................................. 44
3.2 Adding your Own Samples .......................................................................................................... 50
3.3 Quick Browse .............................................................................................................................. 54
3.4 The Browser on the Hardware ..................................................................................................... 56
3.1.1 Disk Selector .............................................................................................................. 45
3.1.2 File Type Selector ....................................................................................................... 46
3.1.3 Tag Filter ................................................................................................................... 46
3.1.4 Text Search field ........................................................................................................ 47
3.1.5 Search Result List ..................................................................................................... 48
3.1.6 Locating missing Samples ........................................................................................ 49
3.2.1 Importing a Sample Into the Library .......................................................................... 52
3.2.2 Tagging your Groups, Sounds, Patterns, Instruments, FX Presets, and Samples ....... 53
3.3.1 Using Quick Browse ................................................................................................... 55
3.3.2 In-Place Auditioning .................................................................................................. 55
4 Sound Slots ..............................................................................................................
4.1 Defining a Sound Slot's Role ...................................................................................................... 59
4.2 The Sampler Parameters in Module 1 ......................................................................................... 61
4.1.1 Selecting a Source using the Hardware ..................................................................... 60
4.1.2 Selecting a Source using the Software ...................................................................... 61
43
58
MASCHINE - Manual - 5
Table of Contents
4.3 Loading an Instrument Plug-in ...................................................................................................72
4.4 The Sampler Parameters in the Sound’s Output Tab (OUT) ......................................................... 77
4.5 Saving a Sound .......................................................................................................................... 79
4.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ...................................................................................................... 80
4.7 Resetting a Sound ...................................................................................................................... 81
4.8 Mute and Solo .............................................................................................................................82
4.9 Loading REX Files ....................................................................................................................... 85
4.10 Sound MIDI Options .................................................................................................................... 86
4.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings and Engine ............................................................................ 63
4.2.2 Page 2: Pitch/Gate and Amplitude Envelope .............................................................. 64
4.2.3 Page 3: FX and Filter Settings ................................................................................... 67
4.2.4 Page 4: Modulation Envelope and Destination ........................................................... 68
4.2.5 Page 5: LFO and Destination ..................................................................................... 69
4.2.6 Page 6: Velocity Destination and Modwheel Destination ............................................ 71
4.3.1 Opening and Closing Plug-in Windows ...................................................................... 76
4.4.1 Page 1: Main, Aux 1 and Aux 2 .................................................................................. 77
4.4.2 Page 2: Pre Mix Options ............................................................................................. 79
4.8.1 Hardware ................................................................................................................... 82
4.8.2 Software .................................................................................................................... 83
4.10.1 Sound MIDI Batch Setup ............................................................................................ 86
4.10.2 Sound MIDI Settings .................................................................................................. 88
4.10.3 MIDI Output from Sounds .......................................................................................... 90
5 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................
5.1 The Group Property Pages ........................................................................................................... 92
5.1.1 Page 1: Voice Settings and Pitch ............................................................................... 92
5.1.2 Page 2: Groove ........................................................................................................... 93
5.1.3 Page 3: Macro Controls .............................................................................................. 94
5.1.4 Accessing Macro Controls from the Hardware ........................................................... 98
92
MASCHINE - Manual - 6
5.2 The Group's Output Parameters .................................................................................................. 99
5.3 Saving a Group ........................................................................................................................... 101
5.4 Copy and Paste Groups ...............................................................................................................102
5.5 Resetting a Group .......................................................................................................................103
5.6 Naming Groups & Sounds ........................................................................................................... 104
5.7 Loading Groups without Patterns ............................................................................................... 105
5.8 MPC Program Import to Groups .................................................................................................. 106
5.2.1 Page 1: Routing, Volume and Pan ............................................................................. 99
5.2.2 Page 2: Aux Pre and Post Mode (Pre Mix 1 and 2) ...................................................... 100
5.8.1 Supported Parameters from MPC Programs ............................................................... 106
5.8.2 Importing MPC Program Files .................................................................................... 107
6 Working with Patterns (Hardware) ..............................................................................
6.1 Creating Patterns ....................................................................................................................... 110
6.2 Editing Patterns ......................................................................................................................... 121
6.1.1 Pattern Mode ............................................................................................................. 110
6.1.2 Pad Mode ................................................................................................................... 111
6.1.3 Pad Link .................................................................................................................... 112
6.1.4 Releasing a Pad from a Pad Link Group .................................................................... 113
6.1.5 Recording the Pads ................................................................................................... 113
6.1.6 The Metronome .......................................................................................................... 114
6.1.7 Using the Step Sequencer .......................................................................................... 114
6.1.8 Using Note Repeat ..................................................................................................... 116
6.1.9 Using the Piano Roll/Keyboard ................................................................................... 117
6.1.10 Recording Automation ............................................................................................... 118
6.1.11 Recording Automation in the Step Sequencer ............................................................ 119
6.1.12 Step Grid, Pattern Length Grid and Quantization ....................................................... 119
6.2.1 Selecting Notes and Events ....................................................................................... 121
6.2.2 Erase/Clear ................................................................................................................ 122
Table of Contents
110
MASCHINE - Manual - 7
Table of Contents
6.2.3 Copy/Paste ................................................................................................................ 122
6.2.4 Nudge ........................................................................................................................ 122
6.2.5 Compare/Split ........................................................................................................... 122
6.2.6 Transpose .................................................................................................................. 123
7 Working with Patterns (Software) ...............................................................................
7.1 The Pattern Editor .......................................................................................................................124
7.2 Editing Patterns ......................................................................................................................... 128
7.1.1 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 125
7.1.2 Copy and Paste Patterns ........................................................................................... 126
7.1.3 Resetting Patterns ..................................................................................................... 127
7.1.4 Saving Patterns ......................................................................................................... 127
7.2.1 Mouse Actions in the Pattern Editor ........................................................................... 128
7.2.2 The Zoom Tool ............................................................................................................ 129
7.2.3 Compare/Split ........................................................................................................... 130
7.2.4 The Piano Roll / Keyboard .......................................................................................... 130
7.2.5 Recording and Editing Automation ............................................................................ 131
7.2.6 Adding a Modulator ................................................................................................... 132
7.2.7 Step Grid, Pattern Length Grid and Quantization ....................................................... 134
7.2.8 Pad Link .................................................................................................................... 138
7.2.9 Releasing a Pad from a Pad Link Group .................................................................... 139
7.2.10 Setting up a Pad as Master or Slave in a Pad Link Group .......................................... 140
7.2.11 Rendering Audio from Patterns using Drag and Drop ................................................ 141
7.2.12 Rendering MIDI from Patterns using Drag and Drop .................................................. 143
8 The Effects Overview .................................................................................................
8.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................145
8.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 145
8.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 146
8.1.3 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 148
124
145
MASCHINE - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
8.2 Filtering ...................................................................................................................................... 149
8.3 Modulation ................................................................................................................................. 153
8.4 Spatial and Reverb ..................................................................................................................... 159
8.5 Delay .......................................................................................................................................... 164
8.6 Distortion ....................................................................................................................................169
8.1.4 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 148
8.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 149
8.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 151
8.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 153
8.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 154
8.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 155
8.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 156
8.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 157
8.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 159
8.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 160
8.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 161
8.4.4 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 162
8.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 164
8.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 165
8.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 166
8.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 167
8.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 169
8.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 170
8.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 171
9 Using FX ...................................................................................................................
9.1 Applying Effects to a Sound ........................................................................................................173
9.2 Applying Effects to a Group ........................................................................................................ 176
9.3 Applying Effects to the Master .................................................................................................... 178
173
MASCHINE - Manual - 9
9.4 Bypassing Effects .......................................................................................................................181
9.5 Automating Effects and Sampler Parameters ............................................................................. 183
9.6 Applying FX to an External Instrument ........................................................................................ 184
9.7 Recording FX Automation ........................................................................................................... 187
9.8 Saving FX Presets ....................................................................................................................... 187
9.9 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 189
9.10 Creating a Multi Effect ............................................................................................................... 191
10 Creating a Song using Scenes ....................................................................................
10.1 Selecting a Scene ....................................................................................................................... 194
10.2 Creating and deleting a Clip in the Arranger .............................................................................. 195
10.3 Scene Sync ................................................................................................................................. 197
10.4 Inserting and Deleting Scenes .................................................................................................... 199
10.5 Copy and Paste Scenes ...............................................................................................................200
10.6 Using the Loop Mode to combine Scenes .................................................................................... 200
10.7 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ......................................................................................................... 202
11 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
11.1 Controlling Sampling from the Hardware ................................................................................... 204
11.1.1 Recording a Sample (Hardware) ................................................................................ 204
11.1.2 Editing a Sample (Hardware) .................................................................................... 206
11.1.3 Slicing a Sample (Hardware) ..................................................................................... 209
11.1.4 Mapping a Sample (Hardware) .................................................................................. 211
11.1.5 Editing a Sample ....................................................................................................... 213
11.1.6 Slicing a Sample ....................................................................................................... 216
11.1.7 Mapping a Sample .................................................................................................... 221
12 The Master Section ...................................................................................................
12.1 The Master Parameter Pages ...................................................................................................... 225
12.1.1 Mix Page 1: Master Mixer ........................................................................................... 225
12.1.2 Mix Page 2: Group Panning ........................................................................................ 226
Table of Contents
194
204
225
MASCHINE - Manual - 10
Table of Contents
12.1.3 Groove Swing ............................................................................................................. 227
12.1.4 The Master Output Tab (OUT) .................................................................................... 228
13 Exporting Audio .........................................................................................................
13.1 Export Audio ............................................................................................................................... 230
13.2 Save Project with Samples ......................................................................................................... 232
14 Appendix: Tips for playing Live ..................................................................................
14.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 234
14.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 236
14.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 237
14.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 234
14.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 234
14.1.3 Check your CPU Power before Playing ........................................................................ 234
14.1.4 Name your Groups, Sounds and Scenes ..................................................................... 235
14.1.5 Consider using a Limiter on your Master ................................................................... 235
14.1.6 Hook up your other Gear and sync it with MIDI Clock ................................................. 235
14.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 235
14.2.1 Use Mute & Solo ........................................................................................................ 236
14.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Scene Sync ............................................................................... 236
14.2.3 Create Variations of your Drums in the Step Sequencer ............................................. 236
14.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 236
14.2.5 Set up your own Multi FX Groups and automate them ............................................... 237
14.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for variation ...................................................................... 237
14.3.2 Using the Loop Mode to cycle through Samples ......................................................... 237
14.3.3 Load long Audio Files and play with the Start Point ................................................... 237
Index ........................................................................................................................
230
234
238
MASCHINE - Manual - 11
Welcome to MASCHINE!
1 Introduction
1.1 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.
Introduction
Since you can integrate it into any sequencer that supports VST, Audio Units, or RTAS plugins, you can reap the benefits in almost any software setup, or use it as a standalone 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 6-gigabyte library, containing over 250 kits and 14,000 samples, and a sophisticated, yet easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking
for.
What’s more, MASCHINE provides lots of options for manipulating your sounds via internal effects and other sound-shaping possibilities. You can also control external MIDI hardware and
3rd-party software with the MASCHINE hardware controller, while customizing the functions of
the pads, knobs and buttons according to your needs utilizing the included Controller Editor
application. We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do. Now let's get going!
—The MASCHINE team at Native Instruments.
MASCHINE - Manual - 12
Welcome to MASCHINE!
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 loca-
tions 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.
Introduction
▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE hardware controller is printed in orange.
Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer's keyboard you'll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
"Press [Shift] + [Return]").
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
1.1.2 Naming Conventions
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE 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 - Manual - 13
MASCHINE Documentation
Unlabeled Buttons and Knobs
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE controller do not
have labels (all other elements on the controller do). For better reference, we applied a special
formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the
buttons are written Button (1-8), while the knobs are written Knob (1-8). E.g., whenever you
see an instruction such as “Press Button 2 to open the EDIT page,” you’ll know it’s the second
button from the left above the displays.
1.2 MASCHINE Documentation
MASCHINE provides you with many information sources. The main sources are meant to be
read in the following sequence:
▪ MASCHINE Setup Guide
▪ MASCHINE Getting Started Guide and online video tutorials
▪ MASCHINE Reference Manual (this document)
▪ MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
Introduction
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
The Setup Guide is available in printed form and on the DVD in the product box. The whole
documentation set is also available in PDF format and located within the MASCHINE installation folder on your hard drive. You can also access these documents from the application’s
Help menu.
MASCHINE Setup Guide
A printed Setup Guide is included in the product box. It will guide you through the software
and hardware installation of MASCHINE, 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 Getting Started Guide to get
more familiar with MASCHINE.
MASCHINE - Manual - 14
MASCHINE Documentation
MASCHINE Getting Started Guide
After reading the Setup Guide and following its instructions, your MASCHINE should be up
and running. The next step is to read this MASCHINE Getting Started Guide. The MASCHINE
Getting Started Guide first gives you an overview of MASCHINE and a practical approach to
creating a project.
MASCHINE Reference Manual
The MASCHINE Reference Manual provides you with a detailed reference of your MASCHINE
software along with extra information (solving common issues, specifications, etc.).
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.
Video Tutorials
The Native Instruments website provides you with a lot of video tutorials that give you a handson approach to many sides of the MASCHINE workflow. To see them, point your favorite browser to following URL:
Introduction
http://native-instruments.com/maschinemedia
Controller Editor Reference 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,
a little application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI assignments for your MASCHINE
controller. The Controller Editor should have been installed during the MASCHINE 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.
MASCHINE - Manual - 15
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 Guide first.
2.1 Names and concepts you should know
We will start with a list defining the most important concepts and names.
Browser
The Browser is the front end for accessing all the elements of your MASCHINE Projects:
Projects, Groups, Sounds, Samples, Patterns, Instruments and FX Presets. 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, and you can also import your own Samples to the Library
and tag them as well. To learn more about the Browser, please read chapter ↑3, Browser.
Projects
A Project contains all data needed for a Song: up to eight Groups with their Patterns, 64
Scenes and all settings, automation, FX, Routings, Sounds and Samples. It’s like a snapshot of
the entire state of MASCHINE. Please read the Getting Started Guide for a complete overview
of the MASCHINE Project structure.
Sounds
A Sound can hold up to 4 modules which can be a Sampler, VST/AU Plug-in Instruments or
FX, internal MASCHINE FX, as well as an external Input, or a MIDI Out module. Each Sound of
the selected Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the MASCHINE hardware controller, so
you can play the Sounds by pressing the pads. Refer to chapter ↑4, Sound Slots for more information on Sounds.
MASCHINE - Manual - 16
Basic Concepts
Names and concepts you should know
Groups
A Group contains 16 Sound slots, each of which can hold one Sound. In addition to the effects
applied to an individual Sound, a Group can have up to 4 Insert FX. These affect all the
Sounds in the Group. A Group can also contain up to 64 Patterns assigned from one of the
four Pattern Banks. Refer to chapter ↑5, Creating Groups, 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 bus can also host up to four Insert FX 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 ↑11.1.7, Mapping a Sample.
Scenes
A Scene represents a combination of different Groups with their associated Patterns. Scenes
are used to chain patterns (known as Clips in the arrangement area) in order to build up a finished arrangement, or to trigger different parts of a Song while you are playing live. More information on Scenes can be found in chapter ↑10, Creating a Song using Scenes.
Patterns
A Pattern is a sequence that plays Sounds from the current Group. A Pattern is therefore usually linked to a Group since it is a part of the Group; however you can also save it independently from the Group. This is useful if you want to try out different drum kits with the same Pattern or different Sounds with a given melody. More information on Patterns can be found in
chapter ↑6, Working with Patterns (Hardware) and chapter ↑7, Working with Patterns (Soft-
ware).
Events
Events are the individual element that make up a pattern. In Step Editor mode these are visually represented in the MASCHINE software by rectangles. In Piano Roll mode they are represented by note information. Each event represents a musical note or a drum hit.
MASCHINE - Manual - 17
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
Modules
MASCHINE contains four Module slots on each of the three MASCHINE Project levels Sound,
Group, and Master. MASCHINE modules are the MASCHINE Sampler, VST/AU Plug-in Instruments or FX, internal MASCHINE FX, as well as the external Input module and the MIDI Out
module.
Effects (FX)
MASCHINE comes with many different effects that are called FX in MASCHINE terminology.
You may also use VST/AU plug-in effects too. Up to four effects can be directly applied as insert effects to each Sound, Group or Master level. With the routing system you can also create
send effects and multi-effects. Refer to chapter ↑8, The Effects Overview.
2.2 Common Operations
2.2.1 Switching Views
From the Main menu & the Plug-in menu you can select one of four different sizes to display
MASCHINE's software GUI:
The View entry in the Main menu (Windows depicted).
MASCHINE - Manual - 18
The View entry in the Plug-in menu.
Full screen view is also available from your computer keyboard via the [F5] function key.
2.2.2 Showing and hiding the Browser
Hardware
► Press and hold NAVIGATE; now press Button 5 to hide the Browser.
To bring it back, press Button 5 again.
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The Navigate screen on the left and right display of the MASCHINE hardware controller.
Software
► Click on the Browser button (with the magnifier symbol) in the Header to show and hide the
Browser.
MASCHINE - Manual - 19
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
The Browser button in the Header.
2.2.3 Minimizing the Arranger
Hardware
Press NAVIGATE + Button 6 to minimize the Arranger to the currently selected Group slot and
again to show all Group slots.
Software
► Click on the Minimize button (showing an arrow) on the left of the Arranger to minimize the
Arranger to the currently selected Group slot and again to show all Group slots.
The Arranger in minimized view showing the Group slot in focus.
2.2.4 Hiding Parameter Pages in the Control Area
Hardware
► Press NAVIGATE + Button 7 to show and hide the Parameter pages in the Control area.
MASCHINE - Manual - 20
Common Operations
Software
► Click on the Minimize button (showing an arrow) to the left of the Control area to show and
hide the Parameter pages in the Control area.
The Control area in full size.
2.2.5 Hiding the Modulation Lane
Hardware
► Press NAVIGATE + Button 8 to show and hide the Modulation Lane.
Software
Basic Concepts
► Click on the Automation View switch on the left of the Modulation Lane to show and hide it.
The Automation View switch.
MASCHINE - Manual - 21
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
2.2.6 Navigating Parameter Pages in the Control Area
In some situations, the Control area consists of more parameters than the displays can show at
once. Examples of this are the Groups’ Output tab (OUT on the controller) and the Sounds’
Source tab (SRC on the controller) if set to Sampler. In these cases, the number of Parameters
is divided into several Parameter pages that you can easily navigate with the hardware and
software.
Hardware
On the MASCHINE hardware controller you can use the Page buttons to navigate through the
Parameter pages. Whenever there is more than one page, it will be shown on the right side of
the right display like this:
The display of available 1/6 pages in a Group Output tab.
Moreover, if there is another page available to the left or to the right of the current page, the
corresponding Page button will be lit on your MASCHINE hardware controller.
Software
On the software you click the Parameter Page selector to navigate through the pages:
The Parameter Page selector in the Control area: first page of parameter settings for Module 1.
MASCHINE - Manual - 22
Basic Concepts
Common Operations
2.2.7 Undo and Redo
Undo and Redo are useful to cancel operations you have performed or to compare two versions
before and after a change (find the Compare/Split functions explained in chapter ↑6.2.5, Com-
pare/Split for the hardware and ↑7.2.3, Compare/Split for the software). In the MASCHINE
software you can undo nearly everything you did after loading or creating your Project.
Note: If you save your Project, you will no longer be able to Undo or Redo any actions performed before saving!
Hardware
► On the MASCHINE hardware controller, perform the Undo operation by pressing SHIFT +
pad 1. To perform the Redo operation, press SHIFT + pad 2.
Software
On the software, use the common keyboard shortcuts for the Undo and Redo functions. For
Undo, press [Ctrl]+[Z] ([Cmd]+[Z] on Mac OS X). For Redo, press [Ctrl]+[Y] ([Cmd]+[Y] on Mac
OS X). You can also select Undo and Redo from the Edit menu.
2.2.8 Pinning a Mode
You can pin a screen by pressing the relevant Mode button (SCENE, PATTERN, etc.) + Button
1 above the left display.
Now the screen is always pinned when you select this mode. To make it a temporary screen,
press the mode button + Button 1 again. Now the screen will only show up, as long as you
press the mode button.
SELECT mode can not be pinned.
MASCHINE - Manual - 23
Basic Concepts
Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode
2.3 Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode
You can run MASCHINE software as a stand-alone application or integrate it into your favorite
Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW, in short) by loading it as a plug-in. MASCHINE software is
available in the VST, Audio Unit and RTAS plug-in formats. For further information on plug-in
compatibility and for a detailed description of how to use plug-ins in your host, please refer to
the documentation included with your host software. If you did not install the plug-ins when
installing the MASCHINE software, please refer to the printed Setup Guide or the PDF version
of this document available from the MASCHINE software Help menu.
2.3.1 Differences between Stand-alone and Plug-in Mode
When you are using MASCHINE as a plug-in within a host application (i.e., sequencer software
like Cubase or Pro Tools), you can open multiple MASCHINE instances. Actually, you can load
as many instances of MASCHINE as your computer and your host application can handle CPUwise. In contrast to the stand-alone application, they are always synced to the host. In plug-in
mode you can also send a MIDI Program Change message from your host to switch between
MASCHINE’s Scenes or record automation using the Macro controls. To learn more about
these, have a look at chapter ↑10, Creating a Song using Scenes and ↑5.1, The Group Property
Pages.
2.3.2 Switching Instances with the Hardware in Plug-in Mode
To switch from one instance to another in plug-in mode, press SHIFT + STEP; using Knob 5
you can now select the desired instance and load it by pressing Button 8.
2.3.3 Switching Instances with the Software in Plug-in Mode
You can select the controller from an instance by clicking the Connect button in the MASCHINE header.
MASCHINE - Manual - 24
Basic Concepts
2.4 Preferences
You can find the Preferences dialog under MASCHINE in the Main menu (Mac OS X) or in the
File menu (Windows), as well as in the File submenu of the Plug-in menu:
Preferences… on the Main menu (Mac OS X depicted).
Preferences
Preferences… in the Plug-in menu.
MASCHINE - Manual - 25
2.4.1 Preferences – General Tab
Basic Concepts
Preferences
The Preferences – General tab.
Screen Element Description
Startup
Reload last Project If this option is checked, the last Project you worked on when quitting MA-
SCHINE will be loaded as soon as you start MASCHINE again.
Recording Audio
Prefer Project Folder If this checkbox is marked, the Samples you record will be put in a subdir-
ectory of the folder where your project is saved. If not, your recordings will
be saved in the generic recordings folder in your standard user library path.
MIDI
MASCHINE - Manual - 26
Screen Element Description
Sync Offset Slave Depending on variables such as the speed of your CPU, your audio inter-
face, your MIDI interface and the Latency you selected in the Audio and
MIDI Settings window, you may experience a lack of synchronization between MASCHINE and the external MIDI Master. To compensate, you can
adjust this Sync Offset Slave value in milliseconds. An easy way to do that
is to play a 4/4 kick drum pattern or a metronome sound on both MASCHINE (see chapter ↑6.1.6, The Metronome on how to activate the Metronome) and the external MIDI Master and mix them together moving the
slider until they are played at exactly the same time. As soon as you can
hear a flanger-like effect, you know you are close to the correct Sync Offset
Slave value. Keep on adjusting the Sync Offset Slave control until you can
neither hear the flanging effect nor two separate signals.
Input Channel Use this to select the MIDI channel you want MASCHINE to receive MIDI
messages on. This can be used to limit MIDI input sent by the external
sync master device. The Omni setting will allow the MASCHINE software to
receive messages on all 16 channels at one.
Basic Concepts
Preferences
MASCHINE - Manual - 27
2.4.2 Preferences – Defaults Tab
Basic Concepts
Preferences
The Preferences – Defaults tab.
The Defaults tab allows you to define a few default settings that will be used for every new
Project.
Screen Element
Pattern Length
Beats Here you can define the default length of new Patterns. Select a value by
Input
Quantize This allows you to select one of the three quantize options:
Description
pressing your mouse button and dragging up or down.
None (no quantization),
Record (quantization only in Record mode) or
Play/Rec (quantization in Play and Record mode).
MASCHINE - Manual - 28
Screen Element Description
Template Project
Standalone Here you can select a Project to load automatically when you start a new
project. The window displays the location of the Template Project currently
selected for use. Click the file icon to select the Template Project you
would like MASCHINE to load when used as a standalone. Any Project file
can be used as a template, this can be from the MASCHINE library or you
could create a file, for example with your preferred plug-ins and FX loaded
into the Module slots.
Plug-in Here you can select a Project to load automatically when you start a new
project within a Digital Audio Workstation. The window displays the location of the Template Project currently selected for use. Click the file icon
to select the Template Project you would like MASCHINE to load when it is
used as a plug-in. Any Project file can be used as a template, this can be
from the MASCHINE library or you could create a file, for example with
your preferred plug-ins and FX loaded into the Module slots.
2.4.3 Preferences – User Paths Tab
Basic Concepts
Preferences
The Preferences – User Paths tab.
MASCHINE - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
The User Paths tab shows the locations of all MASCHINE files and Samples you have added to
the Library. By clicking on the folder icon to the right, you can change the path for example if
you moved your sample folder to another location.
Please consult chapter ↑3, Browser for more information on adding your own samples.
Screen Element Description
LOCATION Shows the path of your user content. Click the icon to change the path.
ALIAS ALIAS acts as a reference to the path in the LOCATION column. This is a
stand-in for any folder on your computer or removable drive and provides a
dynamic link to it. The path in the LOCATION column may be changed,
but the ALIAS column will still provide the link therefore avoiding the possibility of missing samples. The Alias also allows you to use a Project on
different computers even if the samples are stored in different locations.
After adding a Location, double-click the ALIAS column to set the Alias
name. The Alias of the first entry in the list, named 'standard user Directory' cannot be edited.
ADD Click ADD to manually add directories to the Library; keep in mind that
any MASCHINE-compatible files in those directories will not be tagged if
you add them like this (see the Browser chapter for more information on
importing and tagging your files). Paths to samples that you added via the
import function from the Browser will also show up here.
Preferences
REMOVE Click REMOVE to remove directories from the Library. Files will only be re-
moved from the MASCHINE Browser, not from your hard disk.
RESCAN If you have changed the content of the selected directory (such as added
or removed files), you should rescan it in order to let MASCHINE know
which files have been removed and/or added so that they show up in the
MASCHINE Library.
MASCHINE - Manual - 30
Loading...