MASCHINE MK3 GETTING STARTED
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
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All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover, Nicolas Sidi
Software version: 2.7.10 (10/2018)
Hardware version: MASCHINE MK3
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
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Japan
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China
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2018. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 Documentation Overview ............................................................................................................ 11
1.1.1 In This Document ....................................................................................................... 12
1.1.2 Document Conventions .............................................................................................. 13
2 Setting Up MASCHINE ................................................................................................
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer ................................................................................. 17
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration .......................................................................................................... 18
2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software ............................. 19
2.2.2 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Software ........... 21
2.2.3 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Default Audio Output Device in Your Operat-
2.3 Setup Examples .......................................................................................................................... 23
2.3.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers .......................................................................... 23
2.3.2 Connecting Headphones ............................................................................................ 25
2.3.3 MASCHINE in a Recording Setup ................................................................................ 26
ing System ................................................................................................................. 22
2.2.3.1 On Windows ...............................................................................................22
2.2.3.2 On macOS ..................................................................................................22
2.3.3.1 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone ............................................................27
2.3.3.2 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer / Computer / Mixer Line
10
17
2.3.4 Connecting a Pedal ................................................................................................... 30
2.3.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 30
Out) ........................................................................................................... 28
3 First Steps ................................................................................................................
3.1 Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library .............................................................................. 33
3.2 Playing with the Pads ................................................................................................................. 38
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 4
32
3.3 Recording Your First Pattern ....................................................................................................... 39
3.4 Playing with Your Pattern ........................................................................................................... 41
3.5 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 44
3.6 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................45
3.4.1 Using Solo and Mute .................................................................................................. 41
3.4.2 Using Note Repeat ..................................................................................................... 43
4 Building Your Own Drum Kit .......................................................................................
4.1 Opening Your Project .................................................................................................................. 47
4.2 Customizing Your Drum Kit ......................................................................................................... 50
4.3 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 66
4.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................66
4.2.1 Selecting Another Snare Sample ................................................................................ 51
4.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth ................................................................................................ 54
4.2.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth into a Plug-in List on the Controller ........................58
4.2.3 Adjusting Volume, Swing and Tempo ......................................................................... 60
4.2.4 Changing the Color of Your Sounds ........................................................................... 63
4.2.5 Moving your Sounds and Groups ................................................................................ 65
5 Creating Beats ..........................................................................................................
Table of Contents
47
68
5.1 Fine-tuning your First Pattern ..................................................................................................... 68
5.2 Adding a Second Pattern ............................................................................................................ 74
5.1.1 Your Pattern in the Software ...................................................................................... 69
5.1.2 Doubling the Pattern and Adding a Variation ............................................................ 70
5.1.3 Quantizing the Rhythm .............................................................................................. 71
5.2.1 Selecting a Pattern Slot ............................................................................................. 74
5.2.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length ..................................................................................... 75
5.2.3 Recording a New Pattern Using the Count-in ............................................................ 77
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 5
Table of Contents
5.3 Editing Patterns in the Software ................................................................................................. 78
5.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 79
5.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................80
5.2.4 Switching Patterns .................................................................................................... 77
6 Adding a Bass Line ....................................................................................................
6.1 Selecting Another Group ............................................................................................................. 82
6.2 Renaming and Coloring the Group .............................................................................................. 84
6.3 Using an Instrument Plug-in for the Bass .................................................................................. 85
6.4 Recording a Bass Line ................................................................................................................ 95
6.5 Accessing the Plug-in Parameters .............................................................................................. 97
6.6 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 101
6.7 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................101
6.3.1 Browsing the MASSIVE Presets .................................................................................. 86
6.3.2 Switching to Keyboard Mode ...................................................................................... 91
6.3.3 Adjusting the Root Note for the Pads ......................................................................... 94
6.4.1 Recording a Bass Pattern .......................................................................................... 95
6.4.2 Recording Another Bass Pattern ................................................................................ 95
6.4.3 Loading an Additional Bass Sound ............................................................................ 96
7 Applying Effects ........................................................................................................
81
102
7.1 Loading Effects .......................................................................................................................... 103
7.2 Playing with Effects ....................................................................................................................108
7.3 Modulating Effect Parameters .................................................................................................... 112
7.2.1 Adjusting the Effect Parameters ................................................................................ 108
7.2.2 Practice Makes Perfect! ............................................................................................. 110
7.2.3 Bypassing Effects ...................................................................................................... 110
7.3.1 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 113
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 6
Table of Contents
7.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 116
7.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................116
7.3.2 Editing Modulation .................................................................................................... 115
8 Creating Beats with the Step Sequencer .....................................................................
8.1 Building Up a Beat in Step Mode ................................................................................................ 118
8.2 Adjusting the Step Grid .............................................................................................................. 122
8.3 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 124
8.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................125
8.1.1 Using Step Mode ........................................................................................................ 118
8.1.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length in Step Mode ............................................................... 119
8.1.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 120
8.1.4 A Few Notes on Step Mode ......................................................................................... 121
9 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................
9.1 Working with Scenes ................................................................................................................... 126
9.2 Assigning Patterns to Scenes ..................................................................................................... 127
9.3 Managing Scenes ....................................................................................................................... 130
9.4 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................133
9.5 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 133
9.3.1 Renaming and Coloring Scene Slots .......................................................................... 131
9.3.2 Duplicating and Deleting Scenes ............................................................................... 131
10 Creating an Arrangement ...........................................................................................
117
126
135
10.1 Accessing Song view .................................................................................................................. 135
10.2 Managing Sections ..................................................................................................................... 139
10.1.1 Creating your First Section ........................................................................................ 137
10.1.2 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 138
10.2.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 139
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 7
Table of Contents
10.3 Selecting a Loop Range .............................................................................................................. 144
10.4 Saving Your Project .................................................................................................................... 145
10.5 To Sum Up… ..............................................................................................................................146
10.2.2 Duplicating and Removing Sections .......................................................................... 142
10.2.1.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................140
10.2.1.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................141
11 Playing Live ..............................................................................................................
11.1 Performing with Scenes and Sections using the Pads ................................................................ 147
12 Quick Reference ........................................................................................................
12.1 Using Your Controller .................................................................................................................. 151
12.2 MASCHINE Project Overview ........................................................................................................ 156
12.3 MASCHINE Hardware Overview ................................................................................................... 161
12.4 MASCHINE Software Overview ..................................................................................................... 178
12.1.1 Controller Modes and Mode Pinning .......................................................................... 151
12.1.2 Controlling the Software Views from Your Controller ................................................. 153
12.2.1 Sound Content ........................................................................................................... 157
12.2.2 Arrangement .............................................................................................................. 158
12.3.1 MASCHINE Hardware Overview .................................................................................. 161
12.3.1.1 Control Section ..........................................................................................163
12.3.1.2 Edit Section ...............................................................................................166
12.3.1.3 Performance Section ..................................................................................167
12.3.1.4 Group Section ............................................................................................169
12.3.1.5 Transport Section ......................................................................................169
12.3.1.6 Pad Section ...............................................................................................171
12.3.1.7 Rear Panel .................................................................................................176
12.4.1 Header ....................................................................................................................... 179
147
151
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 8
Table of Contents
12.4.2 Browser ..................................................................................................................... 181
12.4.3 Arranger .................................................................................................................... 183
12.4.4 Control Area ............................................................................................................... 186
12.4.5 Pattern Editor ............................................................................................................ 187
13 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
13.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 189
13.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................189
13.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 190
13.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 190
14 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
189
191
199
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 9
Welcome to MASCHINE
1 Welcome to MASCHINE
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE is essentially the synergy of the MASCHINE controller hardware and the MASCHINE software combining the advantages of both worlds for making music, live as well as in
the studio. The intuitive, hands-on qualities of a dedicated Instrument, the MASCHINE controller, with the advanced editing features and the versatility of the MASCHINE software turn it
into the creative center of your musical productions.
You can create tight rhythms, harmonies and melodies — the highly enjoyable instrument
combines a pattern-based sequencer, professional sampler, multiple studio and creative effects, and VST/AU plug-in host. Everything is intuitively controllable via the fully integrated
hardware — once you touch the tactile controller the fun and intuitive workflow takes over, allowing you to stay focused on your music.
Since you can integrate it in any DAW that supports VST, Audio Units or the AAX format with
multiple instances, you can profit from its abilities in almost any software setup or use it as a
stand-alone application. You can sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them
easily turning your ideas into full productions.
However, MASCHINE is a lot more than an ordinary drum machine or sampler: It comes with
an 8-gigabyte Library programmed and created by well-known artists and a sophisticated, yet
easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for. But
it doesn’t stop there! You can create your own sounds and samples or use MASCHINE EXPANSION packs, available for purchase from the Native Instruments website to further enhance
your library of sounds.
You can also control your external MIDI Hardware and Software with the MASCHINE controller
and customize the functions of the pads, knobs and buttons to your needs, utilizing the Controller Editor Application.
We hope you enjoy the MASCHINE playground as much as we do. Now let’s get going!
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 10
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
1.1 Documentation Overview
Native Instruments provide many information sources regarding MASCHINE. The main documents should be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Getting Started (this document): The MASCHINE Getting Started guide provides
a practical approach to MASCHINE via a set of tutorials covering simple tasks in order to
help you familiarize yourself with MASCHINE.
2. MASCHINE Manual: The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a comprehensive descrip-
tion of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ Controller Editor Manual: Besides using your MASCHINE hardware controller together with
its dedicated MASCHINE software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile
MIDI controller to pilot any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible
by the Controller Editor software, an application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI
assignments for your MASCHINE controller. The Controller Editor was installed during the
MASCHINE installation procedure. For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF file via the Help menu of Controller Editor.
▪ Online Support Videos: You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native In-
struments Support Channel under the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupport-
EN. We recommend that you follow along with these instructions while the respective ap-
plication is running on your computer.
Other Online Resources: If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments
product that the supplied documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these subjects in the chapter ↑13, Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 11
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
MASCHINE documents are available in PDF. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help menu or the following location:
www.native-instruments.com.
Please check the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date and localized versions of these
documents.
1.1.1 In This Document
What you are reading now is the MASCHINE Getting Started. This document consists of a set
of tutorials that will guide you through common workflows in MASCHINE. Please follow these
tutorials in the described order. You will learn a little something in each of them which will be
essential later on. On the way, you will get to know the main objects and concepts of MASCHINE. After reading this, you should have the basic know-how allowing you to make music
with MASCHINE!
Even if you’re already familiar with MASCHINE, all tutorials are worth a read as every chapter may
have little workflow hints of which you weren’t aware. Should you wish to revise a specific task covered in a later tutorial, be sure to check the prerequisites listed at the beginning of each chapter!
This document is structured as follows:
▪ The first part includes this introduction and the following chapter ↑2, Setting Up MA-
SCHINE, which shows you how to integrate MASCHINE into your studio setup.
▪ The second part holds the tutorials:
◦ Chapter ↑3, First Steps: Load a drum kit from the factory library via the Browser, play
this kit with the pads and use it to record a simple rhythmic pattern — all this using
your MASCHINE controller only.
◦ Chapter ↑4, Building Your Own Drum Kit: Customize your drum kit by quickly ex-
changing some of its sounds via the Browser and by adjusting some of the sounds’ basic settings.
◦ Chapter ↑5, Creating Beats: Record a second pattern and discover how to fine-tune
your patterns.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 12
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
◦ Chapter ↑6, Adding a Bass Line: Add a bass line to your song using a VST/AU instru-
ment plug-in in MASCHINE.
◦ Chapter ↑7, Applying Effects: Add effects to the various instruments in your song and
quickly automate the effect parameters.
◦ Chapter ↑8, Creating Beats with the Step Sequencer: Create a Pattern, this time with
the step sequencer, which is another great way of creating grooves from your controller.
◦ Chapter ↑9, Creating Scenes: Arrange your Patterns into Scenes and play them live.
◦ Chapter ↑10, Creating an Arrangement: Assign your Scenes to Sections and Arrange
your song.
▪ The third and last part consists of useful global information on MASCHINE to be used at
any time:
◦ Chapter ↑12, Quick Reference provides you with a quick reference of the MASCHINE
hardware controller and the MASCHINE software. It gives you a good overview of the
main concepts and features of MASCHINE, along with lists of hardware shortcuts for
various tasks. You can use it as a quick reminder before you dive into the MASCHINE
Manual.
◦ Chapter ↑13, Troubleshooting gathers useful information for troubleshooting and get-
ting help.
◦ Chapter ↑14, Glossary holds definitions of all the important terms and concepts used
in MASCHINE.
1.1.2 Document Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this document. This
document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note carefully and
follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 13
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may
often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to the setup or operating system you are using; however, it’s always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-
tions on your hard drive or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere in the software (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkbox-
es etc.) is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same
text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE controller is printed in orange. Whenever you
see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Text appearing on the display(s) of your controller is printed in gray. Whenever you see this
formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller’s display(s).
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard are in square brackets (e.g., “Press [Shift]
+ [Return]”).
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term “effect” is sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on the Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be
pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY” means:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 14
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
Displayed Products
Some images displayed in this document include products from the KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE series. These products are not included with MASCHINE.
For more information on KOMPLETE and KOMPLETE ULTIMATE please visit the Native Instruments website.
Unlabeled Buttons and Knobs on the Controller
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE MK3 controller do
not have labels (all other elements on the controller do).
The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the MASCHINE MK3 controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 15
Welcome to MASCHINE
Documentation Overview
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons are written Button (1–8), while the knobs
are written Knob (1–8). For example, whenever you see an instruction such as “Press Button 2
to open the EDIT page,” you’ll know it’s the second button from the left above the displays.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 16
Setting Up MASCHINE
Connecting the Controller to the Computer
2 Setting Up MASCHINE
This chapter provides basic setup information and guides you through the process of integrating MASCHINE into your studio.
The MASCHINE software is installed both as a stand-alons application as well as a VST, Audio
Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in within your
DAW for the first time, after every upgrade, and after installing new MASCHINE EXPANSIONS.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and MIDI interfaces, which you can configure in the MASCHINE Preferences as described later in this
chapter (see ↑2.2, Basic Audio Configuration). When MASCHINE is used as a plug-in within a
host, the communication with your audio and MIDI interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI configuration of your host, and how to load plug-ins, please
refer to its documentation.
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer
To connect the MASCHINE controller to your computer:
1. Attach the “device end” of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel
of the controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 17
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2. Attach the “computer end” of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on
your computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the controller to switch it on.
→ The controller is now detected by the operating system.
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration
In this section, we describe the few steps required to make use of the MASCHINE controller’s
integrated audio interface in various situations: with the MASCHINE software, with other music
software, and within your operating system.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 18
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software
By default, when you launch the MASCHINE software as a stand-alone application it already
uses your MASCHINE controller as audio input/output device, so you shouldn’t have to set up
anything particular to have it work.
If this is not the case, e.g., if you have already changed the audio configuration in the MASCHINE software or if you want to use more advanced input or output routings, please proceed
as follows:
1. In the MASCHINE menu click File > Preferences… to open the Preferences:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 19
2. Click Audio to display the Audio page:
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 20
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
3. Select the hardware driver supported by your controller (e.g., ASIO on Windows) from the
Driver drop-down menu.
4. Select Maschine MK3 from the Device drop-down menu.
5. In the Routings section, click Input and select 1: Input Left and 2: Input Right in the
Maschine In 1 L and Maschine In 1 R drop-down menus, respectively.
This assigns the LINE IN / MIC IN combo inputs on your controller to the first pair of virtual inputs in the MASCHINE software.
6. In the same Routings section, click Output and select the left and right output channels
of your controller you want to use for the various virtual outputs of the MASCHINE software.
→ The MASCHINE software is now configured for using the internal audio interface of your
MASCHINE controller.
By default, the virtual outputs of the MASCHINE software are assigned as follows:
▪ The Maschine Out 1 L and Maschine Out 1 R virtual outputs are sent to the 1: Main Left
and 2: Main Right outputs, which correspond to the LINE OUT L and R sockets on the rear
panel of your controller, respectively.
▪ The Maschine Out 2 L and Maschine Out 2 R virtual outputs are sent to the 3: Headphone
Left and 4: Headphone Right outputs, which both correspond to the PHONES stereo socket
on the rear panel of your controller.
2.2.2 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Software
Before using the MASCHINE controller with music production software, you will need to set it
up as the software’s audio output device. Most music production programs provide direct access to the soundcard properties in the audio and MIDI setup section of their preferences dialog. Please refer to the documentation of your music production software for more information
on how to configure audio interfaces.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 21
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
2.2.3 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Default Audio Output Device in Your
Operating System
You can make your MASCHINE controller operate as your computer’s default soundcard. By
doing this, you will send all audio coming from your operating system (e.g., system sounds,
media player, etc.) to the desired output on the rear panel of your controller.
2.2.3.1 On Windows
1. Open Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound.
2. In the Sound control panel, select the Playback tab.
3. In the list of available output devices, click the entry corresponding to the pair of outputs
on your MASCHINE controller that you want to set as default: In the list, your controller
appears as Maschine MK3 WDM Audio, and the available entries Main and Headphone
correspond to the LINE OUT and PHONES sockets on the rear panel of your controller,
respectively.
4. Click Set Default.
5. Click OK to confirm your selection and close the window.
→ Your MASCHINE controller is now selected as the default audio output device.
2.2.3.2 On macOS
1. Open the System Preferences under the gray Apple Icon menu in the top left corner of
your screen.
2. Below Hardware (second row from top), select Sound.
3. In the Sound control panel, select the Output tab.
4. Select Maschine MK3 from the list of available soundcards.
5. Close the panel.
→ Your MASCHINE controller is now selected as the default audio output device.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 22
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2.3 Setup Examples
In this section, you will learn how to connect the MASCHINE controller in various setup scenarios. Although we cannot cover all imaginable setups here, the examples are general enough
to apply the information to most situations.
2.3.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers
This example shows an all-in-one production system setup in which your active monitor speakers are directly plugged into your MASCHINE controller’s main outputs.
MASCHINE setup with active monitors.
To use active speakers (self-powered speakers with a built-in amplifier) with your MASCHINE
controller:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 23
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the
left-end stop to set the output volume to minimum.
2. Connect the LINE OUT L/R sockets on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to your
active speakers using balanced cables with 1/4" TRS jack plugs. First, connect the L output channel with the left speaker, then the R output channel with the right speaker.
3. Once you have connected the speakers to the device, set the volume knob on your active
speakers to 0 dB and turn them on.
4. Start the playback of a Project in MASCHINE or an audio file on your computer.
5. Gradually turn the LINE OUT VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller until you reach an appropriate listening level.
If you have a main mixer connected to your monitors, and various devices plugged into your main
mixer, you can simply add the MASCHINE controller to your setup by connecting its audio outputs
to any stereo line input on your main mixer. Just follow the instructions above and replace the monitors’ volume knob with the volume fader of the input channel on your mixer to which you want to
connect the MASCHINE controller.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 24
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2.3.2 Connecting Headphones
This example shows a setup for “on-the-road” beat making or performance including laptop,
MASCHINE controller and a pair of headphones.
MASCHINE setup with headphones.
To use headphones with your MASCHINE controller:
1. Turn the PHONES VOLUME knob on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the
left-end stop to set the headphones volume to minimum.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 25
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
2. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your headphones into the PHONES socket nearby.
3. Start the playback of a Project in MASCHINE or an audio file on your computer.
4. Gradually turn the PHONES VOLUME knob on the MASCHINE controller until you reach a
comfortable listening level.
The headphones output of your MASCHINE controller is an additional stereo output, distinct from
the main output pair, and perfectly tailored for the Cue channel of MASCHINE. However, if you
want to monitor the main outputs in your headphones, please check the Route Main to Headphones
box in the Audio Outputs section of the Hardware page in the Preferences. For more information,
please refer to the Manual.
2.3.3 MASCHINE in a Recording Setup
The following instructions will assist you in using the MASCHINE controller in a recording situation for capturing audio to MASCHINE — for example, for recording samples or process a
live input during a performance.
You will find two examples using a recording setup with step-by-step instructions on how to route
external audio to a particular Sound of your MASCHINE Project in section Using an External Sound
Source and How to Sample.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 26
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
You can use the described setups with MASCHINE as well as with any other music software running
on your computer. For the audio device configuration required on the software side, see --- MISSING LINK --- or ↑2.2.2, Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Soft-
ware, respectively.
2.3.3.1 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone
This example shows a setup with both a pair of active speakers (see ↑2.3.1, Connecting Active
Monitor Speakers) and a pair of headphones (see ↑2.3.2, Connecting Headphones) with an ex-
tra dynamic microphone, e.g., for working with voice.
MASCHINE setup with a dynamic microphone.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 27
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
Make sure the MASCHINE controller’s LINE OUT VOLUME, PHONES VOLUME, and MIC IN GAIN
knobs are turned down before connecting a microphone to the MASCHINE controller. Microphones
nearby speakers can cause a loud squealing tone from the speakers (a phenomenon called the
“Larsen effect” or “audio feedback loop”) and can seriously damage your hearing and your equipment. The greater the distance between a microphone and speakers means this effect is less likely
to occur.
You cannot plug a condenser microphone into the MASCHINE controller.
To use the MASCHINE controller in a recording setup with a dynamic microphone:
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME, PHONES VOLUME and MIC IN GAIN knobs on the rear
panel of the MASCHINE controller to the left-end stop to set the output volume, headphones volume, and microphone input level to minimum.
2. Plug the 1/4" TRS jack of your dynamic microphone into the MIC IN socket on the rear
panel of your MASCHINE controller.
3. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs back to their usual levels.
4. While singing / playing an instrument into the microphone, adjust the input signal level by
gradually turning the MIC IN GAIN knob clockwise while checking that the signal is not
clipping.
When a microphone is plugged in the MIC IN socket, the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets are bypassed.
Hence, if you want to record the audio from a line level device, make sure that no microphone is
connected to the MIC IN socket!
2.3.3.2 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer / Computer / Mixer Line Out)
This example shows a setup with both a pair of active speakers (see ↑2.3.1, Connecting Active
Monitor Speakers) and a pair of headphones (see ↑2.3.2, Connecting Headphones) with an ex-
tra line level input device, e.g., a synthesizer.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 28
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
MASCHINE setup with a line level device (here a synthesizer) as input.
To use the MASCHINE controller in a setup with typical line level equipment:
1. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller to the left-end stop to set the output and headphones volumes to minimum.
2. Plug a pair of 1/4" TRS jacks from the outputs of your device into the LINE IN 1 and 2
sockets on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller (use a single jack plugged into the
LINE IN 1 socket if you are using a mono device).
3. Adjust the output signal of your connected device by using its relevant volume/gain control. Check that your input signal does not clip.
4. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME and PHONES VOLUME knobs back to their usual levels.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 29
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
In order to use the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets on your MASCHINE controller, please make sure that
no microphone is connected to the MIC IN socket nearby! Indeed, plugging a microphone into the
MIC IN socket bypasses the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets.
2.3.4 Connecting a Pedal
Your MASCHINE MK3 Controller provides a pedal input in the form of 1/4" socket on its rear
panel.
The PEDAL socket on the rear panel of your controller.
The PEDAL socket allows you to use a pedal footswitch to control the transport in MASCHINE.
A single footswitch with two pedals can be used to control the transport in the following way:
▪ Pedal 1: Starts/stop the playback in MASCHINE. This is equivalent to the PLAY button on
your controller and the Play button in the software’s Header.
▪ Pedal 2: Engage/disengage recording in MASCHINE. This is equivalent to the REC button
on your controller and the Record button in the software’s Header.
The PEDAL socket can also be configured to send Continuous MIDI CC messages in the Preferences
of the Controller Editor software. For more information read the MASCHINE MK3 chapter of the
Controller Editor manual.
2.3.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment
The MASCHINE controller has dedicated MIDI sockets that allow you to directly connect other
MIDI devices using a MIDI cable with a 5-pin DIN MIDI jack and integrate the controller into
your MIDI setup.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 30
Setting Up MASCHINE
Setup Examples
The MIDI sockets on the rear panel of the MASCHINE controller.
To connect your external MIDI equipment:
1. Connect the device receiving MIDI signals to the MIDI OUT socket on the rear panel of
the MASCHINE controller using a 5-pin DIN MIDI jack.
2. Connect the device sending MIDI signals to the MIDI IN socket on the rear panel of the
MASCHINE controller using a 5-pin DIN MIDI jack.
→ The MIDI equipment is connected.
Depending on your use case, additional configuration is required in the software:
▪ If MASCHINE is running as a stand-alone application, you need to activate the correspond-
ing MIDI inputs and outputs of your MASCHINE controller on the MIDI page of the Prefer-
ences.
▪ If MASCHINE is running as a plug-in in a host, the MIDI configuration is managed by the
host.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 31
3 First Steps
In this first tutorial, you will load a drum kit from the factory library, play it with the pads and
record a simple rhythmic pattern.
For a complete overview of MASCHINE and its controls, please see section ↑12, Quick Reference.
Prerequisites
Please carefully follow the instructions on the flyer included in the product box in order to install MASCHINE on your computer, then carefully read chapter ↑2, Setting Up MASCHINE to
set up your MASCHINE system. Once you have followed these instructions, MASCHINE should
be installed on your computer, its basic audio settings correctly configured, and the hardware
controller connected to your computer. If this is not the case, please return to these preliminary steps for more information before going any further.
► Please start MASCHINE via one of the usual ways on your operating system — for exam-
ple, by double-clicking the alias placed on your desktop during the installation procedure.
First Steps
A Project in MASCHINE
In MASCHINE, your whole song (or track) is called Project. A Project consists of all sounds,
instruments, effects, settings, along with all arrangement information you will create — in other words, a Project holds everything defining your song.
► If you already started testing MASCHINE, please start again with a blank, new Project by
clicking the File menu and choosing New or by using the shortcut [Ctrl] + [N] ([command]
+ [N] on macOS).
First you will learn how to load a drum kit using the MASCHINE software and then use your
hardware controller to carry out the same procedure.
For a complete overview of a MASCHINE Project, please see section ↑12.2, MASCHINE Project
Overview.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 32
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
3.1 Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
First you will choose a complete drum kit from the huge factory library included with MASCHINE, and load it using the MASCHINE Browser. The Browser is your tool for finding, tagging and categorizing all types of objects used in MASCHINE.
A drum kit basically consists of several instruments — called Sounds in MASCHINE terminology. Those Sounds are put together into a Group, which represents the complete kit. In addition,
A MASCHINE Project can have any number of Groups which are organized into Banks. The first
Group bank is labeled A1 to H1 in the MASCHINE software and the second is labeled A2 to
H2, the third A3 to H3, and so on. So let’s look for a nice kit and load it into Bank 1 Group A
which is selected by default when you start a new Project.
3.1.1 Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library in the MASCHINE Software
In the MASCHINE software, the Browser is found in the left part of the window.
If you cannot see the Browser in the MASCHINE software, click the magnifying glass icon in
the Header at the top of the MASCHINE window in order to show the Browser:
First Steps
Enable the magnifying glass to display the Browser.
To load a drum kit, do the following:
1. Click the LIBRARY tab to open the LIBRARY pane.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 33
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
2. Click the Group icon to get a list of all available drum kits in the Library:
3. In the Content selector to the right, click the world icon to select only Native Instruments
factory content:
4. In the TYPES filter, select the Kits.
First Steps
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 34
⇨ The Browser will then display only kits in the Result list:
First Steps
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
5. Select the Urban Kit sub-type tag below to further refine your search.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 35
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
6. Scroll down the Result list and double-click EK-TL A Kit to load this drum kit into Group
A:
First Steps
3.1.2 Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library Using the Controller
On your controller, do the following:
1. Press button A on the left of your controller to select the first Group slot. This is where
you are going to load the drum kit. Button A should be lit to indicate that it is selected.
2. Press the BROWSER button at the top left of your controller.
3. Press Button 1 or Button 2 above the displays to select GROUPS.
4. Check that Button 4 above the displays is not fully lit and that the USER label underneath is not highlighted; if necessary, press Button 4 to disable it.
5. Move the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right in order to put the focus (indicated by the
brackets) on All Types.
6. Press and hold the 4-D encoder to view which Group types are available.
7. While holding the 4-D encoder, turn it to select Kits.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 36
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library
8. Move the 4-D encoder one step to the right to put the focus (the brackets) on the All Sub-
Types label that just appeared.
9. Press and hold the encoder.
10. Turn the 4-D encoder until Urban Kit is selected.
11. Move the 4-D encoder another step to the right to put the focus on the Results list.
12. Turn the 4-D encoder to scroll down the list and until EK-TL A KIT is selected.
13. Now press SHIFT + Button 4 above the displays so that +PATTERNS is deselected (the
Button must be off, this will be explained in more detail later):
First Steps
14. Press the 4-D encoder to load the selected entry.
→ The drum kit is loaded into the Group A.
Alternatively, you can use the Knobs under each field at the bottom of the displays to select the
product, the type, sub-type, etc., in order to progressively narrow your search.
For the last step, let’s leave the Browser and get back to the default Control mode of your controller:
► Press the lit BROWSER button to leave the Browser (the button turns off).
That’s it! You just loaded a drum kit into a Group. It is now ready to be played from the pads,
as you will see in the next section.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 37
Playing with the Pads
The process of loading from the Browser is the same for all kinds of objects: In the Browser, you
choose the desired object (Project, Group, Sound, etc.), you choose either factory or user content,
you optionally select a particular product (or product category), the desired type, and sub-type(s),
then you scroll through the result list and select an object for loading.
3.2 Playing with the Pads
As soon as a Group is loaded (here the EK-TL A Kit) and the corresponding Group slot selected
(here Group slot A), this Group can be played from the pads on your controller. Each pad triggers one of the Sounds included in the Group.
► Play the pads to get the feel of your controller: reactivity, sensitivity to the force you apply
while playing (called velocity), etc.
If you don’t hear any sound when playing on your pads, check that none of the buttons in the column to the left of the pads is accidentally lit (if any button is lit, press it to disable it).
While playing, take a look at your pads. You will note the following:
First Steps
▪ When you press a pad, it flashes and then stays fully lit.
▪ At any time, only one pad is fully lit. This is the pad you pressed last.
▪ All other pads are half lit to indicate that they are loaded with a Sound ready to be played.
▪ An unlit pad would indicate that it has no Sound loaded — hence, pressing it would not
have any effect.
While playing on the pads, focus now on the eight Group buttons on the left of your controller.
You will note the following:
▪ All Group buttons except button A and B are off, indicating that they are not loaded with
anything.
▪ Button A is fully lit, indicating that Group A is selected. This means that the pads currently
trigger the Sounds of this Group.
▪ Group button B is dim lit in white, indicating it is the next group to be created when se-
lected.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 38
Recording Your First Pattern
As you can see, MASCHINE communicates in both directions: The commands you give via the
pads and buttons control the software, but the software also communicates information back
to you via the display and the LEDs.
► Select Group A again by pressing button A and continue playing on the pads to get famili-
ar with them.
When you feel ready, move on to the next section, where you can record a little rhythmic pattern using this drum kit!
3.3 Recording Your First Pattern
Now that you feel comfortable with the pads, let’s use them to live record some rhythm into a
Pattern. A Pattern is a recorded sequence of notes played on the Sounds of the current Group.
In each Group you can have an unlimited number of Patterns which are grouped into Pattern
banks containing up to 16 Patterns each.
In addition to recording your own Patterns, you can also add audio loops to your Project. For more
information on how to add audio loops to your Project, and to learn about the MASCHINE Audio
plug-in, refer to the MASHINE Manual.
First Steps
You can now use the transport controls, which are located at the bottom left of your controller:
The Transport section of your controller.
1. Press PLAY to start the sequencer.
2. Press SHIFT + TAP (Metro) to activate the metronome so you get a rhythmical reference.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 39
Recording Your First Pattern
3. Play on the pads along to the metronome to get a feel for the tempo.
4. If you’d like to change the tempo to make your playing feel more comfortable, press the
TEMPO button near the 4-D encoder in the middle left part of the controller (the button
lights up), turn the 4-D encoder, and press TEMPO again to deactivate it (the button turns
off). Alternatively you can hit the TAP button repeatedly at the desired rate to set a new
tempo.
→ The tempo value is indicated in the left display:
When adjusting the tempo, hold SHIFT while turning the 4-D encoder encoder to adjust it in finer
increments. By the way, this is true for many parameters available on your controller.
First Steps
You can adjust the volume of the metronome by pressing SETTINGS and turning Knob 1.
It is recommended that you to start with a simple sequence using a few Sounds only (e.g., the kick
and the snare on pads 1 and 2). You will have the possibility to enrich your Pattern later.
To start recording:
1. With the sequencer playing, press REC to enter recording mode.
REC lights up red.
2. Play the desired rhythm on the pads. By default, the recorded Pattern is one bar long.
Your playing is recorded and directly played in a loop. As long as you don’t press PLAY
again, the new Pattern keeps playing.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 40
Playing with Your Pattern
3. Press REC again to stop recording.
→ You just created your first Pattern!
You can now deactivate the metronome by pressing SHIFT + TAP again and listen to your newly created rhythm.
► To stop the sequencer, press STOP or press PLAY again.
Quick Edits on Your Pattern
At any time, you can undo your last recording by pressing SHIFT + pad 1 (Undo), whether you
are currently recording or not. You can redo it by pressing SHIFT + pad 2 (Redo).
The undo and redo commands are global in MASCHINE: Almost any action in MASCHINE can be
undone/redone.
At any time, you can enrich your Pattern by activating PLAY and REC again, and playing the
pads. This way, you can progressively build up a complex Pattern step by step.
First Steps
3.4 Playing with Your Pattern
Now that you have a nice Pattern, let’s introduce a few powerful tools for playing your Pattern
live.
3.4.1 Using Solo and Mute
Mute can be used to bypass a Sound or Group, whereas Solo is the opposite: Solo will mute all
other Sounds in the Group, or all other Groups in the Project, so a selected Sound, or Group
can be heard alone. The combination of both is a useful means to play live and to test different sequences together.
When used on Sounds, the Solo only applies to the current Group: The Sounds in other Groups
will not be affected.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 41
Playing with Your Pattern
3.4.1.1 Using Solo and Mute in the MASCHINE Software
Soloing a Sound
► To solo a Sound, right-click the number on the left side of the Sound slot in the Pattern
Editor.
Soloing the first kick Sound.
► To unsolo a Sound, right-click the number again.
Muting a Sound
First Steps
► To mute a Sound, click the number on the left side of the Sound slot in the Pattern Edi-
tor.
Muting a Sound.
► To unmute the Sound, click the number again.
By default, the Mute on Sounds is an event mute: events for muted Sounds are not triggered, but
the audio coming from previous events might still be audible (reverb tail, etc.). You can also activate audio mute for Sounds to mute both events and audio. See the MASCHINE Manual for more
information.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 42
Playing with Your Pattern
3.4.1.2 Solo and Mute Sounds on Your Controller
1. Press PLAY to start the sequencer.
2. Hold the MUTE button at the bottom of your controller.
3. While holding MUTE, press pad 1.
4. While holding MUTE, press a few other pads to mute their Sound to your liking.
5. While holding MUTE, press pad 1 again.
6. While holding MUTE, press the muted pads to bring their Sounds back.
7. Release MUTE.
8. Now hold the SOLO button (just above MUTE).
9. While holding SOLO, press pad 1.
10. Now release SOLO and hold MUTE again.
11. Press the half-lit pads one by one, progressively bringing each drum back in the mix.
→ The combination of muting and soloing Sounds allows you to create effective breaks on
the fly.
First Steps
You can also solo and mute whole Groups by holding SOLO or MUTE and pressing the desired
Group button A–H; since you only have one Group loaded, it would not make much sense yet.
3.4.2 Using Note Repeat
Note Repeat is a really handy way to play and program beats: it plays the selected Sound or
note repeatedly at a given rate. You just need to hold a pad and its Sound/note will be steadily
repeated until you release the pad.
▪ When using Note Repeat all pads will be both velocity and pressure sensitive, allowing for
expressive drum rolls or dynamic basslines.
▪ Note Repeat is a great way to play percussion and drums live to create build-ups and
breaks.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 43
Saving Your Project
▪ Note Repeat can also come in handy to quickly record a regular beat when creating Pat-
terns.
▪ Note Repeat is also interesting to use with tonal Sounds and you can access it from Key-
board mode to create synthesizer-like arpeggios.
Note Repeat can only be enabled using the controller.
1. Check that your Pattern is playing — if not, press PLAY to start the sequencer.
2. Hold the NOTE REPEAT button.
3. While holding NOTE REPEAT, hold any pad.
The Sound of the pad is repeatedly triggered at the rate shown at the bottom of the controller’s display.
4. While holding NOTE REPEAT, press Button 5, 6, 7 or 8 above the right display to select
another repetition rate.
→ This is a handy way to add live ornaments to your Pattern!
First Steps
Of course you can also use Note Repeat to program your Pattern (e.g., recording a continuous hihat).
3.5 Saving Your Project
A drum groove is an ideal starting point for the creation of a song. All the instruments you record afterwards will be based on the feeling of that rhythm. Before you get to adding new elements and editing your Pattern, you should save your work right away.
Saving your Work for the First Time in the MASCHINE Software
1. Click File.
2. Click Save.
⇨ The Save Project As dialog opens.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 44
3. On your computer keyboard, type a name (e.g., “My First Project”) in the field and press
[Enter] to confirm.
→ Your Project with its new Pattern is now saved on your hard disk. If you close MASCHINE
or open another Project, you will still be able to open this Project later.
Saving your Work for the First Time on the Controller
1. To save your modifications to the Project, press SHIFT + FILE (Save).
⇨ A message will appear on your controller that asks you to look at the MASCHINE software.
Since our current Project was not saved yet, MASCHINE asks you to name it before saving. For this, you need to get back to your computer. A Save Project As dialog opened and
is waiting for your input.
2. On your computer keyboard, type a name (e.g., “My First Project”) in the field and press
[Enter] to confirm.
→ Your Project with its new Pattern is now saved on your hard disk. If you close MASCHINE
or open another Project, you will still be able to open this Project later.
Pressing the FILE button opens the File mode with additional options for managing your Project files
directly from your controller: start a new Project, save a copy of the current Project, save the Project
under a new name, or load a Project from the list of Projects opened recently. For more information,
please refer to the MASCHINE Manual available from the Help menu.
First Steps
To Sum Up…
3.6 To Sum Up…
In this first tutorial, you have learned to:
▪ Load a Group using the Browser.
▪ Use the pads to play the Sounds of that Group.
▪ Record a simple Pattern with that Group.
▪ Use the Mute, Solo and Note Repeat features to create variations on the fly.
▪ Save the current Project for a later use.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 45
Once you feel comfortable with these tasks, please proceed to the next tutorial, where you will
customize your drum kit, and have a closer look at the MASCHINE software user interface.
First Steps
To Sum Up…
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 46
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Opening Your Project
4 Building Your Own Drum Kit
In this tutorial, you will exchange some of the Sounds of your drum kit, and adjust a few settings for your Project and your Group. On the way, you will discover some features of the MASCHINE software user interface.
Prerequisites
It is assumed here that you have followed the previous tutorial. In particular, you already know
how to:
▪ Load a Group using the Browser.
▪ Use the pads to play the Sounds of that Group.
▪ Record a simple Pattern with that Group.
▪ Save the current Project for a later use.
If you have any doubts about these tasks, please refer to chapter ↑3, First Steps before proceeding!
4.1 Opening Your Project
If for any reason your tutorial Project is not currently open in MASCHINE (e.g., you opened another Project in the meantime), you first need to open it again. You can do this with the controller or in the software, for example using the MASCHINE Browser.
If you closed MASCHINE and started it again, your last Project should automatically load by default. If you changed this setting, follow these instructions to load the tutorial Project again!
If the tutorial Project is already open in MASCHINE, you can skip to section ↑4.2, Customizing
Your Drum Kit.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 47
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Opening Your Project
Available both on your controller and in the software, the Browser will be the preferred way to
open a project when working on your controller. Here you will use a nice feature of MASCHINE:
Each file you created and saved in MASCHINE is automatically put in “User” content. Hence,
you will select the User icon in the Content selector to quickly find your tutorial Project again.
Opening a Project in the Software
In the MASCHINE software, the Browser is found in the left part of the window.
If you cannot see the Browser in the MASCHINE software, click the little magnifying glass in
the Header at the top of the MASCHINE window in order to show the Browser:
Enable the magnifying glass to display the Browser.
To open the tutorial Project, do the following:
1. At the top left, click the button showing the Project icon to get a list of all available
Projects in the Library:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 48
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Opening Your Project
2. In the Content selector to the right, click the User icon to select only the user-created
Projects:
In the result list below, you now have one unique Project left — your “My First Project”:
3. Double-click this unique entry to load the Project in MASCHINE.
If you have already created other Projects in MASCHINE, they will also appear in the result list
along with your tutorial Project.
Opening a Project Using the Controller
Now try operating MASCHINE via the controller wherever possible. To open a Project via the
controller, you will follow the same process as above, filtering MASCHINE objects to narrow
your search until you find your tutorial Project. This is similar to what you did when loading a
drum kit in the previous tutorial. Do the following:
1. Press BROWSER to show the Browser.
2. Press Button 1 above the displays repeatedly until PROJECTS is selected.
3. Press Button 4 above the displays to enable it.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 49
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Customizing Your Drum Kit
4. If you have already created more than one Project, turn the 4-D encoder or Knob 8 until
My First Project is selected on the right display.
5. Press the 4-D encoder or Button 8 to load the Project.
6. Press BROWSER to leave the Browser.
The BROWSER button turns off.
→ You can continue to work on your tutorial Project.
You will note that every action you did on the controller is directly mirrored in the Browser of the
MASCHINE software. This is true in both directions.
Opening a Recent Project Using the Controller
Your MASCHINE controller also provides a handy way to open Projects on which you worked
recently:
1. Press FILE to open the File mode.
The right display shows a list of your recent Projects.
2. Turn the 4-D encoder or Knob 8 to select the desired Project from the list.
3. Press the 4-D encoder or Button 8 to load the selected Project.
4. Press FILE to leave the File mode.
→ You can continue to work on your Project.
The File mode provides additional options for managing your Project files directly from your controller: start a new Project, save a copy of the current Project, or save the Project under a new name.
For more information, please refer to the Manual.
4.2 Customizing Your Drum Kit
You might want to replace one or more drums from the Group “EK-TL A Kit” with ones that
sound better with your Pattern. To do this, you must make use of the Browser again.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 50
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Customizing Your Drum Kit
4.2.1 Selecting Another Snare Sample
For the sake of providing an example, replace the Sample “Snare Ektl A 2” used in the Sound
on pad 6 to something less intrusive.
Selecting another Snare Sample in the Software
You have already used the Browser to open various objects (e.g., your tutorial Project). Now you
will learn another of its facilities: This time, you will not select Types, but instead use the text
search. This powerful feature allows you to instantly find items by name.
1. Click the Sound slot containing the “Snare Ektl A 2” that you want to replace:
2. Click the Browser button in the top row to show the Browser within the MASCHINE window (the button becomes highlighted):
3. In the top row of the Browser, click the Sample icon on the far right to get a list of all the
available samples in the Library:
4. Since you want to find a side stick, type “side stick” into the empty field above the list of
Samples.
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 51
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Customizing Your Drum Kit
5. Now activate Prehear by clicking the Prehear button (the loudspeaker symbol) at the bottom of the Browser:
6. When you have found a suitable side stick Sample, double-click it to load it in the Sound
slot. You can also drag and drop it on the Sound slot.
You can also mix both search methods: You can simultaneously select specific Banks (and Types,
Subtypes…) and type the desired search query in the Search field.
You can activate the Autoload feature to listen how the selected Sample work with the other
percussions in your Pattern. To do this:
1. Click the Autoload button at the bottom left corner of the Browser to activate it (you can
deactivate the Prehear button next to it):
2. Click any Sample in the result list.
⇨ The Sample will automatically load in the selected Sound slot, replacing the previously
loaded Sample. If the Pattern is playing, you can directly hear the new Sample in context.
Try to exchange a few Samples to familiarize yourself with the procedure described above, both
on your controller and in the software. This should allow you to build a custom drum kit that
fits your needs.
Note that you can also start from a blank Group and entirely fill it up with the Sounds of your
choice.
Selecting Another Snare Sample on the Controller
On your controller, do the following:
MASCHINE - Getting Started - 52
Building Your Own Drum Kit
Customizing Your Drum Kit
1. Press BROWSER to open the Browser.
2. Press pad 6 to select its Sound.
3. Press Button 2 above the displays repeatedly until SAMPLES is selected.
4. Check that Button 4 above the displays is not fully lit and that the USER label underneath is not highlighted; if necessary, press Button 4 to disable it.
5. Move the 4-D encoder to the left or to the right in order to put the focus (indicated by the
brackets) on All Types, then turn the encoder to select the Drums type, thereby limiting
the results to the drum Samples:
You can also press and hold the 4-D encoder to temporarily display all available types; you
can even turn the encoder while pressing it to see where your selection currently is.
6. Move the 4-D encoder one step to the right to put the focus (the brackets) on the All Sub-
Types label that just appeared, and turn (or press and turn) the encoder to select the
Snare sub-type.
7. Move the 4-D encoder one more step to the right to put the focus on the new All Sub-
Types label that just appeared, and turn (or press & turn) the encoder to select the Side
Stick sub-type.
8. Move the 4-D encoder another step to the right to put the focus on the Results list.
9. Press and hold SHIFT + Button 8 to activate PREHEAR.
10. Turn the 4-D encoder to scroll through all side stick Samples.
11. Once you have found a suitable side stick Sample, press the 4-D encoder to load it into
the Sound slot currently selected (the one triggered by pad 6).
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As you can see, once you have selected the particular objects (Groups, Sounds, etc.) and content
(factory or user) that you want to browse, you can perform the entire navigation with one hand using
the 4-D encoder! Feel free to use your preferred method: via the 4-D encoder, Knobs 1–8, or any
combination of both.
To help you decide which Sample would fit best, MASCHINE offers you an additional, convenient help: Autoload. This allows you to replace the selected Sound on the fly with the Sample
currently selected in the Browser’s result list while your Pattern is playing. Meaning, you can
listen to each Sample in the context of your Pattern. To do this:
1. Press PLAY to start the sequencer.
⇨ The Pattern you created starts playing.
2. Press SHIFT + Button 8 to deactivate the Prehear feature. In the display, PREHEAR
should be disabled (dark).
3. Now, instead of using Knob 8 or the 4-D encoder for scrolling through the Samples, use
Buttons 5 and 6 above the right display.
→ The selected Sample will automatically load into the Sound slot triggered by the pad 6.
Since your Pattern is playing, you will hear the selected Sample in place of the former
“Snare Ektl A 2” Sample in the context of your recorded Pattern.
When you have found a suitable Sample, you don’t need to explicitly load it, with Autoload it is already loaded in the Sound slot. Use Button 5 (PREVIOUS) and Button 6 (NEXT) to audition other
Samples in the MASCHINE library.
► Don’t forget to press BROWSER again to leave the Browser once you have found the ideal
Sample.
4.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth
In this section you will learn you how to load Drumsynths in MASCHINE using the Plug-in List.
The Plug-in List
Before you load a Drumsynth, have a quick look at the Control area in the software:
1. Select the Group “EK-TL A Kit” (Group A1).
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2. Select the Sound “Kick Ektl A 2.”
Now have a look at the Control area:
The Control area showing some Sampler Plug-in parameters for your kick drum Sound.
In the left part of the Control area, you can load any number of Plug-ins into the Plug-in List.
The processing order is from top to bottom (from the first Plug-in to the last).
For example, in each Sound of the Group “EK-TL A Kit,” the first slot in the Plug-in List hosts
a Sampler Plug-in (that is, the MASCHINE internal sampler). The Sampler is the sound source
of each of these Sounds.
Plug-in slots are available in every channel of your Project:
▪ Sound channels: In Sounds, the first Plug-in slot is the only slot that can contain both an
instrument or an effect. The other slots can only contain effects.
▪ Group channels: Each Group also offers slots for effects that will process all Sounds of that
Group together.
▪ Master channel: The Master channel provides additional slots for effects that will process
the overall audio of your Project before it is sent to the master output.
By loading an effect Plug-in into the first slot of a Sound, you make this Sound available as a bussing point for other signals in MASCHINE and for signals from the outside world. You will learn how
to set this up in Using Other Sound Sources.
Loading a Drumsynth into a Plug-in List
To further customize your drum kit, you could replace one of the kick drums with another one,
for example coming from an internal instrument included with MASCHINE: Drumsynth.
You can load Plug-ins into the Plug-in List via two methods:
▪ Using the Browser: You have already used the Browser to load Projects, Groups, Samples,
and Plug-ins. Similarly, you can use it to search for plug-in effects.
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▪ Using the Plug-in menu: You can also choose the desired Plug-in directly from the Plug-in
slot itself via the Plug-in menu.
Note that these methods work in any channel: Sounds, Groups, or Master. However, since
Drumsynth is an instrument, you can load it only into the first Plug-in slot of Sounds.
The difference between the two loading methods is that the Browser allows you to load Plug-in pre-
sets (from the factory content or user-created), while the Plug-in menu allows you to load Plug-ins
in their default state.
Since you should already be familiar with the Browser (if not, check for example section ↑3.1,
Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library or ↑4.2.1, Selecting Another Snare Sample), this
time you will learn the method using the Plug-in menu.
4.2.2.1 Loading a Drumsynth into a Plug-in List in the Software
1. At the left of the Pattern Editor, click the Sound slot’s name (Kick Ektl A 2) to select that
Sound slot.
2. In the Control area above, click the SOUND tab to select the Sound level, since this is the
only level at which Drumsynths can be loaded.
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3. At the far left of the Control area, click the small Plug-in icon to display the Plug-ins.
This displays the Plug-in List on the left of the Control area:
The Plug-in List in this instance contains Sampler.
4. Click the down-pointing arrow at the right to open the Plug-in menu.
The Plug-in menu opens and displays a list of all available effects.
5. In this menu, click the Drumsynth submenu to display the Drumsynths.
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6. Click the Kick entry to load it into the Plug-in List.
The Kick Plug-in is now loaded and is ready to be tweaked.
→
4.2.2.2 Loading a Drumsynth into a Plug-in List on the Controller
1. Press the PLUG-IN button in the top left corner of your controller to enter Control mode
and display the Plug-in slots.
2. Press SELECT + pad 5 to select the Sound Kick Ektl A 2.
3. Press Button 3 to select the SOUND tab.
The left display shows you all the Plug-ins loaded in the selected Sound — in our case
there is only one: the Sampler.
4. Move the 4-D encoder to the left so that the white frame moves onto the Sampler in the
left display. This white frame indicates the focus – now the focus is on the Sampler:
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5. Press the 4-D encoder to open the Plug-in menu in the right display:
6. Turn Knob 1 until the TYPE field is set to Instr. (for Instrument) and then Knob 2 until
the VENDOR field is set to Internal.
⇨ As you touch either Knob, you will notice a list popping up above that Knob to show you
the available entries. In the right display, the Plug-in menu is filtered according to your
selection and shows MASCHINE’s internal instruments.
7. Turn the 4-D encoder to select the Kick from the list in the right display:
8. Press the 4-D encoder to load the Kick.
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→ The Plug-in menu is automatically closed and the Kick Plug-in is now loaded in place of
the Sampler, ready to be tweaked:
As in the Browser (see section ↑4.2.1, Selecting Another Snare Sample), the 4-D encoder
proves to be extremely handy for navigating the Plug-ins loaded in your Sounds and loading
new ones.
You can also open or close the Plug-in menu by pressing SHIFT + BROWSER (+Plug-In).
4.2.3 Adjusting Volume, Swing and Tempo
After selecting the right Samples for your drum kit, you might need to adjust their levels. MASCHINE holds a powerful sampler that allows you to fine-tune many settings for each generated sound. Without entering into too many details yet, look at a quick way to adjust the volume
level and swing for each Sound in your Group.
4.2.3.1 Adjusting Volume, Swing and Tempo in the MASCHINE Software
Adjusting Volume
To adjust the various volume levels in the software, the following controls are at your disposal:
► To adjust the overall output level, click and drag the Master Volume slider located on the
right part of the Header, at the top of the window.
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Use the Master Volume slider in the Header to adjust the overall volume of MASCHINE.
You can also use Mix view to adjust your Sound and Group levels. Mix view gives you quick access
to the level and routing settings of all your Sounds, Groups, and the Master. In addition, it provides
you with an intuitive interface for adjusting the parameters of all your Plug-ins. More on this in section The Mix View.
Adjusting Swing
To adjust the overall Swing of your song, you can use the display in the Header, at the top of
the MASCHINE window:
The SWING control in the Header.
► To adjust the Swing value of your Project, click the SWING value, hold the mouse button
and drag vertically.
Adjusting Tempo
To adjust the overall Tempo of your song, you can use the display in the Header, at the top of
the MASCHINE window:
The BPM control in the Header.
► To adjust the Tempo (Beats Per Minute) value of your Project, click the BPM value, hold
the mouse button and drag vertically.
4.2.3.2 Adjusting Volume, Swing, Tempo and Tune on Your Controller
Adjusting Volume
► Press the VOLUME button near the 4-D encoder.
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→ The VOLUME button lights up. You can now adjust the volume for your overall Project, for
each Group, and for each Sound individually using the 4-D encoder:
▪ To adjust the overall volume, turn the 4-D encoder. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer
increments.
▪ To adjust the volume of a particular Group, hold its Group button (A–H) and turn the 4-D
encoder. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer increments.
▪ To adjust the volume of an individual Sound, press and hold its pad and turn the 4-D en-
coder. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer increments.
As you adjust the volume, the left display shortly indicates its current value.
It is recommended you try this while your Pattern is playing, you will immediately hear the effect of
your changes.
Adjusting Swing
Now adjust the overall swing of your Project. The Swing feature shifts some of the played
notes, hereby adding some “groove” to your Pattern. The procedure is similar to the one described above for the volume:
1. Press the SWING button near the 4-D encoder.
The SWING button lights up. If the VOLUME button was still on, it turns off.
2. Turn the 4-D encoder to adjust the swing for your overall Project.
As you adjust the swing, the left display shortly indicates its current value.
You can also adjust the individual Swing values for Sounds and Groups by holding the desired
Group button or pad as described above for the volume.
Adjusting Tempo/Tune
► Press the TEMPO button.
→ The TEMPO button lights up. You can now adjust the tempo of your Project as well as the
tune for each Group and for each Sound individually using the 4-D encoder:
▪ To adjust the tempo, turn the 4-D encoder. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer incre-
ments.
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▪ To adjust the tune of a particular Group, press and hold its Group button (A–H) and turn
the 4-D encoder. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer increments.
▪ To adjust the tune of an individual Sound, press and hold its pad and turn the 4-D encod-
er. Hold SHIFT to adjust the value in finer increments.
As you adjust the tempo or the tune, the left display shortly indicates its current value.
It is recommended you try this while your Pattern is playing, you will immediately hear the effect of
your changes.
► When you are done with your volume, swing, and tempo changes, press the lit VOLUME,
SWING, or TEMPO button to deactivate it.
4.2.4 Changing the Color of Your Sounds
MASCHINE allows you to change the color of each Group or Sound. It can be very useful to see
at a glance to identify certain Groups or Sounds.
Now assign different colors to the different types of percussions in your drum kit:
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► Right-click on the desired Sound slots, select Color in the context menu, and select the
desired color according to the type of percussion in that Sound slot.
Here is an example of how you could color Sounds:
Your drum kit full of colors.
This helps you see much quicker where the kicks, the snares, etc., are.
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You can assign colors to your Sounds, Groups, Patterns, Scenes, and Sections. It’s up to you to decide which colors to use. You can use colors to distinguish different sound types, purposes, or anything else that best fits your needs and workflow.
Changing the color of items can be done in the MASCHINE software only.
4.2.5 Moving your Sounds and Groups
You can exchange the position of your Sounds and Groups at any time. This can be done in the
MASCHINE software only. It can be helpful to organize your Sounds or Groups more conveniently. Notably, this allows you to move your Sounds to other pads, and create a Group that is
easier to play from the pads.
Now exchange the positions of the “Kick Ektl A 2” and the “Snare Ektl A 1” in order to have
both kicks on pads 1 and 2, and both snares on pads 5 and 6:
1. Click and hold the Sound slot 5 containing the “Kick Ektl A 2.”
2. While holding the mouse button, drag your mouse up.
As the mouse cursor moves up, an insertion line appears at the places where you can drop
your Sound.
3. When the insertion line appears under the other kick, release the mouse button.
→ Your second kick takes place under the first kick in the Sound slot 2. It will now be trig-
gered by the pad 2 on your controller.
In a similar manner, you will now move the “Snare Ektl A 1” to pad 5:
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Saving Your Project
1. Click and hold the Sound slot 3, which now contains the “Snare Ektl A 1.”
2. While holding the mouse button, drag your mouse down. When the insertion line appears
above the other snare, release the mouse button.
→ Your first snare takes place above the second snare in the Sound slot 5. It will now be
triggered by pad 5 on your controller.
Keep in mind that any change in the Sound slot positions also affects the pads triggering the corresponding Sounds! Hence, it is recommended you practice with your new mapping to avoid confusion.
4.3 Saving Your Project
Again, it is recommended to regularly save your work. You can then open another Project or
close MASCHINE and take a break. Your tutorial Project will be recalled as it was the next time
you open it.
To save your Project in the software:
► Press [Ctrl] + [S] ([command] + [S] on macOS) to save your Project.
To save your Project on the controller:
► Press SHIFT + FILE (Save) to save your Project.
4.4 To Sum Up…
In this tutorial, you have learned to:
▪ Open a Project using the Browser (both on your controller and in the software).
▪ Replace one of the Sounds from the original Group with another Sample taken from the
factory library using the Browser.
▪ Replace one of the Sounds from the original Group with a Drumsynth.
▪ Adjust the overall volume of MASCHINE along with the individual volume levels of your
Groups and Sounds using your controller.
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▪ Adjust the overall Swing of your song, both on your controller and in the software.
▪ Change the colors of your Sounds, and possibly of your Groups, Patterns and Scenes (more
on Scenes later).
▪ Move your Sounds across your Group to assign them to other pads on your controller.
Once you feel comfortable with these few tasks, proceed to the next tutorial, where you will
learn more on Patterns!
To Sum Up…
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Creating Beats
Fine-tuning your First Pattern
5 Creating Beats
In this tutorial, you will further enhance your tutorial Project and do the following:
▪ Double your Pattern and fine-tune it.
▪ Add a second Pattern for breaks.
Even though you have only dealt with drum kits until now, MASCHINE is much more than a rhythm
box. Indeed, it also does a great job with melodic instruments! For those who can’t wait: Please be
patient, you will add a bass line in the next tutorial.
Prerequisites
It is assumed here that you followed the previous tutorials in chapter ↑3, First Steps and ↑4,
Building Your Own Drum Kit. In particular, you already know how to:
▪ Open a Project (↑4.1, Opening Your Project).
▪ Use the pads to play the Sounds of the loaded Group (↑3.2, Playing with the Pads).
▪ Record a simple Pattern with that Group (↑3.3, Recording Your First Pattern).
▪ Save the current Project for a later use (↑3.5, Saving Your Project).
If you have any doubts about these tasks, please refer to the previous tutorials before proceeding!
In case your tutorial Project “My First Project” is not open, please open it now:
► Open the tutorial Project “My First Project.”
5.1 Fine-tuning your First Pattern
You will start by improving your first Pattern using some of the powerful editing features of
MASCHINE.
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5.1.1 Your Pattern in the Software
1 2
3
4
First of all, have a quick look at the Pattern Editor in the software:
Creating Beats
Fine-tuning your First Pattern
Your first Pattern displayed in the Pattern Editor.
In the Pattern Editor, you will note the following:
▪ At the top left (1), EK-TL A Kit is the name of the selected Group; in this instance, it is
your customized drum kit.
▪ Under the Group name, you see a vertical list of all Sounds included in the Group (4). If
the list does not fit into the screen, a vertical scroll bar at the right end of the Pattern Editor allows you to display the missing Sounds. At any time, the selected Sound slot is highlighted (in the picture above, the Clap Ektl A 1, triggered by the pad 1).
At the right of the Group name, you find a drop-down menu which reveals the Pattern Manager. This comprises the Pattern List view and Pattern Pad view (2). These represent the Pattern
slots for that Group. At any time, the selected Pattern slot is highlighted both in the List view
and in the Pad view (in the picture above, the Pattern slot 1). A Pattern contains the events
(the notes) that plays Sounds from the current Group. More typically this is known as a sequence.
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Fine-tuning your First Pattern
▪ The biggest area of the Pattern Editor (3), in the lower right part, displays the events (the
notes) of the selected Pattern. In other terms, you see here what you recorded in ↑3.3, Re-
cording Your First Pattern. Events mirror the colors of their respective Sounds. Vertical
lines indicate the beats and their subdivisions. The thin white line at the top of the pattern
indicates the current play position and the thin white line with a triangle is the pattern end
marker. At the bottom, a horizontal scroll bar allows you to display other parts of the Pattern, in case it is too long to fit on your screen.
Now that you have a better overview of your Pattern, you can start fine-tuning it.
5.1.2 Doubling the Pattern and Adding a Variation
Your Pattern is currently one bar long. When played in a loop, it might get a bit monotonous.
To solve this, you will exclusively use the controller to double the pattern length and add some
variation.
Double is only available on your controller.
Do the following:
1. Press SHIFT + DUPLICATE (Double).
2. Press PLAY to listen to your Pattern.
3. Press REC to start recording, and add a few notes with the pads when the second half of
the Pattern is playing.
4. At any time, don’t hesitate to undo/redo your last action(s) by pressing SHIFT + pad 1 and
SHIFT + pad 2, respectively.
5. Once you are satisfied with the ending of your extended Pattern, disable REC to stop recording.
→ The Pattern has increased to two bars and now contains some added variation.
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Creating Beats
Fine-tuning your First Pattern
A doubled Pattern with some added side-sticks in bar 2 for variation.
When recording, you don’t necessarily need to be super-accurate in your playing: The next section will show you how the Quantize functions can correct the timing of your playing to a set of
discrete values.
5.1.3 Quantizing the Rhythm
It takes a little practice to be very precise when playing the pads. Sometimes (especially if
you’re new to MASCHINE) your timing may be slightly off and this will be evident when you
record your Pattern. MASCHINE has a solution for this! It's called quantization.
A Few Notes on Quantization
Here are a few points worth noting on quantization:
▪ The use of quantization notably depends on the music style of your song: In some cases,
the rhythm must be perfectly tight, while in other cases, half-quantization (or even no
quantization at all) would fit best.
▪ For now, you haven’t selected any event yet, and quantization (or half-quantization) was
applied to all events — in other terms, to the whole Pattern. If by chance you selected
some events in your Pattern, quantization would be applied to these events only! This can
be very useful if you want to build a tight rhythmic basis (e.g., kick and snare) while keeping specific events or Sounds “out of rhythm” (e.g., ornaments, slightly shifted hi-hat…).
This can help create a powerful groove. For more information on selecting particular events
in a Pattern, please refer to the Manual.
▪ You can change the resolution of the subdivisions to which events will be quantized.
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Fine-tuning your First Pattern
▪ You can also quantize events directly when playing on the pads and/or recording! By de-
fault, this option is disabled. You can enable it in Preferences > Defaults > Input > Quan-
tize. Please refer to the Manual for more information.
5.1.3.1 Quantizing the Rhythm in the MASCHINE Software
Zooming In Your Pattern
To check this, zoom on specific parts of your Pattern in the software. Go to the bottom of the
Pattern Editor in the software where you find the horizontal scroll bar which can also be used
as a Zoom tool:
The Zoom Tool in the Pattern Editor.
► Click either end of the horizontal scroll bar, hold the mouse button, and then drag your
mouse left or right to zoom in/out.
Alternatively, you can click anywhere on the scroll bar and drag upwards or downwards to zoom in
and out of your pattern.
At any time, you can click the middle of the horizontal and vertical scroll bars to display another part of the Pattern.
If you zoom in, you can see that some of your hits might not be accurate:
A detailed view of your live recorded Pattern: The first two kicks are late, the third one is in advance.
MASCHINE provides you with a powerful quantization feature that allows you to correct this to
the desired extent.
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Fine-tuning your First Pattern
5.1.3.2 Quantizing the Rhythm using the Controller
Quantizing Your Pattern
The process of quantization (sometimes called “note snap”) consists of forcing events to stick
to the beats or to their subdivisions. This ensures that the rhythm is perfectly tight. On your
controller, do the following:
► To quantize the events of your Pattern, press SHIFT + pad 5.
→ Your Pattern now plays perfectly tight. In the Pattern Editor, you can see that all events
now are exactly on the beats or their subdivisions.
Quantizing Your Pattern, but Not Too Much
Sometimes, having beats perfectly tight might sound too “mechanical” and dull. Indeed, the
groove often comes from all these little imperfections in the rhythm. Hence, to avoid losing the
Pattern’s groove, MASCHINE lets you half-quantize your events: Events are moved half way toward the closest beat/subdivision. Thus, you get a tighter rhythm while keeping its human
touch and groove.
► To half-quantize the events of your Pattern, press SHIFT + pad 6.
You can apply half quantization several times in a row: Each time, events will move half of the
remaining way to the beats/subdivisions.
Here is the effect of half-quantization and quantization on an event:
Original event, half-quantized event, and quantized event.
At any time, don’t hesitate to undo/redo your last action(s) by pressing SHIFT + pad 1 and SHIFT +
pad 2, respectively.
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Adding a Second Pattern
5.2 Adding a Second Pattern
Now you can create another Pattern that you can use as a break in your song. This will introduce a few more tasks and features of MASCHINE, namely the selection of Patterns, the Pattern Length, and the Count-in.
5.2.1 Selecting a Pattern Slot
Until now, you only used the first of the 64 Pattern slots available in your Group. You will now
select another Pattern slot, in which you will later record your second Pattern.
5.2.1.1 Selecting a Pattern Slot in the MASCHINE Software
► In the Ideas view of the Arranger at the top of the MASCHINE window, double-click the
empty slot below Pattern 1 to create a new Pattern.
Double-click the slot below slot 1 to create a new empty Pattern.
▪ Pattern slot 2 is now selected. Selecting an empty Pattern slot automatically creates a
blank Pattern in it.
Note that the slots’ lighting behavior in the software mirrors the pads’ lighting behavior on the
controller:
▪ Pattern slot 1 is half lit: There is a Pattern inside but the slot is not selected.
▪ Pattern slot 2 is fully lit: There is a (blank) Pattern inside and the slot is selected.
▪ All other Pattern slots are dark: They contain no Pattern.
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Adding a Second Pattern
5.2.1.2 Selecting a Pattern Slot on the Controller
1. Press PATTERN and hold it.
All pads light off except pad 1, which is fully lit. This indicates that all Pattern slots are
empty except the first Pattern slot, which is additionally selected.
2. While holding PATTERN, press pad 2.
→ Pattern slot 2 is now selected. Selecting an empty Pattern slot automatically creates a
blank Pattern in it.
Have a look at the pads:
▪ Pad 1 is half lit: There is a Pattern inside but the slot is not selected.
▪ Pad 2 is fully lit: There is a blank Pattern inside and the slot is selected.
▪ All other pads are unlit: They contain no Pattern.
5.2.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length
You have already learned how to change the Pattern Length by doubling the Pattern: the Pattern’s length was doubled and its content reproduced in the second half (see ↑5.1.2, Doubling
the Pattern and Adding a Variation). Here you will learn how to adjust the Pattern Length with-
out affecting its events, if any.
You can adjust the Pattern Length at any time, even if you already put events in the Pattern. If you
reduce the Pattern Length so that some events are not included in the Pattern anymore, these
events have not been deleted: They stay at their location — if you extend your Pattern again, you
can include them again.
5.2.2.1 Adjusting the Pattern Length in the MASCHINE Software
In the software, you can change the Pattern Length in two ways:
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Creating Beats
Adding a Second Pattern
1. In the timeline of the Pattern Editor, click the right limit of the Pattern (indicated by a
little triangle pointing to the left) and drag your mouse horizontally in the timeline to
change the Pattern Length.
2. At the top right of the Pattern Editor, click the value and drag your mouse vertically to
change the Pattern Length.
5.2.2.2 Adjusting the Pattern Length on the Controller
1. Hold PATTERN.
At the bottom of the left display, you see that the Pattern LENGTH parameter is currently
set to 1:0:0, which means one bar:
2. While holding PATTERN, turn Knob 4 to set a new value for the Pattern Length.
The empty Pattern in Pattern slot 2 now has a new length, as you can see in the software’s Pattern Editor.
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Creating Beats
Adding a Second Pattern
To change the resolution at which the Pattern Length can be resized, refer to the Manual for information on Arranger Grid.
5.2.3 Recording a New Pattern Using the Count-in
Once your empty Pattern in Pattern slot 2 has the desired length, you are ready for recording.
You have already learned how to record a Pattern by starting the sequencer then enabling the
record mode, also using the metronome (see ↑3.3, Recording Your First Pattern). Here you will
learn another useful aid for recording: the Count-in.
The Count-in cannot be enabled from the software. Please use your controller as described below.
1. Press SHIFT + REC (Count-In) to start recording using the Count-in.
2. Play on the pads.
3. To stop the metronome, press SHIFT + TAP (Metro). To stop the recording, press REC to
disable it. To stop the sequencer, press STOP.
The Count-in allows you to prepare yourself and e.g. get the downbeat on time.
You can change the Count-in length (i.e. how long you hear the metronome alone before the
sequencer and the recording start) directly from your controller:
1. Press SETTINGS.
2. Press Button 1 GENERAL.
3. Turn Knob 4 Count-In LENGTH.
The SETTINGS button opens the Recording Settings mode, which allows you to adjust various metronome and quantization settings. For all details, please refer to the MASCHINE Manual available
from the Help menu.
5.2.4 Switching Patterns
Once you have recorded something in the second Pattern slot, you can check that both Patterns fit well together by instantly switching between both:
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Creating Beats
Adding a Second Pattern
5.2.4.1 Switching Patterns in the MASCHINE Software
1. Click the Play button in the Header at the very top of the MASCHINE window to start the
sequencer (the Play button must be lit).
2. Click Pattern slot 1 and 2 alternatively and listen how both Patterns fit together.
5.2.4.2 Switching Patterns on the Controller
1. Press PLAY to start the sequencer.
2. Press and hold PATTERN.
3. Press pad 1 and pad 2 alternatively and listen how both Patterns fit together.
5.3 Editing Patterns in the Software
In the MASCHINE software, the Pattern Editor allows you to precisely tailor new or existing
Patterns. Only the main mouse actions are mentioned here.
1. To create a new event, double-click into the grid at the desired location.
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Double-click into the Grid to create an event. Right-click it to delete it.
2. To clear an event, right-click it.
3. To move an event, drag it (i.e. click it, hold the mouse button, drag your mouse to the
desired location, and release the mouse button). Dragging horizontally will shift the event
in time for the same Sound, while dragging it vertically will move it to another Sound
while preserving its timing.
4. To stretch an event, drag its right border (this makes more sense for melodic, sustained
instruments than for percussive sounds).
When you create, drag or stretch an event, your action is automatically quantized according to the
current quantization resolution.
You have the Pencil tool at your disposal for editing events in the Pattern Editor. For more information, please refer to the Manual.
5.4 Saving Your Project
Again, it is recommended to regularly save your work. You can then open another Project or
close MASCHINE and take a break. Your tutorial Project will be recalled as it was the next time
you open it.
To save your Project in the software:
► Press [Ctrl] + [S] ([command] + [S] on macOS) to save your Project.
To save your Project on the controller:
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► Press SHIFT + FILE (Save) to save your Project.
5.5 To Sum Up…
In this tutorial, you have learned to:
▪ Double a Pattern.
▪ Quantize or half-quantize a Pattern.
▪ Select different Pattern slots.
▪ Adjust the Pattern Length.
▪ Use the Count-in for recording.
▪ Edit Patterns in the software.
Once you feel comfortable with these few tasks, proceed with the next tutorial, where you will
add a bass line to your song!
To Sum Up…
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Adding a Bass Line
6 Adding a Bass Line
MASCHINE is not only about rhythm. It is also a full-featured sequencing environment and, as
such, lets you create melodic parts as well. As an example, you will add a bass line to your
song. More precisely:
▪ You will create a new Group with a nice bass Sound using a VST/AU plug-in synthesizer.
▪ You will record a few bass lines.
▪ You will adjust the Plug-in parameters to fine-tune the bass sound.
In addition to recording your own instruments, you can also add audio loops to your Project. For
more information on how to add audio loops to your Project, and to learn about the MASCHINE Audio plug-in, refer to the MASHINE Manual.
Prerequisites
It is assumed here that you have followed the previous tutorials. In particular, you already know
how to:
▪ Open a Project (↑4.1, Opening Your Project).
▪ Use the pads to play the loaded Sounds (↑3.2, Playing with the Pads).
▪ Select Pattern slots (↑5.2.1, Selecting a Pattern Slot).
▪ Record a Pattern (↑3.3, Recording Your First Pattern), possibly using the Count-in (↑5.2.3,
Recording a New Pattern Using the Count-in).
▪ Quantize a Pattern (↑5.1.3, Quantizing the Rhythm), and edit it in the software (↑5.3, Edit-
ing Patterns in the Software).
▪ Save the current Project for a later use (↑3.5, Saving Your Project).
If you have any doubts about these tasks, please refer to the previous tutorials before proceeding!
In case your tutorial Project “My First Project” is not open, please open it now:
► Open the tutorial Project “My First Project.”
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Selecting Another Group
6.1 Selecting Another Group
Until now, you have only used the first Group available in your Project. You will now select another Group and load a bass sound. Loading the bass into a different Group slot will later allow
us to handle it separately, and easily combine it with the existing drum kit Group and its Patterns.
In MASCHINE it is possible to have more than one Group bank. In this tutorial you will only be
working with Group bank 1, which contains the first eight Group slots. Each Group bank can contain another eight Groups. The Groups in each bank will be labeled sequentially: The Groups in
Group bank 1 will be labeled A1 to H1 and Group bank 2 A2 to H2. For more information on creating and selecting additional Group banks, please refer to the MASCHINE Manual, available from the
Help menu.
6.1.1 Selecting Another Group in the Software
1. In the top part of the MASCHINE window, click the + sign to add another Group.
2. Click the name of the desired Group B1 to select it.
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Selecting Another Group
Click the Group slot’s name to select that slot.
Upon selection, the Pattern Editor below switches to display the content of the newly selected
Group slot. For now, this is still empty (no Sounds, no Patterns).
6.1.2 Selecting Another Group on the Controller
The eight buttons labeled A to H on the left of your controller represent the eight available
Group slots of the current bank:
▪ Button A is fully lit in the Group’s color to indicate that Group A1 in the software is select-
ed.
▪ Button B is dim lit in white, indicating that a new Group can be created here.
▪ All other Group buttons are off because their slots are empty.
► Press button B to select the second Group slot (B1).
→ Group B1 now is selected.
Have a look at the Group buttons:
▪ Button A is half lit in the Group’s color: There is a Group but it is not selected.
▪ Button B is fully lit in the Group’s color: Group B1 is selected.
▪ Button C is dim lit in white, indicating that the next Group can be created here.
▪ All other Group buttons are unlit because their slots are empty.
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Renaming and Coloring the Group
6.2 Renaming and Coloring the Group
As you loaded the drum kit into the Group A1 (see ↑3.1, Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory
Library), the slot automatically took the name of the loaded Group (“EK-TL A Kit”). Here you
will manually rename the Group B1 to help keep your Project well organized.
This feature is only available from the MASCHINE software.
To rename a Group:
1. Double-click the Group name.
The Group name becomes highlighted.
2. Type a new name (e.g., “Bass”), then press [Enter] on your computer keyboard to confirm.
→ The new name replaces the default name.
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A new name for the Group B1.
Now quickly give your Groups different colors:
► Right-click each Group, select Color in the context menu, and select the desired color in
the palette.
New color for the Bass Group.
6.3 Using an Instrument Plug-in for the Bass
In addition to using the internal sounds of MASCHINE, you may also use 32-bit and 64-bit
VST/AU plug-ins from Native Instruments and third-party manufacturers. This notably allows
you to make use of your favorite synthesizer and effect plug-ins!
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Using an Instrument Plug-in for the Bass
MASCHINE already includes KOMPLETE 11 SELECT, a premium instrument and effect package for all styles of music. This Native Instruments bundle notably includes MASSIVE (the legendary synthesizer), REAKTOR PRISM (a modal synthesizer), SCARBEE MARK 1 (an iconic
electric piano) and SOLID BUS COMP (a superior compressor), just to mention a few. Among
other things, MASSIVE is ideal for fat bass sounds — exactly what you need here.
6.3.1 Browsing the MASSIVE Presets
Not only is MASSIVE included with MASCHINE, but its factory library is fully integrated into
the MASCHINE workflow and its preset sounds are directly available from the MASCHINE
Browser. Hence, you can choose a bass sound with the common workflow you already used for
loading a Group (see ↑3.1, Loading a Drum Kit from the Factory Library) or a Sample (see
↑4.2.1, Selecting Another Snare Sample): By filtering your choices, you progressively narrow
your search by selecting the MASCHINE object, Product, Type, and Subtype.
6.3.1.1 Browsing Instrument Presets in the Software
In the software, do the following:
1. Make sure that your Bass Group is selected — if not, select it again (see ↑6.1, Selecting
Another Group).
2. Click the name of the first Sound slot to select that slot.
3. Show the Browser if it is currently hidden (reminder: click the magnifying glass in the
MASCHINE Header).
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Using an Instrument Plug-in for the Bass
4. At the very top of the Browser, select the keyboard icon from the File Type selector:
The Browser now shows the Instrument presets.
5. Select the sphere icon from the Content selector:
This selects the factory content for displaying.
6. In the Product selector click the drop-down arrow…
Adding a Bass Line
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7. …and select Massive:
This will limit the list of presets displayed to the MASSIVE presets.
8. Click All Banks to reveal a list of all MASSIVE banks installed on your computer:
Adding a Bass Line
9. From this list, click Massive Factory.
This will update the results list with only presets from this bank.
10. In the Tag Filter below, click Bass in the TYPES section.
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11. Click Bass Line in the Sub-Type section to further narrow your search.
You can now load a bass preset by double-clicking its entry in the result list below.
→
6.3.1.2 Browsing Instrument Presets on the Controller
On your controller, do the following:
1. Press button B to select the Group slot B1.
Adding a Bass Line
2. Press pad 1 to select the Sound slot 1. Pad 1 should be fully lit.
3. Press BROWSER to open the Browser.
4. Button 4 should be dimmed. If it is fully lit, press it to deselect USER.
5. Press Button 1 or 2 until INSTRUMENTS is displayed underneath.
6. Move the 4-D encoder to select All Products, and turn it until the Product field is set to
Massive.
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7. Move the 4-D encoder to select All Banks, and turn the encoder to select Massive Factory
bank:
8. Move the 4-D encoder to select All Types and press it to show the Type tag cloud with all
Types used in MASSIVE factory presets.
9. Then turn the 4-D encoder to select the Bass Type:
As you select Types, the Sub-Type tag cloud appears underneath. Its entries vary with the
Type currently selected.
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10. Move the 4-D encoder to Sub-Type and turn the 4-D encoder to select Bass Line from the
Sub-Type tag cloud:
→ Once you release the 4-D encoder, the right display shows you the list of MASSIVE bass
presets that are tagged for use in a bass line:
1. Move the 4-D encoder to the Results field and turn it to select a preset.
2. Press the 4-D encoder to load the selected preset.
In the next two sections you will learn about some useful features for choosing a bass.
6.3.2 Switching to Keyboard Mode
In order to choose a suitable bass preset, you can make use of the Autoload feature (see
↑4.2.1, Selecting Another Snare Sample for more information): This will directly load a Preset
into your Project as you select them in the Browser, allowing you to play them on the pads together with the drum kit Patterns you have already recorded.
As a reminder (in the software):
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► In the software, click the Autoload button at the bottom of the Browser to activate it:
→ Each preset is now automatically loaded into the Sound slot 1 when selected in the
Browser’s result list.
For now, you can hear the presets only by pressing the pad 1, which triggers a single note (by
default C3). This is not ideal for choosing a preset — not to mention for recording a bass line.
Hence, for melodic instruments like your bass, MASCHINE provides another mode for the pads
called Keyboard mode, in which the pads play different notes of the same Sound.
6.3.2.1 Switching to Keyboard View in the Software
► At the left of the Pattern Editor, click the Keyboard View button (with a keyboard icon) to
activate the Keyboard view.
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The Keyboard View button.
The Pattern Editor shows a vertical keyboard at the right of the Sound slots. The rows in the
grid now represent each note for the selected Sound slot, instead of representing each Sound
slot.
The Keyboard mode on your controller and the Keyboard view in the software are strictly equivalent:
By switching to Keyboard view in the software, you also switch your controller to Keyboard mode; by
disabling the Keyboard mode on your controller, you also disable the Keyboard view in the software.
6.3.2.2 Switching to Keyboard Mode on the Controller
► Press the KEYBOARD button above the pads.
→ From now on, your 16 pads will not trigger the 16 Sound slots of your Group, but instead
16 notes of the selected Sound. This will make both choosing a bass preset and recording
a bass line much easier.
To disable Keyboard mode and switch the pads back to the default Group mode used in the previous tutorials, press the PAD MODE button (left of the KEYBOARD button).
Note that pressing KEYBOARD a second time does not disable Keyboard mode: While the displays of your controller do switch back to what they were previously at (say, the Browser), the
pads stay in Keyboard mode and you can go on playing your instrument melodically. As a useful reminder, the KEYBOARD button stays lit as long as Keyboard mode is active. Press KEY-
BOARD again at any time to quickly check or change the Keyboard mode settings.
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Keyboard mode and Group mode are so-called pad input modes: They define the behavior of the pads
in reaction to your input (your hits). Other pad input modes are also available: Chords and Step. You
can enable them via the row of buttons above the pads. For example, see ↑8, Creating Beats with
the Step Sequencer to learn how to use Step mode.
6.3.3 Adjusting the Root Note for the Pads
While trying out various bass presets on the pads, you will note that they are playing quite high
notes. This is because your 16 pads play by default the notes from C3 to D#4 — not the most
appropriate notes for playing bass. Hence, you need to lower the notes played by the pads.
1. Press KEYBOARD to show the Keyboard mode settings in the displays:
If necessary, press KEYBOARD another time to show the settings. In the right display, you
see the key triggered by each pad.
2. Press Button 5 (OCTAVE-) twice so that the ROOT NOTE field on the left display is set to
C1.
→ Your pads now play two octaves lower.
This setting is only relevant for your controller: Indeed, in the software the vertical keyboard already
displays all notes (use the vertical scroll bar on the right to display them all).
You now can choose a bass sound:
1. If you left Browse mode in the meanwhile, press BROWSER to enter it again.
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Recording a Bass Line
2. Load various bass presets into Sound slot 1 and play them on the pads to choose the bass
sound you would like to use.
3. Now choose the Sound “Analovue,” because it has nice bass content and some high-frequency ornaments. Moreover, it holds interesting rhythmic content synchronized to the
Project tempo.
4. Once you have found a suitable bass, deactivate BROWSER to leave the Browser.
In this example you don’t need to specifically load the selected Sound, since it was already
loaded via the Autoload function.
6.4 Recording a Bass Line
You are now ready to record a bass Pattern. This will allow us to repeat many of the tasks you
have learned until now.
6.4.1 Recording a Bass Pattern
On your controller, do the following:
1. Press PLAY.
You hear your drum Pattern playing.
2. Practice with the bass to get familiar with your instrument.
3. When you feel ready, press REC (the button lights up) and start recording a bass line.
4. When you have finished recording press REC to deactivate record mode.
Don’t forget to reuse all you have learned in the previous tutorials for recording Patterns: using the
metronome, using the Count-in, adjusting the Pattern Length, editing the recorded Pattern, etc. If
you have any doubt about these tasks, please refer to the previous tutorials (notably in section ↑5,
Creating Beats and chapter ↑3.3, Recording Your First Pattern).
6.4.2 Recording Another Bass Pattern
A single bass line is obviously not enough for your whole song. Now record a second one that
you could use as variation.
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Recording a Bass Line
1. Switch to the second Pattern slot. As a reminder, you can do this on your controller by
pressing PATTERN + pad 2, and in the software by double-clicking the Pattern slot 2 in
the Ideas view.
2. Record a second Pattern. Again, don’t hesitate to reuse the various Pattern recording/editing tasks that you have already learned.
Check that both Patterns fit well together by switching repeatedly between both Pattern slots.
6.4.3 Loading an Additional Bass Sound
To enhance your song further, you will load another bass Sound next to “Analovue.” This second bass could for example play rhythmic lines with somewhat higher frequencies.
Selecting Sound Slot 2
Before you load another Sound, you first need to select another Sound slot, e.g., Sound slot 2.
In the software, you can select the Sound slot 2 as usual by clicking its name in the Pattern
Editor.
On your controller, you will notice that pressing pad 2 only is not working for selecting Sound
slot 2: Indeed, since your pads are in Keyboard mode, they don’t play/select each Sound slot
but play each note of the same Sound slot 1. To circumvent this, do the following on your controller:
1. Press and hold SELECT.
2. While still holding SELECT, press pad 2 to select Sound slot 2.
→ Sound slot 2 is now selected.
Holding SELECT while pressing the pad selects the Sound slot regardless of which pad mode is active; on the contrary, pressing only the pad does not select the Sound slot if Keyboard mode is active. Moreover, when holding the SELECT button, you don’t hear the Sound when you press the pad.
This can be very useful when your song is playing and you don’t want the audience to hear your
selection!
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Accessing the Plug-in Parameters
Loading and Recording Another Bass
► Once Sound slot 2 is selected, repeat the steps described above in this tutorial to load
another bass Sound and to record bass lines with that Sound in the same Patterns 1 and
2 as you did for the first bass. For example, try with the Sound “Ad Voca” as a second
bass.
Choosing Colors for Your Bass Sounds
Now choose different colors for the two bass Sounds as you did for the Sounds of the Group
“EK-TL A Kit”:
► Right-click each Sound slot, select Color in the context menu, and select the desired col-
or.
6.5 Accessing the Plug-in Parameters
Once installed, MASSIVE is fully integrated into MASCHINE. Not only does this mean that its
factory presets are available in the MASCHINE Browser, but also that the MASSIVE parameters
themselves are available from within MASCHINE. Here, you will discover another area of the
MASCHINE software’s user interface: the Control area.
The Control area is located in the middle of the MASCHINE software window.
The Control area showing the MASSIVE plug-in parameters for your bass Sound “Analovue.”
The Control area allows you, among many other things, to adjust the parameters of your Plugins.
Here, you want to display the Plug-in parameters for your first bass Sound “Analovue.”
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Accessing the Plug-in Parameters
6.5.1 Accessing the Plug-in Parameters in the Software
1. At the left of the Pattern Editor, click the Sound slot’s name (Analovue) to select that
Sound slot.
2. In the top left part of the Control area, click the SOUND tab to select it (it should be
highlighted).
3. In the Plug-in List below, click Massive to select it.
→ The Control area now displays the parameters of your bass Sound “Analovue.” You can
check this by looking in the left part of the Control area:
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Accessing the Plug-in Parameters
The Control area indicating which parameters are displayed.
The large part of the Control area to the right is called the Parameter area. This gives you access to the desired parameters:
The parameters for the Sound “Analovue.”
These parameters are organized into pages that you can select for displaying by clicking the
little labels at the top of the Control:
The pages allow you to display further parameters for your plug-in.
On each page, you can click and drag the knobs to adjust the corresponding parameters.
Example
As an example, adjust the amplification level of the second oscillator in your “Analovue” preset. Do the following:
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Accessing the Plug-in Parameters
1. Click the Osc2 label at the top of the Control area to select the Osc2 parameter page.
The Control area now displays the parameters of that page.
2. Click the fourth knob (Osc2Amp) and drag your mouse vertically to adjust the value.
You can fine-adjust the parameter value by holding down [Shift] on your computer keyboard while
you drag the mouse.
6.5.2 Accessing the Plug-in Parameters on the Controller
1. Press the PLUG-IN button to view the Plug-in List.
2. Press Button 3 to select SOUND.
This displays the parameters of the Plug-ins for the selected Sound slot.
3. If the Sound slot 1 containing your “Analovue” Sound is not currently selected, select it
by pressing SELECT + pad 1.
The displays should now look like this:
→ You now have access to the parameters of your bass Sound “Analovue.”
To adjust any parameter from your controller, do the following:
1. Turn any Knob 1–8 to adjust the value of the parameter indicated right above in the displays.
2. Press the Page buttons (showing two arrows) at the left of the displays to switch to another page of parameters.
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