Native Instruments Maschine Studio 2.0 Operation Manual v2.7.6
MANUAL
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
Instruments.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instruments GmbH.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their respective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover and Nico Sidi.
Software version: 2.7.6 (05/2018)
Hardware version: MASCHINE STUDIO
Disclaimer
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Contact
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS K.K.
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS FRANCE SARL
113 Rue Saint-Maur
75011 Paris
France
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
NATIVE INSTRUMENTS UK Limited
18 Phipp Street
London EC2A 4NU
UK
www.native-instruments.co.uk
SHENZHEN NATIVE INSTRUMENTS COMPANY Limited
203B & 201B, Nanshan E-Commerce Base Of
Innovative Services
Shi Yun Road, Shekou, Nanshan, Shenzhen
China
www.native-instruments.com
© NATIVE INSTRUMENTS GmbH, 2018. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation .......................................................................................................... 24
1.2 Document Conventions ............................................................................................................... 25
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4 ............................................................................................... 27
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3 ............................................................................................... 29
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Important Names and Concepts ................................................................................................. 32
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 35
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 39
2.4 Native Kontrol Standard ............................................................................................................. 64
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 35
2.2.2 Switching between Ideas View and Arranger View ..................................................... 36
2.2.3 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 37
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 37
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 38
2.3.1 Pinning a Mode on the Controller ............................................................................... 39
2.3.2 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 40
2.3.3 List Overlay for Selectors ........................................................................................... 42
2.3.4 Zoom and Scroll Overlays .......................................................................................... 43
2.3.5 Focusing on a Group or a Sound ................................................................................ 44
2.3.6 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 49
2.3.7 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 50
2.3.7.1 Extended Navigate Mode on Your Controller ..............................................56
2.3.8 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 60
2.3.9 Touch Auto-Write Option ............................................................................................ 62
23
32
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 4
2.5 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 66
2.6 Preferences .................................................................................................................................69
2.7 Integrating MASCHINE into a MIDI Setup .................................................................................... 103
2.8 Syncing MASCHINE using Ableton Link ....................................................................................... 106
2.9 Using Footswitches with the MASCHINE Controller ..................................................................... 108
2.5.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 66
2.5.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 67
2.5.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 68
2.5.4 Controlling your Host’s Transport Functions in Plug-in Mode .................................... 69
2.6.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 70
2.6.2 Preferences – Audio Page .......................................................................................... 74
2.6.3 Preferences – MIDI Page ............................................................................................ 77
2.6.4 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 80
2.6.5 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 84
2.6.6 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 92
2.6.7 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 97
2.6.8 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 101
2.7.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 103
2.7.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 104
2.7.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 105
2.8.1 Connecting to a Network ............................................................................................ 106
2.8.2 Joining and Leaving a Link Session ........................................................................... 107
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
Table of Contents
109
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 109
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 109
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 110
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 5
3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 111
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 111
3.2.2 Selecting or Loading a Product and Selecting a Bank from the Browser .................... 117
3.2.2.1 Browsing by Product Category Using MASCHINE STUDIO ...........................121
3.2.2.2 Browsing by Product Vendor Using MASCHINE STUDIO ..............................122
3.2.3 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 122
3.2.3.1 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank on the
Table of Contents
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 143
3.4 Using Favorites in the Browser ................................................................................................... 149
3.5 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 155
3.2.4 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 127
3.2.5 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 128
3.2.6 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 129
3.2.7 List and Tag Overlays in the Browser ......................................................................... 134
3.2.8 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 136
3.2.9 Loading a File from the Result List ............................................................................ 137
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 143
3.3.2 Auditioning Instrument Presets ................................................................................. 144
3.3.3 Auditioning Samples ................................................................................................. 145
3.3.4 Loading Groups with Patterns ................................................................................... 147
3.3.5 Loading Groups with Routing .................................................................................... 148
3.3.6 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 148
3.5.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 155
3.5.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 157
3.5.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 158
Controller ...................................................................................................126
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 6
Table of Contents
3.6 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 161
3.7 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 171
3.8 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 173
3.5.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 160
3.6.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 161
3.6.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 163
3.6.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 164
3.6.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 165
3.6.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 166
3.6.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 169
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 177
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................185
4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 199
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 178
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 179
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 180
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 187
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 188
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 189
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 189
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 191
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 193
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 196
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 197
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 200
177
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 7
Table of Contents
4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 212
4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 222
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 201
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 203
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 203
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 205
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 207
4.3.7 Reordering Groups ..................................................................................................... 210
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 211
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 213
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 214
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 216
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 222
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 223
5 Playing on the Controller ...........................................................................................
5.1 Adjusting the Pads ..................................................................................................................... 227
5.2 Adjusting the Key, Choke, and Link Parameters for Multiple Sounds .......................................... 238
5.3 Adjusting the Base Key ............................................................................................................... 239
5.4 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 240
5.1.1 The Pad View in the Software .................................................................................... 227
5.1.2 Choosing a Pad Input Mode ....................................................................................... 229
5.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 232
5.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 234
5.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 236
5.4.1 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 241
5.4.2 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 244
227
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 8
Table of Contents
5.5 Performance Features ................................................................................................................. 251
5.6 Using Lock Snapshots ................................................................................................................ 272
5.4.3 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 244
5.4.4 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 247
5.5.1 Overview of the Perform Features .............................................................................. 251
5.5.2 Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords ..................................................................... 253
5.5.3 Scale and Chord Parameters ..................................................................................... 256
5.5.4 Creating Arpeggios and Repeated Notes ................................................................... 267
5.5.5 Swing on Note Repeat / Arp Output ........................................................................... 271
5.6.1 Creating a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 272
5.6.2 Using Extended Lock .................................................................................................. 273
5.6.3 Updating a Lock Snapshot ......................................................................................... 273
5.6.4 Recalling a Lock Snapshot ........................................................................................ 274
5.6.5 Morphing Between Lock Snapshots ........................................................................... 274
5.6.6 Deleting a Lock Snapshot .......................................................................................... 275
5.6.7 Triggering Lock Snapshots via MIDI ........................................................................... 276
6 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
278
6.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 278
6.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 278
6.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 282
6.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 283
6.1.3.1 Browser Plug-in Slot Selection ...................................................................289
6.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 291
6.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 292
6.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 294
6.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 294
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 9
Table of Contents
6.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 300
6.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 315
6.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 296
6.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 296
6.1.9.1 Saving Plug-in Presets ..............................................................................297
6.1.9.2 Recalling Plug-in Presets ..........................................................................298
6.1.9.3 Removing a Default Plug-in Preset ............................................................299
6.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 302
6.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 304
6.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 307
6.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 309
6.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 311
6.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 313
6.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 315
6.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 318
6.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 319
6.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 324
6.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 326
7 Using the Audio Plug-in .............................................................................................
328
7.1 Loading a Loop into the Audio Plug-in ........................................................................................ 332
7.2 Using Loop Mode ........................................................................................................................ 333
7.3 Using Gate Mode ........................................................................................................................ 335
8 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
8.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 338
8.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 338
8.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 338
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 10
337
Table of Contents
8.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 342
8.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................361
8.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................382
8.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 341
8.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 341
8.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 341
8.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 344
8.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 346
8.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 349
8.2.4 Kick – Grit ................................................................................................................. 350
8.2.5 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 353
8.2.6 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 354
8.2.7 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 356
8.2.8 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 358
8.2.9 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 359
8.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 363
8.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 365
8.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 367
8.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 368
8.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 370
8.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 372
8.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 374
8.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 376
8.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 378
8.3.10 Snare – Breaker ......................................................................................................... 380
8.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 383
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 11
Table of Contents
8.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 392
8.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................403
8.7 The Cymbals ............................................................................................................................... 414
8.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 385
8.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 387
8.4.4 Hi-hat – Hybrid ......................................................................................................... 389
8.4.5 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 391
8.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 394
8.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 396
8.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 400
8.5.4 Tom – High ................................................................................................................ 402
8.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 405
8.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 408
8.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 410
8.7.1 Cymbal – Crash ......................................................................................................... 416
8.7.2 Cymbal – Ride ........................................................................................................... 418
9 Using the Bass Synth .................................................................................................
421
9.1 Bass Synth – General Handling .................................................................................................. 422
9.1.1 Parameter Organization ............................................................................................. 422
9.1.2 Bass Synth Parameters ............................................................................................. 424
10 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
10.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 426
10.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 427
10.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 433
10.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 435
10.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 437
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 12
426
Table of Contents
10.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 450
10.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 458
10.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 471
10.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 502
10.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 439
10.1.6 Adjusting the Arrange Grid and the Pattern Length ................................................... 441
10.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 446
10.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 450
10.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 453
10.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 454
10.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 455
10.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 457
10.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 458
10.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 465
10.3.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 470
10.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 471
10.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 475
10.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 476
10.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 481
10.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 488
10.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 491
10.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 494
10.4.8 Quantization While Playing ........................................................................................ 496
10.4.9 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 497
10.4.10 Adding Variation to Patterns ..................................................................................... 497
10.5.1 Which Parameters Are Modulatable? ......................................................................... 503
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 13
Table of Contents
10.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 511
10.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 513
10.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 531
10.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 504
10.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 506
10.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 514
10.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 516
10.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 518
10.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 520
10.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 522
10.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 523
10.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 526
10.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 527
10.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 529
10.7.10 Adjusting Pattern Length in Fine Increments ............................................................. 530
10.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 531
10.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 533
10.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 535
11 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
544
11.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 545
11.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 546
11.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 551
11.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 556
11.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 560
11.1.5 Mono Audio Inputs ..................................................................................................... 565
11.1.5.1 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in Mix View ..................................566
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 14
Table of Contents
11.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 569
11.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 591
11.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 570
11.2.2 Triggering Scenes via MIDI ........................................................................................ 577
11.2.3 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 578
11.2.4 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 586
11.2.5 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 587
11.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 592
11.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls Using the Software ........................................................... 593
11.1.5.2 Configuring External Inputs for Sounds in MASCHINE STUDIO ...................569
12 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
12.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 600
12.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 603
12.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................616
12.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 617
12.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 600
12.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 601
12.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 604
12.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 606
12.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 607
12.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 608
12.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 610
12.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 614
12.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 619
12.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 621
12.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 622
600
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 15
Table of Contents
12.5 Controlling Your Mix from the Controller ..................................................................................... 631
12.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 625
12.4.5 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins Only) ............ 629
12.5.1 Navigating Your Channels in Mix Mode ..................................................................... 632
12.5.2 Adjusting the Level and Pan in Mix Mode .................................................................. 634
12.5.3 Mute and Solo in Mix Mode ........................................................................................ 635
12.5.4 Plug-in Icons in Mix Mode .......................................................................................... 636
13 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
13.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 637
13.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 651
13.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 658
13.4 Creating Multi-Effects ................................................................................................................ 666
13.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 637
13.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 646
13.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 648
13.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 651
13.2.2 Step 2: Set up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 654
13.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 656
13.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 658
13.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 663
13.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 665
14 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
637
669
14.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................670
14.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 670
14.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 674
14.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 678
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 16
Table of Contents
14.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 689
14.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 698
14.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 706
14.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................721
14.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 680
14.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 685
14.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 689
14.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 692
14.2.3 Cabinet ...................................................................................................................... 696
14.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 698
14.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 699
14.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 701
14.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 703
14.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 704
14.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 706
14.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 708
14.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 709
14.4.4 Reverb (Legacy) ......................................................................................................... 711
14.4.5 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 713
14.4.5.1 Reverb Room .............................................................................................713
14.4.5.2 Reverb Hall ................................................................................................716
14.4.5.3 Plate Reverb ..............................................................................................719
14.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 721
14.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 724
14.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 727
14.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 729
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 17
14.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 731
14.7 Perform FX .................................................................................................................................. 739
14.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 731
14.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 732
14.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 734
14.6.4 Analog Distortion ....................................................................................................... 738
14.7.1 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 740
14.7.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 742
14.7.3 Burst Echo ................................................................................................................. 745
14.7.4 Reso Echo .................................................................................................................. 747
14.7.5 Ring ........................................................................................................................... 750
14.7.6 Stutter ....................................................................................................................... 752
14.7.7 Tremolo ...................................................................................................................... 755
14.7.8 Scratcher ................................................................................................................... 758
15 Working with the Arranger .........................................................................................
Table of Contents
761
15.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 761
15.2 Using Ideas View ........................................................................................................................ 770
15.1.1 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 764
15.1.2 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 766
15.1.3 Jumping to Other Sections ......................................................................................... 767
15.2.1 Scene Overview .......................................................................................................... 770
15.2.2 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 771
15.2.3 Assigning and Removing Patterns ............................................................................. 772
15.2.4 Selecting Scenes ....................................................................................................... 775
15.2.5 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 777
15.2.6 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 779
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 18
Table of Contents
15.3 Using Song View ......................................................................................................................... 788
15.2.7 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 779
15.2.8 Duplicating Scenes .................................................................................................... 780
15.2.9 Reordering Scenes ..................................................................................................... 782
15.2.10 Making Scenes Unique .............................................................................................. 783
15.2.11 Appending Scenes to Arrangement ............................................................................ 784
15.2.12 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 785
15.2.13 Changing the Color of a Scene .................................................................................. 786
15.3.1 Section Management Overview .................................................................................. 788
15.3.2 Creating Sections ...................................................................................................... 793
15.3.3 Assigning a Scene to a Section .................................................................................. 794
15.3.4 Selecting Sections and Section Banks ....................................................................... 795
15.3.5 Reorganizing Sections ............................................................................................... 799
15.3.6 Adjusting the Length of a Section .............................................................................. 800
15.3.6.1 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Software ...............................802
15.3.6.2 Adjusting the Length of a Section Using the Controller .............................803
15.3.7 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................................ 804
15.3.8 Duplicating Sections ................................................................................................. 804
15.3.8.1 Making Sections Unique ............................................................................805
15.3.9 Removing Sections .................................................................................................... 806
15.3.10 Renaming Scenes ...................................................................................................... 808
15.3.11 Clearing Sections ...................................................................................................... 809
15.3.12 Creating and Deleting Section Banks ........................................................................ 810
15.3.13 Working with Patterns in Song view ........................................................................... 810
15.3.13.1 Creating a Pattern in Song View ................................................................811
15.3.13.2 Selecting a Pattern in Song View ...............................................................811
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 19
Table of Contents
15.4 Playing with Sections ................................................................................................................. 816
15.5 Triggering Sections or Scenes via MIDI ....................................................................................... 819
15.6 The Arrange Grid .........................................................................................................................820
15.7 Quick Grid ...................................................................................................................................822
15.3.14 Enabling Auto Length ................................................................................................ 813
15.3.15 Looping ...................................................................................................................... 814
15.4.1 Jumping to another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 816
15.3.13.3 Clearing a Pattern in Song View ................................................................811
15.3.13.4 Renaming a Pattern in Song View ............................................................. 811
15.3.13.5 Coloring a Pattern in Song View ................................................................ 812
15.3.13.6 Removing a Pattern in Song View ..............................................................812
15.3.13.7 Duplicating a Pattern in Song View ...........................................................812
15.3.15.1 Setting the Loop Range in the Software .....................................................814
15.3.15.2 Setting the Loop Range Using the Controller .............................................815
16 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
16.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 824
16.2 Recording Audio ......................................................................................................................... 826
16.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 841
16.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 827
16.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 828
16.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 833
16.2.5 Using the Footswitch for Recording Audio ................................................................. 836
16.2.6 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 837
16.2.7 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 841
16.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 842
16.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 848
824
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 20
16.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 856
16.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 879
16.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 857
16.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 859
16.4.3 Live Slicing ................................................................................................................ 864
16.4.3.1 Live Slicing Using the Controller ................................................................864
16.4.3.2 Delete All Slices .........................................................................................865
16.4.4 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 866
16.4.5 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 873
16.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 879
16.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 880
16.5.3 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 882
16.5.4 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 887
16.5.5 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 891
16.5.6 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 894
16.5.7 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 901
17 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
Table of Contents
904
17.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 904
17.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 906
17.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 904
17.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 904
17.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 904
17.1.4 Name and Color Your Groups, Patterns, Sounds and Scenes ..................................... 905
17.1.5 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 905
17.1.6 Hook Up Your Other Gear and Sync It with MIDI Clock ................................................ 905
17.1.7 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 905
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 21
Table of Contents
17.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 907
17.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 906
17.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 906
17.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 906
17.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 906
17.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 907
17.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 907
17.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 907
17.3.3 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 907
18 Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................
18.1 Knowledge Base ......................................................................................................................... 908
18.2 Technical Support .......................................................................................................................908
18.3 Registration Support .................................................................................................................. 909
18.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................................. 909
19 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
908
910
918
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 22
Welcome to MASCHINE
1 Welcome to MASCHINE
Thank you for buying MASCHINE!
MASCHINE is a groove production studio that implements the familiar working style of classical groove boxes along with the advantages of a computer based system. MASCHINE is ideal
for making music live, as well as in the studio. It’s the hands-on aspect of a dedicated instrument, the MASCHINE hardware controller, united with the advanced editing features of the
MASCHINE software.
Creating beats is often not very intuitive with a computer, but using the MASCHINE hardware
controller to do it makes it easy and fun. You can tap in freely with the pads or use Note Repeat to jam along. Alternatively, build your beats using the step sequencer just as in classic
drum machines.
Patterns can be intuitively combined and rearranged on the fly to form larger ideas. You can try
out several different versions of a song without ever having to stop the music.
Since you can integrate it into any sequencer that supports VST, AU, or AAX plug-ins, you can
reap the benefits in almost any software setup, or use it as a stand-alone application. You can
sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them easily.
However, MASCHINE is a lot more than an ordinary groovebox or sampler: it comes with an
inspiring 7-gigabyte library, and a sophisticated, yet easy to use tag-based Browser to give you
instant access to the sounds you are looking for.
What’s more, MASCHINE provides lots of options for manipulating your sounds via internal effects and other sound-shaping possibilities. You can also control external MIDI hardware and
3rd-party software with the MASCHINE hardware controller, while customizing the functions of
the pads, knobs and buttons according to your needs utilizing the included Controller Editor
application. We hope you enjoy this fantastic instrument as much as we do. Now let’s get going!
—The MASCHINE team at Native Instruments.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 23
Welcome to MASCHINE
MASCHINE Documentation
1.1 MASCHINE Documentation
Native Instruments provide many information sources regarding MASCHINE. The main documents should be read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Getting Started: This document provides a practical approach to MASCHINE via
a set of tutorials covering easy and more advanced tasks in order to help you familiarize
yourself with MASCHINE.
2. MASCHINE Manual (this document): The MASCHINE Manual provides you with a compre-
hensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ Controller Editor Manual: Besides using your MASCHINE hardware controller together with
its dedicated MASCHINE software, you can also use it as a powerful and highly versatile
MIDI controller to pilot any other MIDI-capable application or device. This is made possible
by the Controller Editor software, an application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI
assignments for your MASCHINE controller. The Controller Editor was installed during the
MASCHINE installation procedure. For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available as a PDF file via the Help menu of Controller Editor.
▪ Online Support Videos: You can find a number of support videos on The Official Native In-
struments Support Channel under the following URL: https://www.youtube.com/NIsupport-
EN. We recommend that you follow along with these instructions while the respective ap-
plication is running on your computer.
Other Online Resources: If you are experiencing problems related to your Native Instruments
product that the supplied documentation does not cover, there are several ways of getting help:
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these subjects in the chapter Troubleshooting.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
MASCHINE documents are available in PDF. You can also access these documents from the application’s Help menu or the following location:
www.native-instruments.com.
Please check the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date and localized versions of these
documents.
1.2 Document Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
This document uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues. The icons introducing the following notes let you see what kind of information can
be expected:
The speech bubble icon indicates a useful tip that may often help you to solve a task more efficiently.
The exclamation mark icon highlights important information that is essential for the given context.
The red cross icon warns you of serious issues and potential risks that require your full attention.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) in the software and
paths to locations on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) in the
software is printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the
same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 25
Welcome to MASCHINE
Document Conventions
▪ Text appearing on the displays of the controller is printed in light grey. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on a controller display.
▪ Text appearing on labels of the hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see
this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.
▪ Important names and concepts are printed in bold.
▪ References to keys on your computer’s keyboard you’ll find put in square brackets (e.g.,
“Press [Shift] + [Enter]”).
► Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
→ Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on Your Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be
pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY”
means:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
Unlabeled Buttons on the Controller
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE controller do not
have labels.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 26
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
The unlabeled buttons and knobs on the MASCHINE STUDIO controller.
For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons above the displays are written Button 1 to
Button 8, while the knobs under the displays are written Knob 1 to Knob 8. E.g., whenever you
see an instruction such as “Press Button 2 to open the EDIT page,” you’ll know it’s the second
button from the left above the displays.
1.3 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
Audio Plug-in Improvements
▪ Added a new Target parameter to the Loop recording mode of the Sampling Page which de-
termines what should be done with a new recording when the recording is complete. Take
simply adds the new recording to the Audio Pool of the current plug-in, Sound puts the
new recording into an Audio plug-in in the next unoccupied Sound Slot (useful for layering
the recording with whatever else is in the current Pattern, like a guitar looper pedal), and
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 27
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.4
Pattern puts the new recording into an Audio plug-in in the next unoccupied Sound Slot
and additionally creates a new Pattern where only this loop is being played (useful for capturing different versions of a part and quickly reviewing them by switching Patterns). For
more information, refer to ↑16.2, Recording Audio.
▪ Added a new workflow to MASCHINE JAM which automates the use of the new Target pa-
rameter for fast sampling and layering. Holding the IN 1 button enables this new Loop Recording mode (it’s also helpful to pin this mode on by holding IN 1 and pressing the SONG
button). While this new Loop Recording mode is active, pressing an existing Pattern will
trigger a recording of a new loop which is then added as a new Sound in the existing Pattern; doing this repeatedly allows you to quickly layer recordings on top of each other. Alternatively, pressing an empty Pattern button will trigger a recording and will then place
that recording in a new Sound Slot and a new Pattern will be created where only the new
loop is playing back. When pressing the IN 1 button, External Input 1 is selected as the
source for the recording. Pressing GRP while in the Loop Recording mode will select the
focused Group as the source. Pressing MST will select MASCHINE’s Master output as the
source (for resampling what is currently playing). For more information, refer to the MASCHINE JAM Manual available from Help menu.
▪ Added footswitch control of Sampling. When in the Sampling page, or when the Loop Re-
cording mode is enabled on MASCHINE JAM, a connected footswitch can be used to control recording. Pressing the footswitch will arm a recording according to the current settings. Pressing the footswitch again before recording has actually started will cancel the recording. If recording is in progress, pressing the footswitch once will stop the recording,
double-pressing will abort the recording (any recorded audio to that point will be discarded). If the recording is complete, holding the footswitch down for a few moments will trigger Undo so you can try another take. For more information, refer to the MASCHINE JAM
Manual available from Help menu, or to the following section when using MASCHINE MK3
or MASCHINE STUDIO: ↑16.2.5, Using the Footswitch for Recording Audio.
▪ Improved the automatic tempo detection of the Audio plug-in so that it now chooses a tem-
po that’s closest to your current project tempo. For example, if your project tempo is 170
BPM and you load a loop which should be 174 BPM, MASCHINE will now set the Source
Tempo as 174 BPM instead of 87 BPM as it did previously.
▪ Added a Re-Pitch sync mode to the Audio plug-in which simply retunes/repitches the loop
(like speeding up or slowing down a record) to make it conform to the Project tempo. This
mode requires significantly less CPU power than the default mode, but you will not be able
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 28
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
to retune the loop at all (any pitches programmed in Gate mode will be ignored—only the
timing of the programmed notes will be used to gate the playing audio). For more information refer to ↑7, Using the Audio Plug-in.
MASCHINE MK3 Improvements
▪ Added Ableton Live DAW Integration for MASCHINE MK3 - Mixer and basic DAW Control.
Access Ableton Live Mixer via MASCHINE MK3 hardware: Volume, Pan, Mute / Solo / Arm
states are visible on screens. Also access essential controls: Play / Stop / Record / Session
record, Clip Navigation, Launch & Record, Quantize, Undo / Redo, Automation Toggle, Tap
Tempo, and Loop Toggle. For more information refer to Host Integration.
General Improvements
▪ Improved the Take management system (previously called “Recording History”) for the
Sampler and Audio plug-ins such that Takes are now saved and recalled as part of the
Project.
▪ Improved external audio recording by implementing basic recording latency compensation.
This compensation will be in effect when recording from an External Input and with the
Monitoring parameter turned Off. The system currently works based upon the overall latency reported by the selected audio interface.
▪ Removed the function where a right click will remove Events in the Pattern Editor. Instead,
the context menu is opened. Events can still be deleted using double-click as well as using
the "Paint" and "Erase" tools. For more information refer to ↑10.4.5, Deleting Events/Notes.
▪ Changed the behavior of right-click in the Arranger. This no longer removes Patterns from
Scenes. It now opens a context menu with many useful options for arranging. For more information on using the Pattern context menu within Song view refer to ↑15.3.13, Working
with Patterns in Song view.
▪ Improved behavior and cursor icons for resizing Events in the Pattern Editor. The active
area for resizing Events is increased.
1.4 New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
The following new features have been added to MASCHINE:
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 29
Welcome to MASCHINE
New Features in MASCHINE 2.7.3
Audio Plug-in Improvements
▪ Added the ability to enable and disable Audio plug-in playback per Pattern when in Loop
mode. Double-clicking the waveform will toggle playback for the selected Pattern. Alternatively, the loops can be enabled or disabled via the STEP page on the hardware controllers.
For more details see ↑7.2, Using Loop Mode.
▪ Added a Loop recording mode to the Record tab, and the Record tab is now available for
both Sampler and Audio plug-ins. When choosing the new Loop mode, the start of recording will be quantized to the start of the Pattern. Furthermore, when the recording is complete, the loop will automatically be loaded into an Audio plug-in and will immediately begin playback. For more details see ↑16.2, Recording Audio.
MASCHINE Controller Improvements
▪ Added Ideas View on MASCHINE MK3 and MASCHINE STUDIO. Access Ideas view with
the MASCHINE MK3 hardware. For more details see ↑15.2, Using Ideas View.
▪ Added Event Editing on MASCHINE MK3 with 4-Directional Encoder. Select, nudge, pitch-
shift and change the length of notes with the 4-Directional Encoder in the events window
(on hardware screens). For more details see ↑10.4, Editing Events.
▪ Added Apple Logic DAW Integration for MASCHINE MK3, Mixer and basic DAW Control.
◦ Access Logic Mixer via MASCHINE MK3 hardware (Volume, Pan, Mute / Solo states
are visible on screens).
◦ Access Essential Controls: Play / Stop / Record / Quantize, Undo / Redo, Automation
Toggle, Tap Tempo, and Loop Toggle.
General Improvements
▪ Added additional Scales from KOMPLETE KONTROL into MASCHINE. For more details see
↑5.5.2, Selecting a Scale and Creating Chords.
▪ Added loading of Perform FX at the end of a Group plug-in chain.
▪ Fixed an issue the broke Pattern Duplicate on the MASCHINE MIKRO.
▪ Fixed an issue where the MASCHINE Transport Loop would influence Ideas View playback
when hosted in a DAW.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 30
Loading...