Native Instruments Maschine Studio 2.0 Operation Manual
Manual
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a
commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this document is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this
publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose,
without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native
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Document authored by: Nicolas Sidi, David Gover, Gustav Santo Tomas
Software version: 2.0 (09/2013)
Disclaimer
Hardware version: MASCHINE STUDIO
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Germany
Native Instruments GmbH
Schlesische Str. 29-30
D-10997 Berlin
Germany
www.native-instruments.de
USA
Native Instruments North America, Inc.
6725 Sunset Boulevard
5th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90028
USA
www.native-instruments.com
Japan
Native Instruments KK
YO Building 3F
Jingumae 6-7-15, Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo 150-0001
Japan
www.native-instruments.co.jp
Contact
© Native Instruments GmbH, 2013. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE! ............................................................................................
1.1 Where to Start? ........................................................................................................................... 19
1.2 What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0? ................................................................................................... 21
1.3 Manual Conventions ................................................................................................................... 25
2 Basic Concepts .........................................................................................................
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know ...................................................................................... 28
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface ..................................................................................... 30
2.3 Common Operations ................................................................................................................... 34
2.4 Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................................................................... 51
2.5 Preferences .................................................................................................................................55
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface ............................................................................. 30
2.2.2 Showing/Hiding the Browser ...................................................................................... 31
2.2.3 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 32
2.2.4 Minimizing the Mixer ................................................................................................. 33
2.2.5 Showing/Hiding the Control Lane .............................................................................. 33
2.3.1 Setting the Focus on a Group or a Sound ................................................................... 34
2.3.2 Switching Between the Master, Group, and Sound Level ........................................... 39
2.3.3 Navigating Channel Properties, Plug-ins, and Parameter Pages in the Control Area . 40
2.3.4 Undo/Redo ................................................................................................................. 46
2.3.5 Pinning a Mode on Your Controller ............................................................................. 48
2.3.6 Using Two or More Hardware Controllers ................................................................... 49
2.4.1 Differences between Stand-Alone and Plug-in Mode ................................................. 51
2.4.2 Switching Instances .................................................................................................. 53
2.4.3 Controlling Various Instances with Different Controllers ........................................... 53
2.4.4 Controlling your Host’s Transport Functions in Plug-in Mode .................................... 54
2.5.1 Preferences – General Page ....................................................................................... 56
18
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2.6 Audio and MIDI Settings ............................................................................................................. 73
2.7 Integrating MASCHINE into Your MIDI Setup ............................................................................... 78
2.8 Using Footswitches with Your MASCHINE STUDIO Controller ....................................................... 81
2.5.2 Preferences – Default Page ....................................................................................... 58
2.5.3 Preferences – Library Page ........................................................................................ 59
2.5.4 Preferences – Plug-ins Page ..................................................................................... 64
2.5.5 Preferences – Hardware Page .................................................................................... 69
2.5.6 Preferences – Colors Page ......................................................................................... 71
2.6.1 Audio and MIDI Settings – Audio Page ...................................................................... 74
2.6.2 Audio and MIDI Settings – Routing Page ................................................................... 75
2.6.3 Audio and MIDI Settings – MIDI Page ........................................................................ 76
2.7.1 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 78
2.7.2 Sync to External MIDI Clock ....................................................................................... 79
2.7.3 Send MIDI Clock ......................................................................................................... 80
3 Browser ....................................................................................................................
3.1 Browser Basics ........................................................................................................................... 83
3.2 Searching and Loading Files from the Library ............................................................................ 85
3.3 Additional Browsing Tools .......................................................................................................... 108
3.1.1 The MASCHINE Library ............................................................................................... 83
3.1.2 Browsing the Library vs. Browsing Your Hard Disks ................................................... 84
3.2.1 Overview of the LIBRARY Pane ................................................................................... 85
3.2.2 Selecting a File Type .................................................................................................. 90
3.2.3 Choosing Between Factory and User Content ............................................................. 91
3.2.4 Selecting a Product Category, a Product, a Bank, and a Sub-Bank ........................... 92
3.2.5 Selecting Type and Mode Tags ................................................................................... 97
3.2.6 Performing a Text Search ........................................................................................... 101
3.2.7 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 102
3.3.1 Loading the Selected Files Automatically .................................................................. 108
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3.4 Editing the Files’ Tags and Properties ........................................................................................ 112
3.5 Loading and Importing Files from Your File System .................................................................... 118
3.6 Locating Missing Samples .......................................................................................................... 127
3.7 Using Quick Browse .................................................................................................................... 129
3.3.2 Pre-Listening to Your Samples .................................................................................. 109
3.3.3 Loading Groups with their Patterns ........................................................................... 110
3.3.4 Displaying File Information ........................................................................................ 111
3.4.1 Attribute Editor Basics .............................................................................................. 112
3.4.2 The BANK Page .......................................................................................................... 114
3.4.3 The TYPES and MODES Pages .................................................................................... 114
3.4.4 The PROPERTIES Page ............................................................................................... 117
3.5.1 Overview of the FILES Pane ........................................................................................ 118
3.5.2 Using Favorites .......................................................................................................... 120
3.5.3 Using the Location Bar .............................................................................................. 121
3.5.4 Navigating to Recent Locations ................................................................................. 122
3.5.5 Using the Result List ................................................................................................. 123
3.5.6 Importing Files to the MASCHINE Library ................................................................... 126
4 Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project ...............................................................
4.1 Overview of the Sounds, Groups, and Master .............................................................................. 135
4.2 Managing Sounds .......................................................................................................................143
4.1.1 The Sound, Group, and Master Channels ................................................................... 136
4.1.2 Similarities and Differences in Handling Sounds and Groups ................................... 137
4.1.3 Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups ......................................................................... 138
4.2.1 Loading Sounds ......................................................................................................... 144
4.2.2 Pre-listening to Sounds ............................................................................................. 145
4.2.3 Renaming Sound Slots .............................................................................................. 146
4.2.4 Changing the Sound’s Color ...................................................................................... 147
4.2.5 Saving Sounds ........................................................................................................... 148
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4.3 Managing Groups ....................................................................................................................... 153
4.4 Exporting MASCHINE Objects and Audio ..................................................................................... 166
4.5 Importing Third-Party File Formats ............................................................................................. 175
4.2.6 Copying and Pasting Sounds ..................................................................................... 150
4.2.7 Moving Sounds .......................................................................................................... 151
4.2.8 Resetting Sound Slots ............................................................................................... 152
4.3.1 Creating Groups ........................................................................................................ 155
4.3.2 Loading Groups ......................................................................................................... 156
4.3.3 Renaming Groups ...................................................................................................... 157
4.3.4 Changing the Group’s Color ....................................................................................... 158
4.3.5 Saving Groups ........................................................................................................... 160
4.3.6 Copying and Pasting Groups ..................................................................................... 162
4.3.7 Moving Groups ........................................................................................................... 164
4.3.8 Deleting Groups ......................................................................................................... 165
4.4.1 Saving a Group with its Samples ............................................................................... 167
4.4.2 Saving a Project with its Samples ............................................................................. 168
4.4.3 Exporting Audio ......................................................................................................... 170
4.5.1 Loading REX Files into Sound Slots ........................................................................... 175
4.5.2 Importing MPC Programs to Groups ........................................................................... 176
5 Playing on Your Controller .........................................................................................
5.1 Adjusting Your Pads ................................................................................................................... 179
5.2 Playing Tools .............................................................................................................................. 188
5.1.1 The Pad View ............................................................................................................. 179
5.1.2 Choosing a Pad Mode ................................................................................................ 181
5.1.3 Adjusting the Base Key .............................................................................................. 184
5.1.4 Using Choke Groups .................................................................................................. 185
5.1.5 Using Link Groups ..................................................................................................... 186
5.2.1 Note Repeat ............................................................................................................... 188
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5.2.2 Mute and Solo ............................................................................................................ 190
5.2.3 Choke All Notes .......................................................................................................... 195
5.2.4 Groove ....................................................................................................................... 196
5.2.5 Level, Tempo, Tune, and Groove Shortcuts on Your Controller .................................... 198
6 Working with Plug-ins ...............................................................................................
6.1 Plug-in Overview ........................................................................................................................ 203
6.2 The Sampler Plug-in ................................................................................................................... 220
6.3 Using Native Instruments and External Plug-ins ........................................................................ 233
6.1.1 Plug-in Basics ........................................................................................................... 203
6.1.2 First Plug-in Slot of Sounds: Choosing the Sound’s Role ........................................... 206
6.1.3 Loading, Removing, and Replacing a Plug-in ............................................................ 207
6.1.4 Adjusting the Plug-in Parameters ............................................................................. 214
6.1.5 Bypassing Plug-in Slots ............................................................................................ 214
6.1.6 Using Side-Chain ...................................................................................................... 216
6.1.7 Moving Plug-ins ........................................................................................................ 217
6.1.8 Alternative: the Plug-in Strip ..................................................................................... 218
6.1.9 Saving and Recalling Plug-in Presets ....................................................................... 218
6.2.1 Page 1: Voice Settings / Engine ................................................................................. 222
6.2.2 Page 2: Pitch / Envelope ............................................................................................ 223
6.2.3 Page 3: FX / Filter ...................................................................................................... 226
6.2.4 Page 4: Modulation .................................................................................................... 228
6.2.5 Page 5: LFO ............................................................................................................... 229
6.2.6 Page 6: Velocity / Modwheel ...................................................................................... 231
6.3.1 Opening/Closing Plug-in Windows ............................................................................. 233
6.3.2 Using the VST/AU Plug-in Parameters ....................................................................... 236
6.3.3 Setting Up Your Own Parameter Pages ...................................................................... 237
6.3.4 Using VST/AU Plug-in Presets .................................................................................... 240
6.3.5 Multiple-Output Plug-ins and Multitimbral Plug-ins ................................................. 242
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7 Working with Patterns ...............................................................................................
7.1 Pattern Basics ............................................................................................................................ 244
7.2 Recording Patterns in Real Time ................................................................................................ 267
7.3 Recording Patterns with the Step Sequencer .............................................................................. 275
7.4 Editing Events ............................................................................................................................ 284
7.1.1 Pattern Editor Overview ............................................................................................. 245
7.1.2 Navigating the Event Area ......................................................................................... 251
7.1.3 Following the Playback Position in the Pattern .......................................................... 253
7.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in the Pattern ................................................. 254
7.1.5 Group View and Keyboard View .................................................................................. 256
7.1.6 Adjusting the Pattern Grid and the Pattern Length .................................................... 259
7.1.7 Adjusting the Step Grid and the Nudge Grid .............................................................. 262
7.2.1 Recording Your Patterns Live ..................................................................................... 267
7.2.2 The Record Prepare Mode .......................................................................................... 270
7.2.3 Using the Metronome ................................................................................................. 271
7.2.4 Recording with Count-in ............................................................................................ 272
7.2.5 Quantizing while Recording ....................................................................................... 274
7.3.1 Step Mode Basics ...................................................................................................... 275
7.3.2 Editing Events in Step Mode ...................................................................................... 280
7.3.3 Recording Modulation in Step Mode .......................................................................... 283
7.4.1 Editing Events with the Mouse: an Overview ............................................................. 284
7.4.2 Creating Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 287
7.4.3 Selecting Events/Notes .............................................................................................. 288
7.4.4 Editing Selected Events/Notes ................................................................................... 293
7.4.5 Deleting Events/Notes ............................................................................................... 299
7.4.6 Cut, Copy, and Paste Events/Notes ............................................................................ 302
7.4.7 Quantizing Events/Notes ........................................................................................... 305
7.4.8 Doubling a Pattern .................................................................................................... 306
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7.5 Recording and Editing Modulation ............................................................................................. 306
7.6 Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in MASCHINE ....................................................................... 316
7.7 Managing Patterns ..................................................................................................................... 318
7.8 Importing/Exporting Audio and MIDI to/from Patterns ................................................................ 336
7.5.1 Which Parameters can be Modulated? ....................................................................... 308
7.5.2 Recording Modulation ................................................................................................ 309
7.5.3 Creating and Editing Modulation in the Control Lane ................................................ 311
7.7.1 The Pattern Manager and Pattern Mode .................................................................... 319
7.7.2 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks ....................................................................... 321
7.7.3 Creating Patterns ...................................................................................................... 323
7.7.4 Deleting Patterns ....................................................................................................... 325
7.7.5 Creating and Deleting Pattern Banks ........................................................................ 327
7.7.6 Naming Patterns ....................................................................................................... 329
7.7.7 Changing the Pattern’s Color .................................................................................... 331
7.7.8 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Patterns .............................................................. 332
7.7.9 Moving Patterns ........................................................................................................ 335
7.8.1 Exporting Audio from Patterns ................................................................................... 336
7.8.2 Exporting MIDI from Patterns ..................................................................................... 338
7.8.3 Importing MIDI to Patterns ........................................................................................ 340
8 Audio Routing, Remote Control, and Macro Controls ....................................................
8.1 Audio Routing in MASCHINE ....................................................................................................... 349
8.2 Using MIDI Control and Host Automation .................................................................................... 370
8.1.1 Sending External Audio to Sounds ............................................................................. 351
8.1.2 Configuring the Main Output of Sounds and Groups ................................................. 355
8.1.3 Setting Up Auxiliary Outputs for Sounds and Groups ................................................. 361
8.1.4 Configuring the Master and Cue Outputs of MASCHINE ............................................. 365
8.2.1 Triggering Sounds via MIDI Notes .............................................................................. 371
8.2.2 Controlling Parameters via MIDI and Host Automation .............................................. 376
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8.3 Creating Custom Sets of Parameters with the Macro Controls ................................................... 389
8.2.3 Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change ..................................... 384
8.2.4 Sending MIDI from Sounds ........................................................................................ 385
8.3.1 Macro Control Overview ............................................................................................. 390
8.3.2 Assigning Macro Controls .......................................................................................... 391
9 Controlling Your Mix ..................................................................................................
9.1 Mix View Basics .......................................................................................................................... 396
9.2 The Mixer .................................................................................................................................... 399
9.3 The Plug-in Chain .......................................................................................................................412
9.4 The Plug-in Strip ........................................................................................................................ 413
9.5 Controlling Your Mix from Your Controller ................................................................................... 431
9.1.1 Switching between Arrange View and Mix View ......................................................... 396
9.1.2 Mix View Elements ..................................................................................................... 397
9.2.1 Displaying Groups vs. Displaying Sounds .................................................................. 400
9.2.2 Adjusting the Mixer Layout ........................................................................................ 402
9.2.3 Selecting Channel Strips ........................................................................................... 403
9.2.4 Managing Your Channels in the Mixer ....................................................................... 404
9.2.5 Adjusting Settings in the Channel Strips ................................................................... 406
9.2.6 Using the Cue Bus ..................................................................................................... 410
9.4.1 The Plug-in Header .................................................................................................... 416
9.4.2 Panels for Drumsynths and Internal Effects .............................................................. 417
9.4.3 Panel for the Sampler ................................................................................................ 419
9.4.4 Custom Panels for Native Instruments Plug-ins ........................................................ 423
9.4.5 Generic Panel for External Plug-ins ........................................................................... 427
9.4.6 Undocking a Plug-in Panel (Native Instruments and External Plug-ins only) ............ 428
9.5.1 Navigating Your Channels in Mix Mode ..................................................................... 431
9.5.2 Adjusting the Level and Pan in Mix Mode .................................................................. 434
9.5.3 Mute and Solo in Mix Mode ........................................................................................ 434
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9.5.4 Plug-in Icons in Mix Mode .......................................................................................... 435
10 Using the Drumsynths ................................................................................................
10.1 Drumsynths – General Handling ................................................................................................. 437
10.2 The Kicks .................................................................................................................................... 441
10.3 The Snares ..................................................................................................................................456
10.4 The Hi-hats .................................................................................................................................473
10.1.1 Engines: Many Different Drums per Drumsynth ......................................................... 437
10.1.2 Common Parameter Organization .............................................................................. 437
10.1.3 Shared Parameters .................................................................................................... 440
10.1.4 Various Velocity Responses ....................................................................................... 440
10.1.5 Pitch Range, Tuning, and MIDI Notes ........................................................................ 440
10.2.1 Kick – Sub ................................................................................................................. 443
10.2.2 Kick – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 445
10.2.3 Kick – Dusty .............................................................................................................. 447
10.2.4 Kick – Rasper ............................................................................................................ 448
10.2.5 Kick – Snappy ............................................................................................................ 450
10.2.6 Kick – Bold ................................................................................................................ 452
10.2.7 Kick – Maple .............................................................................................................. 453
10.2.8 Kick – Push ............................................................................................................... 454
10.3.1 Snare – Volt ............................................................................................................... 458
10.3.2 Snare – Bit ................................................................................................................ 460
10.3.3 Snare – Pow .............................................................................................................. 461
10.3.4 Snare – Sharp ........................................................................................................... 462
10.3.5 Snare – Airy ............................................................................................................... 464
10.3.6 Snare – Vintage ......................................................................................................... 466
10.3.7 Snare – Chrome ......................................................................................................... 468
10.3.8 Snare – Iron ............................................................................................................... 470
10.3.9 Snare – Clap ............................................................................................................. 471
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10.5 The Toms .................................................................................................................................... 480
10.6 The Percussions ..........................................................................................................................488
10.4.1 Hi-hat – Silver ........................................................................................................... 475
10.4.2 Hi-hat – Circuit ......................................................................................................... 477
10.4.3 Hi-hat – Memory ........................................................................................................ 478
10.4.4 Creating a Pattern with Closed and Open Hi-hats ..................................................... 480
10.5.1 Tom – Tronic .............................................................................................................. 482
10.5.2 Tom – Fractal ............................................................................................................ 484
10.5.3 Tom – Floor ................................................................................................................ 487
10.6.1 Percussion – Fractal .................................................................................................. 490
10.6.2 Percussion – Kettle .................................................................................................... 492
10.6.3 Percussion – Shaker .................................................................................................. 494
11 Using Effects .............................................................................................................
11.1 Applying Effects to a Sound, a Group or the Master .................................................................... 496
11.2 Applying Effects to External Audio .............................................................................................. 509
11.3 Creating a Send Effect ............................................................................................................... 515
11.4 Creating Multieffects .................................................................................................................. 523
11.1.1 Adding an Effect ........................................................................................................ 496
11.1.2 Other Operations on Effects ....................................................................................... 505
11.1.3 Using the Side-Chain Input ....................................................................................... 507
11.2.1 Step 1: Configure MASCHINE Audio Inputs ................................................................ 510
11.2.2 Step 2: Set Up a Sound to Receive the External Input ................................................ 512
11.2.3 Step 3: Load an Effect to Process an Input ................................................................ 514
11.3.1 Step 1: Set Up a Sound or Group as Send Effect ........................................................ 516
11.3.2 Step 2: Route Audio to the Send Effect ...................................................................... 520
11.3.3 A Few Notes on Send Effects ...................................................................................... 522
12 Effect Reference ........................................................................................................
12.1 Dynamics ....................................................................................................................................527
496
526
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12.2 Filtering Effects .......................................................................................................................... 543
12.3 Modulation Effects ..................................................................................................................... 550
12.4 Spatial and Reverb Effects ......................................................................................................... 558
12.5 Delays .........................................................................................................................................566
12.6 Distortion Effects ........................................................................................................................ 574
12.1.1 Compressor ............................................................................................................... 527
12.1.2 Gate ........................................................................................................................... 531
12.1.3 Transient Master ....................................................................................................... 534
12.1.4 Limiter ....................................................................................................................... 536
12.1.5 Maximizer .................................................................................................................. 539
12.2.1 EQ .............................................................................................................................. 543
12.2.2 Filter .......................................................................................................................... 546
12.3.1 Chorus ....................................................................................................................... 550
12.3.2 Flanger ...................................................................................................................... 551
12.3.3 FM ............................................................................................................................. 553
12.3.4 Freq Shifter ................................................................................................................ 554
12.3.5 Phaser ....................................................................................................................... 556
12.4.1 Ice ............................................................................................................................. 558
12.4.2 Metaverb ................................................................................................................... 559
12.4.3 Reflex ........................................................................................................................ 561
12.4.4 Reverb ....................................................................................................................... 562
12.4.5 Plate Reverb .............................................................................................................. 564
12.5.1 Beat Delay ................................................................................................................. 566
12.5.2 Grain Delay ................................................................................................................ 568
12.5.3 Grain Stretch ............................................................................................................. 571
12.5.4 Resochord .................................................................................................................. 572
12.6.1 Distortion ................................................................................................................... 574
12.6.2 Lofi ............................................................................................................................ 576
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12.6.3 Saturator ................................................................................................................... 578
13 Creating a Song Using Scenes ...................................................................................
13.1 Arranger Basics .......................................................................................................................... 582
13.2 Managing Scenes ....................................................................................................................... 596
13.3 Playing with Scenes ....................................................................................................................620
13.4 Triggering Scenes via MIDI (MASCHINE Plug-in Only) ................................................................. 629
13.1.1 Arranger Overview ..................................................................................................... 584
13.1.2 Navigating the Arranger ............................................................................................ 586
13.1.3 Following the Playback Position in Your Project ......................................................... 588
13.1.4 Jumping to Another Playback Position in Your Project ............................................... 590
13.1.5 Creating and Removing Clips .................................................................................... 592
13.2.1 Scene Management Overview .................................................................................... 596
13.2.2 Selecting Scenes and Scene Banks ........................................................................... 601
13.2.3 Creating Scenes ........................................................................................................ 606
13.2.4 Deleting Scenes ......................................................................................................... 610
13.2.5 Creating and Deleting Scene Banks .......................................................................... 612
13.2.6 Naming Scenes .......................................................................................................... 614
13.2.7 Changing the Scene’s Color ....................................................................................... 616
13.2.8 Moving Scenes ........................................................................................................... 617
13.2.9 Clearing Scenes ......................................................................................................... 618
13.2.10 Duplicating, Copying, and Pasting Scenes ................................................................ 618
13.3.1 Selecting a Loop Range ............................................................................................. 621
13.3.2 Jumping to Other Scenes ........................................................................................... 626
14 Sampling and Sample Mapping ..................................................................................
14.1 Opening the Sample Editor ......................................................................................................... 631
14.2 Recording a Sample ................................................................................................................... 633
14.2.1 Opening the Record Page .......................................................................................... 633
14.2.2 Selecting the Source and the Recording Mode ........................................................... 635
582
631
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14.3 Editing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 649
14.4 Slicing a Sample ........................................................................................................................ 662
14.5 Mapping Samples to Zones ........................................................................................................ 679
14.2.3 Arming, Starting, and Stopping the Recording .......................................................... 641
14.2.4 Checking Your Recordings ......................................................................................... 644
14.2.5 Location and Name of Your Recorded Samples .......................................................... 648
14.3.1 Using the Edit Page ................................................................................................... 649
14.3.2 Audio Editing Functions ............................................................................................. 655
14.4.1 Opening the Slice Page .............................................................................................. 663
14.4.2 Adjusting the Slicing Settings ................................................................................... 665
14.4.3 Manually Adjusting Your Slices ................................................................................. 668
14.4.4 Applying the Slicing ................................................................................................... 673
14.5.1 Opening the Zone Page .............................................................................................. 679
14.5.2 Zone Page Overview ................................................................................................... 681
14.5.3 Adding Samples to the Sample Map .......................................................................... 682
14.5.4 Selecting and Managing Zones in the Zone List ........................................................ 684
14.5.5 Selecting and Editing Zones in the Map View ............................................................ 689
14.5.6 Editing Zones in the Sample View ............................................................................. 693
14.5.7 Adjusting the Zone Settings ...................................................................................... 695
15 Troubleshooting – Getting Help ..................................................................................
15.1 Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 703
15.2 Getting Help ............................................................................................................................... 705
15.1.1 The MASCHINE Software Won’t Start .......................................................................... 703
15.1.2 Latency Issues ........................................................................................................... 703
15.1.3 The MASCHINE Software Crashes .............................................................................. 704
15.1.4 Updates ..................................................................................................................... 704
15.2.1 Knowledge Base ........................................................................................................ 705
15.2.2 Technical Support ...................................................................................................... 705
703
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15.2.3 Registration Support ................................................................................................. 706
15.2.4 User Forum ................................................................................................................ 706
16 Appendix: Tips for Playing Live ..................................................................................
16.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................... 707
16.2 Basic Techniques ....................................................................................................................... 708
16.3 Special Tricks ............................................................................................................................. 709
16.1.1 Focus on the Hardware .............................................................................................. 707
16.1.2 Customize the Pads of the Hardware ......................................................................... 707
16.1.3 Check Your CPU Power Before Playing ....................................................................... 707
16.1.4 Consider Using a Limiter on Your Master ................................................................... 708
16.1.5 Improvise ................................................................................................................... 708
16.2.1 Use Mute and Solo ..................................................................................................... 708
16.2.2 Use Scene Mode and Tweak the Loop Range .............................................................. 708
16.2.3 Create Variations of Your Drum Patterns in the Step Sequencer ................................ 709
16.2.4 Use Note Repeat ........................................................................................................ 709
16.2.5 Set Up Your Own Multi-effect Groups and Automate Them ........................................ 709
16.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for Variation ...................................................................... 709
16.3.2 Using Loops to Cycle Through Samples ..................................................................... 710
16.3.3 Load Long Audio Files and Play with the Start Point .................................................. 710
17 Glossary ...................................................................................................................
Index ........................................................................................................................
707
711
722
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 17
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 - 18
Welcome to MASCHINE!
Where to Start?
1.1 Where to Start?
MASCHINE provides you with many information sources. The main documents are meant to be
read in the following sequence:
1. MASCHINE Setup Guide
2. MASCHINE Getting Started and online video tutorials
3. MASCHINE Manual (this document)
The whole documentation set is available in PDF format and located within the MASCHINE
installation folder on your hard disk. You can also access these documents from the Help
menu in the Application Menu Bar or from the Help submenu in the MASCHINE menu.
Please check the Service Center or the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date
and localized versions of these documents. You can start the Service Center by selecting
Launch Service Center from the Help menu in the Application Menu Bar or from the Help
submenu in the MASCHINE menu.
Please check the Service Center or the Native Instruments website regularly for up-to-date
and localized versions of these documents. You can start the Service Center by selecting
Launch Service Center from the Help menu in the Application Menu Bar or from the Help
submenu in the MASCHINE menu.
Additional documentation sources provide you with details on more specific topics:
▪ MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
▪ Controller Editor Manual
Hereafter is a quick description of each of these documentation sources.
Your First Stop: the Setup Guide
The Setup Guide will guide you through the software and hardware installation of MASCHINE,
from the very beginning to the first sound coming through your speakers.
First read the Setup Guide. Then proceed with this MASCHINE Getting Started to get more familiar with MASCHINE.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 19
Welcome to MASCHINE!
Where to Start?
MASCHINE Getting Started
After reading the Setup Guide and following its instructions, your MASCHINE should be up
and running. The next step is to read the MASCHINE Getting Started. This gives you 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.
Video Tutorials
The Native Instruments website provides you with a lot of video tutorials that give you a handson approach to many sides of the MASCHINE workflow. To see them, point your favorite browser to following URL: http://native-instruments.com/maschinemedia.
MASCHINE Manual
This MASCHINE Manual provides you with a comprehensive description of all MASCHINE software and hardware features.
MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference
The MASCHINE Hardware Control Reference provides an overview of a MASCHINE Project, the
quick access options performed using the MASCHINE hardware controller, and lots of keyboard shortcuts.
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,
a little application that allows you to precisely define all MIDI assignments for your MASCHINE
controller. The Controller Editor should have been installed during the MASCHINE installation
procedure. For more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual available
as a PDF file in the Documentation subfolder of the Controller Editor installation folder on your
hard disk.
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:
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 20
Welcome to MASCHINE!
What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0?
▪ Knowledge Base
▪ User Forum
▪ Technical Support
▪ Registration Support
You will find more information on these in chapter ↑15, Troubleshooting – Getting Help.
1.2 What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0?
Here is a short overview of the new or improved software and hardware features in MASCHINE 2.0.
New Features
▪ MASCHINE STUDIO controller support: MASCHINE 2.0 supports the new groundbreaking
MASCHINE STUDIO controller.
▪ New audio engine with multi-core support: MASCHINE’s audio engine has been completely
re-written. Now providing full multi-core support, it reaches a new milestone in audio
quality while using less CPU power than its predecessor.
▪ Completely re-designed GUI: The user interface of the MASCHINE software has been re-de-
signed to improve workflow efficiency while retaining the MASCHINE feel.
▪ Mix view: The MASCHINE window now provides two switchable, complementary views:
Whereas the Arrange view contains the Arranger, the Control area, and the Pattern Editor
already present in previous versions of MASCHINE, the new Mix view offers two important
new tools: the Mixer and the Plug-in Strip (see below).
▪ Mixer: Located in the top part of the new Mix view, the Mixer is now at your disposal to
control each of your channels (Sounds, Group, and Master). Whereas the Arranger and the
Pattern Editor put emphasis on the arrangement of your song, the Mixer focuses on the
routing — in particular it makes controlling your various audio levels or setting up complex audio routing a breeze! See chapter ↑9.2, The Mixer.
▪ Dedicated Cue bus: You can now send any Sound or Group channel to the new dedicated
Cue bus for pre-listening. Cued channels are temporarily removed from their normal target
and routed to the Cue bus instead. You can send the Cue bus to a separate output of your
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 21
Welcome to MASCHINE!
What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0?
audio interface (e.g., the headphone output) and pre-listen to the cued channels without
affecting the main output of MASCHINE — great during a live performance! The Prehear
feature of the Browser, the metronome signal, as well as your recordings and the Slice
previews in the Sample Editor are also sent to the Cue bus. Of course, the Cue channel
can be controlled via the new Mixer like any other channel of MASCHINE. See section
↑9.2.6, Using the Cue Bus.
▪ Plug-in Strip: Located in the bottom part of the new Mix view, the Plug-in Strip allows you
to visually control each of the Plug-ins (effects or instruments) you have loaded in the focused channel (Sound, Group or Master). Each Plug-in included in MASCHINE has its
own visual representation for an intuitive control of all its parameters. Furthermore, any
Native Instruments product installed on your computer provides one or two custom views
in the Plug-in Strip with various sets of parameters. VST/AU plug-ins from third-party
manufacturers are represented by a generic panel. In addition, you can undock any Plugin and open it in its own floating window in order to access its original user interface. See
section ↑9.4, The Plug-in Strip.
▪ Unlimited Groups: Your Projects can now have as many Groups as required. This greatly ex-
pands the organization facilities in bigger Projects. See section ↑4.3, Managing Groups.
▪ Unlimited effects: Each channel (Sounds, Groups, and Master) can now host any number
of Effect Plug-ins. See chapter ↑6, Working with Plug-ins.
▪ Drumsynths: In addition to the Sampler Plug-in, MASCHINE now includes additional
sound generators: the Drumsynths — an impressive set of highly flexible and finely tailored drum synthesizers allowing you to create your own custom drum sounds without using any sampled material! See chapter ↑10, Using the Drumsynths.
▪ Side-chain input: Various MASCHINE Plug-ins now include a side-chain input that you can
feed with other signals of your Project. Similarly, you can now use side-chaining in VST/
AU plug-ins as well (AU plug-ins with side-chain input, VST plug-ins with multiple inputs). See section ↑11.1.3, Using the Side-Chain Input.
▪ Multiple Sound and Group selection: You can now select multiple Sounds or Groups and ed-
it them at once. See section ↑4.1.3, Selecting Multiple Sounds or Groups.
▪ New visual Browser: The Browser has been entirely re-designed. It is now organized in a
more efficient and logical way. It also provides custom pictures for all installed NI products, making your searches even more intuitive. See chapter ↑3, Browser.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 22
Welcome to MASCHINE!
What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0?
▪ Extended MIDI/host automation and parameter mapping: You can now assign MIDI controls
and host automation directly to MASCHINE parameters independently of the Macro Controls. This is done via the new Assignment area under the Control area. See section ↑8.2,
Using MIDI Control and Host Automation.
▪ MIDI tracks in Patterns: You can now create and edit MIDI tracks at the Sound level for the
desired MIDI messages within your Patterns. These tracks will be sent in real time to the
MIDI output of the respective Sounds. They will also be exported together with the Pattern
via MIDI drag-and-drop export. See section ↑7.6, Creating MIDI Tracks from Scratch in
MASCHINE.
▪ MIDI file import: You can now import your MIDI files to Patterns in MASCHINE. See sec-
tion ↑7.8.3, Importing MIDI to Patterns.
▪ MIDI Program Change for VST/AU plug-in presets: You can now use MIDI Program Change
messages to change the presets in the VST/AU plug-ins loaded in MASCHINE. See section ↑8.2.3, Selecting VST/AU Plug-in Presets via MIDI Program Change.
▪ Macro Controls available at all levels: Macro Controls are now available in every Sound, ev-
ery Group, and in the Master, allowing you to build your own sets of parameters as you see
fit — this comes in very handy when playing live! See section ↑8.3, Creating Custom Sets
of Parameters with the Macro Controls.
▪ Improved sampling facilities: The Sample Editor includes various improvements, among
other things: Slices can now overlap or have gaps in between; sample mapping has been
re-organized for more efficiency; etc. See chapter ↑12, Effect Reference.
▪ Pad view: MASCHINE now provides a dedicated Pad view that allows you to focus on the
way pads trigger the various Sounds of the Group. In particular, the Pad view hosts the redesigned Link groups and Choke groups. See section ↑4.2, Managing Sounds.
▪ New effects: MASCHINE 2.0 includes a new Plate Reverb effect, and the Compressor pro-
vides a new Feedback mode. See section ↑12.4.5, Plate Reverb and ↑12.1.1, Compres-
sor, respectively.
▪ Improved looping: You can now loop any part of your song, not only Scenes. See section
↑13.3.1, Selecting a Loop Range.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 23
Welcome to MASCHINE!
What’s New in MASCHINE 2.0?
▪ Follow mode for Patterns and Scenes: The Arranger and the Pattern Editor now provide a
Follow option that automatically synchronizes the display to the current playback position.
See section ↑7.1.3, Following the Playback Position in the Pattern and ↑13.1.3, Follow-
ing the Playback Position in Your Project.
▪ Advanced Undo: You now have two different Undo commands at your disposal: Step Undo
cancels the last action you did (classic undo), while Take Undo cancels the last group of
actions at once. In particular, this comes in handy when recording notes or modulation!
See section ↑2.3.4, Undo/Redo.
▪ Customizable metronome: You can now choose any audio sample for the downbeat and up-
beat sounds of the metronome. See section ↑2.5.1, Preferences – General Page.
Hardware New Features and Workflow Improvements
Most of the workflows on the hardware controller have been refined for more efficiency and
flexibility. Many of the new features in the MASCHINE software are also available from the
controller. We cannot list here all the hardware improvements but only mention the most visible changes:
▪ MASCHINE STUDIO controller: The new MASCHINE STUDIO controller includes numerous
unique features: big color displays, Mix mode, Scene Arrange mode, Pattern Arrange
mode, Master section for quick level adjustment, dedicated EDIT section for event editing
— to mention a few…
▪ Re-designed controller modes: All modes on all controllers have been improved to support
the new features of the MASCHINE software: unlimited number of Plug-ins, unlimited
number of Groups, multiple selection of Sounds and Groups, etc.
▪ New Record Settings mode: Press SHIFT + GRID to access the metronome, Count-in, and
Input Quantize settings from your controller. See section ↑7.2.3, Using the Metronome,
↑7.2.4, Recording with Count-in, and ↑7.2.5, Quantizing while Recording.
▪ New Record Prepare mode: Instead of pressing REC to start recording in real time, you can
hold REC a bit longer to show the Record Prepare mode. This mode allows you to adjust a
few essential parameters for your next recording (Pattern Length, Pattern Grid, metronome). You can then release REC and directly start your recording! See section ↑7.2.2,
The Record Prepare Mode.
▪ Gate function for Note Repeat: You can now cut the repeated notes before the next ones or
let them overlap. See section ↑5.2.1, Note Repeat.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 24
Welcome to MASCHINE!
Manual Conventions
▪ Adjustable Count-in: You can now adjust various settings of the Count-in. See section
↑7.2.4, Recording with Count-in.
▪ Re-designed Choke groups and Link groups: Choke groups and Link groups are now both
available in Pad Mode. All Link groups, Choke groups also feature Master and Slave
mode. See section ↑5.1.4, Using Choke Groups and ↑5.1.5, Using Link Groups.
1.3 Manual Conventions
This section introduces you to the signage and text highlighting used in this manual. This manual uses particular formatting to point out special facts and to warn you of potential issues.
The icons introducing these notes let you see what kind of information is to be expected:
Whenever this exclamation mark icon appears, you should read the corresponding note
carefully and follow the instructions and hints given there if applicable.
This light bulb icon indicates that a note contains useful extra information. This information may often help you to solve a task more efficiently, but does not necessarily apply to
the setup or operating system you are using; however, it’s always worth a look.
Furthermore, the following formatting is used:
▪ Text appearing in (drop-down) menus (such as Open…, Save as… etc.) and paths to loca-
tions on your hard disk or other storage devices is printed in italics.
▪ Text appearing elsewhere (labels of buttons, controls, text next to checkboxes etc.) is
printed in blue. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text appearing somewhere on the screen.
▪ Text appearing on displays of the MASCHINE 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]”).
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 25
Welcome to MASCHINE!
Manual Conventions
Single instructions are introduced by this play button type arrow.
►
Results of actions are introduced by this smaller arrow.
→
Naming Convention
Throughout the documentation we will refer to MASCHINE controller (or just controller) as the
hardware controller and MASCHINE software as the software installed on your computer.
The term “effect” will sometimes be abbreviated as “FX” when referring to elements in the MASCHINE software and hardware. These terms have the same meaning.
Button Combinations and Shortcuts on Your Controller
Most instructions will use the “+” sign to indicate buttons (or buttons and pads) that must be
pressed simultaneously, starting with the button indicated first. E.g., an instruction such as:
“Press SHIFT + PLAY”
means:
1. Press and hold SHIFT.
2. While holding SHIFT, press PLAY and release it.
3. Release SHIFT.
1.3.1 Unlabeled Buttons and Knobs on the MASCHINE STUDIO Controller
The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE controller do not
have labels.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 26
Welcome to MASCHINE!
Manual Conventions
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.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 27
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
2 Basic Concepts
This chapter will reintroduce you to MASCHINE’s main elements and terminology and explain
how they relate to one another. You will also learn how to set up your audio interface and how
to connect MIDI devices.
Before reading this chapter it is strongly recommended that you read the MASCHINE Getting Started first.
2.1 Names and Concepts You Should Know
We will start with a list defining the most important concepts and names.
Browser
The Browser is the front end for accessing all the elements of your MASCHINE Projects:
Projects, Groups, Sounds, instruments and effect presets, and Samples. Each of these can be
stored and tagged in a way that allows you easy access to all of them. MASCHINE’s factory
library is already completely tagged, as well as factory libraries of any Native Instruments products installed on your computer. You can also import your own files to the Library and tag them
as well. To learn more about the Browser, please read chapter ↑3, Browser.
Project
A Project contains all data needed for a song: Groups with their Patterns, all Scenes and all
settings, modulation, effects, routings, Sounds and Samples. It’s like a snapshot of the entire
state of MASCHINE. Please read the MASCHINE Getting Started for a complete overview of
the MASCHINE Project structure.
Sound
Sounds are the building blocks of all sound content in MASCHINE. A Sound is made up of any
number of Plug-ins. Each Sound of the selected Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the
hardware controller, so you can play the Sounds by pressing the pads. Refer to chapter 1 for
more information on Sounds.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 28
Basic Concepts
Names and Concepts You Should Know
Group
A Group contains 16 Sound slots. In addition to the Effect Plug-ins applied to each individual
Sound, a Group can have its own insert effect. These affect all the Sounds in the Group. A
Group can also contain any number of Patterns (grouped into banks of 16 Patterns each). Refer to chapter ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project for more information on Groups.
Master
This is where all audio signals from each of the Groups and Sounds come together and get
mixed. The Master channel can also host any number of insert effects of its own, these effects
are applied to all Groups and the Sounds within them. More information on the Master can be
found in chapter ↑4, Managing Sounds, Groups, and Your Project.
Pattern
A Pattern is a sequence that plays Sounds from a Group. It belongs to that Group and will be
saved together with the Group. In every Scene you can choose for each Group which of its Patterns has to be played. More information on Patterns can be found in chapter ↑7, Working with
Patterns.
Scene
A Scene is a combination of Clips for your different Groups. Each Clip references a specific
Pattern of a Group. In a Scene you can create one Clip for each Group. Scenes are located in
the Arranger. They can be used to build up a finished arrangement or to trigger different parts
of a song during a live performance. Refer to chapter ↑12.6.3, Saturator for more information
on Scenes.
Event
Events are the individual drum hits or notes that make up a Pattern. In the Pattern Editor,
events are visually represented by rectangles in the Event area. Depending on the current view
in the Pattern Editor, you can see events for all Sounds slots (Group view) or for the selected
Sound slot only (Keyboard view). Events are described in more detail in chapter ↑7, Working
with Patterns.
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 29
Basic Concepts
Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface
Plug-in
Each Sound, each Group, and the Master can hold any number of Plug-ins. Plug-ins can be
instruments or effects, and they can be internal (included with MASCHINE), from other Native
Instruments products (instruments or effects), or external (third-party VST/AU plug-ins). Instrument and Effect Plug-ins can be loaded in the first Plug-in slot of Sounds. The other Plug-in
slots of Sounds, as well as the Plug-in slots of Groups and of the Master can hold Effect Plugins only. At each level (Sound, Group, and Master), Plug-ins process the audio in series, according to the order in which they are stacked up. Refer to chapter ↑6, Working with Plug-ins.
Effect
MASCHINE comes with many different effects in the form of Internal Plug-ins. You may also
use Native Instruments or third-party VST/AU effect plug-ins. Each Sound, each Group, and
the Master can hold any number of effects that will be applied as insert effects. The flexible
routing system also allows you to create send effects, multi-effects, and side-chains. For more
details on using effects in MASCHINE, refer to chapter ↑10.6.3, Percussion – Shaker. You will
find an exhaustive description of all internal effects included in MASCHINE in chapter ↑12,
Effect Reference.
Please refer to chapter ↑17, Glossary at the end of this Manual for more definitions!
2.2 Adjusting the MASCHINE User Interface
The MASCHINE software user interface is very flexible. You can choose what to display and
what not, allowing you to focus on your workflow. This section shows you how to adjust the MASCHINE GUI to suit your needs.
2.2.1 Adjusting the Size of the Interface
From the View menu in the Application Menu Bar and from the View submenu in the MASCHINE menu you can select one of four different sizes to display MASCHINE’s software GUI:
MASCHINE STUDIO - Manual - 30
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