#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS PRO#
#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS SOFTWARE#
#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS PLUS#

Standalone advanced sequencing hardware can be tricky to get right. This is obviously what makes the Maschine+ interesting.

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS SOFTWARE#

It’s these additions that allow the Maschine+ to cut itself free from the PC and run all the software and instruments directly.

The most important differences in the hardware are the ones you can’t see: the Atom quad-core processor, 4GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. You’ll need the included power supply for that, though USB power still works for controller mode. Also, if you were hoping that Maschine+ could run in standby mode with USB power, you’re out of luck. Sadly, they’re not touchscreens, though, I think they’re a little small for that to be useful anyway.

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS PLUS#

The third iteration of Maschine provides a logical workspace with high-quality pads and knobs that give it a premium feel - even more so on the plus with its metal housing. The fact that it’s so similar to the MK3 is no bad thing. NI even includes a 64GB SD card in the box. Lastly, there’s the all-important SD card slot for storing your projects and samples along with 32GB onboard storage for expansion downloads. There are now two USB-A ports (along with the USB-B port for connecting to a PC) which allow you to add other interfaces or MIDI USB gear. You still have two inputs and two outputs (1/4-inch TRS), MIDI in and out, a pedal jack and a 1/4-inch headphone port. Even around the back, where all the connections are, there isn’t much of a difference. The two are nearly identical, bar the new metal finish and a few minor tweaks to accommodate the necessary computer-free functionality. If you’ve ever seen the Maschine MK3, then the Maschine+ will be familiar. And while I wouldn’t call Maschine+ “portable” in the traditional sense, you can bring this with you on the road and leave your laptop somewhere safe. Plus, computers can be unpredictable (especially in a live performance). Some feel that clicking a mouse staring at a screen isn't conducive to creativity. The idea is obvious: Getting rid of the PC is something many electronic musicians want to do. Maybe you could think of it as outboard gear, but with the UI running on a PC? But that doesn’t quite do the software side of it justice.

But then there are plenty of software-specific controllers like Ableton’s Push or Korg’s MS 20 VST hardware. You could argue it’s desktop music-making software with a dedicated MIDI controller. Is it the all-in-one music production hardware many people (myself included) seek? Maybe, but what I can say for sure is that it’s an impressive, if not a slightly expensive attempt at merging desktop functionality with groovebox-style usability.įor those unfamiliar with Maschine, it’s a little hard to explain what it is without underselling it. It’s finally here, it’s called Maschine+, it costs $1,399 and it’s been on my desk for the last week or two. While this approach made it popular, it soon led many to want something ambitious: a standalone Maschine with the software built-in. The dedicated hardware-software combo was an instant hit with users looking for the tactile control of outboard gear with the flexibility (plugins) afforded by a desktop. Problem was solved by reducing sensitivity slightly.It’s been over a decade since Native Instruments introduced the Maschine platform. Also there was random activation of some pads when I pressed hard, but then I realize that the sensitivity was to high. For the mobility part, it would have been really perfect to have a good Audio Interface so that you can listen with good quality on the go. It does not have a proper Audio interface. I found my self now continuing music production in airplanes, train and outdoors.

#NATIVE INSTRUMENTS MASCHINE PACKS PRO#

It is really easy to transport and works perfectly with a Surface Pro 4 Computer with a Core I5 and 8GB of ram. I just love the feeling of the buttons and knobs.Įxcellent mobility capabilities. At first, I thought that because of the plastic housing it was going to be just a cheap looking instrument, but to my surprise it is very sturdy and high quality looking. However, I found myself heavily using it. I really was not expecting for it to be use much, just to play around. I bought it as an extension to my keyboard (I am more of a piano player thus I prefer to compose using an 88 keyboard).

Native instruments maschine packs