Product Review - Native Instruments Maschine
Article Preview :: Groove Workstation
Reviews : Hardware Controller
Maschine’s MkII hardware gets a Technicolour make-over, while its software increments to v1.8...
Hot on the heels of last year’s trimmed-down Maschine Mikro are two eye-catching new hardware controllers for Native Instruments’ Maschine. Colour now shines at the heart of the Maschine’s universe and, thanks to upgrades in the host software, it can be applied as extravagantly or as sparsely as your taste dictates. Sadly, there’s no way to physically transform the older controllers into multi-hued marvels, but existing users can at least enjoy the new effects and other enhancements this update brings. As a further sweetener, Massive — Native Instruments’ bass and lead synth — joins the package. If you were ever tempted by Maschine in the past, the theory is that you’ll now be massively tempted...
In With The New
The Maschine MkII hardware is undeniably a thing of beauty. In comparison, even the stylish earlier model looks a bit cautious. However, apart from the coloured pads, the two are functionally almost identical. This should come as some relief to existing owners who might be feeling slightly miffed. This review concentrates on the full-sized Maschine controller but there’s also a MkII version of the smaller, cheaper Mikro.
The new model is the same size as its forerunner and a little heavier, at 2.1kg. It has dropped the dedicated knobs for Volume, Tempo and Swing, and in their place is a single fat, pushable encoder, plus extra buttons as compensation. The two 64 x 256-pixel displays are a tangible improvement, their white text on black background instantly clearer and easier on the eye than the previous model’s inverse video.
Most importantly, the pads, buttons and encoders all feel fantastic, and the simple ‘eight parameters per page’ integration with Massive (and other synths) renders the controller/sequencer experience slick and painless. The rear panel features MIDI In and Out sockets, so you can drive external synths or drum machines and even sync Maschine to external MIDI clock sources. Recognising the usual issues of computer latency, there are a number of synchronisation offset options, vital for achieving tightness with your hardware. Finally, there’s a very snug USB 2 connection that should never drop out accidentally.
Speaking of latency, the buttons and pads are snappy and responsive, while the pads’ aftertouch breathes extra life into those traditional Maschine note-repeats. But for the real gains to be appreciated, we should take the plunge into that all-new dimension: colour.
The Magic Of Colour
|
That's the end of the trailer folks!
Option 2: Buy this SOS article in Adobe PDF format
|
I AM a Subscriber - How do I access Web content?
- Depending on your Subscription type, you may or may not have Web access included in your subscription bundle.
- If you have a Print Only or Tablet Only subscription and wish to upgrade send an email including your full name and postal address to: subs-upgrade@soundonsound.com
- All other Subscription bundles do include access to Web content but you may not have activated it by logging in. See this page for Help.
I am NOT a Subscriber
- SOS locks most recent magazine web articles for 5 months after they go online.
- Only articles older than 6 months are free to access.
- Buy a subscription now for instant access to all articles. Click here for prices.
Home |
Search |
News |
Current Issue |
Tablet Mag |
Articles |
Forum |
Subscribe |
Shop |
Readers Ads
Advertise |
Information |
Digital Editions |
Privacy Policy |
Support
In this article:
information
Maschine £483, Custom Kit £56, Maschine Stand £56. Prices include VAT.2twenty2 +44 (0)845 299 4222.
Maschine $599, Custom Kit $69, Maschine Stand $69.Native Instruments +1 866 556 6487.
WIN Great Prizes in SOS Competitions!
Fri 24 May 2013
Sound On Sound : Est. 1985