Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller

I upgraded after a few years and some features became more desirable to me. I love the Maschine, I use it as a sketch pad for almost all my work. I love that you can use the software outside your DAW then open the same project in Ableton or any DAW as a VST and use the project for stems or midi there. I don't make use of any of the audio integration but I do often use many of the new ones like the bigger, higher quality screen, FX strip, touch encoders, and overall layout.

The latest incarnation of NI's Maschine, the Mk3 is an extraordinarily powerful music production and performance device. It comes with a ton of software that runs on Mac or Windows, but can also operate without a computer, downloading (with some planning) what it needs in advance. I'm not going to write about the solid construction, beautiful screens, abundance of buttons, the wonderful pads or the superb touch encoders, or the 96kHz audio interface that let's it record, for example, from line level or dynamic mics (no 48V, so condensers can't be used, at least not without a separate power supply). I'm not going to talk about the well designed Mac interface, or the powerful synths and mastering tools that are part of the Komplete 12 Select package. Every review I've read or watched talked about them. I'm going to talk about the 717 page PDF manual that comes with Maschine, and what it means for the user. To begin with, the massive size of the manual means that there's a lot more to Maschine MK3 than you can learn in a dozen 15 minute videos. As I said, Maschine is meant to function as both a composition and a performance tool, though it clearly leans toward the composing/beatmaking side. While NI has done a brilliant job of making the user interface both logical and reasonably intuitive, the fact that you feel comfortable after 20 minutes of messing around will lead many into thinking they've mastered Maschine after a few weeks use. Don't be misled: You will be doing yourself and Maschine a disservice if you fall into this way of thinking. There's a lot more to Maschine. It's not just a beatmaker, that of course incorporates a superb multi-voice arpeggiator and sequencer. It's a competent sampler, a powerful mastering tool, a competent midi controller, all carried by powerful capabilities to control both built in and stored plug-ins and to use them in a variety of roles. By the way, the manual is not for the Komplete Select package - it covers only the built in plug-ins. If you want a tutorial or manual, for example, on the well known Massive synth plug in, you have to look back to NI's website. You can add Maschine to your workflow within days of opening the box. In one sense, it's that easy to use. I know it'a going to be central to my workflow within a month or two. On the other hand, I think it going to be much longer before I've really mastered all that Maschine offers. It's not that there's anything wrong with Maschine, it's just that it is that comprehensive and capable.

it was exactly what I needed. Easy to use, you just need to be creative.

I like this controller more the more I use it. As a Komplete owner, and owner of other NKS compatible software; like Arturia Pigments, and their modeled soft synths, you can use, and tweak all those instruments, and effects as if you're using hardware. I was someone who was basically dawless. I hated dealing with computers, and softsynsths. I was basically hardware only. Maschine helped me bridge that gape big time. I feel like I'm playing with a real instrument. I combine the Mk3 with jam, and the combo is amazingly tactile. For 98% of the time I can just close my laptop, and just play/compose and have fun. The pads are the best by far that I own, and the knobs are great, plus the slider is just fantastic. I play guitar, bass, synths, and see the mk3 as another type of instrument to get new ideas going. I see a lot of complaints from those who wanted a midi controller for their daw and were dissappointed. If that's the only reason you're buying this then you would be. Get a push in that case. Being able to work as a controller with daws is just a tiny portion of its usability for when you have all the pieces of your track and you want to finish it with some vocals, and mix it in your preffered daw. It's a lot more than just a midi controller. And it works the best when used with Maschine, and NKS supported software. With NKS, and all of komplete you get audio previews of all presets, and visual icons on your controller screen, it's absolutely amazing. So if you are only using this as a daw controller for ableton you are missing out on so many cool features, its primary purpose is not to be a daw controller. Think of it as an instrument/interface you use with Native Instrument software, and anything with NKS. Their softsynsths, and effects do sound amazing by the way. Komplete is awesome, and since you get komplete select, you can upgrade for quite a bit less. If that sounds good, then you will probably love it too. Loopop has some amazing videos on YouTube describing all the awesome things the Mk3 and Jam can do. Check them out to see if this is for you.

Research indicates that this is an excellent tool for sampling and beat making. I received it last week, went through the prescriptive setup steps, attempted to sample from multiple sources of input and it DOES NOT WORK. There is limited support via a forum. Despite following all of the best practices - the device will not receive audio input from any sources. DISAPPOINTED to say the least.

Will take patience and time to learn. Nice Craftsmanship. Built-in Audio Interface is a huge plus & makes the Mk3 very flexible to explore your creativity. Once you learn the layout workflow is great. Knobs are solid & the screens are very nice. In my opinion the pads might be the best on the market. (I have several pieces of hardware from Akai to compare it to). Was honestly shocked at the overall quality of the included software. This machine is professional grade for a great price. Fun just to play around with or great for sketching out ideas. I use mine as a first step to create songs. Anything I like I easily drag & drop into my DAW to finish. Paired with a DAW or any other hardware/software of choice the Mk3 offers endless possibilities to be creative in a studio setting or performing live. A quality computer is a must for everything to run smoothly. Highly recommended

I just got back into music production after years of hiatus.I used Reason back in the day. I"ve seen maschine for years on youtube, always wanted an MPC type device. Then I saw Mike Shinoda ( linkin park( do a beat making video on youtube. He used the Maschine studio. So i decided to give this a try and I'm never looking back. Initially it was confusing, but after putting some time into it I love this thing. I comes with a great sound pallet and adding more always possible. It even always sampling and has an audio interface. It comes with massive the full version. Native Instruments has made a master piece. Mk2 Well wort the money with some nice upgrades !! I like the Duel color screens. Easy to navigate and can be used like a audio sketch pad. Currently using with Logic Pro X which recognizes it the minute they connect.. I have FL studio as well and it connects with it as well, you just need to use the controller editor to create a template and tweek. Both DAWs allow maschine as a VST which is fantastic. Up next some expansion packs.. Got mine delivered in 2 days with prime from the seller as promised..

I wish I could give it a 5 star… unfortunately, I received an open box, which was missing the AC adapter, luckily I’m not using a laptop… The controller is in great shape and works great!!! Now I have to spend some money on buying the adapter because I am planning on using my controller with a laptop… 3 star on the the open box, 5 stars on the controller…