Native Instruments Unveils MASCHINE MK3

Native Instruments has announced MASCHINE MK3, the third installment to their widely renowned music production machine that introduces a heap of new features and improvements.

Key Features

• Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
• 8 GB MASCHINE library with samples, one-shots, sliced loops, sampled instruments, presets, patterns, drum kits, and songs
• Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library – see opposite for details
• 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX including filter, EQ, delay, reverb and compressor
• 2 high-resolution RGB color displays for precision sample slicing, sound tweaking, note editing, mixing, browsing, and more
• 16 large, ultra-sensitive pads make two-handed drumming easy
• Pro-grade, 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1⁄4” TRS line outputs, 2 x 1⁄4” TRS line inputs, 1⁄4” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch
• Touch sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking
• Smart Strip for strumming notes, pitch bending sounds, performing with FX, and more
• Four-directional push encoder for browsing, navigating, adjusting levels and balance
• Powered via USB 2.0 or with the included power supply unit
• Seamless integration with KOMPLETE
• Classic groovebox features including 16 velocity levels, swing, pad link, note repeat, step sequencer, and vintage MPC 60/SP 1200 sampling emulation
• Compatible with all major DAWs (including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio) as a VST or Audio Units plug-in with full multi-core support

In addition to MASCHINE including KOMPLETE 11 SELECT, an assortment of 11 powerful instruments and effects, the MASCHINE software also includes an 8 GB library of sounds, drum kits, multi-sampled instruments, patterns, projects and sliced loops.

Revised Layout In MASCHINE MK3

Bigger buttons

• 1. All function buttons, group buttons and pads gained in size, still keeping the original dimensions.
• 2. Note Repeat > Extra large, The “17th pad”

Additional buttons

• 1. ARRANGER, MIXER, SETTINGS, MACRO, EVENTS, LOCK, PITCH, MOD, PERFORM, NOTES

Revised Hardware Layout

• 1. Function Button Section mirrors inner logic of software (hierarchy: Scene/Pattern/Events etc)
• 2. Event editing now much cleaner via dedicated “Events” button inspired by MST.
• 3. “Tap” button now primary function. Tap can be used now whilst playing!
• 4. 11 buttons more than MK2 but same form factor.

​Smart​ ​Strip

• 1. It contains elements of both traditional keyboard controllers and MASCHINE Jam.
• Pitch Mode: Emulates a traditional Pitch Bend-Wheel
• 2. Modulation Mode: Emulates a traditional Modulation-Wheel
• 3. Perform FX Mode: Access and tweak
• Perform FX directly with the Smart-Strip
• Notes Mode: Strum Chords, Play melodies and basslines using the Smart-Strip

​Colour​ ​Displays

• 1. With MASCHINE MK3’s displays Browsing, Sampling, Pattern creation and editing, sound manipulation, mixing and routing, arranging, file management is possible directly from the hardware
• 2. 100% hardware focused workflow, no need for a computer screen
• 3. MK3 uses an optimized version of the MST displays with higher brightness and contrast, improved viewing angle and lower power consumption

​Touch​ ​Encoders

• 1. Capacitive Touch-Encoders allow for improved browsing (tag clouds), pop-up menus and improved automation recording
• 2. Improved Macro Mapping Workflow: Create Macros by simply touching the capacitive encoders. This way complex set-ups are realized blazingly fast!

​Audio​ ​Interface

• 1. Stereo I/O (balanced 6.3 mm)
• 2. MIC Input (unbalanced 6.3mm
• 3. Headphone Output (6.3mm)
• 4. MIDI I/O
• 5. Pedal Input (Footswitch or Expression
• 6. Allows direct sampling of Line and Mic Sources
• 7. Monitoring the main output through headphones and PA and Cueing separate signals through the headphone.
• 8. Individual volume knobs on the rear provide direct access.

Included Software

• MASSIVE – virtual analog synthesizer
• MONARK – iconic mono synth
• THE GENTLEMAN – classic upright piano
• DRUMLAB – sampled / synthesized percussion
• REAKTOR PRISM – polyphonic synthesizer
• SCARBEE MARK 1 – electric piano
• RETRO MACHINES – 20+ legendary vintage synths
• VINTAGE ORGANS – sampled classic organs
• WEST AFRICA – percussion library
• SOLID BUS COMP – powerful compressor REPLIKA – pro-quality delay

System Requirements

• Mac OS X 10.11 or macOS 10.12 (latest update)
• Windows 7, 8, or 10 (latest Service Pack, 32/64-bit) • Intel Core i5 or equivalent CPU
• 2 GB RAM (4 GB recommended)
• USB 2.0 or higher

MASCHINE MK3 will be priced at $599 and you can visit the Native Instruments website to learn more.

Next: Native Instruments Introduces S49/61 MK2 Keyboards