This it will be more of a page taken from the diary of one's impressions than a real technical article. In reality, in my productions I have always and exclusively preferred to use drum machines, midi controllers and AKAI MPC machines which, integrated with the PC with the various DAWs, gave the result we all know. Native Instruments, a German company founded in 1995 and already a leader in the sector for the production of various software, after having decided to produce and integrate the hardware with the software in order to facilitate the life of DJs and producers without turning off creativity, launches a new product, all in 32 x 29 cm. Maschine.
First impression
The first thing I noticed, as soon as the casing was removed, is the rigid and compact chassis, further protected by an aluminum faceplate, 41 keys, 16 resistant pads and rubberized knobs (Fig 1). In the supplied package, in addition to the management software DVD, we find the classic USB cable for connecting the peripheral, manuals in European languages (Italian is missing) and nice stickers of the various logos. 
The Controller
The Maschine is to be considered both a drum machine and a midi controller, all in one very intuitive interface, as long as it is connected to a computer. The controls are very compact, 16 backlit dynamic pads sensitive to velocity and aftertouch, with double display (Fig 2) with high resolution and 11 rotary encoders for managing the various functions. 
There is a master section for immediate volume, tempo and swing control, eight groups for managing the pads and a transport section for project control. By connecting the interface, the semi-illuminated display advises us to run the supplied software or, if we wanted to use it as a midi controller (Fig.3), press the shift + control keys (Fig 4). 
On the back of the controller there is a USB 2.0 port that powers and manages the entire peripheral, two midi IN / OUT ports and the provision for the Kensington® Lock, which is a small hole present in almost all recent laptops - and from today also on portable peripherals - to which we can connect a patented padlock, designed to secure the computer to the table in order to protect it from malicious people during our live sessions (Fig.5). 
Management software
The Maschine software runs on Microsoft XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS X operating systems. The software installation did not last long, considering that in the version I tried they have significantly increased the already rich library supplied in the previous version ( 6 GB of samples and loops of various kinds). Users of Ableton programs will strongly agree with me because at first use the GUI of the supplied software vaguely resembles that of Ableton live (Fig 6). For those who have a minimum level of practice with these software I can say that everything is intuitive and very simple. The Machine, in fact, uses the concept of pattern programming, which gives the possibility to create song “scenes” by concatenating and arranging them on the fly. The controller interfaces perfectly with the Maschine program, I hardly ever touched the mouse, everything can be consulted on the two large displays and it is possible to browse and browse the sample library, edit, cut and split the wave of samples, all in a precise and non-destructive, using rotary encoders (very precise after all). Obviously you are wondering if it is possible to integrate everything in the various DAWs and sequencers of other houses ... Of course, after creating a project you can export all midi files with a simple drag & drop on the DAW that belongs to you and I also want to remember that you can open the Maschine as a VST, AU, RTAS plugin. The Maschine also allows you to sample using your audio interface, with internal re-sampling functions. 
Sound library
As already mentioned, the library made available by Native is really vast. By clicking on the "Lib" button you can access over 6 GB of samples and all the sounds have been divided by categories (Bank, Type and Sub-type): therefore, if you are looking for an 808 kick drum or a 909 snare drum in a few seconds you can change sound by narrowing your search by sub-categories. The same thing also applies to the loops, grooves or the single samples contained in the library, which range from the Rock, Club and Downbeat genres to the Electro, Urban and Dance of excellent quality, with rhythms and drafts that do not know already heard. If instead we wanted to use our precious samples jealously guarded in our hard disk, by clicking on "Disk" we can quickly use the wave or mp3 integrating them into the project. It is also possible, in this version of the Maschine, to import existing programs from Akai MPC 500, 1000, 2000 (XL), 2500, 3000 and 4000 machines.
Why use it
Surely the Maschine with its software will delight all producers, artists and / or simple drum machine lovers, for its total integration with DAWs. Personally, after creating the scenes and then the various patterns, I exported in preproduction with a simple drug & drop all the individual tracks directly into my Cubase 5 and I must say that it is really fantastic. The quality of the software is really professional and it sounds good: I also wanted to do another test by exporting the files with a sample rate of 48000 Khz and, believe me, everything is perfect. I think hip hop / electro beatmakers should seriously think about trying this experience, it's a complete instrument like a real MPC. When I tried to cut a couple of samples on the fly I was fascinated by the simplicity with which, by pressing a couple of commands, I was able to split the entire waveform on the pads (Fig.7) without stressing myself in reassigning the individual slices to the pads. Many times, both for technical problems and for the complexity of the machines and software, we tend to have a decline in creativity. With the Maschine it's anything but. 
Live sets
The Maschine can certainly be integrated into a live setup, with the supplied software and Traktor by Native Instruments, paired with the KONTROL X1 controller to create a performing and unprecedented live set, plus let's not forget that it is a MIDI controller at all. the effects can therefore be remapped as you wish for your needs and with other software that the market offers us, including Ableton Live, even if the latter actually has a dedicated launch pad.
What is missing
I contacted the colleague Naro of the Silicon Dust , who tried the Maschine for productions different from mine and therefore for different needs: he noticed the lack of a real arpeggiator. In other words, the Note Repeat function does not perform the very useful task of making an arpeggio live, so a function could be inserted that also allows you to arpeggiate the chord created on an external keyboard. Obviously the arpeggiator function is useful when you can set the chord to be arpeggiated as a pattern and obviously this can be seen as an fx function on the single sound track or directly on the group. Another thing missing is a fluidity of transition from one project to another: they could reduce the queues of sounds that chew and mess when loading the next project, or the queues of effects or last notes played with suddenly unexpected dynamics. . At least, you could think of a Freeze or Bridge function that allows you to make a transition that is not "abrupt". … See you next time DJ Fresella ! 
Pro:
It has a sturdy and compact structure.
Simple and excellent layout of the controls.
Mouse-less / screen-less.
Intuitive, with well-designed software and a 6GB library supplied.
Many filters, effects and modulators for Pad.
Ability to cancel recordings one note at a time.
A lightweight compact drum machine to carry around for any live sessions.
It can also be used as a midi controller.
Everything lights up, even the eye wants its part.
Against:
At the moment, in this version, the metronome cannot be addressed to a specific output, it is not possible to adjust the level of the latter.
It needs a PC or a MAC to make it work.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: Native instruments
Model: Machine
Website: www.native-instruments.com
Distributor: www.midimusic.it
This particular page will be more likely as taken from a diary of personal impressions rather than an outright technical article. To be honest with you, in my productions I've always chosen to use drum machines, midi controllers and MPC AKAI engines which, once connected to the pc, gave the results we all know by now. Native Instruments, a German company born in 1995 and yet leader in software development, once taken the decision to produce and round out hardware and software so to make editors and DJs' life easier without cutting off their creative process, launches a new product, all in 32 x 29 cm. Maschine..
First impression
The first thing I noticed, as soon as I removed its wrapping, is its strong and compact chassis, even protected by an aluminum front panel, 41 keys, 16 heavy pads and rubberized knobs (Fig 1). Inside the package, along with the software DVD, we find the typical USB cable in order to connect the device, European language manuals (Italian is missing) and nice logo stickers.
The Controller
The Maschine must be considered a drum machine as well as a midi controller, all in one very intuitive interface, as long as it is connected to a computer. Controls are very compact, 16 backlit dynamic pads, sensitive to velocity and to the aftertouch, with a double high definition display (Pic.2) and 11 rotary encoders to control its many functions.
There is a master section in order to instantly control volume, tempo and swing, eight groups to manage pads and a transport section to guide the project. Once the interface is connected, the semi-lit display suggests us to run the supplied software or, if we choose to use this one as a midi controller (Pic. 3), to press shift+control keys (Pic. 4).
On the back side of the controller there is a 2.0 usb port which feeds and controls the whole device, two IN/OUT midi ports and the Kensington® Lock slot, that is a little hole which is available on almost all the latest computers – and from now on also on mobile devices – which we can connect a proprietary lock to, made to fasten the computer to the table to protect it from prowlers during our live sessions (Pic. 5).
System software
Maschine's software works on Microsoft XP, Windows 7 and Mac OS Ableton programs' users will prove me right because at a first use the software's GUI reminds us a little of the Ableton live's one (Pic. 6). For those who have just a little practice with these softwares I can affirm that it's all so intuitive and very easy. As a matter of fact, Maschine uses pattern-oriented concept, that frees you to create song “scenes” layering and arranging them on the fly. The controller interfaces perfectly with the Maschine program, I hardly had to touch my mouse, everything is available to understand on the two wide displays and it is possible to look through the sample library, change, trim and split the sample wave, all in an accurate and never destructive way, using the (yet very precise) rotary encoders. Of course you must be wondering if it is possible to open it all within other companies' DAWs and sequencers… Indeed, after creating a project you can export all the midi files with a simple drag & drop within the interested DAW and I'd even like to remind you that you can open Maschine as a VST, AU, RTAS plugin. Besides, Maschine allows to sample using your audio interface, through internal re-sampling functions.
The Sound Library
As previously mentioned, the library which has been provided by Native Instruments is really vast. By clicking on the “Lib” key we can open more than 6 GB samples and all the sounds have been devided by category (Bank, Type and Subtype): therefore, if you're looking for a 808's drum or for a 909's snare in a few seconds you can easily change sound narrowing down your search by sub-category. The same thing happens for loops, grooves and every single sample within the library, which go from excellent quality of Rock, Club Downbeat to Electro, Urban and Dance genre, with rhythms and compositions which sound as already heard. If otherwise we would like to use our precious samples jealously hidden in our hard disk, by clicking on the “Disk” key we can rapidly use waves or mp3s loading them into our project. Moreover it is possible, through this Machine version, to load already existing softwares from Akai MPC 500, 1000, 2000(XL), 2500, 3000 and 4000 devices.
The reason to use it
Indeed the Maschine with its software will make all the producers, artists and/or simply drum machines' lovers happy, fot its fully integration with DAWs. Personally, after creating scenes and therefore many patterns, within a pre-production session I exported every single track straight to my Cubase 5 with a simple drag and drop and I ought to admit that it is really fantastic. The software quality is very professional and it sounds good: I also wanted to test it even further exporting 48000 khz sample rate files, and believe me, it's all so perfect. I believe that hip hop/electro beatmakers should seriously try this experience, it is a full instrument as a real MPC. When I tried to trim a couple of samples on the fly I've been enchanted by the simplicity which, with just a couple of commands, I've been able to split the full waveform within the pads (Pic. 7) without selfing myself in re-assigning every single slice to the pads. Many times, both for technical problems and for devices and softwares' complexity, we tend to suffer a drop of a creativity. Maschine is anything but that.
Live sets
Maschine can surely be integrated in a live setup, through its software and Native Instruments' Traktor, paired with KONTROL
What's missing
I contacted my colleague Naro from Silicon Dust, who tested the Maschine for other productions and therefore with other priorities: he noticed the lack of a real arpeggiator. In other words, the Note Repeat function doesn't accomplish the very useful task of getting a real live arpeggio, hence there could be an additional function which would allow the arpeggio for a chord created also on an external keyboard. Obviously the arpeggiator function is useful when you can set the chord as a pattern and it can be considered as fx function on a single sound track or directly on the group. Another thing that's missing is fluidity between a project and another: they could trim a bit the endings of sounds which bungle in loading the following project, or the amount of effects or last notes played all at once with unexpected dynamics. At least, they could think about a Freeze or Bridge function in order to allow a less sudden passage…..to the next time DJ Fresella !
Pros:
Solid and compact hardware.
Easy and very good controls layout.
Mouse-less / screen-less.
Intuitive, with a well-conceived software and a supplied 6GB library.
Lots of filters, effects and modulations for Pads.
Possibility to cancel recordings note by note.
A drum machine, light and compact, you can carry around for live sessions.
Operable as a midi controller too.
Everything lights up, pleasing the eye has its relevance.
Cons:
At the time, by this version, metronome cannot be addressed to a specific external gear, and it's not possible to adjust level of the latter.
It needs a PC or Mac to make it work.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: Native Instruments
Door Design: Machines
Website : www.native-instruments.com
Italian Distributor: www.midimusic.it
Price: 580 euros VAT excluded
Italian to English translation: Humbert of the Judge
Here I would like to present a page drawn from a diary of impressions which is a technical article in itself. In fact, in my products, always prefer to use only electronic batteries, MIDI controllers and AKAI MPC equipment, integrated into the PC on various DAWs, which turned out to be something we all know. Native Instruments, a company founded in 1995, leads the production of a variety of software, produces and integrates hardware with software to facilitate the life of DJs and producers, without starting to create and launch a new product, all measuring 32 x 29 cm. Maschine.
First impression
First thing you notice, just by removing the casing, that the chassis is hard and compact, best protected by an aluminum front panel, 41 buttons, 16 knobs and heavy wad pads (Fig 1). In the included box, alongside the DVD management software, we find the classic USB cable to connect the device, as currently available in European languages (Italian is absent) and different logo labels
The Controller
The machine is considered a cylinder machine of a midi controller with an intuitive interface, once it is connected to a computer. The controls are very compact, dynamic backlit 16 speed-sensing pads and aftertouch, with dual display (Fig 2) and 11 high resolution rotary encoders to manage various functions.
It has a section for immediate control of the main volume, tempo and swing, several groups for the management of music and a transport section for control of the project. By connecting to the interface, the semi-lit screen allows us to run the included software, or, if you want, use it as a midi controller (Fig 3), to execute or press Ctrl + Shift (Fig 4).
On the side of the controller there is a USB 2.0 port available that you can control and manage all the devices, including MIDI IN / OUT and preparing for the Kensington ® Lock, a little puzzle in almost all recent laptops – and now also in portable devices – to which we assign a lock patented, designed to protect your computer from the event of misintentional incidents during our lifetime (Fig 5).
Management software
The software runs on Microsoft XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS Users of the Ableton program go and give me a strong reason why the GUI software provides a vague sign that Ableton Live does (Fig 6). For those who need a minimum level of practice with these softwares, I can say that it is all very intuitive and simple. The Machine, in fact, uses the master's concept of programming, which gives the ability to create music from time to time and arranging on the fly. The machine interface controller works perfectly with the program, almost never by touching the mouse, everything is available in two large displays, and you can navigate and browse the library of demonstrations, edit, cut and divide the demonstrations in waves, all in a precise and non-destructive way, using the rotary switches (which very precise).
Obviously you are wondering if it is possible to integrate all the different DAWs and organize them from outside the home… Of course, then create a project that you can export all the media files with in a simple way, set up and just use the DAW to compete and listen to it also you can open machines such as VST, AU, RTAS. The machine also allows you to exemplify it using its audio interface, with the re-matching process features.
Library of sons
As mentioned above, the native hair library available is very large. By clicking on the “Lib” button you can check up to 6 GB of displays and all the displays divided into categories (banks, type and subtype), as well as procuring a 808 or a 909 sum and in a few seconds you can alter the amount, decreasing the amount. sub-categories. The same is true for loops, grooves or individual shows in the library, which normally vary from Rock, Club and Downbeat, Urban and High Quality Electro Dance, with rhythms and rhythms that you already see. But if we want to use our precious recordings dedicated to our hard disk, click on “Disc”, we can use a wave or MP3 quickly on or off. It is also possible to import programs from existing Akai MPC 500, 1000, 2000 (XL), 2500, 3000 and 4000 machines to this version of the machine.
Por que usá-lo
Certainly Machine with its software will bring joy to all producers, artists and / or lovers, simple drum machine for its full integration with or DAW. Typically, after creating the dinners and then the master of the various ones, I export them in pre-production with a single note, just doing everything individually directly on Cubase 5 and I have to say that it is fantastic. The quality of the software is very professional and very good: I also want to do a review, export or archive with a sample rate of 48000 kHz, and credit, everything is perfect. Anyone who is a hip hop / electro beatmaker must think seriously about attempting this experience is as complete as a real MPC. When you tried to shorten a part of the monsters, you were fascinated by the simplicity of how, by pressing a set of commands, you could divide the entire wave from the edge (Fig.7), without stressing each task of reafectação almofadas. Many times, both because of technical problems and because of the complexity of the machines and software, we often tend to have a problem with creativity. Com Maschine is quite different.
Live sets
The machine can certainly be integrated into a live installation, with the software included by Native Instruments Traktor, together with the KONTROL Remapped as you wish for your needs and other software that we offer on the market, including Ableton Live, in truth we have a dedicated launch platform.
What is missing?
I got in touch with my colleague Naro, from Silicon Dust, who tested for the machine a different production from mine and, therefore, different needs: he noticed the difference of a harpoon yes. In the above words, the Note repeat function is not used to play a live harp, so it can be inserted into the harp function which also allows the chord that is created in an external instrument. Obviously, the arpegiator function is useful when you can define the chord as a harp master and it is clear that it can be seen as a fx function on the track or directly above the group. What is done is a smooth transition from a project to another: we can reduce a row of sons that mastig and confuse the process of carrying out the next project, or the consequences of the effects of the last notes played with a sudden and unexpected dynamic. At the very least, you might think of a bridge or Freeze or Bridge function, which allows you to make a not so abrupt transition... See you next time!
Pros:
Possible a robust and compact structure.
Simple and excellent control layout.
Mouse-less / screen-less.
Intuitive, with well-conceived software and a 6GB library provided.
Many filters, effects and modulators for Hall.
Possibility of canceling the burden of a note every time.
A compact, electronic battery levers to transport around a live sex.
It can also be used as a midi controller. Everything is bright enough.
Cons:
At this moment, the metronome can be directed to a specific sound, and you can adjust the level of the last one.
You need a PC or Mac to run it.
informação útil:
Producer: Native instruments
Model: Machine
Website: www.native-instruments.com
Distributor: www.midimusic.it
Price: Euro 580 + VAT
This will be more of an extra page from the personal impressions diary than a technical article in terms. In fact, in my productions I always prefer to use a single and exclusively drum machine, midi controller and AKA MPC equipment which, integrated into the PC with different DAWs, gives the result that we all know. Native Instruments, an German company founded in 1995 and the leader in the sector of production of different software, after deciding which product to produce and integrate the hardware with the software - with the aim of facilitating the life of DJs and producers by satisfying creativity -, launches a new product, all measuring 32 x 29 cm. Maschine.
First impression
The first thing I noticed, just after leaving the packaging, is the rigid and compact chassis, protected by an aluminum front, 41 covers, 16 resistant pads and rubber knobs (Fig.1). Completing the package, along with the management software DVD, we find the classic USB cable for connecting the device, instruction books in European languages (sometimes Italian) and nice stickers with different logos.
Fig. 1- Machine in stand-by and turned on version (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
The Controller
The Machine should be considered both a drum machine and a MIDI controller, all in a single, very intuitive interface, as long as it is connected to a computer. The controls are very compact, 16 dynamic backlit pads sensitive to speed and "post-touch" (aftertouch), with double panel (Fig 2) in high resolution and 11 rotary encoders for managing the different functions.
Fig.2- The high resolution double panel of the Machine (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
There is a master section for immediate control of volume, tempo and swing, three groups for managing the pads and a transport section for project control. By connecting the interface, the semi-lit panel advises us to run the supplied software or, we would like to use this latter as a midi controller (Fig 3), press the shift+control buttons (Fig. 4).
Fig. 3 – Controller editor for midi distribution of the Machine
Fig. 4 – Midi control function (Photos by Paolo Colacicco)
On the rear part of the controller we find a USB 2.0 port that powers and manages the entire peripheral, two MIDI IN/OUT ports and the provision for the Kensington® Lock, or rather, a small addition present in cases of all recent portable computers – and currently also on peripherals laptops - to which we can connect a licensed cable, designed to ensure the computer is in place so that it is protected from malicious people during our live sessions (Fig 5).
Fig. 5 – Bottom part of the controller
Management Software
The machine's software runs on Microsoft XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Mac OS Users of Ableton programs will strongly tell me why, in a first use, the GUI of the supplied software vaguely resembles Ableton live (Fig 6). For those who have a minimum level of practice with this software I can confirm that everything is very intuitive and very simple. El Maschine, in fact, uses the concept of the program a patrón, which gives the possibility of creating “scena” songs that are sequenced and adjusted over the march. The controller interfaces perfectly with the Machine program, I never touch the mouse, everything can be consulted in the two windows and it is possible to store and navigate in the music library, modify, cut and divide the wave of the samples, all in a precise and non-destructive way, using the rotary encoders (to decide true, very precise). You are wondering if it is possible to integrate everything into the various DAWs and sequencers (sequencers) of other companies… Quietly, once you have created a project you can export all the midi archives with a simple drag & drop (pinch, drag and drop) to the DAW that competes with you; I also want to know that you can open the Machine as a VST, AU, RTAS plugin. The machine also allows you to process songs using your audio interface, with internal re-sampling functions.
Fig. 6-GUI of the supplied software
Sound Library
As I anticipated, the library available to some of the Natives is truly vast. By clicking on the “Lib” tab you can access more than 6 GB of music and all the sounds have been organized by category (Bank, Type and Subtype): for example, you will find an 808 box or a 909 red drum, in a few seconds you can change the sound by reducing the search by subcategories. The same applies to the loops, grooves or individual samples contained in the library, which range from the genre of Rock, Club and Downbeat to Electro, Urban and Dance of the highest quality, with rhythms and extensions that you don't know. Yes, in exchange, we want to use our precious samples carefully kept on our hard disk, by clicking on “Disk” we can quickly use the integrated waves or mp3s in the project. It is also possible, in this version of the machine, to import existing programs from the Akai MPC 500, 1000, 2000 (XL), 2500, 3000 and 4000.
Why use it
Surely the Machine, with its software, will be the delight of all producers, artists and/or simple lovers of drum machines, due to its total integration with the DAW. Personally, after having created the scenes and after the different patrons, I exported them in pre-production with a simple drag & drop of all the individual tracks directly to my Cubase 5 and I have to say that it is really fantastic. The quality of the software is really professional and very good: I want to do an additional test by exporting the archives with a sample rate of 48000 Khz and, believe me, it's perfect. I believe that hip hop/electro beatmakers should think seriously about this experience, it is as complete an instrument as a real MPC. When I tried to cut a pair of samples on the brand, I was fascinated by the simplicity with which, by pressing a pair of commands, I managed to split the entire waveform on the pads (Fig 7) without stressing to resign the individual fractions (slices) to the pads. Many times, whether due to technical problems or the complexity of the machines and software, there is a need for creativity. With el Maschine there is another world.
Fig.7- Edit of the sample from the Maschine panel (Photo by Paolo Colacicco)
Live sets
The machine can be integrated perfectly into a live set up, with the supplied software and Native Instruments Tractor, combined with the KONTROL X1 controller they create a functional live set like never before; Also, let's not forget that it is a MIDI controller for all effects, so it can be reorganized as you wish for your personal needs and with other software that we offer on the market, including Ableton Live, although to be honest this last one has a dedicated launch pad.
What is wrong?
He contactado a mi colega Naro of the Silicon Dust, who tried the machine for different productions to mine, and therefore with different needs: he noticed the flaw of a true and functional harp player. In other words, the Note Repeat function is not combined with the usefulness of making a live arpegio, so it is possible to introduce a function that allows you to arpegia even a chord that is played on an external note. Obviously, the harping function is useful when you can program the chord to harp as your master, and obviously it can be seen as the fx function on the individual sound track or directly on the group. Another thing that fails is a smooth transition from one project to another: you can reduce the words of sound that you chew and absorb during the load phase of the next project, or even the words of effects or last notes played with suddenly unexpected dynamics. At least, you might think of a Freeze or Bridge function that allows you to have a less abrupt transition… See you next time DJ Fresella
Pro:
It has a sturdy and compact structure.
Simple and optimal arrangement of the controls.
Sin ratón y sin pantalla.
Intuitive, with well-conceived software and a 6 GB library included.
Many filters, effects and modulators for Pad.
Possibility of canceling the notes from note to note.
A compact and lightweight drum machine that you can keep handy for possible live sessions.
It can be used as a midi controller.
Everything lights up, making the view happy too.
cons:
At the moment, in this version, the metronome cannot be sent to a specific level, it is not possible to adjust the level.
You need a PC or MAC to make it work.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Producer: Native instruments
Model: Machine
Website: www.native-instruments.com
Distributor: www.midimusic.it
Price: Euro 580 + VAT
