Native Instruments Maschine: Beat Making and Music Production Built Around Your Hands
Maschine is a beat-making and music production system that combines flexible software with hands-on pads and controls. It gives you the tools to create beats, sample sounds, arrange tracks, mix music, and perform live. You can use it as a standalone application, run it inside your DAW, or use compatible Maschine hardware to control your workflow.
Native Instruments Maschine Information
- Developer: Native Instruments (inMusic NI GmbH)
- Platform: Windows
- Official Website: Native Instruments
Native Instruments Maschine Overview
Maschine is designed to help you capture musical ideas while they are fresh. With Maschine 3, you can build beats, work with samples, arrange patterns, mix tracks, and perform your music in one environment. It runs as a standalone application, works as a plugin inside your DAW, and can also serve as a controller for your DAW.
Its workflow revolves around pads, patterns, groups, and scenes. You can tap out a drum beat, play melodies using the keys, or program notes step by step. Once an idea starts taking shape, you can develop it into a complete arrangement. The package includes the tools you need to get started, such as synthesizers, drum machines, effects, and the extensive Maschine Central sound library.
You do not need dedicated hardware to use Maschine 3. The software works with a mouse and computer keyboard, but it also supports Maschine MK3, Maschine Mikro MK3, Maschine Studio, and Maschine+ in controller and standalone modes. Maschine Jam is supported as well, although it does not include the redesigned browser interface.
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Native Instruments Maschine Key Benefits
- A faster creative workflow: Pads, patterns, and a tag-based browser make it easier to get started without spending too much time on setup.
- Works without dedicated hardware: You can create and produce music using only your computer, with compatible hardware available as an additional option.
- Flexible studio integration: Use Maschine on its own, load it into your preferred DAW, or control your DAW through supported hardware.
- A broad sound collection: Maschine Central includes instruments, presets, and drum kits across different genres, giving you plenty of material to work with from the beginning.
- More creative sampling options: Import a track and separate it into parts such as bass, drums, vocals, and other elements for sampling or remixing.
- Tools for overcoming creative blocks: Generative sequencing features can help you explore new patterns and notes when you need fresh ideas.
- Mixing and mastering tools included: iZotope mastering features help you polish your tracks without needing a separate mastering tool.
- Room to expand your setup: You can add Expansions, Komplete products, and hundreds of NKS-compatible instruments from Native Instruments and other developers.
- Accessibility support: The separate NI Accessibility Helper, available through Native Access, provides support for visually impaired users.
Native Instruments Maschine Features
Creating and Arranging
- Ideas View: Explore patterns, experiment with arrangements, and prepare performances before settling on a final structure. Record alternative phrases or keep different beats playing, then combine the parts that work best together.
- Arrangement View: Use the clip-based pattern sequencer to edit patterns, adjust note positions, change velocity, and record modulation. Turn patterns into complete tracks, arrange audio, and manage levels in Song mode.
- Clips: Add transitions between scenes, introduce variations to patterns, record MIDI directly into the full arrangement, and position audio wherever it fits your track.
- Tempo per Scene: Set a different tempo for each scene to change the pace and feel of your arrangement.
- Redesigned Modulation Editor: Draw modulation curves, sketch shapes with the pencil tool, and adjust multiple points together. Hold Alt while dragging to create smooth curves, use Shift-click to select separate points, and select groups with the marquee tool. Ctrl and the mouse wheel let you zoom in. The updated grid, properly sized handles, and hover tooltips also make editing easier to follow.
- Modulation in the Arranger: Edit automation directly in the arrangement using curves, grid snapping, drag-to-edit controls, marquee selection, and updated keyboard shortcuts.
- Mixer View: Adjust group and sound levels and customize audio routing. The instrument and effect panels below the mixer support higher screen resolutions, and you can rearrange instruments and effects by dragging and dropping them.
- Bounce in Place: Convert MIDI Sound Slots into audio to reduce CPU usage or create new samples from your existing material.
- MIDI Editing Without Hardware: Edit notes with your mouse by splitting, joining, erasing, muting, drawing, or playing them. You can also use keyboard shortcuts or a computer MIDI keyboard, with note previews available while editing.
- Piano Roll Light Guide: Selected scales and NKS instruments can light up on compatible NI hardware. Tooltips appear when you hover over notes and keyswitches, and the piano roll offers greater zoom flexibility.
- User Chords: Build your own chord sets using the hardware, adjust them to suit your music, and save or share them with other Maschine users.
- Welcome Screen: Get started with demo projects and links to tutorial videos from the opening screen.
- Interface Refinements: The Audio, Poly Synth, and Drum Synth modules feature redesigned views. The interface also includes a darker appearance for extended sessions and a fullscreen mode in the standalone application.
Creative Sequencing
- Random Note Generator: Choose the probability settings and let Maschine generate notes, giving you a starting point when you do not want to begin with an empty grid.
- Euclidean Sequencer: Adjust steps, fills, and rotation to create rhythmic patterns in a different way. Live mode changes the sequence in real time while the loop continues playing.
- Note Event Probability: Assign a probability value to individual notes so their behavior can change with each loop. When a variation sounds right, lock it in place.
- Variation Page: Use the additional page in the Groove section to control how your patterns develop and change over time.
- Variation Engine: Generate new patterns and melodies on demand with Randomize, or use Humanize to add swing and a more natural feel to drum parts.
- Lock and Morph: Save your current settings, experiment with sounds or envelopes, and return to the saved version whenever needed. Combining Lock with Morph also helps create transitions and builds.
- Hardware Controls: Access the new creative features through the software or compatible Maschine MK3, Mikro MK3, Studio, and Maschine+ hardware.
Sampling and Audio
- Real-Time Sampling: Record audio from internal or external sources, including drum loops and bass lines. Slice the recording and automatically assign the slices to pads, with waveform zoom available for more accurate editing.
- Vintage Sampling Modes: Recreate classic sampler character with MPC 60 and SP 1200 emulation modes.
- Stem Separation: Separate a track into bass, drums, vocals, and other parts with a single click using technology powered by iZotope RX.
- Time Stretch and Pitch Shift: Adjust samples to match a specific BPM or length, such as one bar, and change their pitch as needed. Automatic BPM detection helps maintain the beat when you change the tempo.
- Audio Takes: Use different audio takes in different patterns, allowing one audio module to serve multiple patterns within a group.
- File Import: Import MIDI files, iMaschine projects, AIFF and WAV audio, REX2 files with slicing information, and MPC 500, 1000, 2000(XL), 2500, 3000, and 4000 programs. MP3, MP4, FLAC, and OGG files are also supported.
- File Export: Export audio in 16-bit, 24-bit, or 32-bit formats, save MP3 files, and export MIDI data.
Built-In Instruments and Effects
- Poly Synth: Create warm vintage sounds, rich bass tones, and bright pads inspired by the sound of the 1980s. Developed from the Pro-53 plugin, it features dual oscillators, Poly Mod for assigning modulation, switchable routing options, and sound blending.
- Bass Synth: Shape monophonic bass sounds with filter, modulation envelope, decay, drive, and glide controls. These parameters can be automated from the hardware. A second oscillator adds depth through detune and mix controls, while the sound can move from sine to saw to square. Professionally designed presets cover everything from deep sub-bass to acid-style sounds.
- Drum Synths: Work with six monophonic drum plugins covering electronic and acoustic sounds. Every parameter can be adjusted and automated through compatible hardware.
- Kick: Choose from nine sound engines, including four modeled on classic analog machines and five designed to produce realistic acoustic kick sounds.
- Snare: Explore nine electronic and acoustic snare engines, along with a dedicated clap engine.
- Hi-Hats: Create hi-hat sounds using three sample-free engines that range from classic analog tones to digital and robotic textures. A grain-based oscillator adds a thicker, crunchier character.
- Toms: Choose from three engines that produce percussive, bell-like, unusual digital, and warm acoustic tones. Additional pitch-bend options and advanced controls provide more room to shape the sound.
- Percussion: Use Fractal, shaker, and kettle engines for electronic percussion, shakers, maracas, and timpani. The sounds can be mapped across the keyboard for pitched percussion parts.
- Cymbal: Shape crash sounds ranging from 909-style hits to acoustic cymbals, or create ride sounds that respond differently when struck on the edge or bell.
- Perform FX: Add hands-on effects during recording or live performance with eight multi-effects: Filter, Flanger, Burst Echo, Reso Echo, Ring, Stutter, Tremolo, and Scratcher.
- Studio Effects: Access 24 effects directly from the hardware, including compressors, tape and tube saturators, a transient designer, reverbs, filters, EQs, Grain-Delay, Ice Verb, and Freq Shifter. You can build effect chains and combine them with your own VST and AU plugins.
Browsing and Sound Management
- Tag-Based Browser: Browse projects, groups, sounds, instruments, effects, and samples by tag. Preview an item before loading it, while collapsed tag clouds help keep the browser organized.
- Sound Focus: Choose between On Trigger and Pinned modes. Supported Maschine hardware also includes a dedicated Sound Focus control.
- Fast Plugin Scanning: Scan plugins in parallel for a process that can be up to four times faster, with improved support for shell plugins such as those from Waves.
Sounds and Included Software
- Maschine Central: Explore a redesigned sound library featuring presets from Massive, Monark, and Prism, more than 700 drum sounds, and 144 multi-sampled Kontakt instruments. It also includes samples, one-shots, sliced loops, patterns, drum kits, and songs across styles ranging from retro pop to modern drill. The library works with both Maschine 2 and Maschine 3.
- Maschine 3 Package: Includes Massive, Monark, Reaktor Prism, and iZotope Ozone 12 Elements. The updated Master Assistant helps match your mix to reference tracks, while Assistive Vocal Balance helps keep vocals clear within the mix.
- Komplete Select: Available with the hardware in three curated editions: Beats, Band, and Electronic. Each edition is designed around different musical styles and workflows.
- Expansions: Add genre-focused collections created by established sound designers and artists. These packs include ready-made drum kits, Massive and Monark presets, one-shots, and samples. Maschine users also receive exclusive FX chains, editable patterns, and Drum Synth and Bass Synth presets.
- Anniversary Expansions: Explore 30 resampled and reimagined highlights from the Native Instruments catalogue, alongside 30 Maschine kits and 291 drum samples. Paris Heat draws inspiration from French house and modern club music, while Rage Circuit focuses on rage and hypertrap and was created with GRAMMY-winning producer Snipe Young.
- NKS Integration: Work with hundreds of virtual instruments from Native Instruments and other developers, including Arturia, Heavyocity, and Output, that are certified for integration with Maschine.
- Komplete: Expand your creative setup with the wider Native Instruments catalogue, including the Reaktor and Kontakt platforms.
Connectivity and Integration
- DAW Plugin: Run Maschine as a VST3 or AAX 64 plugin on Windows in Ableton Live, Cubase, FL Studio, Pro Tools, PreSonus Studio One, and other major DAWs. Multiple instances can run at the same time, and you can switch between them using one controller.
- DAW Control: Use the hardware to control DAW transport functions such as play, record, and stop. You can also map MIDI controls to important DAW functions. Automation created in your host remains linked to your adjustments, including tweaks, panning, and fader movements.
- Maschine 2 Replacement: In compatible DAWs, the Maschine 3 VST3 plugin can automatically replace Maschine 2.
- Expanded I/O: Support for up to 16 stereo or 32 mono channels provides additional routing options. HiDPI plugin hosting is available depending on the DAW.
- Ableton Link: Synchronize Maschine with Traktor Pro and other Link-enabled applications over a local network, including Start and Stop messages. Traktor can also connect through MIDI clock.
- NKS Connect: Compatible partner controllers can browse and load presets, adjust parameters, and navigate parameter pages. Supported workflows include Pad Mode, Keyboard Mode, access to Bank A and B sounds, and pinned sounds, starting with the AKAI MPK mini IV.
- Komplete Kontrol S-Series: Browse and navigate Master, Group, and Sound controls using S-Series MK3 keyboards, even when Maschine is running as a plugin. Kontrol features are built in, so the Kontrol plugin is not required.
- Maschine+ Support: Selected Play Series instruments and effects can run on Maschine+. Ableton Live integration is also available when Maschine+ is used in controller mode. A high-speed SD card is recommended for the best standalone experience.
- Accessibility: Visually impaired users can access the separate NI Accessibility Helper through Native Access.
Maschine MK3 Hardware
Maschine is designed for hands-on music making, and the MK3 serves as its flagship controller. It runs on USB power, letting you record, play, and perform with a laptop without needing a separate power supply.
- Ultra-Sensitive Pads: Sixteen large, multicolored pads respond to subtle touches and provide space for techniques such as flams and rolls. Their center-to-center spacing remains unchanged, helping existing users maintain familiar finger movements.
- High-Resolution Color Displays: Two RGB screens let you browse sounds, edit notes, slice samples, adjust your mix, and view your arrangement without constantly checking the computer.
- 4-Directional Push Encoder: Browse sounds and navigate notes with one hand while playing the pads with the other.
- Touch-Sensitive Display Knobs: Eight knobs automatically map to important instrument parameters. Touching a knob opens related menus, including tag clouds, sound settings, and effect parameters.
- Smart Strip: Use the dual-touch strip like a pitch wheel, strum notes, or play samples and drums with a guitar-like motion. It also provides hands-on control over Perform FX such as stutter and scratch.
- Pad Input Mode Buttons: Switch between Pad, Keyboard, and Step modes with a single press to play drums, perform melodies and chords, or program patterns.
- Note Repeat: A larger, easier-to-locate button makes it simple to trigger drum rolls, fills, and arpeggiated patterns.
- Fixed Velocity: Choose from 16 fixed velocity levels for accents and ghost notes, or maintain consistent volume when triggering samples.
- Lock and Macro Buttons: Save snapshots of your parameter settings and return to them when needed, or assign frequently used parameters to macros by touching a knob.
- Control Section: Move directly between the Arranger, Mixer, Sound Browser, and Sampler. Dedicated Save and Open buttons also help you manage projects without relying on the mouse.
- Transport and Group Buttons: Dedicated group buttons provide hands-on access to sounds and key parameters, while the transport section includes Follow and Tempo Tap controls.
- Groovebox Essentials: Use 16 velocity levels, swing, pad link, note repeat, and a step sequencer to build and perform rhythmic parts.
- Built-In Audio Interface: The interface supports 96 kHz and 24-bit audio and includes two 1/4-inch TRS line outputs, two 1/4-inch TRS line inputs, a 1/4-inch dynamic microphone input, stereo headphone output, MIDI in and out, and a footswitch input for start and stop, recording, sustain, or expression.
- Dimensions and Weight: 320 mm wide, 301 mm long, 41 mm high, and 2.2 kg.
Audio Interface Specifications (Measured to AES17 Standards)
| Connection | Level | Dynamic Range | THD+N | Frequency Response | Crosstalk L/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Line In | +18.6 dBu full scale | 100 dB | 0.003 % | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.1 dB | -96 dB |
| Mic In (max gain) | -32 dBu full scale | 90 dB | 0.01 % | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.4 dB | Not listed |
| Mic In (min gain) | -3.4 dBu full scale | 102 dB | 0.004 % | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.15 dB | Not listed |
| Line Out | +18.0 dB maximum | 102 dB | 0.003 % | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.5 dB | -100 dB |
| Headphone Out | 29.4 mW at 33 Ohm | 102 dB | 0.007 % | 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±0.35 dB | -60 dB |
Which Maschine Is Right for You?
| Feature | Maschine+ | Maschine MK3 | Maschine Mikro MK3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | A standalone groovebox for DAW-free production and hardware-focused setups | A complete production and sampling system with a built-in audio interface | A compact, portable option for getting started and working with a DAW |
| Displays | Two high-resolution color displays | Two high-resolution color displays | One compact display |
| Pads | 16 large, ultra-sensitive, multi-color | 16 large, ultra-sensitive, multi-color | 16 large, highly sensitive, multi-color |
| Controls | 8 touch-sensitive knobs and a 4-directional push encoder | 8 touch-sensitive knobs and a 4-directional push encoder | 1 multi-function encoder |
| Smart Strip | 1 horizontal strip | 1 horizontal strip | 1 horizontal strip |
| Audio interface | 44.1 kHz and 24-bit (96 kHz in controller mode), line in and out, mic input, headphone out, MIDI in and out, footswitch, 2 USB ports | 96 kHz and 24-bit, line in and out, mic input, headphone out, MIDI in and out, footswitch | None |
| Power | Included PSU, or USB in controller mode | USB | USB |
| Factory library | Maschine+ Selection (24 GB) | Maschine Central (7 GB) | Maschine Central (7 GB) |
| Included software | Poly, Bass, and Drum Synths, Massive, Monark, Prism, FM8, Retro Machines MK2, Raum, Phasis, Solid Bus Comp, Replika, plus Kontakt and Reaktor libraries and eight Expansions | Komplete Select, Poly, Bass, and Drum Synths, Massive, Monark, Prism, Ozone Elements, Kontakt and Reaktor Players | Komplete Select, Poly, Bass, and Drum Synths, Massive, Monark, Prism, Ozone Elements, Kontakt and Reaktor Players |
| Groups, scenes, patterns | Unlimited groups and patterns in software (64 reachable from hardware), 64 scenes per project | Same | Same |
| Dimensions and weight | 322 x 301 x 51 mm, 2.50 kg | 320 x 301 x 41 mm, 2.2 kg | 320 x 177 x 45 mm, 1.12 kg |
What’s New in Native Instruments Maschine 3.7.1?
Native Instruments released Maschine 3.7.1 on September 29, 2026. The official changelog lists the following fix:
- Fixed an issue that caused incorrect pad LED states on Maschine hardware.
Native Instruments Maschine Tested Screenshots
System Requirements (Windows)
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 (64-bit, version 21H2 or newer, latest Service Pack) or Windows 11 (latest Service Pack) |
| Processor | Intel Core i5 or equivalent x86 CPU |
| RAM | 4 GB minimum, 8 GB recommended |
| Storage | 9 GB free disk space for the Maschine software |
| Graphics | Direct 3D 11.1 (Feature Level 11_0) or higher |
| Ports | USB 2.0 compatible port for Maschine and Kontrol hardware |
| Internet Connection | Required to download and activate the software, and not needed afterward |
| Supported Interfaces | Stand-alone, VST3, AAX 64, ASIO, and WASAPI |
