Reviews
Native Instruments MASCHINE MK2 + MASSIVE
New backlit multicolored pads provide advanced visual orientation, and the pads have also been updated for increased sensitivity. Re-designed displays provide a wider viewing angle for increased clarity, and the surface layout has been refined with the addition of a master push-encoder and new buttons with a click action.
The forthcoming, free MASCHINE 1.8 software update introduces the new color-coding system. Sounds, groups, patterns and projects can be assigned specific color schemes, which are reflected in the colors of the pads and buttons on the hardware, providing instant visual feedback and improved workflow. Furthermore, the new software also includes offline time stretching and pitch shifting capabilities as well as a range of new effects, including NI’s hugely popular dynamic mixing effect TRANSIENT MASTER. Numerous workflow improvements such as Host Transport Control, Browser Sample Preview Mode, Auto-Write Pinning and more plus a number of new hardware shortcuts allow for faster and even more intuitive control of the software via the MASCHINE hardware.
Another major new addition to the 1.8 update is the inclusion of NI’s perennial synthesizer MASSIVE – an extremely popular instrument, renowned for its bass and lead sounds. The full version of the synthesizer is included, adding 1,300 additional sounds to the MASCHINE library. Anyone updating to 1.8 update will receive MASSIVE, existing MASCHINE users included. The instrument will be available as a download after software registration.
The more compact MASCHINE MIKRO hardware will also be available in black or white versions, and includes the same increased-sensitivity, multicolored pads and clickable buttons. MASCHINE MIKRO runs on the same software as the larger MASCHINE, so MASCHINE MIKRO owners also get MASSIVE, color-coding, new effects and all workflow improvements.