Maschine worth it??

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Maschine worth it??
Posted on: 10.05.2012 by Necole Moussette
Hey Everyone,

Been on the site for a while utilizing all the great tips but haven't posted much.

Wondering thoughts on if Maschine is worth it... I may buy my roommates mikro off him for a pretty good price.

However, I've got Live and a ton of drum samples that work great constructing beats in drum racks. What is the real advantage of using maschine over playing drum racks in live with my MPD?

One thing that would really interest me is if you can play maschine in traktor and basically have your own drum kit to play on the fly/make loops on the fly in time with the master clock. I use the s4 and having machine setup too would be very attractive, especially since I'm a drummer.

Does anyone have experience using maschine like this or just an opinion on it in general?

Thanks!

Ryan
Dorie Scelzo
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by dookiex
Maschine is really only worth it if one intends to actually use the NI software that comes with it
People who spend $600 on a trigger finger are retarded.

Originally Posted by dookiex
So, since we are talking about using the Maschine in the context of DJing, we need to take a look at how many DJs have been using the Maschine in their DJ workflow, and for the most part, it's way overkill since a large bulk of them are using it as nothing more than a sample launcher, in which case there are a myriad of more suitable controllers for the task (Kontrol X1, Kontrol F1, A&H K2, APC20, Launchpad, nano pad, Pad one, midi fighter, etc.).
I won't disagree with you there at all. You're 100% right. I forgot we were talking about morons who buy shiny things with NI branding instead of believeing.

That's why I said Maschine and the X1 were in no way related. People who buy Maschine with no intention of using the sofwarre are retarded. They're completely different products intended for completely different uses. It's kind of like using a Rally car to pull a farm plow around……yeah……it'll work, and it only costs a little more than a tractor…but……I swear I was going somewhere with this besides using the R word again. I really need to stop using my days off to switch b/t Maschine/PT, a pub, and community s.

Oh and …Seriously…people misunderstanding this crap makes me want to switch back to vinyl and buy an Octatrack.
Clinton Voran
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by mostapha
The fact that they bought the wrong product doesn't mean that Maschine and the X1 are the least bit related.



Uhh………neither of those will do what Maschine will do even with Live. I mean…I guess there are Max4Live patches that allow you to use the APC40 as a step sequencer, but…then you're talking about a lot of money for less functionality and no ability to "play" off the grid.
I'm shocked. You're here trying to "educate" or "correct" me yet you are coming off sounding as if you have never bothered to remap the X1 to do what many if not what most DJs use the Maschine for when playing out live (aka, sample launcher, you do realize that the X1 can be remapped correct? it is basically a MIDI controller at the heart of it). Also, again, I'm speaking strictly in terms of using it to control Traktor.

As for Ableton, yes, APC20 and the APC40 would do what the Maschine does and more IF one is using the Maschine and the APC20/40 strictly in Live. Have you never bothered to set up Live to basically be a sequencer or drum machine? Much of the unique qualities of the Maschine are basically negated.

Again, the Maschine is really only worth it if one intends to actually use the NI software that comes with it (it's a great piece of software, I will attest to that, but unfortunately, many DJs have simply just used it as a simple sample launcher instead of actually using the Maschine for what it is truly intended to be used for). You really have to keep in mind how many DJs actually use the Maschine. For goodness sakes, the Remix Decks in TP 2.5 was hyped as if it was the next coming even though it's essentially a streamlined version of what Live DJs have been doing for goodness knows how long now.

Let's put it this way, there's a reason NI came out with a Maschine Mikro. It's simply because they took a look at how most DJs were incorporating the Maschine to use when they play out with TP and saw that the original Maschine was never really being fully exploited by DJs when playing out. Thus the Mikro came out since it's a perfect solution and fit for what a DJ would need it for AND also leaves the doors ajar in case the DJ wishes to later on go and use it for production. Yeah, the Maschine is a great piece of kit but it's not so great when you consider that many people are using it without also using the Maschine software.

I mean, we are in a DJ community are we not? We are discussing the gear we use when DJing are we not? So, since we are talking about using the Maschine in the context of DJing, we need to take a look at how many DJs have been using the Maschine in their DJ workflow, and for the most part, it's way overkill since a large bulk of them are using it as nothing more than a sample launcher, in which case there are a myriad of more suitable controllers for the task (Kontrol X1, Kontrol F1, A&H K2, APC20, Launchpad, nano pad, Pad one, midi fighter, etc.).

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying that the other options I've mentioned would replace what the Maschine itself is intended to do, they are not since the Maschine is more or less designed to go hand in hand with the Maschine software, but for a controller for Ableton or other DJ software, it's really not the best of options. Just saying.
Dorie Scelzo
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by dookiex
The way I see a lot of DJs using the Maschine in their live workflow, they actually DO have everything to do with each other. Essentially, I've seen the Maschine used in DJ sets mostly as an over-glorified samples launcher. So, maybe you are one of the few wise enough to exploit the real potential of the Maschine but many others I've seen have never really bothered.
The fact that they bought the wrong product doesn't mean that Maschine and the X1 are the least bit related.

Originally Posted by dookiex
Also, with the OP in mind, the OP apparently uses Live and with that in mind, the person is much better off with a APC20 or a APC40 if they wanted something that provided more controls for Live. As an Ableton controller, I did not find the Maschine to be a better choice compared to the APC units or even a Launchpad.
Uhh………neither of those will do what Maschine will do even with Live. I mean…I guess there are Max4Live patches that allow you to use the APC40 as a step sequencer, but…then you're talking about a lot of money for less functionality and no ability to "play" off the grid.
Clinton Voran
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by mostapha
They have literally nothing to do with each other.
The way I see a lot of DJs using the Maschine in their live workflow, they actually DO have everything to do with each other. Essentially, I've seen the Maschine used in DJ sets mostly as an over-glorified samples launcher. So, maybe you are one of the few wise enough to exploit the real potential of the Maschine but many others I've seen have never really bothered.

Also, with the OP in mind, the OP apparently uses Live and with that in mind, the person is much better off with a APC20 or a APC40 if they wanted something that provided more controls for Live. As an Ableton controller, I did not find the Maschine to be a better choice compared to the APC units or even a Launchpad.
Dorie Scelzo
30.05.2012
Originally Posted by Conall
If you have the midi clocks sync'd I'm pretty certain that your play/stop for maschine will be disabled, so tapping out beats on the fly can sometimes be a hassle from what i've heard. I don't actually have a maschine but I've seen a couple of posts about that. apologies if this is incorrect.
Map a control to Traktor's play/stop MIDI clock button.

I did it that way while I was on Traktor and very much enjoyed it. The only reason I don't still do it is that I'm not willing to set beat grids and Maschine's manual tempo controls are a bit wonky (read: over sensitive).

Originally Posted by dookiex
I don't know, I found it to be complete overkill for DJ use. A Kontrol X1 I felt was a better fit for DJ use.
They have literally nothing to do with each other.
Clinton Voran
30.05.2012
Originally Posted by Otacon
Maschine was the funnest controller i've ever purchased to ADD to my setup. I just love throwing in your own flare to songs. I use PC and haven't tried to sync them yet but I want to
I don't know, I found it to be complete overkill for DJ use. A Kontrol X1 I felt was a better fit for DJ use. I mean, if you need the whole sequencer aspect of Maschine, at that point I would probably suggest going the Ableton route, but that's just me :P
Leeanna Ayla
16.05.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
I believe the best way to get a sense of the something is to read the manual before you buy it.
Amen brother. I regularly read the manuals of things before I buy them.

And for those with a Maschine don't forget about the Maschine Hardware Guide
http://www.native-instruments.com/fo...d.php?t=107416
Kam Dym
15.05.2012
Originally Posted by zestoi
for dropping in a few samples or loops sure - but with maschine you have it's whole sequencer environment. i was going to pick up a padkontrol next week but reading this thread has made me believe that maybe it's better to pay the extra and get a maschine mikro instead. just when i thought i had finally worked out what controller i wanted next...
if you never picked 1 up. I have 1, essentially new with box and packaging. i nevr took the time to learn how to use it.
Oba
Dorie Scelzo
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by dookiex
Maschine is really only worth it if one intends to actually use the NI software that comes with it
People who spend $600 on a trigger finger are retarded.

Originally Posted by dookiex
So, since we are talking about using the Maschine in the context of DJing, we need to take a look at how many DJs have been using the Maschine in their DJ workflow, and for the most part, it's way overkill since a large bulk of them are using it as nothing more than a sample launcher, in which case there are a myriad of more suitable controllers for the task (Kontrol X1, Kontrol F1, A&H K2, APC20, Launchpad, nano pad, Pad one, midi fighter, etc.).
I won't disagree with you there at all. You're 100% right. I forgot we were talking about morons who buy shiny things with NI branding instead of believeing.

That's why I said Maschine and the X1 were in no way related. People who buy Maschine with no intention of using the sofwarre are retarded. They're completely different products intended for completely different uses. It's kind of like using a Rally car to pull a farm plow around……yeah……it'll work, and it only costs a little more than a tractor…but……I swear I was going somewhere with this besides using the R word again. I really need to stop using my days off to switch b/t Maschine/PT, a pub, and community s.

Oh and …Seriously…people misunderstanding this crap makes me want to switch back to vinyl and buy an Octatrack.
Clinton Voran
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by mostapha
The fact that they bought the wrong product doesn't mean that Maschine and the X1 are the least bit related.



Uhh………neither of those will do what Maschine will do even with Live. I mean…I guess there are Max4Live patches that allow you to use the APC40 as a step sequencer, but…then you're talking about a lot of money for less functionality and no ability to "play" off the grid.
I'm shocked. You're here trying to "educate" or "correct" me yet you are coming off sounding as if you have never bothered to remap the X1 to do what many if not what most DJs use the Maschine for when playing out live (aka, sample launcher, you do realize that the X1 can be remapped correct? it is basically a MIDI controller at the heart of it). Also, again, I'm speaking strictly in terms of using it to control Traktor.

As for Ableton, yes, APC20 and the APC40 would do what the Maschine does and more IF one is using the Maschine and the APC20/40 strictly in Live. Have you never bothered to set up Live to basically be a sequencer or drum machine? Much of the unique qualities of the Maschine are basically negated.

Again, the Maschine is really only worth it if one intends to actually use the NI software that comes with it (it's a great piece of software, I will attest to that, but unfortunately, many DJs have simply just used it as a simple sample launcher instead of actually using the Maschine for what it is truly intended to be used for). You really have to keep in mind how many DJs actually use the Maschine. For goodness sakes, the Remix Decks in TP 2.5 was hyped as if it was the next coming even though it's essentially a streamlined version of what Live DJs have been doing for goodness knows how long now.

Let's put it this way, there's a reason NI came out with a Maschine Mikro. It's simply because they took a look at how most DJs were incorporating the Maschine to use when they play out with TP and saw that the original Maschine was never really being fully exploited by DJs when playing out. Thus the Mikro came out since it's a perfect solution and fit for what a DJ would need it for AND also leaves the doors ajar in case the DJ wishes to later on go and use it for production. Yeah, the Maschine is a great piece of kit but it's not so great when you consider that many people are using it without also using the Maschine software.

I mean, we are in a DJ community are we not? We are discussing the gear we use when DJing are we not? So, since we are talking about using the Maschine in the context of DJing, we need to take a look at how many DJs have been using the Maschine in their DJ workflow, and for the most part, it's way overkill since a large bulk of them are using it as nothing more than a sample launcher, in which case there are a myriad of more suitable controllers for the task (Kontrol X1, Kontrol F1, A&H K2, APC20, Launchpad, nano pad, Pad one, midi fighter, etc.).

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not saying that the other options I've mentioned would replace what the Maschine itself is intended to do, they are not since the Maschine is more or less designed to go hand in hand with the Maschine software, but for a controller for Ableton or other DJ software, it's really not the best of options. Just saying.
Dorie Scelzo
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by dookiex
The way I see a lot of DJs using the Maschine in their live workflow, they actually DO have everything to do with each other. Essentially, I've seen the Maschine used in DJ sets mostly as an over-glorified samples launcher. So, maybe you are one of the few wise enough to exploit the real potential of the Maschine but many others I've seen have never really bothered.
The fact that they bought the wrong product doesn't mean that Maschine and the X1 are the least bit related.

Originally Posted by dookiex
Also, with the OP in mind, the OP apparently uses Live and with that in mind, the person is much better off with a APC20 or a APC40 if they wanted something that provided more controls for Live. As an Ableton controller, I did not find the Maschine to be a better choice compared to the APC units or even a Launchpad.
Uhh………neither of those will do what Maschine will do even with Live. I mean…I guess there are Max4Live patches that allow you to use the APC40 as a step sequencer, but…then you're talking about a lot of money for less functionality and no ability to "play" off the grid.
Necole Moussette
01.06.2012		Hey all,

Thanks for the great advice... I did pickup the maschine mikro the other day and am VERY happy with it so far. It really fits my need for what I'm looking to do. Im a drummer too so this little groovebox and i get along great

I haven't had a chance to sync it up with traktor yet, but i am imagining it will do exactly what I want it to, especially after watching a ton of youtube vid (my favorite way to learn new software/hardware... those manuals only cover the basics!). So far great for producing beats... LOVE LOVE LOVE those pads, can almost get the feel and sound of a real kit.

I've hooked up live and an apc40 with traktor before and it worked nicely, but was a pain with having to switch screens and see where everything was in live. With maschines transport controls, light up pads to see where the beat is, and lcd screen right there it seems perfect for engaging my programmed beats in time with traktor.

Really looking forward to getting this all hooked up and using it live!

-Ryan
Clinton Voran
31.05.2012
Originally Posted by mostapha
They have literally nothing to do with each other.
The way I see a lot of DJs using the Maschine in their live workflow, they actually DO have everything to do with each other. Essentially, I've seen the Maschine used in DJ sets mostly as an over-glorified samples launcher. So, maybe you are one of the few wise enough to exploit the real potential of the Maschine but many others I've seen have never really bothered.

Also, with the OP in mind, the OP apparently uses Live and with that in mind, the person is much better off with a APC20 or a APC40 if they wanted something that provided more controls for Live. As an Ableton controller, I did not find the Maschine to be a better choice compared to the APC units or even a Launchpad.
Dorie Scelzo
30.05.2012
Originally Posted by Conall
If you have the midi clocks sync'd I'm pretty certain that your play/stop for maschine will be disabled, so tapping out beats on the fly can sometimes be a hassle from what i've heard. I don't actually have a maschine but I've seen a couple of posts about that. apologies if this is incorrect.
Map a control to Traktor's play/stop MIDI clock button.

I did it that way while I was on Traktor and very much enjoyed it. The only reason I don't still do it is that I'm not willing to set beat grids and Maschine's manual tempo controls are a bit wonky (read: over sensitive).

Originally Posted by dookiex
I don't know, I found it to be complete overkill for DJ use. A Kontrol X1 I felt was a better fit for DJ use.
They have literally nothing to do with each other.
Clinton Voran
30.05.2012
Originally Posted by Otacon
Maschine was the funnest controller i've ever purchased to ADD to my setup. I just love throwing in your own flare to songs. I use PC and haven't tried to sync them yet but I want to
I don't know, I found it to be complete overkill for DJ use. A Kontrol X1 I felt was a better fit for DJ use. I mean, if you need the whole sequencer aspect of Maschine, at that point I would probably suggest going the Ableton route, but that's just me :P
Erich Vallabhaneni
16.05.2012		Maschine was the funnest controller i've ever purchased to ADD to my setup. I just love throwing in your own flare to songs. I use PC and haven't tried to sync them yet but I want to
Leeanna Ayla
16.05.2012
Originally Posted by rdej47
I believe the best way to get a sense of the something is to read the manual before you buy it.
Amen brother. I regularly read the manuals of things before I buy them.

And for those with a Maschine don't forget about the Maschine Hardware Guide
http://www.native-instruments.com/fo...d.php?t=107416
Kam Dym
15.05.2012
Originally Posted by zestoi
for dropping in a few samples or loops sure - but with maschine you have it's whole sequencer environment. i was going to pick up a padkontrol next week but reading this thread has made me believe that maybe it's better to pay the extra and get a maschine mikro instead. just when i thought i had finally worked out what controller i wanted next...
if you never picked 1 up. I have 1, essentially new with box and packaging. i nevr took the time to learn how to use it.
Oba
Lu Wubbenhorst
15.05.2012		Best thing i ever bought the Maschine. I would forget about using it alongside Traktor all sync'd up. Just use it to create your own loops and beats for the new upcoming Remix Decks in Traktor. It's ideal!!
Chasidy Heckenbach
12.05.2012		for dropping in a few samples or loops sure - but with maschine you have it's whole sequencer environment. i was going to pick up a padkontrol next week but reading this thread has made me believe that maybe it's better to pay the extra and get a maschine mikro instead. just when i thought i had finally worked out what controller i wanted next...
Jame Shelling
11.05.2012		For adding flare to youre live DJ set up, i believe the F1 will be the way to go in stead of Maschine imo.
Gerard Cowin
11.05.2012		The manual only shows you the basic controls, to get a full grasping of the gear and software you'll need to browse youtube videos or perhaps even download tutorials created specifically for the Maschine.

The Maschine is definitely worth it. I have no experience with the Mikro, but I do own a full Maschine myself and I can attest to its greatness. The software and hardware integration is smooth and intuitive. You'll be able to create your own drum loops and rhythms as well as full blown productions with the Maschine alone.

If you have a Mac, syncing the midi clock between Maschine and Traktor is quick and easy. Layering samples and drum rhythms over tracks playing in Traktor is very possible and also rewarding. I haven't fully integrated the Maschine software with my Traktor setup yet but I have been banging out beats one after the other and I love it!

The only qualms I have with the Maschine is that the encoder rotary knobs don't handle extensive use after awhile. I've barely had the Maschine for a year and already one of my encoders jumps around without my interference which causes inconvenience whilst playing live (using Maschine to control effects and decks 3&4 in Traktor) and somewhat while producing in the studio. I don't know why NI chose to take the cheap route with the knobs but since you're eyeing a Mikro that shouldn't be a problem.

I personally, recommend the Maschine to anyone who's serious about starting beat production or even adding flare to your live DJ setup. Besides, learning more about production, composition, and beat making can only further enhance your skills and awareness as a DJ and Musician. Good luck, and I hope you snag that deal quick!
Jame Shelling
10.05.2012		I rather choose youtube tutorials than the manual to see how it works, there are so many of them also about syncing them with S4 and or Pro 2 , you'll see how easy and good it works
Johnsie Kingrea
10.05.2012		I believe the best way to get a sense of the something is to read the manual before you buy it. This is going to sound ridiculous but I bought Maschine when it first came out (2-3 years ago) and while I did learn some things by playing around with it, it was nothing compared to what I picked up from reading the manual.
Georgina Schatzman
10.05.2012
Originally Posted by Conall
If you have the midi clocks sync'd I'm pretty certain that your play/stop for maschine will be disabled, so tapping out beats on the fly can sometimes be a hassle from what i've heard. I don't actually have a maschine but I've seen a couple of posts about that. apologies if this is incorrect.
Why would it be a problem is if the stop/start is disabled? You can still tap them out just fine
Barton Rigazio
10.05.2012		Sync'ing midi clocks is much tighter and better on Mac than on PC. There are quite a few posts on sync'ing Maschine (or any external controller/software that accepts midi clock in) to Traktor. If you're on PC, it's going to get pretty frustrating because even with the clocks sync'ed, there is just way too much drifting (although I did read one post recently on the community where somebody was on PC and successfully sending MIDI clock out). If you're on Mac though, the virtual port sync'ing is much tighter but you still might have to nudge here and there. Others with experience on Mac can chime in.
Inez Marcinik
10.05.2012		If you have the midi clocks sync'd I'm pretty certain that your play/stop for maschine will be disabled, so tapping out beats on the fly can sometimes be a hassle from what i've heard. I don't actually have a maschine but I've seen a couple of posts about that. apologies if this is incorrect.
Georgina Schatzman
10.05.2012		Yeah, it's worth it. The software works is a dream to use for the most part, and if you're on a Mac, there's a very east way to sync up TP2 with the Maschine software so everything is in time. It's a Mikro though, so it might feel a bit limited in the studio, but it's the perfect size and layout for playing out with Traktor and you S4.

The Mikro's are already a good deal as it is, so if you're getting an even better deal then it's a no brainer

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