Native Instruments Maschine+: Making Beats Without a Laptop
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Native Instruments Maschine+: a groovebox and sampler with its own OS, 16 pads and 24 GB of sounds. What it does, where its limits are and who it suits.
The Native Instruments Maschine+ is the moment the software house cleared the computer off the desk: a groovebox sampler with its own operating system that runs the complete Maschine workflow without a laptop. At its launch in September 2020, MusicRadar called it NI's first product not designed primarily to work with a PC, Mac or iPad. If you would rather build beats on pads than with a mouse, it deserves a closer look.
At a glance
- Standalone groovebox and sampler with 16 velocity-sensitive pads and two colour displays
- Quad-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 32 GB internal storage plus a 64 GB SD card
- Maschine+ Selection with 18 instruments, 37 effects and 8 Expansions
- Wi-Fi and Ableton Link, and it also works as a classic Maschine controller with a computer
The Maschine workflow, minus the cable to your computer
If you know the Maschine MK3, you will feel at home straight away. According to MusicRadar, apart from some limitations the Maschine+ offers the same hardware/software workflow as the 2017 MK3 – except that the software runs on an internal custom Linux OS powered by an Intel Atom quad-core.
Native Instruments sums up the idea in a few words:
“The workflow. The sounds. No computer necessary.”
— Native Instruments, Maschine+ product page
You sample records, vocals or field recordings straight into the unit, chop them across the pads and arrange in Song mode or with Clips. Note Repeat, the step sequencer, swing, 16 fixed velocity levels and the Smart Strip for pitch, modulation and Perform FX sit right on the surface. The housing is made of anodized aluminium.
Specifications
| Pads | 16, velocity-sensitive |
|---|---|
| Processor | Quad-core |
| Memory | 4 GB DDR3L (dual channel) |
| Internal storage | 32 GB eMMC for OS and factory content |
| Memory card | 64 GB SD included, up to 1 TB supported |
| Displays | 2 colour displays, 480 × 272 each |
| Audio resolution | 44.1 kHz / 24-bit standalone, 96 kHz / 24-bit in controller mode |
| Audio connections | 2 × line out and 2 × line in (¼" TRS), dynamic mic input, headphone output |
| Other connections | MIDI In, MIDI Out, footswitch, 2 × USB for MIDI controllers |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi, Ableton Link |
| Dimensions | 322 × 301 × 51 mm |
| Weight | 2.50 kg |
Sound library: Massive, FM8 and Monark on board
According to the manufacturer, the bundled Maschine+ Selection comprises 24 GB with 18 synths and sampled instruments, 37 effects and 8 Expansions, 2 of which you choose yourself. These include Massive, FM8, Monark, Prism, Phasis, Raum and the Factory Selection versions of Kontakt and Reaktor. You download new sounds straight to the unit over Wi-Fi.
Know the limit before you buy: standalone mode runs only selected NI instruments and effects, no third-party VST plug-ins. Only in controller mode on a computer do NKS instruments and any VST and AU plug-ins become available.
Who the Maschine+ is for
NI targets producers and live acts who want DAW-less studio or stage setups. Interesting for DJs: the manufacturer shows a hybrid setup in which Maschine+ stays in sync with Traktor via Ableton Link and its audio is routed into Traktor via the line input. Over MIDI you sequence external synths and record them back through the line inputs.
In the market it competes with Akai's MPC One and MPC Live. MusicRadar notes that the MPC Live II offers triple the line inputs, double the MIDI I/O, CV outputs, a battery and a speaker – while Maschine+ has twice the RAM. If you work mainly with drum sounds, also compare it with the Roland TR-8S or the Elektron Digitakt.
Frequently asked questions
Does the Maschine+ need a computer?
No. To set it up, however, you need a wireless internet connection and your Native ID. With a computer it also works as a controller and can then be powered via USB.
Can the Maschine+ run on a power bank?
Yes. According to Native Instruments, DC laptop power banks with exactly 15 V, at least 2.66 A and positive polarity are compatible and provide 8 to 15 hours of operating time per session.
Does the Maschine+ replace the Maschine MK3?
No. Maschine+ replaces the Maschine Studio as the flagship; according to NI, the MK3 remains in the range for users who don't need standalone operation.
Source: Native Instruments – Maschine+, MusicRadar – Native Instruments Maschine+
