Native Instruments Maschine+: Standalone Groovebox, No Computer Needed
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
The Maschine+ is a standalone groovebox with dual displays, sampler, and step sequencer for stage and studio — no laptop required.
The Native Instruments Maschine+ is a standalone groovebox that handles sampling, sequencing, and sound design without a connected computer. For DJs and producers who want to produce on the go or right on stage, that’s a decisive difference from the software-dependent controllers of the classic Maschine line.
At a glance
- 16 velocity-sensitive, multi-color pads plus 8 touch encoders and Smart Strip
- Two high-resolution color displays for sample editing and sound browsing without a computer
- Audio interface with 96 kHz/24-bit, two line-ins, two line-outs, and a mic input
- 64 GB SD card included, expandable up to 1 TB
Standalone Instead of Add-On
Unlike the Maschine controllers built for a computer, the Maschine+ runs completely on its own. A quad-core processor with 4 GB DDR3L RAM handles sampling, time-stretching, and looping directly in the hardware. The result: beats come together in the rehearsal space, on the train, or backstage — no laptop in the bag.
Two Displays Instead of Staring Down at a Screen
The two high-resolution color displays show sample waveforms, sound browser, note editor, and mixer all at once. Anyone who used to constantly switch between pads and laptop screen on a Maschine controller now works entirely on the unit itself.
Sequencing for Studio and Live Sets
The step sequencer, a song mode with groups and patterns, plus the clips function cover both classic beat programming and spontaneous live arrangement. For sets built live from loops and patterns, that’s the foundation.
Connections for Real Studio Use
The built-in audio interface brings two 6.35 mm line inputs, two 6.35 mm line outputs, a microphone input, MIDI In/Out, and a footswitch input. That lets the Maschine+ serve as a standalone recording device in the studio, too.
| Pads | 16, velocity-sensitive, multi-color |
|---|---|
| Displays | 2× high-resolution, color |
| Processor / RAM | Quad-core, 4 GB DDR3L |
| Storage | 64 GB SD card (included), expandable up to 1 TB |
| Audio | 2× Line-In, 2× Line-Out, mic input, headphone output |
| Dimensions | 322 × 301 × 51 mm |
| Weight | 2.50 kg |
“16 large, touch-sensitive, multi-color pads” enable intuitive playing of rhythms and melodies directly on the hardware.
If you switch between studio production and stage performance, the Maschine+ gives you a tool that serves both worlds — no extra computer needed. Along those lines, it’s worth checking out current standalone players from AlphaTheta as well as our tricks for using groove hardware live.
FAQ
Does the Maschine+ need a computer?
No. Sampling, sequencing, and sound design run completely standalone via the integrated quad-core processor and the two displays.
How much storage does the Maschine+ come with?
A 64 GB SD card is included, and storage can be expanded up to 1 TB.
Source: Native Instruments, Maschine+ product page.
