Maschine 3: From First Pattern to Finished Track

Native Instruments Maschine 3 is the first major version jump for the beat-making software in eleven years. But the path to a finished track remains the same: collect sounds in Groups, build Patterns, arrange Scenes, mix. Here's how it all comes together in Maschine 3.

At a glance

• A project holds up to eight Groups, each with up to 16 Sounds.
• New in Version 3: Stem separation in the Sampler, based on iZotope RX technology.
• Each Scene can have its own tempo.
• The software also runs without a controller, standalone or as a plug-in in your DAW.

Groups, Sounds, Patterns: The Foundation of Your Track

It all starts with the project. Here, you create up to eight Groups, each with up to 16 sound slots. You fill these with one-shot samples, multi-sampled instruments, audio loops, the built-in synths, or VST and AU plug-ins. External hardware can also be sequenced and recorded via the audio inputs.

For the groove, you program Patterns – using a step sequencer or in the Piano Roll. If you build the kick first, you'll find suitable approaches in our article Techno Production: Kick Drums Like the Pros. You'll find sounds in the tag-based browser, without having to click through long lists.

“Maschine is all about getting your musical ideas flowing.”

— Native Instruments, Maschine 3 Product Page

From Loop to Arrangement: Ideas View and Song View

In the Ideas View, you collect Patterns as Scenes, try out sequences, and plan performances before committing. Once you've set the direction, you drag the Scenes together in the Song View to form a long arrangement – with an intro, main part, breakdown, just as your track demands.

Maschine 3 can change the tempo when switching Scenes. For live sets, this means you build tempo changes directly into the project. You edit automations in the redesigned Modulation Editor, including drawn curves and grid snapping in the Arranger.

Sampling with Stems: The Core Feature of Version 3

If you load a track into a sampler slot, you'll find the Stems button in the Sample Edit tab. Maschine then separates the file offline into Drums, Bass, Vocals, and Other, and places the four tracks in a new Group on the first four sound slots. Only one track can be separated at a time.

Because the stems land in the sampler, you can trim, reverse, loop, and stretch them like any other sample. Maschine 3 now also imports MP3, MP4, FLAC, and OGG. With Bounce in Place, you render sounds or patterns as audio, thereby relieving your CPU.

Technical Specifications

Mixing and Finalizing

In the Mixer View, you balance the levels of Groups and Sounds and route the audio signal according to your workflow. Compressors, reverb, delays, and modulation effects are on board. The Maschine Central package also includes iZotope mastering software for the final polish.

It also works without hardware: With the mouse tools, you split, connect, delete, and mute MIDI notes, each with a keyboard shortcut. You can read more about the standalone version in our article on Maschine+.

FAQ

Do I need a controller for Maschine 3?

No. According to Native Instruments, Maschine 3 works without hardware, but supports Maschine Mikro MK3, Maschine MK3, Maschine Studio, and Maschine+.

Can I use Maschine 3 in my DAW?

Yes. The software runs standalone or as a plug-in in VST3, Audio Units, and AAX formats.

Into which tracks does the stem function separate a song?

Into four stems: Drums, Bass, Vocals, and Other. They land in a new Group on the first four sound slots.

Source: Native Instruments – Maschine 3, MusicRadar – Maschine 3.0 Software Review