Results for DAW

First there was the Maschine, then came Maschine Mikro, and now Native Instruments has updated both to mk2 with new software features, an improved controller, and additional hardware accessories.

For those who have never heard of Maschine before, it is basically a combination of music production software with a dedicated hardware controller. A tightly integrated system that can be used standalone – including hosting of 3^rd party plugins, or as a plugin in another host. The groovebox-like hardware controller can also be used to control external hardware and software via MIDI with Maschine’s MIDI mode.

Now, I realize I am a bit late to the party with this review, and to be honest after checking some earlier reviews I found pretty much everything I would like to say has already been written at Oh Drat. So I’ll try my best not to ruminate and list everything you can already find at the Native Instruments website anyway, and instead just mention a few things I found particularly interesting when using the new Maschine.

Multi-colored pads and group buttons on the Maschine mk2 controller.

While the rainbow colored, toy-like appearance did not appeal to me a whole lot at first, I found myself using color coding on sounds and groups pretty much from day one. I already did the same thing in other music production software to indicate groups of instruments, sounds, effects, etc. and having the same kind of thing in Maschine is a definite workflow improvement for me.

Besides having multi-color LEDs, the pads also have a much improved sensitivity. I thought the pads on the original Maschine were really good, but to me the Mk2 is an order of magnitude better still. The sensitivity is just amazing, even at really low velocities. I can now confidently tap away the night without worrying about waking up my kids in the next room.

I also enjoy the new screens a lot better, easier on the eyes and improved readability. It has helped me to do more from the hardware controller where before I would jump to the computer screen. The fact that you can now audition samples from the hardware before committing helps a lot too.

The new screens on the mk2 are very good in places where you have very little light.

On the whole many of these changes are seemingly minimal improvements, but in fact they are most useful. Like the little click response on buttons, something I didn’t even know I wanted until the mk2 came along, what a lovely improvement.

On the software part I feel that Native Instruments has an extremely difficult job. Besides implementing some of the new features to go with the hardware, there are tons of feature requests from existing and potential customers. It is not likely you’re ever going to be able to please everyone with any update, much less a point update.

Time stretch/pitch shift is a much requested feature that was implemented, but… for some reason it is not a real-time process. While the results of processed audio is impressive, it kind of stumps me why can’t just have a preview and commit function?

The additions of the Transient Master module, some new tape and tube saturation models for the Saturator module, and a free copy of the Massive software synthesizer are nice bonus.

With MASCHINE 1.8, all MASCHINE users get the full version of the modern legend MASSIVE – the synth that gave birth to the earth-shuddering bass tones and speaker-troubling leads that have defined the bass music genre. This monster synth contains 1,300 ready-to-go sounds, all instantly browseable via the MASCHINE hardware. MASCHINE’s eight control knobs offer direct access to MASSIVE’s eight Macro controls, for perfect synergy between hardware and synthesizer, and a lightning-fast workflow.

It is my guess that over time, Native Instruments is going to be integrating more and more of its sounds & effects into the Maschine package.

There are a bunch more improvements, of which I want to mention one that may seem minor but it certainly made my day. You can now use both your hands for recording automation of parameters by pinning down the “Auto Write”. I record automation a whole lot so this little feature is a godsend to me.

What didn’t get much attention is MIDI. I work pretty much completely in the box so it’s no big deal to me, but if you use a lot of external gear and need full MIDI implementation with MIDI CC and multiple outputs, version 1.8 does not yet bring what you’re looking for. Native Instruments never said they would implement this in the update so can’t blame them really, but it would be good to see full MIDI support nonetheless. I haven’t a clue how much work it is to get it implemented, perhaps it will take version 2.0 to get it…

Lastly, I want to mention the new custom kits and stand accessories.

The custom kits are available in a variety of colors.

Some companies were already offering custom stickers and modifications for the original Maschine, so Native Instruments cleverly pulled the market towards themselves by offering a custom kit with faceplate and knobs in various colors. Granted, the pricing of these kits is a bit steep, but I have to say they look really good. Great quality and replacing the magnetic faceplate and knobs is really easy.

The stand is also something you could probably do yourself for less money, but again, great quality piece of hardware and it looks sleek. It can be mounted on standard drum hardware with the included Mounting Adapter.

Alright, to finish I want to show the obligatory Jeremy Ellis video. It should be said that this makes me want to sit down with my Maschine all day, but realize that it is not likely you will ever get anywhere near the amazing stuff he does. At least, this is truth in my case.

Also, for a great overview of everything new in Maschine mk2 and the 1.8 software, check out this excellent video by Dubspot’s Matt Cellitti.

So what do I think?

Improved pads, screens & workflow, new effects and the Massive synth included. No earth shaking features perhaps, but with mk2 the Maschine platform is moving along rather nicely.

At the same retail price of the first model, Native Instruments is definitely offering a superior package with Maschine mk2. For those who already have the original Maschine, the software update is free. Personally, I enjoy the pads and colored LEDs so much to justify getting the mk2, but whether the controller improvements are worth the upgrade or not is up to you.

There is still a lot of room for Maschine to grow, and I am pretty confident that Native Instruments is going to tackle some of the top feature requests in future upgrades, but as is, Maschine mk2 remains an amazing piece of gear. Native Instruments calls it fast, intuitive, powerful and flexible. I call it a joy to work with.

More information: Native Instruments / Maschine mk2

Tracktion Software Corporation has announced the release of Tracktion 4, the latest version of the digital audio workstation (DAW) platform the company purchased from LOUD Technologies in 2012.

The highly intuitive software program features a single-screen user interface and drag-and-drop functionality to simplify complex digital recording, editing and mixing tasks.

Originally created by developer Julian Storer, Tracktion debuted in 2002 to instant acclaim. It was acquired by Mackie Designs, later LOUD Technologies, in 2003 and updated twice prior to 2009. A lack of further updates or communication regarding Tracktion led many in the platform’s large and vocal user base to assume it had been discontinued. However, Storer teamed up with ex-Mackie employees (Mackoids) James ‘Woody’ Woodburn and Dave Christenson to form TSC with the specific goal of reviving and advancing the unique Tracktion brand.

Tracktion 4 (T4) features the same operational characteristics as the original program but with an entirely new audio engine. This progression is intended not only to make T4 compatible with all the latest operating systems, plug-in and controller technology, but also to create a modern platform for further development. TSC is dedicated to the continued evolution of the product.

To be specific, T4 provides support for OSX Mountain Lion to take advantage of Apple’s very latest hardware and operating systems. It also provides support for Microsoft’s Windows 7 & 8. Apple Audio Unit (AU) is supported to open a new world of effects and instruments for Tracktion users and the latest generation audio codec from Microsoft, Windows Media Audio (WMA) is also supported.

Windows Audio Session API (WASAPI) is included for optimized audio data management between applications. There is also support for 64bit Mac and PC operating systems so Tracktion can squeeze the highest performance out of current computer resources.

Trackion 4 is available to purchase for $59.95 USD for new customers and $29.95 USD for upgrades. As of January 24th, customers purchasing a new Mackie product that includes Tracktion can download Tracktion 4 immediately.

More information: Tracktion

AIR Music Technology has presented the Ignite music creation software, offering an entirely new approach to making music with computers.

Ignite works seamlessly with your M-Audio keyboard, giving you the fastest way to capture ideas and make music.

Ignite is a discrete, standalone music ideation and creation software, built from the ground up to spark creative ideas and enable musicians to build songs in an organic fashion. Ignite stands apart from the traditional music recording software model. These original digital audio workstations, or DAW systems, recreated—and expanded on—the machines, technology, and experience of the recording studio session. By comparison, Ignite mirrors the creative process, and provides the individual musician with a more personal and interactive workspace.

At the heart of Ignite is its non-linear Arranger, which replaces the traditional timeline and tracks-and-lanes format with an interface free of studio jargon. Using Ignite, ideas can be captured quickly in a flowing, effortless manner. Ideas are captured as phrases, called clips. Clips can be any length and don’t have to be aligned into a pre-determined structure (tracks and lanes). Individual ideas can be snapped together in pairs or groups to intuitively construct entire songs. Audio and MIDI clips can be freely combined, edited, and rearranged at will. A collection of effects is available to enhance any clip or recording. Arranging and rearranging clips is simple and invites experimentation. Each clip is color-coded, providing a visually intuitive way to see and work with musical ideas.

Ignite provides seamless integration with any current generation M-Audio controller. A graphic image of the keyboard will appear on screen, and the key parameters will be automatically assigned, or mapped, to the front panel controllers. This tight integration provides an out-of-the-box solution that simply works with no setup chores to perform. Ignite’s Smart MIDI technology assists in the creation of chords, phrases, patterns, and complex arrangements to kick-start or embellish the user’s musical creation.

Included with Ignite are over 275 remarkable instrument sounds developed by AIR Music Technology, based on their acclaimed Hybrid, Strike, Transfer, Structure, and Velvet virtual instruments. Instruments include keyboards, drums, percussion, basses, guitars, synths, strings, brass, and woodwinds.

Ignite features

• Capture ideas quickly—with professional results.
• Easily combine and arrange individual recordings.
• Unique non-technical, musician-centric workflow.
• Intuitive graphic interface speeds production.
• Smart MIDI chord & phrase creators aid composition.
• 275 superior instrument sounds created by AIR.
• Instant, hassle-free M-Audio integration.
• Collaborate and share songs via SoundCloud.
• Export MIDI and audio files for use in any DAW.

AIR will be exhibiting at Booth 6700 at the 2013 Winter NAMM show, January 24-27 in Anaheim, California.

More information: AIR Music Technology / Ignite

Soundation Studio, the most advanced online music making application, has announced import of wav and mp3 files.

Now you can upload directly from your desktop audio clips to Soundation Studio, the cloud based music sequencer in your browser. You can then export your work as a wav file to your desktop or if you have one of the 3 paid accounts store and publish your work in your Soundation account.

Soundation reads and imports midi, records audio, has 11 real time effects and 7 virtual instruments and comes with over 600 sound files all free.

Also, Soundation is giving away a free soundset, Dub Hop Step 1, to celebrate our 300,000 registered users. To get the soundset visit http://soundation.com/products/989253354, add to cart and use coupon code 38CE52. This offer ends January 31st, 2013.

More information: Soundation
For more information go to www.soundation.com.

Propellerhead Software has announced updates to its Reason and Reason Essentials music production software.

Reason 6.5.3 and Reason Essentials 1.5.3 fix a few serious bugs, the most important being a problem where the program could crash under Mac OS X 10.8. These new versions replaces versions 6.5 and 1.5 of Reason and Reason Essentials. It is recommended that you update as soon as is convenient.

Changes in Reason / Reason Essentials

• Fixed a problem related to scrollbars under Mac OS 10.8, where the program could crash.
• Fixed a Create Menu bug, where sometimes the wrong device would be created.
• Fixed a bug in how the Browser uses the registry under Windows. This could lead to situations where some file types couldn’t be browsed and loaded.
• The Download All function for Rack Extensions could cause the Authorizer to misbehave or fail.

The updates are now available to download.

More information: Propellerhead Software

Acoustica has updated its Mixcraft 6 music production software for Windows to v6.1 build 204.

Mixcraft enables you to record audio, arrange loops, remix tracks, compose with MIDI and virtual instruments, add effects, score and edit video, and mix and master your tracks to create polished, professional compositions. Mixcraft is your music production dream come true, instantly turning your computer into a fully-stocked professional recording studio.

Changes in Mixcraft 6.1 b204

• New loops – 4 new loop kits.
• Major Time Signature Marker Repairs.
• Can no longer move track markers with time sigs via drag and drop.
• Bullet proofing.
• Japanese Language Support.
• Mute button on clips working better.
• Got rid of right click menu on control surface dialog.
• Autoscroll was not working starting from Submix track.
• Changing selected track with keyboard now skips hidden tracks.
• Changing track color now works from main menu.
• Now syncing drum map when an instrument changes.
• Fix for auto track name customization garbage.
• Fix for the ‘reverse’ checkbox not sticking on automation controllers.
• Now hiding name edit box when scrolling horizontally.
• Improvements & fixes in the logic for lanes.
• Auto-rewind now goes back to the position of the last playback.
• Fixes & improvements for merging clips.
• Fixes to the recording count-in.
• New preference for sending pedal-off messages at the end of clips.
• Fix for Mixcraft playing clips beyond the Loop End marker.
• Fix for Mixcraft not obeying MIDI input settings when loading a project.
• Output track effect automation information now saved and loaded properly.
• Fix for freezing submix child tracks.
• Fix for solo button on duplicate track not working.
• Can now control audio effects from a MIDI source on Virtual Instrument tracks.
• Library now can sort numbers such as # of bars intelligently.
• Fix for slow shutdown of Mixcraft.
• Added loop to check for and remove NAN in Elastique output (rare).
• Resizing message box for horizontal text.
• Fix for some VSTs not getting key strokes.
• Fix for recording while preview sound is playing.
• Merging cross faded clips now produces clip with the crossfading included.

Mixcraft 6 for Windows is available to purchase for $74.95 USD.

More information: Acoustica / Mixcraft