Native Instruments Maschine

Native Instruments has announced the release of Maschine 1.5, a major free update that significantly increases the functionality and creative potential of the acclaimed computer-based music production system.

With more classic drum machine features, improved host integration, new sampling functions, an extended sound library, and even more efficient workflow, the 1.5 software expands on the concept of MASCHINE as the most integrated and intuitive groove production studio for producers, live musicians and DJs.

Changes in Maschine v1.5

  • Classic Drum Machine features
    • Program import from Akai MPC* 500/ 1000 /2000(XL)/ 2500/ 3000/ 4000
    • 2 vintage sampling modes emulating the sound of MPC60* / SP-1200* (with 5 filter settings)
    • Individual swing for each group
    • 16 Velocity Levels. Map one sound to the 16 pads for dynamic grooves
    • Improved polyphony with choke and legato options on Sound level
    • MIDI pitch bend and CC (i.e. mod wheel) support
  • Sampling, Slicing and Audio Editing features
    • More than 10 new destructive audio editing tools such as normalize, truncate, reverse, fade in & out, silence, cut, copy and paste
    • Revised slicing: preview slices, new “Split” mode for adjusting slices
    • REX 2 file support
    • Direct monitoring
    • Improved waveform zooming, scrolling from hardware
    • Sampling page: Ability to remember settings with project
  • Improved Workflow and Studio Integration
    • Save project with samples: Easily share projects
    • New selection features: Select events from hardware
    • Quiet sound selection: Select a sound without causing it to play – important when performing live
    • Extensive MIDI I/O: sequence your external MIDI gear with MASCHINE and vice versa
    • Improved GUI navigation from hardware
    • over 10 new hardware shortcuts for mouse-free editing
    • Load kits without patterns: Hot swap through drum kits without changing the pattern
    • New step mode: Adjust note pitch, velocity and position
    • Custom defaults: inc. pattern length and input quantise
    • Increased performance: Reduced CPU load of many FX
  • Improved Host Integration
    • Export MIDI files or drag and drop of MIDI files directly into DAW. Layout a beat in MASCHINE in standalone mode then finalize the song in any host using MASCHINE as a plug-in sampler
    • Drag and drop of audio. Export pattern as an audio file by dragging and dropping directly to DAW
    • DAW recording of MASCHINE events. Bypass MASCHINE’s internal sequencer and directly record into your host
    • Group Macro Controls: Assign any parameter of the dedicated group (filter, pitch, any effect parameter) to the 8 knobs on the hardware. Macro Controls can be assigned to MIDI channels and controlled from external MIDI-controllers or a DAW
  • Extended Sample Library and New Effect
    • Over 1 GB of all-new drum kits and multi-sampled instruments — now over 6 GB of content with more than 18,000 samples in total!
    • MASCHINE versions of ABBEY ROAD | 60s & 70s Drums
    • MASCHINE versions of SCARBEE basses & e-pianos
    • MASCHINE version of upcoming new KONTAKT Instrument “SESSION STRINGS”
    • Vintage MPC60 kits sampled by Goldbaby
    • Vintage synth samples (SE-1™, Moog Voyager™, Korg MS 20™, Juno 60™) from URBAN ARSENAL 2
    • New Grain Stretch effect – stretch out the break, until you’re ready to dramatically drop the beat

The version 1.5 update is available as a free download for all owners of Maschine.

More information: Native Instruments / Maschine