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Based on price data from 3 merchants for "MOTU MachFive 3". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Embark on a sound exploration journey with the MOTU MachFive 3, a sampler plugin that bridges the realms of sampling and synthesis to offer a comprehensive toolkit for modern musicians and sound designers. This instrument doesn't just play sounds; it invites you to sculpt, stretch, and mold audio into anything you can imagine. Whether you're a composer looking to breathe life into your scores, a producer aiming to push the boundaries of genre, or a sound designer seeking the ultimate tool for audio manipulation, the MachFive 3 stands ready to transform your musical landscape.

At the heart of the MachFive 3 lies a vast 45GB library of sounds, from the intricate timbres of orchestral instruments to the lush landscapes of synthetic textures. Not content with mere playback, it offers an array of 11 sound engines, each a powerhouse of creative potential. MachFive 3 is not just about depth but also about accessibility. Its intuitive interface ensures that, whether you're dialing in complex modulations or layering effects, your creative flow remains uninterrupted.

Key Features:

  • A massive 45GB sound library spanning across 7 DVDs, covering everything from acoustic instruments to synthetic sounds.
  • Integrates 11 diverse sound engines, providing a broad spectrum of audio manipulation capabilities.
  • Features 47 real-time effects, including convolution reverb, to enhance and transform your sounds.
  • Supports all major third-party hardware and software sample formats for seamless library integration.
  • Advanced scripting engine with unlimited layers for creating dynamic, realistic instruments.
  • State-of-the-art time stretching, pitch shifting, and granular synthesis licensed from IRCAM.
  • Internal graphic mixer with unlimited channels, faders, and FX inserts for intricate sound shaping.
  • Modular synthesis architecture with a flexible modulation matrix opens up endless sonic possibilities.
  • Full-screen editing environment for in-depth sound design, complete with comprehensive automation and modulation.
  • Efficient disk streaming to conserve RAM and reduce load times, ensuring smooth performance.
  • Offers unlimited polyphony and ultra-low software latency for intricate compositions and live performances.

Product specs

Software Type Synthesis and Sampling
Platform Mac, PC
Upgrade/Full Full
Download/Boxed Boxed
Bit Depth 64-bit
Format Standalone, AAX, RTAS, VST, AU
Authorization Type iLok Required
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Core 2 Duo or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended, 45GB drive space
Hardware Requirements - PC Multi-core 1.83GHz Processor or higher, 4GB RAM or more recommended, 45GB drive space
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.9 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later

FAQs

What are the main features of the MOTU MachFive 3 sampler plugin?

The MOTU MachFive 3 offers advanced synthesis and sampling capabilities, including a powerful sound engine, time-stretching, and pitch-shifting. It supports various formats like AAX, RTAS, VST, and AU, and requires iLok authorization.

Is the MOTU MachFive 3 compatible with my DAW?

The MOTU MachFive 3 is compatible with major DAWs that support AAX, RTAS, VST, and AU formats. This includes popular software like Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and more.

What are the system requirements for running MOTU MachFive 3 on a Mac?

To run MOTU MachFive 3 on a Mac, you need OS X 10.9 or later, an Intel Core 2 Duo processor or higher, at least 4GB of RAM, and 45GB of available drive space.

Does the MOTU MachFive 3 require any specific hardware for authorization?

Yes, the MOTU MachFive 3 requires an iLok USB key for authorization, which is standard for many professional audio plugins to ensure license security.

Can I use the MOTU MachFive 3 as a standalone application?

Yes, the MOTU MachFive 3 can function as a standalone application, providing flexibility for live performance or studio use without needing a DAW.

gearwire

gearwire

MOTU MachFive 3 Sample Player: Epic NAMM Presentation (Video)

Video thumbnail for MOTU MachFive 3 Sample Player: Epic NAMM Presentation (Video) by gearwire

MOTU MachFive 3 Sample Player: Epic NAMM Presentation (Video)

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for MOTU at NAMM 2014: MachFive 3.2 demonstration by motuTV

MOTU at NAMM 2014: MachFive 3.2 demonstration

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for MachFive 3 IRCAM granular synthesis by motuTV

MachFive 3 IRCAM granular synthesis

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for Motu MachFive 3 Telematic Electric Guitar review by SoundsAndGear

Motu MachFive 3 Telematic Electric Guitar review

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for Motu MachFive 3 Mark 79 Electric Piano review by SoundsAndGear

Motu MachFive 3 Mark 79 Electric Piano review

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for MOTU at NAMM 2014: new sound libraries for MachFive 3 by motuTV

MOTU at NAMM 2014: new sound libraries for MachFive 3

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for NAMM 2013: Symphonic Instrument 2 and MachFive 3 by motuTV

NAMM 2013: Symphonic Instrument 2 and MachFive 3

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for MOTU MachFive 3 mixer and fx section - SoundsAndGear by SoundsAndGear

MOTU MachFive 3 mixer and fx section - SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for MachFive 3.0 modulation 101 by motuTV

MachFive 3.0 modulation 101

motuTV

motuTV

Video thumbnail for Motu MachFive 3 im Videotest auf musikmachen.de by musikmachen.de

Motu MachFive 3 im Videotest auf musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

musikmachen.de

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional sound design capabilities surpassing competitors like Kontakt

  • High-quality, realistic samples including French horns and world instruments

  • Offers great upright bass, Fender models, and electric piano sounds

  • Top-notch interface and seamless integration with Digital Performer

  • Granular synthesis for unique sample manipulation

  • Time-stretch feature maintains speed while changing pitch

  • Drag and drop functionality for creative DJ applications

  • Extensive library with stellar sound quality

CONS

  • Requires purchase of iLok USB key for use

  • Product support and updates are no longer available

  • Not an upgrade from MachFive 2, but a completely new suite

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about MOTU MachFive 3.

Features and functionality

  • Falcon offers more modulation, synthesis options, and effects compared to MachFive 3, enhancing sound design capabilities significantly.

    Source
  • MachFive 3 supports both sampling and synthesis, allowing users to design instruments with multiple sampler and synth layers.

    Source
  • It offers several sampling modes, including two distinct time-stretching methods.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Falcon is a direct continuation of MachFive, with enhanced features and integration, offering an experience akin to Steinberg HALion and more advanced than Kontakt's sampling.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A cross-grade offer allows MachFive users to upgrade to Falcon for $179, with additional voucher incentives for early adopters.

    Source
  • Discount available for those owning competing products like Kontakt or Ableton Sampler, but proof of ownership is required for registration.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Falcon includes a new browser tab for better integration with UVI libraries, providing a streamlined user experience compared to MachFive 3.

    Source
  • MachFive 3 can utilize the entire UVI library catalog, providing deeper editing and control than UVI Workstation.

    Source
  • Requires a physical iLok dongle for operation, unlike some newer software that allows software licensing.

    Source
  • MachFive 3 can directly access Akai sampler CD-ROM ISO files on Mac, whereas many tools only mount them without reading the file system.

    Source

User experience

  • The interface of MachFive 3 is perceived as more intuitive than Kontakt once learned, despite its initial complexity.

    Source
  • Lack of electronic documentation with MachFive 3; only a paper manual is provided, which is not comprehensive, especially on scripting.

    Source
  • Users note that while the TX16wx plugin can read ISOs, MachFive 3 works more seamlessly for those needing direct access.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • MachFive 3 is used effectively for accessing legacy Akai samples, offering an alternative to tools like NI Kontakt on MacOS.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daniel James uses MOTU MachFive 3

Daniel James

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Plugin spotted 48:23

See how DJ Fresh uses MOTU MachFive 3

DJ Fresh

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

DJ Fresh Can be seen using the Motu MachFive 3 @ 8:42 into his interview with SB-TV.

See how Noriyuki Iwadare uses MOTU MachFive 3

Noriyuki Iwadare

Composer, Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Can be seen in this Digital Performer screenshot on Iwadare's Facebook.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use MOTU MachFive 3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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