Powerful hybrid groovebox, just don't be tempted to make it do everything at once.

Please don't fall in the same trap as I did:

I bought Maschine with the idea of running the Maschine software as a plugin in Ableton Live. I would create a template (lots of vids on Youtube about that) to have all audio streams going from Maschine into Live onto 16 separate tracks. And while I was at it, I'd also have midi from 16 tracks in Live going into Maschine.

I'd thought that be a pretty neat way of both having my cake and eat it. Meaning that I'd be writing my tracks using the controller (without looking at the computer screen or using the mouse) but that I'd still be able to treat all tracks with different plugins in Live. I'd also record everything to separate tracks in Live, so I'd be able to change the arrangement later, or grab clips from the tracks to jam with them in the session view.

Trying to achieve this gave me a big headache and got me really frustrated, so I sold Maschine.

It was only later that I realised that I had had lots a fun with just the Maschine conroller + software and that I made some really nice stuff that way. So, be smart, except the limitations, and let them be an inspiration. Maschine is an awesome package and if you have Komplete you'll find that the Maschine browser will help you find stuff you did not know you had and that the integration with the Komplete instruments (even some of the more simple Reaktor Ensembles) is great!

A smart and safe buy for a drum controller that has other goodies

It's great. But not perfect. It's the safest and practical buy for a pad. I do a lot of vinyl sampled hip hop beats, and this is great for that. I lay down drums and samples, then send it to Ableton to add more. It needs a computer with NI software to utilize it to it's fullest. But I already knew that, so that's not a big deal. All drum pads now are gonna be controllers with computer software. Good thing is it has more to it than just a plain old drum pad controller.

Pros: -Comes with software and a plethora of popular instrument plugins. Not just only a pad -Easy to learn and makes workflow more efficient - I personally like the sampler and drum rack feature on the Maschine better than Ableton's. -It's popular, in which case it'll be easy to find tutorials to help troubleshooting -Less screen looking and mouse clicking. A heads down controller. -sleek -Awesome pads -Can work great as a live performance tool, with other DAWs like Ableton. -Crisp Sound -If you registered your Maschine, but didn't like it, then you're not screwed. You can unregister it and take it back.

Cons -Not stand alone, for you hardware people. If you wanna bring it with you, you need your laptop as well. Sadly for people like me I have a desktop computer. -NI Maschine software is meh. I use it mostly as a plugin for drums and sampling, and for other instrument plugins as well. But keep in mind that it's not quite a DAW like FL, Reason or Ableton. -Musical notes or chords on the pads is limiting. Can't do complex stuff, so you may want a keyboard controller around. -Some automation restrictions -A lot of computer space is taken up. Can also raise hell on CPU load if used as a plugin. -Kinda big for those with small desk space. (Look into the Mikro) -Eeeevvvveerrryyooonnneee has one. (But that's just me...don't listen if you don't care about that.)

In sum, it's overall a great buy with a little bit of petty cons. But face it. Everything you buy is gonna have it's downsides. It's efficient and easy to use. So for you starting producers, I recommend getting this. But remember, it's not a DAW. If you have a DAW, then this will be great to combine it with. So for you newbies, I really consider having a DAW with this or getting one later on if you want to fully produce tracks. A cheap set of keys will help to.

perfect.

When I first got it, I really underestimated it. I don't really know why. This DAW and controller is basically an upgraded (like hell) MPC which works with the computer. -no standalone The way you can lay down ideas so quick and chop samples in seconds is what makes this maschine so good. Perfect way for everyone to get into making music.

Seemingly endless potential

I've owned the MK2 for about a month now, and every time I think I'm starting to get the hang of it all I find new functions and features that make it seem like a brand new toy again. There's a preset for just about anything you could ever want, or you can get lost shaping sounds in Massive & Prism. I use mine with an M-Audio Oxygen 25 midi keyboard, which gives me all the pads and keys, tempos and pitches , all together & built from a single sound. I love it!

Incredible...

As someone who never learned how to properly play instruments, the Maschine is just amazing. The software is incredibly easy to use. It integrates beautifully with Ableton Live. Before I got a Maschine I was lucky if I could complete a song at all. Ever since my purchase two years ago I've been using it nearly every week. The pads feel great and are upgradable, the entire controller can be used as a MIDI controller for pretty much anything. The screens are great if you want to keep your eyes off the computer.

Good with some flaws

Outstanding - if your workflow is amenable to Maschine's workflow. It's not really great, if you're a linear songwriter. As long as you know what you're getting into, however, it's a solid piece of kit.

Can't Live Without It

My Maschine revolutionized my workflow, taking it from 0 to 100 in a matter of minutes. The intuitiveness of the software combined with the versatility of the hardware is unparalleled. The Maschine is a must for beatmakers-- if you're serious about your drums, this rig is for you.

My go to Maschine

Ive used a bunch of other drum machines. At first, Maschine MKII was difficult to learn how to use. I even ignored it at times because it frustrated me. But as time went on, I found myself turning to it more and more. Relying on it because it was capable of doing what I wanted to do musically. Its QUALITY. Its not perfect but its fairly close. Get past the learning curve and theres not a better drum machine on the market- Maschine is my go to for evoking beats.

my baby !!!

I came from the sp 12 to the sp 1200 to the mpc 60 to the mpc 3000 and then the mpc 2000xl.. it was very hard to sell me on this one but when i got it .I got it !!!..its the mpc only 100 times easier and faster..and with limitless capabilities ..most of my music is sample driven even my EDM tracks i sample drums and old syths on so it works perfect...

BEST THING EVER!

This is one of my favorite machines ever. The effects are awesome. They are very fit for a lofi producer. I think the compressor is my favorite on it. If u want something cool, and lights up, GET A MASCHINE NOW!!!

-keriz madik