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Description
Elevate your music production with the Native Instruments Maschine MKII, a dynamic MIDI Pad Controller that seamlessly bridges the gap between hardware and software. Designed for producers, beatmakers, and musicians, the Maschine MKII offers an intuitive interface that empowers creativity without boundaries. With its highly responsive RGB-lit pads, you can trigger samples, loops, and effects with precision, making it an essential tool for crafting everything from hip-hop beats to electronic soundscapes.
The Maschine MKII stands out with its full-color displays, providing clear visual feedback and making navigation through your projects a breeze. Its robust construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of live performances and studio sessions alike. The accompanying software suite expands your sonic possibilities with powerful sampling, sequencing, and synthesis capabilities, allowing you to explore and experiment with a vast array of sounds.
Whether you're a seasoned producer or just starting, the Maschine MKII's user-friendly design and professional-grade features make it an indispensable addition to your musical toolkit. Join the community of musicians who rely on this versatile controller to bring their creative visions to life.
Key Features:
- Highly sensitive RGB-lit pads for responsive performance
- Dual full-color displays for enhanced workflow
- Integrated software suite with advanced sampling, sequencing, and synthesis tools
- Robust and intuitive interface for seamless music production
- Compatible with most DAWs and plugins for versatile use
Product specs
| Brand | Native Instruments |
| Model | Maschine MKII |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2010s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Drum Machines, Samplers |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
| Polyphony | 64 Voices |
FAQs
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Is the Native Instruments Maschine MKII compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live?
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Yes, the Maschine MKII is compatible with major DAWs including Ableton Live. It can be used as a MIDI controller to trigger samples and control various functions within the DAW environment.
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What are the connectivity options available on the Native Instruments Maschine MKII?
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The Maschine MKII offers USB MIDI connectivity, as well as standard MIDI input and output, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
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How many pads does the Native Instruments Maschine MKII have, and are they velocity-sensitive?
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The Maschine MKII features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which are designed to provide dynamic and responsive control for drumming, sampling, and sequencing tasks.
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Can the Native Instruments Maschine MKII be used as a standalone device?
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No, the Maschine MKII is not a standalone device. It requires connection to a computer and the accompanying Maschine software to function fully.
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What is the polyphony of the Native Instruments Maschine MKII?
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The Maschine MKII supports up to 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex layering and sequencing of multiple sounds simultaneously.
Videos
DV247 Music Store UK TV
Native Instruments Maschine Tutorial Part 1
Reviews
PROS
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Intuitive software and hardware integration boosts workflow efficiency
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Comes with a variety of popular instrument plugins and software
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Less screen looking, more hands-on control
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Excellent for live performances and integrates well with DAWs like Ableton
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Pads are highly responsive and feel great
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Facilitates quick laying down of ideas and chopping samples
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Massive library of presets and sounds, expandable with NI Massive, Prism, and more
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Useful as a MIDI controller for a wide range of applications
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Frequent updates and new expansion packs available
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Solid build quality and sleek design
CONS
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Not standalone; requires a computer to fully utilize
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Software can be limiting for complex musical notes or chords
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Some users find the Maschine software lacking compared to other DAWs
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Can be difficult to integrate into certain workflows, especially linear songwriting
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Automation capabilities are somewhat restricted
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Consumes significant computer space and can be heavy on CPU load
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The size may be cumbersome for those with limited desk space
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Learning curve can be steep for new users
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Issues with app stability and hardware (e.g., loose display connections) reported by some
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Some find the built-in plugins unsatisfactory
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Maschine MKII.
Software and compatibility
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Ensure Maschine MK2 includes the Maschine 2.0 software or a license for version 1, as it originally shipped with this software.
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Native Instruments often supports old hardware well, so the MK2 still integrates effectively within the NI ecosystem.
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Some users prefer using the MK2 with Groove Agent over Native Instruments' software to avoid relicensing and upgrade costs.
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Maschine MK2 is considered nearly useless without the accompanying software, with limited functionality when used solely in MIDI mode.
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Users advise creating a Native Access account and downloading Komplete Start, a free software package from Native Instruments, to enhance functionality.
Source
Value and pricing
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If purchasing an MK2, verify that it comes with the necessary software licenses to avoid additional costs for upgrades.
Source
User experience
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Owners appreciate the seamless integration of the MK2 as a MIDI controller, especially with Groove Agent, due to its transport controls and customizable knobs.
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While the MK3's touch strip is praised, many users still rely on the MK2 for its robust and straightforward workflow despite its age.
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Owners mention the steep learning curve but highlight abundant online resources, including YouTube playlists and Native Instruments tutorials, as essential for mastering the device.
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Features and functionality
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The ability to hard set pad velocity and create templates with varied velocity ranges is highlighted as a key advantage for dynamic drumming.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 36 Reviews and 194 Ratings
206
Crash Maschine
I was a fast learner to really hate this device, bad loose display connections and the app was a crash disaster - sat in my studio collecting dust
84
great maschine
i was using a mpc1000 and let me tell you that the learning curve is way easier with the machine. i am using my usb output on my rane 62 for machine and it work flawlessly with my setup.
I love Maschine !!!!!
This is an absolute beast at making beats with... amazing!!! one of the best studio equipment's I've ever purchased. The quality and sampling options on this maschine is absolutely amazing.
Fantastic workstation
Its really Fantastic workstation!! We can enjoy so nice feeling of verocity on the pad. Easy to make the track.
146
This is the center of mu studio
This is where everything starts and where i build my tracks. This system is so fast and easy to work with and is definitely killing the need for hardware.
114
Best creative tool I own
Gets you going, expandable, fun to use, cool/futuristic sounds, cool lights, a tad expensive but worth it!
337
Make drums
Make a good groove drums, slicing samples and controler
Artist usage
Add artist
From his featured article in MusicRader: 'It's no surprise to see Maschine in Flume's studio but, as yet, he hasn't really got the most out of it, he tells us.
“I’ve never really learnt it properly so I don’t tend to use it that much,” he explains.'
This model of Maschine must be the MKII because it has one large knob on the left side, while the MKI has three smaller knobs in that location.
Fedde le Grand showcases the Native Instruments Maschine MKII in an Instagram post captioned "NEW Christmas toys!"
Alan Walker in the studio the Maschine Mikro MKII and it shows in the 00:22 time
In the first episode of "Boomin Vlog," Metro Boomin is seen receiving and using the Native Instruments Maschine MKII, highlighting its role in his music production process.
In this YouTube video, Dow Jones and Henny (Tha Bizness) rely on MASCHINE, describing their process:
"[We] basically went in Maschine, started going through the samples. If you listen to the track stock, it would sound completely different. But we used Maschine's internal effects to… just to really beef everything up and kinda make our own sound. We load in our own drums. Did a simple arrangement with nothing added, no effects or whatever."
"People always ask, when I get Maschine what sounds does it come with? It comes with a lot of sounds but the greatest part of Maschine to us is that you can record whatever you want in it. Then we add effects. This was the first time that we recorded live instruments into Maschine, instead of how some people might take live instruments and record them straight into Pro Tools."
In a video on YouTube, FKJ can be seen using the Native Instruments Maschine MKII, showcasing its role in his music production setup.
In the Point Blank Music School's "Performance Masterclass: U.S. CNTRL Tour 2015" video, Chris Liebing uses the Native Instruments Maschine MKII.
Album Usage
The Native Instruments Maschine MKII has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Native Instruments Maschine MKII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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