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Native Instruments Maschine Studio

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$160.00 to $229.99 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (152)

4 Critic Reviews

32 Reviews

Find out who is using Native Instruments Maschine Studio

7 community setups

108 wishlisted

326 saved

Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

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4.1 (117)

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5.0 (25)

$160.00 26 available Used

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Average Price: $195

Standard/Professional

$99

$300+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Pad Controllers category, Native Instruments Maschine Studio is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Native Instruments Maschine Studio, a powerful fusion of hardware and software designed to elevate your music production experience. This dynamic MIDI pad controller offers a seamless workflow, combining the tactile feel of hardware with the versatility of cutting-edge software. With its intuitive interface, Maschine Studio empowers musicians to craft, edit, and perform with precision and flair.

Equipped with an array of responsive pads and buttons, Maschine Studio provides unparalleled control over your musical elements. Its dual full-color LCD screens offer an immersive visual experience, enabling you to navigate projects, tweak parameters, and monitor your progress with ease. Whether you’re slicing samples or arranging instruments, these high-resolution displays ensure you stay focused on your artistry.

Beyond its ergonomic design, Maschine Studio comes packed with Native Instruments’ renowned synths, drum machines, effects, and samples, offering a vast sonic palette to explore. The inclusion of four MIDI ports guarantees seamless integration with existing setups, making it a versatile choice for any studio environment. Musicians seeking maximum computing power without sacrificing the tactile response will find Maschine Studio an indispensable tool in their creative arsenal.

Key Features:

Dual full-color LCD screens for enhanced visual feedback
Responsive pads and buttons for intuitive control
Includes Native Instruments’ synths, drum machines, effects, and samples
Four MIDI ports for seamless gear integration
Combines hardware feel with software versatility

Product specs

Brand	Native Instruments
Model	Maschine Studio
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

What are the key features of the Native Instruments Maschine Studio?: The Native Instruments Maschine Studio features 16 velocity-sensitive pads, a high-resolution color display, and comprehensive control over the included Maschine 2 software, allowing for intuitive beat-making and production.
How does the Maschine Studio integrate with DAWs?: Maschine Studio seamlessly integrates with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, offering both standalone operation and plugin functionality for enhanced workflow.
Is the Native Instruments Maschine Studio suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Maschine Studio is designed for both studio production and live performance, offering robust build quality and responsive controls for dynamic live sets.
Can the Maschine Studio be used as a standalone device?: No, the Maschine Studio requires a computer to operate, as it functions in conjunction with the Maschine 2 software for music production and performance.
Does the Maschine Studio support third-party VST plugins?: Yes, the Maschine Studio supports third-party VST plugins, allowing users to expand their sound palette and integrate additional instruments and effects into their workflow.

Videos

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Native Instruments

Jeremy Ellis plays MASCHINE STUDIO | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Maschine Studio Overview | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Maschine Workflow 1: Drums | Native Instruments

Native Instruments

Native Instruments Maschine Studio Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Native Instruments Maschine Studio & Maschine 2

Kosmic Sound

Native Instruments Maschine Studio Music Production MIDI Controller Review Video

DJBooth Pro Audio

Native Instruments Maschine Studio

B&H Photo Video Pro Audio

Native Instruments Maschine Studio Overview | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

Beatmaking With Native Instruments Maschine Studio In 2023

Garf Richards

Native Instruments Maschine Studio Review [NI]

Consordini

Reviews

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PROS

High-quality build and sound library
Intuitive and quick sampling process
Effective integration with DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro X
Includes MASCHINE 2.0 software and comprehensive 8 GB sound library
Features two hi-res color screens and highly sensitive, multi-color pads
Comes with full versions of MASSIVE, PRISM, SCARBEE MARK I, and SOLID BUS COMP
Enhances workflow for music production and live performances
Chord and scales feature assists in organizing samples
Simplified composition with easy-to-learn buttons and functions
Portable, despite not being USB powered

CONS

Learning curve can be steep for beginners
Not as DAW-integrated as some users would prefer
Small screen size when used as a VST inside a DAW
Requires a fast CPU for optimal use
Some users desire more expansions and intuitive software development

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Native Instruments Maschine Studio.

Software and compatibility

0 0

Maschine Studio is compatible with Maschine 2.0 software and works well on macOS; Windows 11 compatibility wasn't specified by users.
Source
0 0

Software updates often change button functionality, making some controls on older hardware less useful without backward compatibility.
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0 0

Maschine Studio remains compatible with Maschine 3.0 software, unlike the Mk1 and Mk2, ensuring continued functionality with the latest updates.
Source

Features and functionality

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The dual screens on Maschine Studio significantly enhance workflow, making it hard for users to operate a DAW without them.
Source
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The Maschine Studio's volume knob/meter is praised for displaying levels of individual sounds, groups, or the master, enhancing control.
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A new button combo (shift+note) was introduced to regain access to the variation page after an update.
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The jog wheel is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, praised for its tactile feedback and utility in navigating the interface effortlessly.
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User experience

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Some users find the need to Google newer features due to hidden updates, but overall, the device is praised for daily use.
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Owners express a strong attachment to the Maschine Studio, often describing it as the best Maschine model ever made, with no urgent need to upgrade.
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Value and pricing

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A used Maschine Studio can be purchased for around $350, with ownership transfer of the serial number possible, providing good access to Native Instruments' suite.
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Maschine Studio can be acquired for less than half the price of a used MK3, offering a cost-effective alternative.
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Setup and maintenance

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Resetting settings resolved a "Maschine Missing Content" issue, restoring full functionality of expansions.
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The power cable's unique locking mechanism can be problematic; users report difficulties finding replacements due to the nuanced design with interlocking spikes.
Source

Comparisons

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Maschine Studio's larger layout and jog wheel are preferred over the MK3's smaller knob and tighter pad spacing.
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Some users prefer the studio despite its older design, highlighting features like dedicated buttons absent in newer models like MK3.
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Use cases and applications

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Some owners use Maschine Studio as a dedicated controller and drum machine for Logic Pro, indicating its versatility beyond Native Instruments software.
Source

Critic Reviews

NI Maschine Studio

soundonsound.com

Native Instruments' Maschine Studio impresses with vibrant displays and a robust software update that optimizes multi-core processors, enhancing workflow significantly. The new mixer and side-chain support are notable upgrades, alongside a compelling drum synth. However, the hefty price tag and basic MIDI handling could deter some. Overall, Maschine Studio emerges as a powerful, enjoyable tool for pattern-based music creation, maintaining its edge over rivals like the Akai MPC Renaissance.

positive

Full Review

Review: Maschine Studio & Maschine 2 Software — AudioTechnology

audiotechnology.com

Native Instruments' Maschine Studio impresses with its deep integration and dual screens, enhancing workflow and diminishing reliance on a computer screen. The Maschine 2 software upgrade is a worthy investment, offering powerful drum synths and improved interface. However, importing older projects can be tricky, and the unit's size limits portability. Despite these drawbacks, Maschine Studio offers a compelling, immersive experience for producers seeking a seamless hardware-software synergy.

positive

Full Review

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

Native Instruments Maschine Studio is a formidable upgrade, pairing a beefed-up controller with the new Maschine 2.0 software. Its large color LCD screens and versatile jog wheel enhance hands-on workflow, minimizing reliance on a computer. The hardware is robust and well-laid-out, offering seamless integration with a wealth of MIDI ports and sampling capabilities. The Maschine 2.0 software, with its improved interface and new drum synth modules, complements the hardware beautifully, making for a powerful music production hub. While existing users may balk at the upgrade fee, the enhancements in both hardware and software justify the investment, positioning Maschine Studio as a pivotal studio tool.

positive

Full Review

Native Instruments Maschine Studio review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 32 Reviews and 152 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

john_withers

815

over 7 years ago

Awesome for beats

I really want to learn how to use this. I have bought courses about it. I read the whole manual. I still have trouble doing basic things but I recognize that this is an amazingly powerful system. I love the screen, the controls, the pads and hopefully some day soon I will love the operating system. It really is one of the best controllers and software for beats and I do love it.

tearsofserhat

194

over 3 years ago

very good but..

i couldn't use it too much cause my cpu is too slow. i can't say about this program and equipment. seems like a classic drum software: beautiful material, interesting interface, qualified sound.. i wanted to be able to play more. and i want more expansions added to this program. this is a semi-review. maybe i can to use it again in the future.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

Ignition Code Expansion, by Native Instruments

Roles:

Singer Drummer Composer

Genres:

Electronica Indie rock Soundtrack

kazmir

377

over 10 years ago

Native Instruments Maschine Studio - Black

The Maschine studio is great. Its really pricey but worth it. It takes time to learn how to use it and can do so much stuff. The look is very expensive futuristic looking.

Features: Two hi-resolution color screens Highly-sensitive, multi-color pads Loaded with a vast 8 GB sound library Includes MASCHINE 2.0 software 24 pro-quality studio effects Dedicated edit buttons and an ultra-precise jog-wheel Full versions of MASSIVE, PRISM, SCARBEE MARK I, and SOLID BUS COMP are already on-board

If you are looking for a Native instruments product this is it. It will not be my last product by them.

xaqary

5455

over 9 years ago

Fuck yes! Fuck no! Make it easier to interface with Ableton!

Kick ass sound design, shit for "DAW" development. I've got it as a VST in Ableton but it's far from idea. I have a Ableton pro who is gonna fix that but I shouldn't need that help. But for sound design & that MPC feel that Push just can't do...it's a work in progress for now-and I know I'm way behind but how nice it would be if it was intuitive. Can't be said enough-SOUNDS & FEEL 5++ stars. Other issues...ugggh. Minus one.

ornelasedward

322

over 10 years ago

Bang for your buck!

The maschine studio is very intuitive, it doesn't take long to learn how to use it. In my opinion, I think this is better than the Mpc Touch and Renaissance. Sampling on here is really quick and you can get started without having to navigate much. I will say the pads are better on Akai's but the Studio has a better response.

music_james_love

over 10 years ago

The heart of my setup for capturing ideas quickly and sketching out a song.

Great idea generator and amazing workflow help with sketching out song ideas and demoing new material. The included plugins are great sound shapers and by the time I bump out the stems into Logic Pro they sound pretty amazing. A big plus is the chord and scales feature and colour pads to help co-ordinate samples into sections. Love it.

zxr_productions_inc

181

about 9 years ago

Fantastic piece of gear.

Maschine Studio, is actually, as said by the company, an entire Groove Beatmaking studio inside the little box. Definitely amazing libraries coming along with Maschine 2, and incredible Step Sequencer mode, is just great for performances or production.

Love the product overall, as the interface and delay, are unbelievably fantastic.

Thanks to NI

heliocentric

145

over 8 years ago

Production Powerhouse

Essentially, the Maschine Studio is the bread & butter for the basis of both the production and the live performances of the Heliocentric songs. With the seamless integration of all NI-products in the hardware's interface, it makes composing all the more enjoyable.