Controller is A1. Software is getting there.

Before I got a Maschine, I used: M-Audio Trigger Finger, Akai MPD-24, Korg PadKontrol and many other drum pad controllers.

Maschine puts them all to shame. Korg PadKontrol pads feel reaaaally great, but it lacks all the buttons and knobs Maschine has.

It took me time to acclimate to its workflow, but in the end it quickly became organic and I didn't have to use the mouse at all.

There have been many great reviews over the software and how it evolved into something that is now very near DAW-like experience, and that's awesome for a sampler, which people tend to forget. It plays super well with all nki-compatible VSTs.

The more recent iterations are even better, but I am confident to say that just using the MK1 you will get very satisfying usage.

Solid

Solid piece of gear. Doesn't give you the complete intuitive workflow like the push, but there are many options to incorporate the Maschine in your productions. That is either stand alone, or as a VST in your DAW. I prefer to use the latter and it does the trick each and every time. Great piece of gear, but not sure which one to choose if you have to pick between Push and Maschine. Luckily I have both and don't have to choose ;)

One of the best things I ever bought.

Turn it on and start jamming. Heartbeat of my studio, sequencing synths and drum machines with MIDI. The softsynths are always there if you need them too

Has what you need for that AIO solutution to get started right OTB

Coming from FL Studio, to Reason and trying to incorporate usb pads via Akai MPD13 then moving to the all beloved MPC 2000XL....Maschine easily merges most of the features I love from other products and venders into one solid unit. The software took a few hits but recent updates have slowing caught up to the fans request and we are now finally seeing options such as dedicated MIDI keys for Kontakt player that allows the Maschine to expand your creative horizon. MK1 has been my go to piece since its release and bundled with Komplete Ultimate, what more could be ask???

good

i use it as my midi controller. it does a good job unlike the customer service, which is very bad! These guys did not help me asking serveral times for support!

Use on every project.

Maschine is more than a drum machine. It is more than a sampler or performance controller. I use it not only for creating rhythm sections for my sings, but many times almost as a DAW with the capability the software included has come to. The workflow is very streamline and intuititve. I find myself starting with it as a drum machine and ending with almost a complete song before I move over to my main DAW. Fantastic unit.

Great Tool / Bad user

I bought an MK2 on labor day over a year ago thinking I could pick it up and learn to produce my own loops and maybe even songs. sigh Yeah I still can't work anything out on that front. However, the device itself is solid and has been a great addition to my DJ rig. Can't wait to fully integrate it.

I love it but Native Instruments have been very slow at updating their system

The summary says it all. I came from the MPC 2000XL and have always loved using outboard gear. When Maschine came out, it was the first of it's kind to merge the best of both worlds. I would love the same 16-Levels system like the MPC (multiple samples without changing tempo of the sample) but...that's for a perfect world.

Well,

I used to own one (i think its borowed from one of my dad's friends because he is a artist) but i took an arrow to the knee and returned it. I am trying to keep the Maschine if i get permission OR i must buy one. >:(

Unbelievable

In my opinion one of the coolest new instruments full stop, capable of very wonderfull things and can be highly creative in production scenarios.

Awesome kit - Highly recomended