Ableton Live lets you easily create, produce and perform music withinone intuitive interface. Live keeps everything in sync and works inreal-time, so you can play and modify your musical ideas withoutinterrupting the creative flow.
The black Native Instruments MASCHINE MIKRO MK2 Groove Production Studio is designed for both Mac and Windows. The hardware interface features USB 2.0, 16 multi-color illuminated pads with velocity and aftertouch, 28 back-lit buttons, one endless encoder (30 steps) and one high-contrast, 128 x 64 pixel black-and-white display.
Native Instruments Support We are currently conducting systematic tests in order to ensure the compatibility of our products with macOS 10.14 (Mojave). Find the latest information on this topic in our Mojave Compatibility News article.
Experience a fully creative workflow with the integrated hardware/software system, combining the flexibility of computer-based music production with straightforward, two-handed control for composing, performing, browsing, sampling, slicing, sound-shaping and tweaking effects.
Live comes with a versatile collection of instruments, sounds, kits andloops for creating any kind of music and provides a full complement ofeffects to tweak and process your sound.
License: Demo, Intro $99, Standard $449, Suite $749
Developer/Publisher: Ableton
Modification Date: May 14, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11.6 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.89 GB
Absynth 5.2.0 Semi-modular synthesizer offering a vast range of sonic possibilities.Perfect for pads, endlessly evolving soundscapes, otherworldly sounds,and more. Absynth is a synthesizer with exceptional sonic potential. Its specialtyis unusual, evolving sounds created using a powerful, hybrid synthesisarchitecture and sophisticated modulation and effects. Dig in to morethan 2,100 presets or start building your very own sound worlds.
License: Demo, $149
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: October 10, 2013
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.31 GB
Amazing Slow Downer 4.0.7 Change the speed of the music - from 20% (one fifth speed) to 200%(double speed) without changing the pitch. Wrong key? Change the pitch in semi-tones - at full or changed speed. Out of tune? Adjust the pitch in cents (100ths of a semi-tone) to suityour instrument. Real-time processing - all described above is done in real-time - justinsert the CD and press the play button! Also slows down MP3, AIFF, AAC/MP4 and wave files on your computer inreal-time.
License: Shareware, $50
Developer/Publisher: Roni Music
Modification Date: March 17, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.1 MB
AudioFinder 5.9.27 AudioFinder is the OS X standard in audio asset management systems, andmusic production hub AudioFinder can build a catalog of every sound on your system, save it,and search it instantly to find the sounds you need when you need them.Use AudioFinder to create custom sets for sound categories and specificprojects, with fast file browsing to audition, analyze, process,convert, and move or copy the samples in your library. AudioFinderfeatures the ability to add Metadata to your library of sounds, makingit simple and easy to find the sounds you're looking for when you needit. AudioFinder can visualize sounds instantly with the waveformoverview and preview them at any pitch via MIDI or the built inkeyboard, all in real-time. Sounds can even be previewed through yourfavorite AudioUnits. Speaking of Plug-Ins, AudioFinder features anadvanced Plug-In manager and slew of other studio necessities that willmake your workflow flow. Necessities like audio editing with built-inbeat detection and tools for fast trimming, fading, slicing and dicingyour sounds. You can even convert your audio sample CDs into individualfiles with just a few clicks of the mouse.
License: Shareware, $70
Developer/Publisher: Iced Audio
Modification Date: June 22, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 25.8 MB
Battery 4.1.5 Battery is the cutting-edge drum sampler - the worldwide studio choice for creative beat production.
License: Demo, $199
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: April 24, 2015
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 247.4 MB
Capo 3.7.4 Capo uses a blend of advanced signal processing and machine learning tohelp you learn songs by ear. Its powerful, simple-to-use tools allow youto dig deep into the details of a recording so you can learn to playsongs more accurately, and in less time.
License: Demo, $50/year
Developer/Publisher: SuperMegaUltraGroovy
Modification Date: July 18, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 25.4 MB
Download File Size: 69.3 MB
Crystal 2.5.6 Crystal is a semi-modular software synthesizer featuring bothsubtractive synthesis and frequency modulation (FM) synthesis. It offersabundant modulation control with over 90 parameters which may bemodulated, multi-stage envelopes with graphical editors, extensive temposync of envelopes/lforates/delay times, built-in effects forchorus/flanging/comb filtering/echoes, and a band splitter for effectsprocessing by frequency band. Not only that, Crystal has wavesequencing, granular synthesis, program morphing, MIDI learn, andimports soundfonts. The musical applications for Crystal are literallyboundless. Crystal is a plugin, which means it runs within a host, such as Cubase,Logic, etc.
License: Freeware
Developer/Publisher: Green Oak
Modification Date: August 22, 2016
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 27.4 MB
Cubase 10.0.40 Our most complete DAW ever. Period. With millions of musicians,producers and sound engineers around the world using Cubase every day,Cubase is one of the most popular digital audio workstations of ourtime. Due to its pristine sound quality, intuitive handling andunrivaled range of advanced tools, Cubase is not only considered by manyusers as the most complete DAW on the market today, but also sets thebenchmark for contemporary music production software.
License: Demo, Elememts $100 - Artist $330 - Pro $580
Developer/Publisher: Steinberg
Modification Date: August 22, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 to macOS 10.13 - 64-bit
Download File Size: 113.6 MB installer
Digital Performer 10.0.1 Spark your creativity, then refine your mix — all in a singularworkflow. Digital Performer 9 delivers inspirational features devised toignite your creative muse, combined with state-of-the-art studioproduction technologies engineered for the most demanding, world-classrecording and production environments.
License: Demo, $499
Developer/Publisher: Mark of The Unicorn
Modification Date: April 22, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.11 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.07 GB
Finale 26.1.0 Finale is the world-wide industry standard in music notation software.Anywhere music appears on the printed page, Finale likely created thosepages. Finale helps the choir to sing, the band to march, the studentsto learn, and the orchestra to raise the excitement level in the latestblockbuster movie.
Part of what sets Finale apart is its unique ability to create anythingon the printed page. Where other software offers paint-by-numberssolutions, Finale offers complete freedom and flexibility. As a result,musicians around the world rely on Finale to create, edit, audition,print, and publish the widest variety of musical scores. Finale also offers breathtakingly realistic music playback, and moreways to share music with others.
License: Demo, $600
Developer/Publisher: Makemusic Inc.
Modification Date: May 1, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 330.7 MB
FM8 1.3.2 Native Instruments has harnessed the power of FM synthesis. Thestrengths of digital are manifest in FM8’s powerful audio engine whichgenerates breath-taking, brilliantly dynamic FM sound in pristinequality. With its emphasis on ease-of-use, the FM8 brings a high degreeof simplicity to the otherwise intricate process of FM synthesis,delivering unsurpassed depth, brilliance, and dynamism.
License: Demo, $149
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: October 21, 2014
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 121.5 MB
GarageBand 10.3.2 GarageBand is a fully equipped music creation studio right inside yourMac - with a complete sound library that includes instruments, presetsfor guitar and voice, and an incredible selection of session drummersand percussionists. With Touch Bar features for MacBook Pro and anintuitive, modern design, it’s easy to learn, play, record, create, andshare your hits worldwide. Now you’re ready to make music like a pro.
License: Comes with your Mac
Developer/Publisher: Apple
Modification Date: December 6, 2018
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1 GB
Download File Size: 1.7 GB
Guitar Pro 7.5.2 Guitar Pro allows you to edit your music scores and tablature forguitar, bass, and ukulele, as well as create backing tracks for drums orpiano. This is a most thorough yet user-friendly tool for musicians whowish to get better, compose, or simply play along.
License: Demo, $70
Developer/Publisher: Arobas Music
Modification Date: March 29, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 983.7 MB
Guitar Rig 5.2.2 A studio full of amps, cabs, mics and creative tools- Guitar Rig givesyou the power to shape your tone to perfection. Get perfect custom tonewith a complete guitar studio in your computer. Stunning amps andeffects - exquisitely modeled in a powerful and intuitive virtualeffects rack. Premium sound quality, maximum flexibility, and totalcontrol for guitar, bass and more.
License: Demo, $199
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: May 31, 2016
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 552.1 MB
Harmony Assistant 9.9.0d Harmony Assistant is an unbeatable software for computer-assisted musiccomposition and editing. Its harmonizing capabilities enable thecomposer to build quickly and efficiently tunes that includeaccompaniment, multiple instruments and drum patterns Its full page edit and engraver modes will ease editing and page setupof your scores.
License: Shareware, $85
Developer/Publisher: Myriad Software
Modification Date: June 21, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 56.8 MB
Kontakt 6.0.3 Kontakt is the world’s leading software sampler. Its sophisticated soundengine, wide array of effects, powerful modulation possibilities, andadvanced scripting brings a universe of sound to life with unrivaledplayability and realism. And with an ever-growing feature set, Kontaktcontinues to be the sample engine behind the future of sound. Kontakt is the industry-standard sampler from Native Instruments. Theworld’s most detailed and innovative sample-based instruments are builtusing its outstanding audio engine and state-of-the-art modulararchitecture. For creative sampling and advanced instrument building,Kontakt provides a unique set of sample manipulation tools and unmatchedcreative possibilities. Kontakt Player is a free application that hosts all of NativeInstruments’ sample-based instruments, as well as third-party productsmade for the platform. Instruments made for Kontakt Player will also runin the full version of Kontakt.
License: Buy, $399
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: November 13, 2018
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 40.2 MB Installer - Kontakt 6 Player is a free application that runs all Native Instruments’ KONTAKT instruments, as well as a large number of instruments from other companies.
Logic Pro X 10.4.6 Whether you produce tracks in a professional studio or are an aspiringmusician, Logic Pro X gives you all the tools you need to create, edit,and deliver your best music. Right on your Mac.
License: Buy, $200
Developer/Publisher: Apple
Modification Date: July 9, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.13.6 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.5 GB
MainStage 3.4.3
Ni Groove Production Studio Software For Mac 10.6.8 Free Download
The right rig for every kind of performer. MainStage has something for every kind of performer. You can use allyour favorite instrument and effect plug-ins from Logic Pro. Simplifysetup and teardown. Sound as big as you want with backing tracks. Anduse all your favorite hardware controllers.
License: Buy, $30
Developer/Publisher: Apple
Modification Date: July 16, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.3 GB
Massive 1.5.5 The synth that defined bass music, this powerhouse synthesizer is anuncompromising sonic monster and the go-to choice for bass music andelectro producers.
License: Buy, $149
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: July 19, 2018
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.10 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 93 MB
Melody Assistant 7.9.0d Melody Assistant is dedicated to music writing, printing and rendering. Easy to use, Melody Assistant offers a user-friendly interface andpowerful capabilities. Now used by a very active community of thousands of people, it hasbecome a favored tool for creating music
License: Shareware, $37
Developer/Publisher: Myriad Software
Modification Date: June 21, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 52.6 MB
Melodyne 4.2.2 Melodyne is a software application for macOS and Windows with which youcan edit audio in a more musical way than was ever thought possible. InMelodyne, you work with notes - not with some waveform that tells younothing. You don’t just see where the music gets louder or quieter butalso where notes begin and end and at what pitch they lie. You can modify each note and thereby influence directly the intonation,phrasing and dynamics - and do this not only with vocals and monophonicinstruments but with polyphonic instruments such as pianos and guitarsas well. Melodyne is employed worldwide in countless major studios and bythousands of professionals every day, for vocal correction and for theenhancement of recordings, as well as for creative editing of a kindthat would be unthinkable without Melodyne.
License: Demo, Essential $99, Assistant $249, Editor $449, Studio $849
Developer/Publisher: Celemony Software
Modification Date: May 21, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.6.8 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 91.5 MB
MidiPipe 1.5.5 MidiPipe can be useful in a music studio or live on stage to route, map,filter, convert, display, input and output MIDI messages in real-time.
License: Freeware
Developer/Publisher: Nico Wald
Modification Date: July 31, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.9 MB
MuseScore 3.2.2 Create, play and print beautiful sheet music. The world's most popular notation software.Write music for: Piano; Guitar; Orchestra; Jazz; Choir; Band
License: Freeware, Course Enrollment $25
Developer/Publisher: MuseScore
Modification Date: June 30, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.12 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 139.8 MB
Overture 5.6.0 Overture was the first notation program to include MIDI data editingusing a Piano Roll and continuous data editor. Overture was also thefirst to notation to implement VST/AU plugin support. We have alwaysbelieved that not only should your scores look good, they should alsosound great. After all, we create music to be heard, not seen. As today's technologies have changed, so has Overture. And while ourcompetitors just keep repackaging their same old design, we redesign.
License: Demo, $249
Developer/Publisher: Sonic Scores
Modification Date: June 29, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 287.8 MB
Pro Tools 2019.6 From powerful new loop-based music creation and trying ideas viaRevision History, to timesaving workflows that simplify editing and postproduction, Pro Tools enables you to create at the speed of yourimagination—without limits. That’s why top artists, musicians,producers, mixers, engineers, sound designers, recording studios, andpost facilities choose Pro Tools for everything they do. Because whenyou need to sound your best, nothing delivers like Pro Tools can.
License: Demo, $35/month or $300/year, or Perpetual License $599
Developer/Publisher: Avid
Modification Date: June 25, 2019
Requirements: macOS 10.12.6. 10.13.6. 10.14.4 or 10.14.5 - 64-bit
Download File Size: 1.68 GB
Reaper 5.98.200 REAPER's full, flexible feature set and renowned stability have found ahome wherever digital audio is used: commercial and home studios,broadcast, location recording, education, science and research, sounddesign, game development, and more. Feature Highlights * Efficient, fast to load, and tightly coded. Can be installed and run from a portable or network drive. * Powerful audio and MIDI routing with multichannel support throughout. * 64-bit internal audio processing. Import, record to, and render to many media formats, at almost any bit depth and sample rate. * Thorough MIDI hardware and software support. * Support for thousands of third-party plug-in effects and virtual instruments, including VST, VST3, AU, DX, and JS. * Hundreds of studio-quality effects for processing audio and MIDI, and built-in tools for creating new effects. * Automation, modulation, grouping, VCA, surround, macros, OSC, scripting, control surfaces, custom skins and layouts. * A whole lot more.
License: Demo, $60
Developer/Publisher: Cockos Incorporated
Modification Date: August 17, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.5 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 18.3 MB
Reason 10.4d3 The software synth that is harder than hardware. Reason is a completestudio package with synths, samplers, drum machines, loop players, asequencer, mixing, effects and much much more.
License: Demo, $399
Developer/Publisher: Propellerhead Software
Modification Date: May 15, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 3.94 GB
SoundSoap 5 Rescue your recordings from noise problems like air conditioners,traffic, fans, hiss, hum, clicks, pops, crackles, distortion/clipping,and low volume. SoundSoap is inexpensive and easy to use withprofessional results. Open the media to be cleaned and SoundSoap will automagically find andremove background noise. Adjust the settings and share the results- itsthat easy! In most cases, only a few mouse clicks are needed forpowerful results. SoundSoap includes everything you need to record andclean your media files.
License: Demo, $149
Developer/Publisher: Antares Audio Technologies
Modification Date: January 11, 2016
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 2.9 MB
Traktor Pro 3.1.1 Traktor Pro's customizable 4-deck interface and streamlined workflow were designed with the professional DJ in mind. Packed with a full set of creative features, the Traktor Pro DJ software makes it easy to create your own unique style and sound.
License: Demo, $99
Developer/Publisher: Native Instruments
Modification Date: February 22, 2019
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.9 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 405.6 MB
Zebra 2.8.0 Zebra is a wireless modular synthesizer. It combines numerous synthesistechniques (subtractive, additive, fm, wavetable, etc.) with a powerfulmodulation engine that even smoothly integrates with the built-ineffects section. Unlike its analog predecessors Zebra has got an adaptive user interfacethat shows only what you can hear. You don't have to worry aboutcomplexity - but it's available when you need it!
License: Demo, $230
Developer/Publisher: Heckmann Audio
Modification Date: March 12, 2018
Requirements: Mac OS X 10.7 or higher - 64-bit
Download File Size: 90.8 MB
Hardware >Controller, MIDI Controller
Maschine's MkII hardware gets a Technicolour make-over, while its software increments to v1.8...
Hot on the heels of last year's trimmed-down Maschine Mikro are two eye-catching new hardware controllers for Native Instruments' Maschine. Colour now shines at the heart of the Maschine's universe and, thanks to upgrades in the host software, it can be applied as extravagantly or as sparsely as your taste dictates. Sadly, there's no way to physically transform the older controllers into multi-hued marvels, but existing users can at least enjoy the new effects and other enhancements this update brings. As a further sweetener, Massive — Native Instruments' bass and lead synth — joins the package. If you were ever tempted by Maschine in the past, the theory is that you'll now be massively tempted...
In With The New
The Maschine MkII hardware is undeniably a thing of beauty. In comparison, even the stylish earlier model looks a bit cautious. However, apart from the coloured pads, the two are functionally almost identical. This should come as some relief to existing owners who might be feeling slightly miffed. This review concentrates on the full-sized Maschine controller but there's also a MkII version of the smaller, cheaper Mikro.
The new model is the same size as its forerunner and a little heavier, at 2.1kg. It has dropped the dedicated knobs for Volume, Tempo and Swing, and in their place is a single fat, pushable encoder, plus extra buttons as compensation. The two 64 x 256-pixel displays are a tangible improvement, their white text on black background instantly clearer and easier on the eye than the previous model's inverse video.
Most importantly, the pads, buttons and encoders all feel fantastic, and the simple 'eight parameters per page' integration with Massive (and other synths) renders the controller/sequencer experience slick and painless. The rear panel features MIDI In and Out sockets, so you can drive external synths or drum machines and even sync Maschine to external MIDI clock sources. Recognising the usual issues of computer latency, there are a number of synchronisation offset options, vital for achieving tightness with your hardware. Finally, there's a very snug USB 2 connection that should never drop out accidentally.
Speaking of latency, the buttons and pads are snappy and responsive, while the pads' aftertouch breathes extra life into those traditional Maschine note-repeats. But for the real gains to be appreciated, we should take the plunge into that all-new dimension: colour.
The Magic Of Colour
Who's going to deny that colour and music, especially hi-tech dance music, are born to be together? Whether it's synchronised LED lighting rigs and VJ virtuosos or the many tastefully glowing controllers for Ableton Live, synaesthesic synthesists have never had it so good. (Synaesthesia, or the blending of senses, is a complex neurological condition in which, for example, sounds, numbers, or even days of the week are perceived as colours.) Even if you're not synaesthesic, the ability to locate a kick drum or vocal sample by colour alone is instantly useful — you'll wonder how you ever managed without it. At a stroke, the MkII Maschine's pad matrix is more meaningful. It offers the chance of performance visibility for those using laptops on stage, where their human input often can't be appreciated by the audience.
There are 16 colours to choose from and they can be freely assigned per group, per pattern, per scene, and at the level of samples or individual instruments. Say your first group is a drum kit: you can choose a colour for the whole group, then paint kicks, snares, hi-hats and percussion in a range of hues you'll instantly recognise. The only difficulty is in settling on a scheme and sticking to it. I must have changed my mind half a dozen times already, which isn't a complaint, incidentally.
Each colour has two intensities, the higher one showing selection of a pad, scene or group (for example). The slight down side of this approach is that if you've made judicious use of colour (and you will), selections don't always stand out so obviously amongst multiple subtly different shades. Choosing the right colours is an absorbing process, and once you've adopted the idea, you won't be satisfied until your older songs look right too. Coloration is one of a handful of operations that can only be executed using the Maschine software.
Steps Forward
Colour comes to Groups, Instruments, Scenes, Pads and individual patterns.
You'll notice I haven't talked much about Maschine's functionality so far. There's a good reason for this: it's very much like it was previously! That means we're dealing with a loop-based interactive sequencer and sampler. Maschine makes few concessions to DAW-style linear song arrangement — you have to play and interact with it!
As a host for VST/AU plug-ins and effects, Maschine performs solidly, and although it can run under a DAW as a plug-in, it's in stand-alone mode that it handles best, especially if your DAW is resource-hungry or temperamental. Think of it as a hardware sequencer, but one that communicates effortlessly with your arsenal of soft synths, effects, samples and loops. Check the previous reviews for the full picture: /sos/aug10/articles/ni-maschine-15.htm and also /sos/dec11/articles/ni-maschine-mikro.htm
Version 1.8 isn't only about colour. Included are two new effects and, more importantly, the long-awaited time-stretch and pitch-shift functions. These processes are offline sample edits and therefore not comparable to the 'elastic audio' of Ableton Live, for example. But with availability at the press of a button, it's still a great step forward. A useful fringe-benefit of Maschine's colour system is the ability to colour individual slices of a sliced loop, making them easier to identify when stretching, or editing generally.
The newly-bundled Massive's controls map neatly onto the hardware encodersTime-stretch detects the base tempo of loop-based material pretty accurately on most occasions. It allows you to set a new tempo explicitly, or you can specify an exact number of bars or beats for the processed result. Alternatively, samples can be stretched by percentage. I'd rate the output as good to very good, with the usual proviso that you don't push the process too far beyond the original tempo. Pitch shifting is similarly usable and is accompanied by formant correction, a handy tool for clawing back some of the original timbre after a pitch-shift or time-stretch operation.
You'll be pleased to know that the extra effects introduced in this version are no token gesture. The first is Saturator, with its selectable tube, tape and classic modes. It's spot-on for beefing up samples and virtual instruments, tape mode adding subtle warmth, while tube mode is considerably more raw and gnarly. Tube's EQ section is on hand to rein in some of the resulting lively harmonics. When your tracks require a little grit and attitude, Saturator is an excellent starting point.
Transient Master is not some ephemeral kung fu expert, it's Native Instruments' dynamics effect for Guitar Rig, and it's also now smoothly integrated into Maschine. With its simple gain, attack and sustain controls, it doesn't look like much, but don't be fooled. Transient Master is a powerful and near-instant means of reshaping the dynamics of a full mix — or groups of instruments. Combined with the Saturator, it's an absolute godsend for drums; the sustain control, in particular is ideal for tidying up a muddy drum loop or bass part with the absolute minimum of fuss. A limiter is built in for those times when you've gone overboard sharpening the attack phase!
Other minor improvements include the sampler wave display that now tracks playback position. You can save a group with its samples, and you can preview samples directly from the hardware prior to loading. There's improved handling of missing samples, and a panic function, plus better shortcuts for event selection and erasure. Best of all, you can now control your host DAW's transport directly, without switching to controller mode. It doesn't work automatically, so I was glad of the online YouTube tutorial demonstrating how to set it up for Logic. Finally, you can 'pin' the Autowrite feature and then record encoder tweaks with both hands — definitely liberating!
Timestretch isn't real-time, but it's fast and undo-able.Despite these improvements, there's still work to do as Maschine trundles inexorably towards version 2.0. For example, to re-use patterns or groups from another project you must first open the source project and import components you think you'll need to the library. A more direct method of importing content would be much appreciated. Similarly, I'd file the piano-roll editor under 'crude but effective' and there's no step-by-step input for note entry either, although the 'xox' mode is ideal for creating drum parts.
Under the covers, multi-core support is notable by its absence. At the moment, it's all too easy to hit the CPU limits when stacking heavy-hitting soft synths like Massive, Omnisphere or Diva. Lastly, I'd love to see more sophisticated automation than the current method of writing values into looping patterns. A partial solution involves turning to a DAW host with scene selection via MIDI program changes and macro controls assigned to various functions and effects. But what you really want is to painlessly capture every performance action made on that colourful hardware.
Speaking of performance, there's an impressive YouTube video featuring Jeremy Ellis and two MkII controllers. This might imply that Maschine can use both simultaneously, but actually it was achieved with two instances running under a DAW. It's strictly one controller per Maschine instance at the moment, but if that could change in the future, it would be an olive branch to anyone who bought theirs prior to the infusion of glorious technicolour.
Conclusion
Despite being drawn like a moth to pretty lights, even I wasn't prepared for the impact of colour. Used creatively, colour can genuinely boost Maschine performance and somehow make it faster, better and more vivid. I look forward to seeing more of it lighting up studio photos and DJ booths everywhere!
Owners of the older models probably won't be inclined to toss away their existing hardware, but there's bound to be some envy for those MkIIs and their personalised faceplates and knobs. At least there's some comfort for all in the software upgrades, especially time-stretch and the Transient Master.
Maschine previously shipped with a wide selection of quality sounds and samples, but bundling a heavyweight synth such as Massive is an unexpected bonus. This could be an early response to the challenge of Akai's MPC Renaissance, but as enticements go, it should prove popular.
To sum up, Maschine remains, as before, a refreshing and uncluttered alternative to making music with a DAW. Once I was done colouring in my drums, I wrote two songs in as many evenings, which is unusually productive (for me) these days! Hopefully some of the long-awaited features will appear in version 2.0, although it should be stated that a large part of Maschine's charm is its lack of bloat. Today, adding colour is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, but its potential is out there to be explored. Coloured lights and music, who knew?
Alternatives
Akai's new MPC Renaissance and Studio are obvious competitors, with their MPC pads and large sound library. The Renaissance's multi-port MIDI and a built-in audio interface are further gauntlets thrown down, while the Studio is a simpler, more direct competitor. Although new to the game and less colourful, they should keep NI on their toes.
Slightly less ambitious is Arturia's Spark, with its analogue modelling and knobby interface. Spark's drum-machine focus means that it is less about full production than Maschine, and its single row of eight pads is a different playing experience, too.
Finally, we come to other hardware and software combinations, with the forthcoming Ableton Live 9 Push especially attractive, even if it's a considerable step up in complexity from Maschine.
Massive Attack
To accompany the 6GB content of Komplete Elements, Maschine now includes a free download of NI's Massive. As a long-time Massive owner (it's in the complete version of Komplete), I've never been hugely inspired by the factory patches, and neither the interface nor the hard digital edge lured me in much further. However, thanks to the implementation of NIS (Native Instruments Sound format), Massive's patches can be selected directly from the Maschine hardware, and its controls are instantly accessible from the encoders. In this form, I found Massive more generally palatable, and tweaking hardware controls beats mousing around in search of inspiration every time.
Accessorise
Ni Groove Production Studio Software For Mac 10.6.8 Free
The MkII Maschine and Mikro controllers are available in black or white. For the larger model only, there are five optional kits with custom magnetic faceplates and matching knobs. It's always fun to personalise, even if the colours have all the boldness shown by modern car designers. Don't expect vivid green, hazy purple or fluorescent pus-yellow. Instead there's a choice of dragon red (red), smoked graphite (grey), steel blue (grey-blue), pink champagne or a rather splendid solid gold. I don't know why NI chose pink as their most adventurous colour, but customisation in any form should be applauded. I still want my luminous green, though!
Fitting a replacement kit is so easy even I could do it. And I did. The special tool provided ensures that the knobs can be detached evenly without bending the shafts, but you still have to be careful not to scratch the faceplate underneath.
The last optional extra is a Maschine stand. It's a solid aluminium base with rubber pads for a smooth grip and it sets the Maschine hardware at a workable angle of 15 degrees. Also provided is a mounting adaptor for a drum stand. Once again, the Mikro is left out: the stand is only compatible with the larger controller. I can't help thinking a cunning designer could have found a way to accommodate either.
Groove Production Studio Software
Pros
Colour integration: it just feels right.
Valuable new effects: Transient Master, time-stretch and tube saturation.
NI Massive included in the package.
Maschine is justifiably revered and still has a lot to give.
Cons
Time-stretch and pitch-shift are offline processes.
The software has made only tentative steps forward, and the competition is hotting up.
Summary
Not quite a Maschine relaunch, the MkII controller looks gorgeous, handles well and binds colour to music in ways that quickly become intuitive. Welcome software enhancements and the bundling of the NI Massive synth ensure that existing owners don't lose out, even if they can't join in the colourfest.
information
Maschine £483, Custom Kit £56, Maschine Stand £56. Prices include VAT.
2twenty2 +44 (0)845 299 4222.
Maschine $599, Custom Kit $69, Maschine Stand $69.
Native Instruments +1 866 556 6487.
Test Spec
Recommended system:
Recording Studio Software For Mac
Windows 7 (latest Service Pack, 32-/64-bit), Intel Core Duo or AMD Athlon 64 X2, 2GB RAM (4GB recommended).
Mac OS 10.6, 10.7 or 10.8 (latest update), Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM (4GB recommended).
Ni Groove Production Studio Software For Mac 10.6.8
Review system:
Mac Pro running OS 10.6.8, 12GB RAM, 2x2.66GHz quad-core Intel Xeon.
Occasional review DAW Host: Logic 9.1.8 in 64-bit mode, but for that 'hardware-driving-soft synths' approach, I mostly ran Maschine stand-alone.