Quick Reference

CHANNEL button: Press CHANNEL to switch to Control mode (the default mode on your controller) and directly display the Channel properties of the selected Sound/Group or the Master. This provides instant access to all Channel properties’ parameters via the eight Buttons and eight Knobs above and under the displays. Press SHIFT + CHANNEL (MIDI) to switch your controller to MIDI mode. This mode will enable you to use Maschine as a MIDI controller (for more information on this, please refer to the Controller Editor Manual).

PLUG-IN button: Press PLUG-IN to switch to Control mode (the default mode on your controller) and directly display the Plug-in(s) loaded in the selected Sound/Group or the Master. This provides instant access to all Plug-ins’ parameters via the eight Buttons and eight Knobs above and under the displays. Press SHIFT + PLUG-IN (Instance) to enter Instance mode. In this mode, you can select which instance of the Maschine plug-in you want to control from your hardware controller if you have more than one instance open in your host.

ARRANGER button: Press ARRANGER at any time to get an overview of your Project. In Ideas view you can view your Scenes and Patterns, in Song view, you can edit your Sections, Scenes, and Patterns to create the perfect arrangement.

MIXER button: Press MIXER at any time to access an overview of your mix. Use the Mix view to, for example, quickly edit the level and panning of each Sound and Group.

BROWSER button: Press the BROWSER button to access the Browser. Press SHIFT + BROWSER (+Plug-In) to access the Plug-in menu and load a Plug-in (Internal, Native Instruments, and External, as well as Instrument and Effect) in the selected Plug-in slot.

SAMPLING button: Press the SAMPLING button to access the Sample Editor.

Page buttons: Almost any feature of Maschine can be accessed using the hardware controller. For a clear and simple layout of the displays, the parameters are grouped into different pages, which are selected using the Page buttons.

FILE button: Press the FILE button to switch to File mode. In this mode, you can quickly save a copy of your Project, save it under another name, create a new Project, and load a Project you have loaded recently. Press SHIFT + FILE (Save) to quickly save your modifications to the current Project.

SETTINGS button: Press the SETTINGS button to adjust the Metronome and Count-in settings.

AUTO button: In Maschine, modulation of almost any parameter on the Sound and Group level is achieved with one-touch simplicity. Press and hold the AUTO button while turning any of the eight Knobs (or any combination) under the displays to record modulation for the corresponding parameter(s). Press SHIFT + AUTO to pin/unpin the Auto mode. When Auto mode is pinned, you can release the AUTO button (the button stays lit) and record modulation with both hands; this is very handy to record modulation for two (or more) parameters simultaneously! For more information, refer to Controller Modes and Mode Pinning.

11) MACRO button: The MACRO button provides instant access to the properties of the channel’s Macro Controls”). This shortcut can greatly facilitate both reactivity and improvisation when performing live. Press SHIFT + MACRO (Set) to define new Macros in a quick and easy way, directly from your controller.

Buttons 1–8: The eight Buttons above the displays dynamically adapt their function to the selected mode, allowing direct access to the most important functions. The action they perform is shown below each Button in the displays.

13) Displays: The displays are laid out to provide you with all essential information; there’s no need to glance at the computer screen.

Knobs 1–8: Each Knob dynamically controls the parameter shown in the display above it.

4-D encoder : The 4-Directional Push encoder combines the functionalities of a conventional joystick, of a button, and of an endless rotary encoder. Hence, it can be moved in four directions: up, down, left, and right, as well as being pushed and rotated. These aspects make it a highly versatile control element that can be used for navigation, for adjusting values of parameters, and for controlling instruments. Depending on the context, the four LEDs around the encoder indicate the directions in which you can move the joystick.

VOLUME Quick Edit button : Enables you to quickly adjust the volume via the 4-D encoder (1). In Step mode this button allows you to adjust the velocity of the selected events. Hold a pad or a Group button and turn the 4-D encoder (1) to change the volume for that individual Sound or Group.

SWING Quick Edit buttons : Enables you to quickly adjust the swing of your Project via the 4-D encoder (1). In Step mode this button allows you to adjust the position of the selected events. Hold a pad or a Group button and turn the 4-D encoder (1) to change the swing for that individual Sound or Group.

TEMPO Quick Edit buttons : Enables you to quickly adjust the tempo of your Project via the 4-D encoder (1). In Step mode this button allows you to adjust the tune of the selected events. Hold a pad or a Group button and turn the 4-D encoder (1) to change the tune for that individual Sound or Group.

PLAY button: Press PLAY to activate playback. Press PLAY a second time to stop playback.

REC button: When playback is on, press REC to begin recording. Or when playback is off, press SHIFT + REC to begin recording with the Count-in. Press REC a second time to stop recording. Hold the REC button to access Pattern Preset mode, this allows you to select the desired Pattern Length before recording new Patterns.

STOP button: Press STOP to stop playback.

RESTART button: Press the RESTART button at any time to restart from the beginning of the current loop range. Used together with SHIFT (8), the RESTART button lets you easily adjust the Loop in many ways: Press SHIFT + RESTART to enable/disable looping. Hold SHIFT + RESTART and turn the 4-D encoder to move the entire Loop along the Timeline, or “push & turn” the encoder to adjust only the endpoint of the Loop. While you hold SHIFT + RESTART, the displays provide another useful set of looping controls.

ERASE button: During playback, hold ERASE and hold any number of pads or Group buttons to erase the events for the corresponding Sounds or Groups on the fly as the playback goes on. Use the shortcut ERASE + EVENTS + pad to quickly erase all events triggered by that pad in your Pattern. If you have applied automation to a parameter, hold ERASE and turn the corresponding Knob under the displays to erase the automation of this parameter. Press SHIFT + ERASE + any pad or Group button to completely remove the Sound or Group in that slot.

TAP button: Repeatedly tap the TAP button to set the desired tempo. Press SHIFT + TAP to quickly enable/disable the metronome.

FOLLOW button: If you activate FOLLOW, time-related displays (like the Pattern Editor) will show the next part as the playhead goes beyond the current part so that you always see where the playhead is. Press SHIFT + FOLLOW to open Grid mode and adjust the grids to define how various Maschine objects can be moved or resized: Perform grid (for transitions between Sections), Arrange grid (for Pattern length and Section length), Step grid (for events), and Nudge grid (for events as well).

SHIFT button: While the most important features are accessible through dedicated buttons, many shortcuts are available by holding the SHIFT button and pressing pads 1–16 or several other buttons. You can also use the SHIFT button to change parameters in finer increments when entering values with the Knobs, or use it to bypass, remove and move Plug-ins from within the Plug-in List.

PHONES VOLUME: Adjusts the level of the PHONES output (2).

PHONES: Stereo output socket for plugging in headphones with a 1/4" TRS jack. This stereo output appears as a pair of mono outputs labeled 3: Headphone Left and 4: Headphone Right in your music software. Turn the PHONES VOLUME knob (1) to adjust their output level.

LINE OUT VOLUME: Adjusts the LINE OUT 1 and 2 outputs (4).

LINE OUT L and R: These 1/4" TRS sockets are the main outputs of the audio interface. In your music software, they will appear as 1: Main Left and 2: Main Right. Turn the LINE OUT VOLUME knob (3) to adjust its output level.

MIC IN GAIN: Adjusts the MIC IN input level (6). Use this knob to raise the microphone signal until it reaches a level high enough for your music application without clipping. If the microphone signal sounds distorted, slowly turn this knob down until the artifacts have disappeared.

MIC IN: Balanced input socket for plugging in dynamic microphones with a 1/4" TRS jack. When a microphone is plugged into the socket, the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets (7) are deactivated.

LINE IN 1 and 2: Pair of balanced 1/4" TRS input sockets accepting any line-level signal (e.g., a synthesizer or mixer output). In your music software, they will appear as 1: Input Left and 2: Input Right. If a microphone is plugged in the MIC IN socket (6), the LINE IN 1 and 2 sockets are deactivated.

MIDI IN and OUT: The MIDI input (IN) and output (OUT) sockets let you integrate Maschine into your MIDI setup. For example, you can connect a MIDI keyboard to the MIDI IN socket and play melodic Sounds via the keyboard. Connect your favorite hardware synth to the MIDI OUT socket and trigger its sounds from within your Maschine Project. You can synchronize Maschine with other tempo-related instruments by sending or receiving a MIDI Clock signal.

PEDAL: Allows you to use a footswitch to control the transport in Maschine. Note that this is a stereo socket, allowing you to plug in a double footswitch and control the PLAY and the REC buttons in Maschine. The PEDAL socket can also be configured to accept continuous pedals ("expression pedals").

USB: Connects the Maschine controller to your computer via USB 2.0/3.0.

Power Supply Socket: Connects to the Maschine MK3 power supply (sold separately). Note, a power supply is not required to operate Maschine, it only adds extra brightness to all illuminated elements on your controller, useful in bright environments. To purchase a Maschine MK3 Power Supply, refer to: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/pricing/power-supply-18-w/

Power: Press the power switch to operate your Maschine controller. Note, you have to switch on your controller to use it, even if you do not use a power supply.

Maschine menu: Click the Maschine menu to access the software menus. This menu is particularly useful in Full-screen mode and when Maschine is used as a plug-in in a host application.

Browser button: Use the Browser button to toggle the Browser. The Browser is your tool for managing, finding, tagging, and categorizing Projects, Groups, Sounds, Instruments, Effects, and Samples. From the Browser, you can directly search your computer or an external drive to add new files. You may also prehear (audition) Samples directly from the Browser and apply new tags.

Mix view button: Click the Mix view button to access the Mix view. The Mix view provides you with quick access to the level and routing settings of all your Sounds, Groups, and the Master. In addition, it provides you with an intuitive interface for adjusting the parameters of all your Plug-ins.

Transport controls: The Transport controls contain buttons such as Play, Restart, Record, and Loop.

Display area: The Display area provides control regarding Ableton Link, time signature, tempo, global swing, Follow and Performance Grid (Including Retrigger)

Controller icon: This area displays an icon for each Maschine controller connected to your computer.

Master Volume slider: Shows and adjusts the level of the Maschine audio output.

CPU meter: The CPU meter represents the current load on your computer’s processor and is constantly measured; it should not go above 70% to avoid clicks and interruptions. You can save CPU power by sampling the audio output of Maschine if necessary using export.

Audio Engine button: Click the Audio Engine button to disable the entire sound processing of Maschine.

NI logo: The NI logo and Maschine logo open the About screen which displays the version number and edition of your Maschine software.

Library tab: Use the Library tab to access your computer's hard drives via Maschine's selectors and filters.

Files tab: Use the Files tab to access your computer’s hard drives.

File Type selector: This contains seven icons representing the different file types of Maschine. From left to right the file types are Projects, Groups, Sounds, Instruments, Effects, Loops , and One-shots. Clicking one of them causes only the files of the selected type to be displayed.

Content selector: Use the Content selector to switch between Factory Content (button off) and User Content (button on).

Product selector: The Product selector allows you to browse and select any content of the same File Type as is selected in the File Type selector above.

Tag Filter: The Tag Filter allows you to search based on tags. You can quickly find files based on the Types and Characters categories by clicking the tags.

Searchfield: Use the Searchfield to quickly find files based on their name or tagged attribute. Select the type of file you are looking for from the File Type selector and enter the name or category of a file into the Searchfield to perform a search. Results are displayed in the Results list below.

Results list: The Results list displays all files that match your query.

Autoload: This button automatically loads the selected loop or one-shot in the Results list so you can listen in context and in tempo with your Project while it is playing.

Prehear button (speaker icon) allows you to quickly audition the item selected in the Results list when Preview files have been downloaded and installed using Native Access. The volume level of the file being auditioned is set by the slider. When browsing Groups, the +PATTERNS and +ROUTING buttons appear in the Control bar of the Browser.

Information: Click the Information icon to view the details of the selected file.

Tag Editor: Use the Tag Editor to edit Tags applied to files and to add Tags to new files. Native Instruments content is read-only, however, Types and Characters properties can be edited in User content. You can show/hide the Tag Editor by clicking the EDIT button at the bottom right.

Scenes: This area displays all the current Scenes in your project. After creating a Scene by clicking the + symbol, you can build the Scene by selecting a Pattern from each Group. By clicking each Scene name (Scene slot) you can switch between Scenes to see how your musical ideas work together. Using your mouse you can right-click the Scene slot and select to Append to Arrangement from the menu and then arrange your song in the Song view. You can also use the right-click menu to Clear, Duplicate, or Delete Scenes, as well as organize your Scenes by selecting the Rename or Color options

Pattern area: All Patterns in your Song are represented here. You can double-click a blank slot to create and new Pattern or click an existing Pattern to assign it to the selected Scene. Once assigned, a Pattern will become highlighted, click it again to remove it from the selected Scene. Using your mouse you can right-click the name of a Pattern and select to Clear, Duplicate, or Delete a Pattern. You can also organize your Patterns by selecting the Rename or Color options.

Groups: The Group slots can hold one Group each. Select the desired slot to load a Group into it and display the Group’s content (Sounds, Patterns…) in the Pattern Editor (refer to Pattern Editor) and the Group’s Channel properties and Plug-in parameters in the Control area (refer to Control Area). To mute a Group click the Group letter, for example, A1, and right-click on the letter to solo the Group. Using your mouse you can also right-click the name of a Group to access the many options available to manage them.

Groups: The Group slots can hold one Group each. Select the desired slot to load a Group into it and display the Group’s content (Sounds, Patterns…) in the Pattern Editor (refer to Pattern Editor) and the Group’s Channel properties and Plug-in parameters in the Control area (refer to Control Area).

Arranger timeline: This area displays the current position within the track and allows you to set the loop range.

Section slots: This area displays Section slots. A Section is a container for Scenes placed on the Timeline. A Section can be moved freely by clicking the name of the Section and dragging and dropping it into place. You can change the length of a Section by dragging the Section end marker to the left to shorten it, or to the right to lengthen it. Using your mouse you can right-click a Section and use Select in the menu to assign a Scene to a Section. It is also possible to use the menu to Insert, Duplicate, Delete, Clear or Remove Sections as well as organize them by selecting the Rename or Color options.

Pattern area: In each Section of the Arrangement, you can see the name of the Scene assigned to the Section along with the Scene’s Patterns stacked vertically for each Group in the Project. The Patterns seen here are the same as those seen when viewing the same Scene in the Ideas view.

Plug-in icon: Click the Plug-in icon to access Plug-ins and their parameters.

Channel icon: Click the Channel icon to access Channel properties where you can display and adjust various properties for the selected Sound/Group or Master channel in the Parameter area.

MASTER tab: Click the MASTER tab to control sound at the main outputs of Maschine (including all Groups and Sounds).

GROUP tab: Click the GROUP tab to gain access to Plug-ins and Channel properties of the Group loaded in the selected Group slot (A–H).

SOUND tab: Click the SOUND tab to gain access to Plug-ins and Channel properties of the Sound in the selected Sound slot (1–16).

Parameter area: Displays the parameters for the selected Plug-in or Channel properties. Depending on the number of parameters to display, these can be split into several pages. In this case, click the name of the parameter page to display it.

Quick Browse Icon: Use the Quick Browse icon to recall the search query you performed to find the currently loaded file/preset.

Plug-in List: There are Plug-in slots on each channel level (Sound, Group, and Master). Each of them can hold one effect Plug-in. The first Plug-in slot of the Sound level can also hold a plug-in instrument. Select the desired Plug-in to display its parameters in the Parameter area.

Sample Editor button: Click this button to open/close the Sample Editor.

Keyboard viewbutton: Click this button to display the Keyboard view.

Group viewbutton: Click this button to display the Group view.

Audition button: Click this button to audition a Sound when it is selected from the Sound slots (6).

Sound propertiesicon: Click this icon to quickly access the Key, Choke, and Link settings for the selected Sound.

Sound slots: Sounds slots 1–16 of the selected Group are listed here. Click a Sound slot to bring it into focus and display its Plug-ins and Channel properties in the Control area (refer to Control Area). In Keyboard view (2), click a Sound slot to display its events in the Step Grid (11).

Pattern slots: Each Group has an unlimited number of Patterns available. Each Pattern slot can hold one Pattern. A Pattern contains the events that make up a groove or a musical phrase for the selected Group. Click the drop-down arrow to open the Pattern Manager and select a Pattern slot to display and edit its Pattern. Upon slot selection, this Pattern is also referenced for that Group in the selected Scene in the Arranger (see Arranger). Select various Patterns from each Group to form an arrangement.

Pattern Length controls: The Pattern Length controls allow you to choose the unit by which the length of the Pattern can be adjusted and to adjust the length of the displayed Pattern according to that unit.

Dragger icons: The Dragger icons allow you to conveniently drag and drop audio or MIDI from your Patterns to your desktop or host software.

Pattern timeline: The timeline at the top of the Step Grid (11) displays musical time units, including bars and beats. Click the timeline to resize the currently selected Pattern.

Step Grid: Displays the content of the selected Pattern slot (7). Here you can see your recorded events as rectangular blocks. In Group view (3) these represent the Sounds of your Group. In Keyboard view (2) they represent musical notes of the selected Sound. The events can be edited using your mouse; they can be dragged to a new position, elongated, shortened, or deleted.

Control Lane: The Control Lane provides a visual overview and editing tools for the automation of each parameter and modulation of each MIDI control change.

Edit controls: Use the Step menu to change the step size in which events can be moved/resized and click the Pencil icon to toggle the Pencil mode on/off.

Control Lane button: The Control Lane button allows you to show/hide the Control Lane (12).