Native Instruments’ MASCHINE is a hardware drum production system that integrates with a DAW, covering tasks from programming drum patterns to MIDI control. This article explains how to load drum kit presets and use the sound management buttons, as well as how to assign sounds to pads. It is a practical tool for people familiar with drum machines such as those from AKAI and for beginners in music production.
MASCHINE: A Hardware Drum Machine Integrated with Your DAW
This tutorial covers MASCHINE, the controller from Native Instruments.
It is also a good choice for those familiar with drum machines such as AKAI’s, and can be used for everything from programming to MIDI control.
MASCHINE Video Tutorials
- 1Main Windows (this article)
- 2Programming Drum Patterns
- 3Understanding Effects
- 4MIDI Integration with a DAW
- 5Using MASCHINE as a MIDI Controller
Selected Questions and Answers from the YouTube Video
When I load a kit, its pattern sequences load automatically too. Can I clear them all at once?
Turn off the control shown here to prevent the patterns from loading: https://app.box.com/s/e0cxkdvxytghddccbkzgh9r6ltegfkxp
Sorry for the basic question, but what is a DAW? Is one already installed on Windows?
A DAW is software for creating and editing music on a computer. Windows does not come with a dedicated DAW, but we recommend starting with the free version of Studio One. Our articles and videos explain how to use it: https://sleepfreaks-dtm.com/category/for-beginner-studioone/
Is the Mikro MK2 used in much the same way?
Our tutorials focus on using MASCHINE in a DAW, so they depend relatively little on the particular hardware model. If you use MASCHINE 2, we recommend the following video: NI MASCHINE 2 Tutorial 1: Adding Sounds.
Video Tip: Sound Management Buttons
- 1. Load a drum kit preset
- 2. Load a pitched instrument
- 3. Load individual drum sounds
For individual sounds:
Drag a sound you like onto your preferred pad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What kind of music production beginner is MASCHINE suited to?
It is well suited to people familiar with drum machines such as AKAI’s and to those who want to make music intuitively with a hardware controller. It supports tasks from programming to MIDI control and integrates with a DAW.
Q2. Can I customize drum kit sounds in MASCHINE?
Yes. You can load drum kit presets or individual sounds, then drag sounds you like onto the pads of your choice.
Q3. Is integrating MASCHINE with a DAW complicated?
MASCHINE is designed to integrate with a DAW, and its MIDI integration supports intuitive operation. This series also provides step-by-step tutorials.
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