Buy Maschine+ in 2022? M+ tips and an ambient tune...

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Chapters
0:00 Intro
0:52 Complaints
1:39 MK3 Alternative
2:15 Who is it for?
3:45 Powerful in comparison
5:55 Auto Sampler
6:40 Essential sampling tips
12:19 Ambient Maschine+ Tune

[@FizzENT]

ONLY.... If viewers knew how much work we put into our content, that thanks button would be lit up like the 4th of July! You have been an inspiration for creators like myself who strive to release quality content. The consistency, quality, professionalism, the invaluable information packed in your videos is unmatched. I sure wish i had access to videos like yours to watch on KZbin for FREE back in the late 90's early 2000's . I say all of that to say.... Thank you ! I sure hope more viewers hit that Thanks button !

[@jefgibbons]

DUDE! Thanks so much for the tip!! Just noticed it now... Love your stuff too Fizzent!!!

[@FizzENT]

@@jefgibbons Thank you sir. Keep up the great work !

[@rich_in_paradise]

I hear you on the effects thing. It's not just a system resources issue. It's also that when people design sounds, there's a tendency to make them sound good on their own so people like them when they're going through the browser. But to do that they slather them in reverb which makes them too big in a mix. I feel like I spend half my time disabling effects in various VSTs just so I can hear what a patch _really_ sounds like. All VSTs (as well as Maschine :) should have a 'load without effects' or 'load with effects disabled' option.

[@jefgibbons]

That would do it! Good suggestion

[@briannhinton]

@@jefgibbons That really would be amazing.

[@benholmes4154]

I love my Maschine+. It's such a great little sofa music machine. However it's one of those things that I constantly feel like I'm barely scratching the surface on. I guess that's what makes it so appealing to me - the constant feeling that it can do more. However, you're absolutely spot on with the limitations. I learned the effects send trick from your earlier video and it has been an absolute game changer for me when I'm putting tracks together on the M+. Great videos, thanks Jef!

[@WillieCarpenter17]

I love mine. Keep the videos coming, they help me so much!

[@ace0225]

I love your videos about Maschine Plus! I don't need no built in speakers or battery or touchscreen I love it just the way it is..... Keep the videos coming

[@Rustyboyyy1]

Please make some videos exploring maschine plus like you mentioned. I have learned most of maschine from your channel. Thank you so much 🤙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@marc.lepage]

Loving the ambient jam.

[@MatrixxSoundlab]

As always, SUPER informative and unbiased.

[@carbonvibes]

Thank you for sharing Jef, really appreciate your honesty on that answer. I believe you are correct and it all depends on the intentions of the user. I would probably land more on the Standard instead of the plus edition. Much respect. 1

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks CV! Yeah, it’s different strokes etc, I forgot to mention I’ve used it live and that’s another beautiful thing about it!

[@fuerchtenichts]

Thx for your content

[@axonathan]

I've been a Maschine MK3 user since release, i couldn't justify the price to upgrade to the plus...I recently picked up the SP-404 mk2 and it's so fun and portable. I can also load up my maschine expansions etc. and good to go.

[@Phadddy]

I feel exactly like that about the M+...a laptop plus M solves all the shortcomings....but sometimes it's nice to not have a laptop. A video on all the sampler functions is a good idea, I can't believe how many functions are always quickly available, but I also forget to use them.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Horst! Yeah, there’s so much there in the Sampler options… video coming for sure!

[@iamrocketray]

I have just got a Myvolts ripcord so it can play from a powerbank and a pair of Multirig 3 speakers which have inbuilt batteries, it all easily goes in my backpack so I can go to the beach or the forest and work as easily as at home.

[@marcelochagra3307]

It's a very nice stand-alone machine and such, but honestly, I'm not giving up my Maschine Studio or crazy. The Studio is the ultimate groovebox with visible controls (almost no pressing 2-3 buttons for tasks that should be easy), and a very comfortable and intuitive workflow. Everything in sight. Is beautiful.

[@EyeconWorld]

Thank you Jef. Incredible informative video as always. I bought Maschine MK3 simply because thats the only piece of hardware I can actually afford. And I am really happy with my decision. It does everything I ever wanted. I instantly become a drummer and creating my own chords, adding effects like never before and what not. Bottom line is if you are someone like me, with zero music knowledge, maschine is a way to go. It will make your life as a musician quite easy and making music becomes lots of fun. Coming back to your question which one you should buy. I think the one you can afford. Its as simple as this. If I can afford Maschine +, Ill buy it without even a second thought. Its just my way of saying thanks to the company who changed my life as a musician.

[@jefgibbons]

Great thoughts Eyecon! I like your appreciation for the company instead of expectations… it’s a very positive outlook!

[@nk-me2nw]

got mine a week ago, I'm akai guy down to my bones, still use 2000xl on daily basis and know mpc workflow as I know myself but wow, maschine+ is such a great device for my needs, I still arrange and finish my tracks via ableton but I have some much fun using maschine+ form clicky but rubber buttons and sensitive pads to possibilities of software!

[@jefgibbons]

Great to hear a fresh take on the M+! You’re going to do well with that attitude!

[@Boissinova]

Cool vid!

[@user-fi4yd2kf6g]

amazing ambient tune

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks! I forgot about this one... had to come back for a listen... I've gotta do more of this!

[@richarddufresne2683]

Great video ! 🙂 For my need, I have chosen an NI Mikro MK3, right now. I did this because I wanted to see if the ecosystem of NI would work for me, and it does work for me. My objective is to buy a NI KOMPLETE KONTROL S88. After the purchase of the S88, we will see if I need to upgrade to a new Maschine. Who knows what will be out by that time. My objective is to buy the SL88, on my second birthday of playing the piano, in May 2023.... 🙂

[@nezen]

Coolio, thanks Jef! I've been going round Machine+ thoughts for the past year. Agreed that it has a certain limitations, but can be the right tool for if you know what you are looking for. This is a good video to scratch that of whether the Machine+ is right for you. Maybe you could do a comparison video on using a Mk III like a Maschine+ ? I sometimes run my Mk III ( Mikro for that matter) connected to a laptop with its covered closed, trying to emulate that stand alone feel. However, even with a newish Dell i9, I still run into configuration issues. Eh, mic and speakers not working like they should. Now if they (Native Instruments) could design a dedicated device that does all; computer storage/ power/ external monitor speakers (detachable) and connect ts via one cable to all Maschine products... that would be cool! Keep up the great work!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks! Yeah, I’m thinking someone needs to make a 3rd party device: a built in mic, battery for AC, and great little speakers like a Bose… could hook up any kind of music device to it… future proof!

[@nico5]

I really would like to see one or more global master switches on software, that allows the global disabling of time based fx and/or resource hungry fx to be bypassed or even not loaded at all. That could be a real workflow enhancer for producing in general and for underpowered hardware.

[@TheRealKingMidas]

Another great video Jeff! In my opinion, iPad Pro X Beatmaker 3 is exponentially more valuable, flexible and stable than M+. You have access to infinite synths, sounds and world class fx from top manufacturers like Fab Filter to Eventide. I’m a heavy Native Instrument user but if they really wanted to turbo charge complete sales they would make MK3 a class compliant controller for iPad Pro and develop the abandoned Maschine app already available for iPhone and iPad. They will regret it when Apple releases Logic on iPad. Until then, use Kitmaker to export all of your Maschine expansions and sounds to Beatmaker kits. Roland has the right idea with Zenbeats X Verselab.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks! Beat maker 3 is just the best iPad app out there, I agree!

[@chrisdavies9143]

Love the song!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Chris!

[@solowkeytv]

I love the Maschine+ I use it when I'm doing live performances.

[@solowkeytv]

@Ayxzak I set up a template and did a lot of tests. I feel ya though.

[@tjmec]

Thanks!

[@jefgibbons]

Most welcome!

[@Alteraktywnie]

I like my MK3, use it with laptop and that is the best solution for me ;)

[@danielgrandoit1568]

Awesome vid! What version of MacBook Pro runs well with maschine plus including os?

[@Thisninjascared]

I’m still rocking on the MK2 and I’m waiting to see if they drop a Maschine studio mk2 before I upgrade

[@omnione7894]

Great !

[@codename9988]

Been happy with mine since November 2020

[@jefgibbons]

Great to hear!

[@mikkelbus-unclepedersen9233]

Great. I got the mikro. As long as o am on the pc it's all I need. That is if you are happy using the mouse once in a while. You can actually do a lot before you have to use the mouse.

[@jefgibbons]

For sure, it gets more fun the less you use the mouse… painful at first though!

[@nastied]

M+ is great for me ! Good points in the video Question : where can I download some great Polybrute samples?

[@jefgibbons]

I’m thinking of making some, I’ll post a vid if I do… but you just inspired me!

[@coresk1420]

more sampling tips videos would be cool

[@GrootsieTheDog]

Thanks! Perfectly said Jeff. Even Roland just recently allow insert efx on their grooveboxes - but even there, they still only allow a single send reverb efx and a single insert efx per sound. Something else to mention is the build quality of the +. It's built like a high end synthesizer. I've always been a groovebox guy - working on a computer for music, as a graphic designer, is just not happening.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks for the super thanks! Yeah, the M+ is a tank! And you really can get fast with editing on device...

[@GrootsieTheDog]

@@jefgibbons Hey Jeff, I have a question that I thought you'd be in a great position to answer - i bought a used mint w/ desk saver Maschine+ thinking I would use it standalone. I made the mistake of using it as a controller for the software. This made me realize just how much more potential there is using the two together - which i feel is a perfect hybrid of the power of software and the tactile quality of a hardware synth. My question is, coming from the hardware paradigm, would I notice a huge difference between the build of the Maschine+ and the MK3? I love the quality build of the Maschine+. But i did pay 850.00 for it. About 300.00 more than a MK3. I'm wondering though if I'll be disappointed by the difference between the two in this regard. Im willing to pay more for a nicer quality instrument. But i dint know how much better the build us on the M+.

[@jefgibbons]

Sorry for the late reply… the M+ is a metal tank… the MK3 is plastic, but they both feel great!! If you’re not moving it much the 3 is just fine…

[@GrootsieTheDog]

If you are interested, I created a short video (requested by app creator) on how to use the awesome BLEASS ARPEGGIATOR with Maschine using the free Element app. - allowing midi routing in Maschine :) The video is titled Setting up BLEASS Arpeggiator MIDI routing in Maschine. It's my first tutorial (no sound) so not polished but it is succinct and very useful to use this powerful and fun plug-in from BLEASS. :)

[@lpgoes775]

I’m looking forward for your video about Free Form.😅

[@jefgibbons]

Working on it! It’s got great sounds but some quirks I’d love to help people with. Mostly samples that don’t have bpm listed etc…

[@StephanieSante]

Hi Jef, I own a Maschine MK3 now about 4 years. However some of the knobs are really quite loose now. I am wondering if the build quality of the + is superior? Especially all the knobs, switches, etc? Thanks

[@1208aa]

This is high quality content.

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks Malcolm!

[@sonicindustries227]

As you say Jef, It's not for everyone. I've probably got over 1.5TB of NI & NKS enabled sample libraries and I want access to all of them - in any given situation. I'd never sell my Mk3 Maschine & if I was playing live I'd just hook it up to a M-series MacBook. I've really used the screens (good as they are) for anything other than navigating the controls - they're too small for serious composing/editing & the Maschine2 software is more than capable.

[@bgliveshow]

I’m still stuck on whether to get the MK3 vs keeping the Maschine Studio which I currently own. I use UA Apollo so I don’t necessarily need the additional sound card. I also have the Komplete Kontrol A49. The touchstrip is the main reason I can see for upgrading, but I am not sure it would be so much an upgrade as it is trading some buttons and knobs for others. Been debating this for months! Lol Any suggestions on this would be greatly appreciated. You have the best Maschine tutorial content I’ve seen. Keep up the awesome work Jef! Been watching and subscribed to your videos for a while. Thank you for sharing your knowledge! 🙌

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks! I’d say stick with the Studio! Of course you could probably sell it and buy a mk3 used for not much more… but I don’t think the strip would be worth it…

[@bgliveshow]

@@jefgibbons thanks!! I actually have a store credit so it wouldn’t so much be a matter of cost, but rather my current gear and whether it would truly be an upgrade. Thanks again for your reply and your work!

[@Unders]

Hold shift on browse, turn off “Routing”

[@CrusaderGeneral]

Where did you get all your nice wood panels?

[@DougNak]

I was close to pulling the trigger on a Maschine or MPC, but have decided to instead use an iPad. You give up tactile pads and controls, but it's so much smaller and closer to a desktop DAW in features.

[@jefgibbons]

What apps are you using?

[@DougNak]

@@jefgibbons Cubasis 3 for the DAW, as well as Scaler, Suggestor, SynthMaster 3, and Atom Piano Roll 2. Atom Piano Roll 2 is amazing. MIDI note editing is better than even desktop DAWs. I'm basically sketching out chord progressions, melodies, etc. and eventually transferring to Ableton on desktop.

[@mmroberts549]

Very good info, especially on CPU usage. I have been looking at step sequencer plugins and realized that Maschine 3 has a step sequencer built in, but I can't really find any good videos about how to use it. I am able to load a sound and create some basic sequences, but I wonder what capabilities it has that I am missing that I see commonly in software-based sequencers and after watching this video, I wonder if it would be smarter to offload the sequencing to the connected computer anyway. Maybe you could do a tutorial on step sequencing with Machine?

[@jefgibbons]

I think it’s about time for that video… I’ll get on it!!

[@mmroberts549]

@@jefgibbons Awesome! I have figured out some things but I still feel like I am missing the big picture. I am looking forward to seeing what you have to say!

[@cadaverkev]

Hey Jef! Would you consider the machine Plus overkill as an elaborate percussion machine. I have a Digitakt now (with the option to return still), but don't like the idea of it only able to play mono samples. I have some great sample libraries with nice sounding processed one shots. Thanks for any input!

[@jefgibbons]

Good question! It's obviously so much more than that... but man you'd have a lot of fun with it for that purpose... I'd say it's worth grabbing from a place with a good return policy to make sure you like it! Once I got past the initial head scratching, Maschine grew on me so fast... and I was not expecting it to, the workflow is NOT what I was used to, but that's why I loved it so much!

[@dracul74]

Imo the problem is that it is basically an expensive limited version of Maschine. My opinion is they should be charging less than Maschine studio if it can’t match it’s capabilities. I do love Maschine... hopefully they get it right someday.

[@RicoTropico]

Maschine Plus users can buy XTPower bank - it has everything to make M+ mobile and battery powered. I bought it for 90 euros. Great addon to M+ :)

[@jefgibbons]

Great tip!

[@luigicodeluppi8888]

hi.I have M + it happens to me that it is in standalone aia in vontroller as soon as I connect it to the pc from the audio outputs a very annoying hiss / noise comes out from the headphone output nothing, perfect audio. I tried them all and followed all the advice of native but nothing. can you help me? thank you. louis

[@MrFunktone]

Hi Jeff great video. Please can you explain about the battery that you use halo bolt. Why you chose this one as it says on Amazon that's it's a car jump starter. Thanks in advance

[@jefgibbons]

That’s one of the reasons! I drive an old car and I’ve used it a few times. It’s just great to have around for power outages etc. I would love a smaller solution for the M+ though!

[@Sypher474]

If you're after a battery for Maschine+, look up the MyVolts Ripcord - it's a special USB cable that lets you use a standard powerbank.

[@nvrmor023]

I just want a mkiii+, basically a mkiii with the m+ body and outputs

[@JDCsounds]

I dont miss my laptop nearly as much as i thought i would.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

I'm interested in the Maschine+ but I'm mostly interested in doing orchestral and soundtrack style work. I haven't heard any examples of this anywhere and none of the expansion packs cater to this at all. I've mostly seen EDM and synth style expansion packs/sounds. Which are fine but not really as versatile as I was hoping. I'll be using the device as a sequencer for external gear as well. Right now my setup consists of Prophet X Prophet 6 Tempest ISLA S2400 Just wondering if the Maschine+ would be a good compliment to the gear as well as a compositional tool for orchestral/jazz work.

[@jefgibbons]

Hey Everett, I don’t use M+ for orchestral or soundtrack type stuff, I will head to Cubase for that, sometimes dropping in maschine for beats etc… the expansions don’t offer a ton for cinematic stuff, but there are a few eclectic expansions that would work. But not my first place to look! Kontakt on the other hand…

[@EverettDudgeon138]

@@jefgibbons Ugh that's a tad disappointing. Really wish NI would have more variety in their expansions for genres outside of EDM/Hip Hop etc

[@fabgroove]

👍

[@valley_robot]

I bought my Maschine micro for 30 uk pounds , software was 59.09 on sale , so less than 100.00 for a massive amount of usability , yeah you need a laptop to run it , I run mine on a Tiny GPD pocket 2 , it’s the tiniest music production setup ever , the perfect travel groove box , the laptop is about the size of a big mobile phone so it can fit under my mikro with its stand that I made from two mobile phone stands glued to the back , I would not buy the maschine + , I have an MPC one for home use

[@MarcoPolux]

it does take you away from the computer.... but, I am even quicker with the midi controllers and shortcuts and the super big screen I use and of course, THE DAW, Mr. Cubase.... I've always "wanted to want" the Machine.... it seems very cool. But I would just use it as another midi controller. I am wating, tough, for the next iteration and evolution of the Native Instruments KOMPLETE KONTROL S88, that I will surely get.... That to me, if only had MOTORIZED faders and endless rotary encoders, would be the ultimate midi controller.

[@akasickform]

Battery & Speaker = Two things that will potentially break down that would require replacing at some point

[@jefgibbons]

Good point!!

[@JeffyG]

Jef - greatly appreciate your honest analysis! I’ve never really bought into groovebox devices or DAW-less workstations. I love my MacBook and it easily fits in a backpack with a small midi keyboard and/or a pad device, of a Maschine MK3. Even though the displays of the Maschine+ are good, my 16” MacBook is just so much better. For step editor/sequencing patterns of editing midi on a piano role, or mixing, I just prefer the real estate of a laptop screen.

[@RobotSnake]

Sounds like you do not need a stand alone device!

[@jefgibbons]

Yeah, it’s finicky, some people love it and some hate it! The muscle memory makes it fun but it takes a long time to get there!

[@Realliedoe]

Big Jef!!!!!

[@jefgibbons]

Thanks DCT!

[@xamxamxamxa]

🌚🖤🎶

[@trendtrader4010]

Great video but I have never seen so many influencers making excuses for a device that clearly was not ready for release 😂😂

[@selfwilliams1639]

CPU OVERLOAD BANDAID - When using Loaded Group if you are not using one of the 16Pads in your mix delete the pads that you are not using and it will bring the CPU Down.

[@ernestm8884]

The Akai MPC live and live II are better stand alone devices, and the Akai MPC live2 has a built in speakers and battery.

[@jefgibbons]

I’m hoping to get one one day…

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

For the cost... No way I could now justify without included battery or speaker. (But that's just me).

[@valley_robot]

I agree, it’s not portable like the MPC live so if you have to use it plugged in to power you might as well just use the laptop and a controller

[@julienrp7511]

So in May 2023, does it feel like a safer choice to wait for the next Maschine?

[@jefgibbons]

I have no insider info… but I think you can’t go wrong with a used one!

[@julienrp7511]

@@jefgibbons Thank you, Jeff! As I write this, I am watching your comparison between Maschine Mk3 and +, and I am wondering whether Mk3 would not be a better choice, because the CPU of my laptop is more powerful than that of Maschine +. I take this opportunity to congratulate you for your videos. I am a complete beginner and I am learning a lot of things, so thank you!

[@812JB]

This version of Maschine+ will never meet my expectations. I'm so happy I didn't buy into the hype of purchasing one the first year of it's release. I liked the original concept of having a portable Maschine but I felt like they were rushing to release an unfinished product and I was not willing to put faith in NI like that having known how they move after being a user for two years. They said "We can take this journey together" for improvement but their still fixing the same issues.

[@rosss9999]

Yeah, I wish all groove boxes and synths had little speakers and batteries built in....🤦‍♀ We could all have studios full of gear with tiny little speakers! Just put a field recorder at the back of the room, no need for a mixer - electronic music would be so much better

[@brandonlesko3126]

Maschine + or Roland MC-707?

[@ruffark]

I am also at this crossroad. What did you choose?

[@valley_robot]

Auto sample has been available for years on MPC , why has maschine only just got this

[@jefgibbons]

Who knows… but it’s here…

[@magnuseriksson8081]

The effects are not the problem, the problem is Maschine or NI way of working, before you release a product like that you make sure you have a stable product (so much better now though)very easy-to-use song mode, everyone that works with music has worked like that for sooooo long, and your hardware work with the sounds and tools you deliver with the hardware. How did they test it all and how did they look at the music production process on day one when they created their first hardware? I am shocked by how far away many companies are from their customer's most common way of working. I want a much better song mode for Maschine for vocals and others and super good integration with other daws like Logic to make it easy to do what you want on Maschine and finalize the work with ease. Just connect via USB and transfer it to logic and you have it all their boooom, why cant we do that and have all midi and all tracks working??

[@jefgibbons]

I hear you Magnus! Song mode is coming but we need more for sure… and the integration thing is a must!!

[@GeorgeHzMusic]

If I really (truly, madly, really) needed to get mobile, then an iPad would do the trick (it has synths, speakers, mics, etc). Otherwise taking the M+ to a coffee shop or, God forbids, to the park, is not really a great idea, unless you wanna get mugged or catch unwanted attention.

[@wulver810]

I don't even have Maschine- yet.

[@MarkoProximo]

It would be interesting to hear from someone in the know why NI went with the toy processor (Intel Atom) instead of just a regular power hungry but full scale option, since battery life is not an issue. I would think there’s plenty of space inside for cooling and such. Perhaps they changed the design mid project and ditched a planned battery option, but decided to stay with processor architecture for further versions?

[@dennisvandermeer8238]

To be honest the only advantage I see when I compare it for example with the Push 2, which I own, is the tight integration with Kontakt. I never work standalone with a device like that as it is always connected to my computer so that is not a plus. I would like to have a NI keyboard, just for the tight integration. The Maschine is a great device and is really cool to quickly create some amazing rhythms but I don't think it is for me. And speaking of keyboards...I'd love to play with a Roli Seaboard (it seems the company is not dead yet) because of its unique MPE capabilities.

[@drwavenstein]

"The Maschine still doesn't do *Tempo or time-signature changes* - sad man. When will Maschine implement this all too common feature that all DAWS & even the MPC does(?)."

[@812JB]

I feel like NI tries to do too many things at once and can never focus on a simple task. Who knows what the future holds with this new merger

[@jefgibbons]

We’ll see! Hopefully there’s a lot of sharing of resources!

[@9londoncalling]

Trust me as a stand-alone unit it is totally useless, steer clear if that’s how you would intend to use it !!!

[@darkuniversesound]

i can't trust you, because i *only* use M+ as a standalone unit (never plugged into a computer yet since i got IT in Fall 2020!), and IT's been just great for me 🤷‍♂️🤙🌌

[@liothomasart]

The way they botched this Maschine+ is unbelievable...not worth it.

[@X-101]

Over priced, just a MPC Live 2 people lol

[@TheOnlyMichaelJames]

Thanks!

[@jefgibbons]

Just saw your super thanks, thanks so much Mike!

[@xamxamxamxa]

🌚🖤🎶