Can Maschine Plus be Saved?

This week I want to talk about what needs to change in the Maschine Plus to make it worth the cost. It's not simple but hopefully it's possible. Thank you to my Patrons: Tempest Anderson. Join them in supporting my channel here: / dylanparismusic
Pick up any gear you're interested in at Perfect Circuit using the link below to support my channel at no cost to you! link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/4QWE2...
Save 7 percent off the cost of an annual plan with my DistroKid link: distrokid.com/vip/dylanparis
MY GEAR:
Main Camera: amzn.to/3ApKw1a
Secondary Camera: amzn.to/3ybdQFW
Audio Recorder: amzn.to/3nEVd8n
Gear Stands: amzn.to/3ah26tv
#maschineplus #dawless #nativeinstruments

[@Born2WinBIg77]

“I expected what I was sold” is the most concise and factual feeling that all mashing plus purchasers have after you have spent $1,400. What a great video! Thanks for posting this well thought out review of the Mashcine plus that I really, really REALLY HOPE Native Instruments take in serious consideration!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you for watching and for your kind feedback!

[@spoony303]

After my Maschine+ crashed during a live performance yesterday, I did a little digging and came back to this video. Couldn't agree more with what you're saying - word for word, from STABILITY to the bland UI on some of the instruments. Just 1000% agree. Great video, you just understand and vocalize the issues with the M+ so well. Thank you Dylan!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching and the kind words! I'm sorry to hear about that crash experience, that's horrible! Hopefully they can really hone in on stability with future patches.

[@muslinielsen7789]

I really want this maschine+ to work and be stable. I love the workflow!

[@DylanParisMusic]

agreed!

[@darrinbisson8914]

I’ve just started watching a few of your videos and really appreciate the perspective you share on Maschine Plus. I’m really surprised you only have 3k+ subscribers. You give a great balance of feedback and acknowledgment to what this device is and could be. I’m torn between getting it now or waiting on a mk2 (assuming they make one). Spending $1799 Canadian only to see an updated version in a year or so would really hurt.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks so much for the kind feedback! If you can find a used one or one with a good return policy you could try it out and see if the stability issues and limitations are dealbreakers. I am split on whether they’re gonna fix this one or just beef up a Mk2 but I think the blowback on abandoning this one would be pretty intense.

[@dazeja]

I've been a maschine user since it started. I still have my MK1 that I use for live settings because I don't care if it gets beat up. I also have the Studio. AS MUCH AS WANT TO, I can't seemed to justify paying $1400 for a piece of gear that I KNOW for certain that I already have 70 to 75 percent of its features already. Then you ADD the instability of the features I don't have (stand alone). It makes no sense. One came up on reverb for 790 and I still couldn't do it. One thing NI is not being honest about is that this thing is marketed towards NEW users that don't have Maschine and they have a laptop also. That's it.

[@alexandrosroussos]

100% agree on all the points, would then add : - opening the expansions format to let people create their own outside native access - improving sample browsing and management from sd/usb (no arborescence depth limits, on device tagging etc…) - catchup on vocal tools (Auto-Tune/vocoder type plugins.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Absolutely agree! The sd card sub folder limit is brutal and on device tagging would rule

[@mmhcreates]

Regarding time signatures only being in 4/4, presumably it is possible to record live in 3/4, 6/8 etc, just the metronome will be of no use? Or are there other issues worth knowing about? All the best

[@jub_388]

I've been on the brink of buying myself a Maschine+ For your Videos regarding the issues of this device I'm so thankful! Being an early adopter is one think I like, but this device needs a serious overhaul...

[@milk_bath]

How do the knobs and buttons feel compared to the MK3? Really don’t like the feel of the MK3 main navigation knob.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah the metal knobs and faceplate are super premium. The build quality is pretty much perfect.

[@yingtong101]

Can you use this with a laptop instead of standalone to counter act stability issues and CPU?

[@DylanParisMusic]

You can but at that point you might as well get a mk3 for cheaper. If you don't intend to use the standalone features there aren't many reasons besides fit and finish to get this.

[@sunnyschramm9650]

maschine+ was never intended to be a daw in a box - what most people think/thought. its a sampler with groovebox-features and with amazing resampling features. its not supposed to run 10 vsts at the same time plus fx-plugins, etc. - also I never had any of theses problems. make sure you use a professional fast sd-card - will solve all the hickups while loading a project while another projects plays. also a new big stability update is coming this week.

[@DylanParisMusic]

You copy and pasted this same comment on my other video as well. It was definitely showcased as a Maschine on the go, which is a DAW type product. I can also confirm that upgrading the SD card don’t resolve most of my issues.

[@teabreakbeats]

I use mine as a standalone rompler . Love the workflow

[@prestonhart6685]

I LOVE Maschine and Maschine Plus. My favorite tools to create music on. I can’t stress it enough. However, I 100% agree with everything you just said. You nailed it. I also wish there could be more inputs and outputs in both the software and hardware, including CV capabilities and more Send/Return channels.

[@thinkognito344]

ya i hate how most gear is not memory cpu upgradeable or just comes with crazy ram, also why not just make it 1 screen?

[@KordTaylor]

Thanks very much for your opinions. For those of us looking into these types of grooveboxes and drum machines this is great.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching! I'm glad my videos help!

[@alchemistrpm82]

Good call. The Play series is a perfect example of the kind of "instrument" that would fit (theoretically) perfectly on the Maschine +. Would love to see Cloud Supply and Stacks.

[@basgoossen]

@Dylan just to be sure, do you use the micro sd card that came with the device or any other micro card with an adapter? Ever since i changed out the micro sd card with a full size sd card of a decent brand i have not had a single crash anymore during operation.

[@basgoossen]

Btw i use the 15v ripcord to power the device, i even powered it from a 4s lipo without anything in between. It operates in the entire range without becomming warm or noticable problems. As an emdded systems engeneer i'm not very afraid that rhis will harm the device as there will be switching regulators in there any ways with a decent range.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I did swap out for a better SD card, load times are faster but I still get crashes from time to time. Crashes are much less frequent than 4 months ago though. Good to hear about the ripcord! I have one on the way so I’ll look into a nice battery for it. Thanks for sharing your perspective and experience!

[@janeway1111]

I want to be able to play my tracks live - both being able to use already made backing tracks but also being able to build songs or parts of songs from the ground up with drums triggered from my roland spd, recording / sampling guitar loops & keys, and doing live vocals over it. I have a laptop with ableton live suite but I don't want to take a computer on stage and so want to be standalone with just hardware and instruments. Which would be better do you think ? Maschine+ or MPC Live 2 ?

[@DylanParisMusic]

If the + was more stable and you could get it for a good price I'd say the + but I've had too many glitches to recommend for live stuff. One of my viewers tried to use an MPC LIVE II for backing tracks and had some issues but that is the more stable option. You could also potentially use an SP 404mk II for longer stem streaming along with another box.

[@janeway1111]

@@DylanParisMusic thanks x

[@812JB]

Are you guys able to play your Kontakt Libraries inside of Maschine Plus yet?

[@darkuniversesound]

Quickest/easiest way to load Poly Synth is the top Plug-In button on a Sound, turn Knob 1 to Instr., and scroll down to the bottom of the list, i think 🤷‍♂️🤙 Good job dude, good points.... You seem to be speaking reason for all of us 🤙🙏🌌

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you! Appreciate the insight and the kind words!

[@lrkx_]

I’d like to see them add automation editing, elektron like sequencing with conditional trigs, macros like on the force and a refreshed instrument ui.

[@DylanParisMusic]

That would be awesome!

[@alchemistrpm82]

Man macros on the Force is crazy powerful

[@Diddddu]

When you say the play series do you mean like Heavyocity and other big expansions for massive and kontak? and can the plus even use those expansions in standalone no one has displayed that yet.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I mean Analog Dreams, 25, and Hybrid Keys

[@DylanParisMusic]

I’m pretty sure that some Kontakt instruments can be used in standalone but mostly it just supports the synths and maschine expansions advertised on the home page for it

[@Diddddu]

@@DylanParisMusic okay thanks

[@shaydilla]

This breaks my heart. Just getting back into music with my mk1. After the stability issues. I guess I’ll stick with my 1st maschine.

[@AveMcree]

It will be fine!! Hopefully, they won't abandon it like the Maschine Studio.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Whoa! Ave!! Love your vids thanks for watching 🙏😎

[@alchemistrpm82]

Abandon it? Sales figures say... doubtful. Suppose it's possible.

[@No.0.o.0]

Is it any more or less stable if you’re constantly resampling/bouncing things?

[@DylanParisMusic]

I don’t do a lot of that, I try to just limit my cpu intensive plugins to only necessary ones and remove unused effects. I need to be able to modulate and automate synths per pattern, resampling removes that as an option until you have all your patterns and song structure complete

[@No.0.o.0]

@@DylanParisMusic my workflow is a very destructive one. I will max out my cpu just making one bass sound then sampling it, deleting the entire chain, then chopping it up. Then maxing out my cpu processing individual parts. If I allow myself live synths I will never stop tweaking lol. I’m very curious about how many layers in general it can handle. You definitely talked me out of a brand new one though….

[@codename9988]

this is one of those "yes, but..." things yes, this is true if whatever is making noise is taking up a ton of cpu and you sample it, but you lose the ability to make variations (easily). granted one could make variations then delete said CPU intensive noise, but idk.. doesn't seem like a realistic approach. seems time consuming and distracting from the music making imo

[@No.0.o.0]

@@codename9988 I’m curious to see but am I 900 bucks curious?

[@No.0.o.0]

@@codename9988 I meant specifically when I make music in a DAW, I like to have a sound design session where I make my own sounds first and then make a beat in a separate session with my own sounds that have been rendered.

[@lewisniblock4508]

I'm able to get the Maschine Plus second hand for about 200 more than the MK3, do you think that's worth? I would mostly use it plugged in anyway, is there any difference between this plugged in and the MK3 plugged in? (I've been using the Mk1 for about 8 years now lol so eager for something new)

[@DylanParisMusic]

The fit and finish is better (metal vs plastic). If I didn’t get so many glitches in standalone I’d have an easier time recommending it. If you’re prepared for the possible lost saves, audio glitches and crashes 200 more is pretty sweet. If you have no plans to use standalone then a mk3 makes more sense, especially a used one.

[@JosieCarr]

I'm a NI user for many years and have owned most of their controllers. My last update was the M+ from the MK3 and it was a disappointment. So, I hence I say don't do it. Wait it out. The M+ is simply not stable at all. The good is that NI is a good company, so I'm sure they'll figure it out!

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@JosieCarr No doubt. I've got faith in them too

[@Paraclap]

I have been using maschine for many years and I must say that the user interface has evolved so little since its release. I'm thinking in particular of the way of layering samples, which is an essential thing for this type of product, so unintuitive compared to what the mpc offers today. Sends management should also be rethought. Overall I hope for an almost total redesign of the user interface to make things more harmonious and intuitive The new Playbox instrument with its intelligent approach and features shows us that there are still thinking brains at NI, let's hope that maschine follows the example and surprises us.

[@TheOwlHead]

Akai Force Shits all over that thing. So does the MPC X and Live. That’s why Akai is still in every major recording studio and native instruments machines poster person is Britney Spears

[@jefgibbons]

Great video! Couldn't agree more with all of your points... why is it so hard to find the Poly synth?? Last time I tried I couldn't get the Ripcord in Canada, so I have a chunky battery with AC so I just use the power supply, but it's far from elegant! But I also agree that it's a beautiful device, and magic always happens when I get on it. Loading expansion kits would be a depressing thing for newcomers, it's too bad that those kits weren't more optimized from the start. So many have loads of fx that aren't even really being used that would bring down the M+ right away. Anyhow, thanks for the vid!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Jef! Thank you for watching and sharing your insight! Your videos have taught me so much, it's an absolute honor to know you enjoyed the video

[@MickBenjamins]

Hey Jef! (and Dylan!). When you load a Polysynth preset, you don't only load Polysynth, but it loads Polysynth + Beat Delay + Metaverb on the effects chain. This is done because Polysynth came from Pro53, that had a built-in Delay and Reverb. If you just want to load Polysynth, you can do it exactly like you load all the internal synths (or effects): SHIFT + BROWSER, so you go to the Plug-in window and load an INIT sound Ideal? No, it's not, I agree. But that's how it has to be, seeing a chain of instrument + effects gets loaded

[@DylanParisMusic]

Appreciate that insight Mick! Thanks for explaining and for watching the video! That totally makes sense, are there plans to allow instruments with fx chains presets into the instruments browser?

[@MickBenjamins]

@@DylanParisMusic my pleasure! Its a good video with level-headed critique, so I’m all for it :) No, as far as I am aware that’s not possible. An ‘Instrument’ is always a single instance in the instrument slot. Just like Effects get loaded one by one in the effects slot. Sounds are the only things that can get loaded in chains like this. The reason it was made this way, is because all the Pro53 presets use delay and effect. We did not want to built-in effects to Polysynth, because that would give it too many pages of parameters. The goal for Polysynth was to have a hands-on instrument that makes it easy to create sounds from scratch

[@DylanParisMusic]

That makes sense! I will say I really appreciate Polysynth and I think y’all made the right call if that was the way to make it simple. I am still learning to make patches with it but it’s really cool to be able to do it all on the device.

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I agree with everything you said. For the price they gotta get that battery though.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Battery is a must!

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Stable is a must

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@magnuseriksson8081 Right. I don't know why people think battery is such a must. It would be nice, that's all.

[@JosieCarr]

I concur!

[@davidscott2095]

Thank you for the content, Dylan. I was hoping you could help me out. I am a total newbie, that is in love with making boom bap hip hop style production. I was a late teen/early twenties child of the 90's. What would you recommend: MPC One or the Maschine MK3? I don't mind being tethered to a computer, because I don't plan on taking my sampler outside of my house. And I am not a musician, either, so I will be 1000% sample based. Thank you, Dylan, for any input you can give me. Blessings!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Honestly both platforms are super good for hip hop sample based stuff! I like the workflow of the Maschine more than the MPC when it comes to making patterns and song structure, but the folder layers structure of the MPC is super deep and good for having lots of sample packs installed. If you already have a good computer I’d probably recommend the Maschine but if you have to buy a computer too then I’d say MPC One or a used MPC Live 1 or 2

[@davidscott2095]

@@DylanParisMusic Thank you, Dylan. What did you mean when you said: the folder layers structure of the MPC is super deep......Can't you use sample packs, for example from Drum Brokers, with Maschine MK3? Just trying to understand. Thank you.

[@DylanParisMusic]

On Maschine the folder layers are only 2 layers deep so sometimes your sub folders don’t show and it just shows a huge list of all the samples in the pack instead the folders for hi hat or kick etc

[@yotrakzproductions7324]

Exceptional review.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you!

[@andreilemieux9525]

I sincerely hope that they allow for selecting wavetables and bend modes in massive, and i find it odd that they didn’t add massive X. Like that is so bizzare. And also for 1500 why isn’t all of the big name devices from komplete housed inside the plus

[@DylanParisMusic]

I definitely want to see more of the NI software devices on the plus as well

[@Jason75913]

Massive X never, the Atom CPU does not support AVX extensions or whatever it is called, which Massive X requires. They would need to have gone with an i7 processor at minimum, if I'm not mistaken, or a Ryzen 7 CPU, plus a noisy, fan-cooled heatsink for either of those.

[@alchemistrpm82]

1:49 MPC (from, like, 5 years ago) says hello. I absolutely love Maschine. The workflow, the expansions, NKS - I'm in love with all of it. But you have to admit that the precedent for modern, standalone groove-boxes was set at least 5 years ago. Sure, the architecture between Akai's machines and NI's are probably worlds apart. Maybe the pandemic played a part in the R&D, maybe it didn't. Were chips so scarce they HAD to go with the Atom? I doubt it. In their defense though, I don't think the lack of a battery or the lack of an external option is really a "misstep" or even a drawback, really. All modern MPCs require external power except for the Live after all.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I’ve softened on the battery being a dealbreaker but it really is convenient on the LIVE II. I have found a ripcord and external works okay for the Plus

[@alchemistrpm82]

@@DylanParisMusic I’ll have to try the ripcord

[@MrFunktone]

Since buying my Maschine plus in August 2021 it's crashed on me over 100 times and when not crashing the instruments distortion leading me to have to reboot and then they seem to work fine. It's a nightmare tbh. I couldn't use this thing in a live setting and trust it to work

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah the crashes and static noise from time to time are brutal

[@MrFunktone]

@@DylanParisMusic exactly that! What you get with Maschine plus (I got my first Maschine MK1 back in 2012) is the solid workflow and quality sounds but in a standalone unit that is still far far away from what it needs to be. Why did NI not hold back until a vast majority of these bugs and fixes/overhauls had been in place. Simple answer, 💸💸 💸

[@glendwellz]

I 100% agree to every point in your video. But at the end of the day, I am so greatfull that I can use it without a computer. I can sit in my living room or take it to my friends house if I want to.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah that stand-alone factor is huge! Thanks for watching and sharing your experience

[@nickgilday8946]

Dylan I really appreciate your take on this. As a maschine plus user I feel like there is so many reviews from non maschine users that just trash to trash, and reviews from NI loyalists that just ignore the issues or can’t see them…. I agree with all of this although I haven’t had performance issues. The frustrating thing for me is the mistakes just feel silly. It seems like it was rushed almost. No speaker is fine, I don’t really care about that, but no battery or supported option is just an unforgivable oversight. Not putting enough RAM to support other NI instruments is also so counterintuitive. The other thing that drives me crazy and points towards just rushing it is the folder structure limitations when you have a thumb/external drive attached.. really? But outside from those things, you hit the nail on the head - this thing could be and really should be the stand alone unit we have dreamed for, and for the 1400 price tag that is what we deserved. This feels like an 800 MAYBE 1,000 dollar unit at most. As a side note - do you think the plan to expand instruments may be imbedded with Komplete now? Since the unit has wifi capabilities I wonder if they will try to bring more stand alone functionality that way.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you for the kind words and for sharing your experience! I don’t think Komplete Now is related yet but I suppose it could be. I shouldn’t take for granted that all Maschine users have Komplete Standard as well

[@TheOwlHead]

The new Akai MPC’s are more stable than granite. When you have a speaker in the battery on top of it enabling you to grab essentially a hard cover book and sit under a tree or a plane or anywhere without a second thought... Your god ,get one

[@nickgilday8946]

@@TheOwlHead I tried mpc and it just didn’t click for me. At the end of the day, despite issues, I still find my creative juices flow best with maschine. That’s just me tho. Too bad I gotta pay the price (literally lol) for that opinion!

[@WillieCarpenter17]

I pray they get it to what we atleast expected it to be for the money

[@AboutHouseMusic]

Waiting for a company like Apple to realise how much love they're missing out on by not coming out with a groove-box of their own. I feel NI would get their thumb out if they knew how most of us (in this market), would gladly fork out a substantial chunk for a device that excels at what it does. Maschine+ is definitely not a flagship product; at least not this version. I love NI and enjoy the majority of their products, M+ being the main exception. A SATA tray would be appreciated, along with all the usual connections you'd expect to find on the back of a pro-level unit. Thank you for being honest and not fake, like the rest of these so-called KZbin influencers.

[@noveltycrusade]

Calling a $1400 purchase a "tragedy" is going to hurt some feelings. Native instruments has always been one of my favorite audio companies. The maschine plus is a fantastic device. It's not ready to replace a DAW. Double the processing,double the ram. Allow time signature changes so it's not limited to 4/4. Maybe I'm just old. I don't want a device to only work for edm or hip hop. That said, I still love my mas+ Good review sir. Hope native ain't mad at ya 👍

[@DylanParisMusic]

For me it was a tragedy because it was so promising and does so much right but then does a few things wrong enough that it let me down. NI is absolutely one of the best companies in the game for music production. I think the synth quality in the plus compared to any other groove box shows this too. I totally get where people are coming from if feelings were hurt. I’m always gonna be honest and speak how I feel but I do have a ton of respect for users who love the plus (I still love it even though it’s got issues) and for the team at NI.

[@noveltycrusade]

@@DylanParisMusic well said

[@janeway1111]

It only has 4/4 ?!

[@noveltycrusade]

@@janeway1111 indeed. Honestly it's not for me. Great sounds in it though, if you want to treat it like an instrument. Otherwise it's a super fancy looper/sampler. Worth it if you're a dj I guess. Maybe.

[@janeway1111]

@@noveltycrusade I think the Akai Force only has 4/4 too. What on earth are these developers thinking ?! I was thinking of getting a Maschine+ but I play live and I can't have an unstable piece of gear so it's a no from me for now. If they bring out a MkII Maschine+ with more power under the hood I'll probably get one though.

[@novasiox3831]

Great comments and I`d agree with most of everything you said. What i dont get however is the obsession people have with portable/battery power for these type of devices. Who in their right mind would want to sit in a park with a 1400 dollar instrument? Where are people taking these that has no access to power? I`m really curious lol

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I got a lot of feedback like this on my first review and I addressed it in my re-review this year. You’re totally right, battery really isn’t a daily concern for me at this point

[@jdsolt6994]

I really enjoyed your honest and thoughtful review on the Maschine+. I love NI, their sound quality is one of the best in the business and Komplete is an essential part of my desktop recording setup. I love the Maschine workflow and creating a portable solution, although not perfect (as per the points you highlighted in your review), is a step closer in the right direction. I understand your buyers remorse, though, $1400 is not a small investment. I have watched your older videos and loved all the Gadget2, BM3 and AUM & LK (my favorite of what you have produced so far) content. I was wondering if you have been watching the reviews on Loopy Pro and what your thought were on that workflow and the possibilities that Loopy Pro offers? I am one of those iPad music producers who has gone deep down the rabbit hole and purchased $1000+ on music production apps. Would find your perspective on Loopy Pro valuable. Thanks for your time and all you do!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words! I am definitely curious about Loopy Pro, haven’t gone down the rabbit hole on it yet though. Definitely plan to!

[@MichaelGilboe]

I’ve been using ripcord with a battery Velcroed to the bottom for over a year, and have done over 400 songs with no issues. (A ripcord burned out once, but not the Maschine)

[@DylanParisMusic]

Good to hear! I’m nervous about doing something unsupported power wise but that setup sounds awesome

[@MichaelGilboe]

@@DylanParisMusic Do not skip on the battery. Get a good one. I have had problems with cheap batteries (but none hurt the unit itself.) I completely agree with your assessment. But I love it as a standalone composition unit. But I don't do anything live... If I did, I still don't find this remotely reliable enough for a live show. The whole point of hardware only would be to be more reliable live than a computer... and that this isn't!)

[@777lando4]

good insight here.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Thank you!

[@ItsJustEmK]

My prediction is the Gen2 of Maschine+ will be ARM-based and have a battery. I was honestly shocked they went with a low-power x86 chip in the first place considering what they were building.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I think so as well, will likely be a big leap

[@alchemistrpm82]

It's possible, but I wouldn't expect a battery. Plugging in is pretty par for the course with these devices, save the MPC Live. Let's just get a much more robust and modern chipset in the next one and go from there...

[@magnuseriksson8081]

You can use it with the computer too as well right???

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah but at that point a mk3 is a better option

[@magnuseriksson8081]

@@DylanParisMusic So if I act like the sales man here, if the I think the build quality alone and the fact that you can work standalone is worth extra 400$, its not too bad of a deal to rather go with the Plus? Stable is a minimum requirement though.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah I think if it is fully stable (not crashing and losing progress, loading projects without requiring restarts, not crackling at 50 percent CPU usage) then it’s worth the jump. That said I do think some of these things are better now with updates than they were 4 months ago

[@magnuseriksson8081]

@@DylanParisMusic Have tried to update the SD card to a faster one??

[@DylanParisMusic]

Definitely, it speeds loading times for plugins but hasn't resolved all issues

[@bbeckford90]

Honestly, I think ever since native instruments came out with the maschine studio, the fundamental problems that the maschine has had in general have still been there. Sure there are software updates that add features we've been clamoring for but even that is another major issue in itself. Wether it be hardware or software, Native instruments just takes way to long to respond to the issues involving the maschine. While the forums are active and you'll see some of the mods responds. But even then, the fundamental issues are that they take way to long and and do too little. It was like that for the studio, it was like that for the jam and it's the same for the studio. Ii just want NI to start using all that money to go towards hiring more people for the department responsible for the maschine. A more active community manager, hell even developing and actually actively communicating with their users so there's actual rapport built. Love NI, Love my studio and my jam but I don't love how slow they are for their products.

[@99MUZIK]

I won’t be surprised a Maschine studio pro with 8gb or more ram with a better cpu and a build in battery is in progress.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Would be a beast

[@MannyOGK]

Make a battery/hub that fits the bottom and on the battery it should be an USB hub feature more I/O's For audio and CV's maybe phantom power for condenser mics. And let the Maschine iOS app control the software and let the touch strip be able help edit piano roll.

[@rafsanrahi2469]

MPC One here...No regrets!

[@julianjupitah4364]

Wish NI will hear you...

[@ilovewhatidoforyou]

Everything this guy is saying should have been addressed before they even released this thing. Like, did they have a test group for the product?

[@word2RG]

So many little oversites. Like having to backspace out "New Project" for every new project. (I love that other device that auto-generates random, unique names for every new project. But Id be fine with a blank field.)

[@DylanParisMusic]

Oh man yeah that one seems like such an easy fix, definitely needed

[@ChazSeamus28]

Smh, so much potential.. I'm so routing for Native instruments to get this thing ironed out

[@Smobus]

I have a lot of machines, Akai Force etc but my fav is the Maschine+ with her defaults and quality

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah the plus is probably still my favorite standalone device

[@Smobus]

@@DylanParisMusic 👍

[@TheOwlHead]

I have no idea this side of Heaven how anyone could want to use the machine plus over any of the current generation of Akai. Look at the A-list hitters on the new generation Akai’s versus machine. Machine plus has nobody but Britney Spears

[@milk_bath]

@@TheOwlHead Where can I see Brittney banging out a beat on the Maschine?

[@nukenoly8751]

For $1399 you can get a used base model MacBook Air M1 and a regular used mk3 and have the most powerful and stable solution with amazing battery life …. AND have Ableton at your disposal when needed. Maschine4life but pass on the +

[@DylanParisMusic]

That’s a clutch setup! I ran my plus off an M1 pro and it was siiiick

[@synkuk]

No opinion on the Akai Force then ?

[@DylanParisMusic]

I owned it for a week and returned it within the return window. I’ve mentioned it in comments on other videos as well. For me the MPC LIVE platform is vastly superior but I have plenty of respect for folks who prefer the force

[@synkuk]

@@DylanParisMusic That's crazy, I moved from the Maschine MK3 to the Force (3.0.6 FW) and have made it the centre of the studio .. tried MPC and found it a regression compared to the MK3 or Force. horses for courses I guess

[@DylanParisMusic]

That’s rad! If it’s working for you that’s all that matters!

[@magnuseriksson8081]

It’s not done to be stand alone obviously, not the hardware or the UI

[@Jason75913]

The lack of visuals, akin to the actual plugins, is just fine. Visuals can be distracting. I can sort of understand the software woes with bugs and stability. Recoding their existing software to run on a custom Linux build. Alternatively, they could have tried tackling a custom Android build and use an ARMv8 SoC, but maybe the latter is more difficult? They wound up going Linux and an Atom CPU. And using the end users as beta testers for a new product. It is shameful and traditional for companies of any kind to get away with it. Typical modern mentality: release something half-baked, finish it over time with updates. They couldn't wait to start pushing sales.

[@user-tl6en9vq5x]

It’s fair compared the the OP-1 price lol

[@all-stargamingentertainmen1157]

Imagine this on a keyboard....you wouldn't need anything but a computer, speakers, and mic.

[@Hoodler]

I know you've touched on this in other videos. I simply can't get over the fact that once you buy a device like this you instantly lose computing power and is so much more limiting than the traditional laptop + controller method. You can literally buy a regular mk3 and a new mid grade laptop for that price. Craziness.

[@DylanParisMusic]

Yeah the power trade off and compatible plug-in trade off is big right now! I do think there is a value in the standalone experience but it is definitely a trade off

[@nic3939]

Great video, strongly agree with you on all points. I've used Maschine+ almost every day since it came out, but for the last year i've just used it as a controller for the software. I've mananged to do over three beat albums on it even! My biggest feature request would be stereo to mono left/right conversion already built-in. (Why isn't this a thing already in the box..??) I want them to take Ableton's Utility as an idea and put something very similar to that into Maschine! If you found a great lick on a record, or online, or whatever - even an expansion pack sample - wouldn't it be nice to mess only with the left side of the sample, or the right side? This is something I do all the time!

[@DylanParisMusic]

That's a good feature ask! And thanks for watching the video and sharing your experience!

[@josejuanvelardesevil6050]

You can pan each sound to left to right in the mixer just press the rotary button big one and it pass from volume to control the pan you can even pan a group so the options are there just learn more about it 😉 good luck and enjoy it

[@nic3939]

@@josejuanvelardesevil6050 I was talking about converting / extracting a stereo sample to straight mono. Say you have a sample where there is drums being played on the left side and other instruments on the right, you only want this left information with the drums. Yes of course, you can pan it to the left in the mixer - but then the drums will just stay on the left side. There is no way in the Maschine as of now to convert this left information to play on both sides of the stereo.

[@RobotSnake]

There are two kinds of people who own the M+. #1 People who to try convince themselves they were not ripped off and then #2, people that try and use it after every upgrade and after the 3rd or 4th crash, they just put it away and wait for them to make the device usable. This is just sad. Most of my crashes are sd card related and that should be like 15 year old tech….

[@RobotSnake]

Again; I expect what I was sold!

[@DylanParisMusic]

Seriously!! I had a great weekend with the plus and then today it decided to crackle on any project

[@rexeffect7122]

Native instruments should use the ARM processor technology , less CPU energy consumption, faster cpu processing speed. This would make everything snappy.

[@Jason75913]

I think it is weird they went Intel Atom instead of ARMv8

[@apoclypse]

NI barely has VST3 support and no native M1 Mac support you think they are going to do ARM? NI is not known to move fast when it comes to updating their plugins to the latest technology. NI has been saying they are working on VST3 support since 2013/2014 and they are just getting VST3 support in now over the last year or so. They love charging yearly for a new Komplete but can't be bothered to update the tech that runs their plugins.

[@smashSpikeMC]

I would buy one if better synths, stable and 1000$ its just sad

[@marcdavidson7839]

Next version should have ARM

[@DylanParisMusic]

agreed!

[@g-track5065]

This maschine is the truth!!!!

[@SonicVibe]

Should have went with the one lol and it half the price

[@_Leonardo_Sebastian_]

Is evident that you've received a "call" from NI after your first review and now the maschine "can be saved".

[@DylanParisMusic]

That would be wild haha, I got a comment from an industrial designer as I noted in the video and I have been using it more as it gets more patched. If there was ever external pressure from a third party that would be disclosed or it would be illegal.

[@_Leonardo_Sebastian_]

@@DylanParisMusic haha ok, sorry but I've seen a lot of "negative" reviews of gear and then, in few months, a new one saying "actually is not like that..." I agree with you, I have my new Maschine Plus (I'm from Argentina and I've paid USD 2000 for it) and I noticed some "unexpected behaviour" and, agree, is not as simple as a performance issue resolved by a "hotfix". Thank you for your review!

[@DylanParisMusic]

No worries! I definitely have warmed up to the device but I still think it needs some work to be worth the money. Appreciate you watching and sharing your feedback

[@crowbloke]

Have used maschine for years but the price put me off maschine+ I need a live performance tool so the akai force won it for me. Sorry NI but I think you dropped the ball on this one.

[@DopamineOverload]

Nope. ha. I still think Maschine MK3 is the way to go. Half the price. Third-party plugin support. Plugin mode inside your favorite DAW (more power / flexibility). Battery-powered from laptop. Most laptop batteries last 3-7 hours, depending on the brand/type. That's a good amount of time. Close the lid, put it under your MK3, get a 1' long USB cable, or retractable one, and go to town. A thin laptop under a lightweight MK3... it's still portable as hell. And if you need the keyboard to type filenames, you have it. All the sample storage and Kontakt library storage you could ever need (let's assume your main drive is 1TB, and a 2nd internal SSD instead of an optical drive could be another 1TB or 2TB since things are really cheap these days).... ya know? I just... MK3, all the way.

[@DylanParisMusic]

These are all great points, appreciate the feedback and insight!

[@disrupt8577]

Yes, all the things you say makes sense. Still, having a MK3, and a MacBook Air M1 that performs like magic with maschine software I find myself grabbing my Maschine+ and getting lost in the pure fun Of creating. Now there are a lot of things I wish for as I know the things the Maschine+ lacks. But trust me that if you upgrade your SD card to something better than the stock it comes with, you can create AAA music on this device and never need another piece of music gear again. Sure, stability will be a risk factor if you keep pushing it up to 95% CPU load. You can always resample the heavy patches and keep going. This could be made simpler, with a freeze function, but it can be done already. Switch from “what it can not do” to “what can I do with it”. A true marvel of engineering. The fact that you can put lots of virtual synths on it at the same time is amazing. I will give my M+ to someone I truly love when they come out with the M2+ - as that will be a guaranteed buy from me. I have bought most of the future-facing products from Native instruments over the years. The kore 2 was a really cool concept that just never worked, but somewhere that insight brought us the first maschine. And now we have a standalone Maschine+ that is better than anything else in the class. Keep pushing the dream Native Instruments. And keep listening to Dylan and we’ll all have a fantastic and fun future.

[@DylanParisMusic]

I'm glad you are having a good experience with your Maschine+ but I absolutely am not pushing the device anywhere close to even 70 percent CPU usage. I usually keep it near 50 and have still seen multiple glitches including crashing upon save. But I appreciate your insight and thoughtful response. Just want to make clear I know that if you push technology to it's absolute limit it can break. I am talking about crashes within standard usage ranges.

[@disrupt8577]

@@DylanParisMusic OK that is good to know! Yes, I completely agree with your priority on stability. And I have noticed that it’s not the smartest in anticipating CPU spikes and handling them. I too have had crashes but not “out of the blue” since updating the SD card. So from worst to best from a UX perspective I would suggest to NI: 1. Stop playback before/at CPU spike and throw up an “reduce CPU load to enable playback’ message (don’t just crash). 2. Enable manual freeze functions that are easily accessible. 3. Auto freeze heavy load areas and mark them in the GUI so the user can see where they might experience sluggishness in their tracks. But the list of feature “must haves” is pretty short in my book. A simple visual tuner. That’s my only must have. The list of “nice to haves” is quite long though.

[@Andylium]

Well the looks are great. I mean it’s german.

[@robertsc1]

It's not worth the price - should be $800 or less in its current state. This a classic example of a music company trying to develop technology which they have no idea about - pathetic amounts of storage and processing power. The MPC kills this product, despite also being fairly limited on internal storage.

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

Cool but they’re working out how they can make more money with empty promises

[@marvinbennett8384]

MPC (new generations ) Nothing else needs to be said

[@DylanParisMusic]

Love my LIVE II for sure, lot of stuff NI can learn from that one.

[@alexmax9832]

Go Native, Wake Up!

[@ShaighJosephson]

The Maschine+ is unstable, proprietary junk !!! There's no polishing this turd... Suggest getting a mint condition Akai Force on Reverb for about $800... That's the biggest bang for the buck, totally stable, non-proprietary, and blows the Maschine+ away for capabilities... You're welcome... 🙂

[@Spawnwrath]

My reasoning before aquired You love going out. You want to get away from the PC's. You want someting more than a synth for $1400 Maschine+ Portable DAW /standalone midi controller. (Requires battery/power supply) Anyway... You are a caveperson You PC to live. You wan the most for $699 Maschine MK3- PC required (Unlimited power)/ standalone midi controller , will run most if not all your plugins including effects.(Requires USB Power/power supply)

[@shadezondabeat6121]

Maschine + isn't worth no more than £600 let's be real

[@mrrafsk]

Keep click bait bitching dude. I remember a KZbinr did this with the mpc live and I then bought the mpc for less than a 1/3 less of its current eBay price. Sweet bargain. That mother also launched a successful channel after behaving like this. But for all the pissed peeps out there wanting to sell their Maschine +, let me help you (it’s £650 on eBay now). Does it annoy you that: 1) the lack of cpu optimisation/voice stealing results in crackles, when doing a fraction of the desktop version, really frustrating is that the ui becomes laggy and using the knobs inconsistent. 2) Kontakt and Reaktor is broken apart from the included sounds. 3) The UI is performance only, and you will never create patches on this box and remain sane. In my perfect world, NI Au3’s all their software, buys out/copy iConnectivity, and I can plug in a iPad to the m+ for all the extra CPU, touch UI and audio I/O I dream of. Of course what will happen, I guess, is that NI will do what they did with the controllers. Upsell three versions of hardware, relying on pro peeps having dough, until they get it right and everyone forgets the nightmare, of Christmas past, because the last version is so awesome. Maybe I’m wrong I hope so. FYI: The crashing is more how you drive it. I saw Gnarly at the Royal festival hall do a 60min live set on the M+ and a poet.. it was sweet as. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o2SkZHmNnJWnntV5ven the mpc live is still crashing atm, but about third less than the m+. Also the ripcord solution is working fine. For a £30 power bank and some Velcro underneath, you have a working, if slightly unsightly solid 8h charge. pax dude

[@DylanParisMusic]

I think I was pretty honest and fair in this video but if you feel baited I'm sorry for that. I agree that an iPad version of Maschine (full Maschine not iMaschine) would be rad as hell. If my channel becomes successful off of sincere and thought out videos like this I'll be proud. Thanks for watching and thanks for the feedback.