First Day with MASCHINE+ // FINALLY a standalone Maschine!!

Finally we are getting a STANDALONE maschine, called MASCHINE+ and in todays video I am unboxing and taking a first look at it. Sponsored by DistroKid. Use my link and get 7% off: distrokid.com/v... - its a solid service for getting your tracks onto Spotify & iTunes.
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@Native Instruments
#nativeinstruments #maschine #maschineplus

[@BoBeats]

If you want to pick up a Maschine+ you can use my affiliate link and support the channel: From NI directly: bit.ly/MaschineStandalone EU: redir.love/JdfuRpF0 US: imp.i114863.net/m69Yy (affiliate links means that I earn a small commission if you buy something using my link)

[@7177YT]

Thank you for the review! The most informed video I saw so far. I'd be interested in a comparison to the mc707 for obvious reasons. (: Which one is more inspiring in your opinion?

[@BoBeats]

Thats a difficult question. MC707 is much more limited, but it does have some fun performance aspects (good perf fx and a bit more hands on control). Maschine is product I really enjoy with a computer and having it standalone is amazing. But, keep in mind that I am very biased because I am a dedicated Maschine user. So to me Maschine is just way better -for me- but for someone else? Thats hard to say. I’d say Octatrack, MPC Live or One, Maschine, an iPad, mc707, deluge all have their fanbases and strengths/weaknesses. So its just about doing the research.

[@7177YT]

@@BoBeatsThx for the rapid reply! I knew I was asking smthg nearly impossible to answer objectively. (;

[@GirlfightClub]

Why buy this when a Force is so much cheaper and there’s software to use Maschine sounds on the Force?

[@jonathanwadas4928]

Can you master/record then export a track all in this?

[@ricobenavides]

Imagine a standalone Ableton Push, which let you go back and fourth between standalone mode and controller mode. Now that’s some thing I’d rather save up for.

[@NewKilnStudios]

And imagine the price of that...would love it tho

[@signas9896]

Oooo man Ableton has the game locked down when it comes to live looping. Bitwig us catching up though pretty fast and hopefully Maschine can add those live looping features so hardware like the jam doesn't go in vain.

[@nicholassturgess-monks4458]

Isn’t that what the Akai Force is?

[@ricobenavides]

Nicholas Sturgess-Monks I got the Akai Force the Ableton integration lacks a lot of features. Drum tracks cant even be exported to ableton split in different tracks, say kick, snare, clap etc. So the abilities of making any adjustments to the drum parts while in Ableton are pretty much non existent. Also the 64 pad grid can NOT be used as a midi keyboard while in Ableton mode ...

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

I think the advantage of the push2 is that you can make a beat on just the push and then immediately continue working on the song in Ableton. When I use my MPC live I can export to ableton, but then I can just export midi or rendered samples

[@elsongs]

Heard a lot of pushback on the new unit this past week on social media. So it's basically Rage Against The Maschine+.

[@fincorrigan7139]

Best comment on the "+" I've heard - nice one :)

[@99MUZIK]

My personal opinion I think the ultimate stand-alone will be MASCHINE STUDIO MK2 with a touch screen and Battery portability with a better processor with a least 32gb ram with a ssd installed. 3rd party vst plugins compatibility also be able to load the entire komplete plugins. It will be a dream come true

[@HammyHavoc]

"Studio" doesn't imply portable and battery-powered though. Mikro perhaps.

[@truecuckoo]

Nice video, mate! ⚡️

[@brodylowe644]

As a lover of the MPC, I have to say this looks and feels far more intuitive. I wish they had the connectivity that the MPC has, but still very very nice

[@ramonkey2939]

you said it - Live or Die based on its Software support

[@errorkit]

Maschine mk3 User here - well...not so much anymore - went Dawless with a Keystep Pro and some nice Synths....I love my Maschine, but I don't really see the Use of the +...Im not a Gig-Performer, so perhaps for some Stage Artists because the Maschine Workflow is really fast - but...yeah...the Controls for Live Action like Perform FX (only on Groups) is...I dont know....I have more Fun and Possibilites with my Roland MX1 - I know I know, all Synths in a Box vs. a huge amount of Gear...but yeah...Much more fun with my MC707 - too much scrolling with the Maschine, no sep. Phone Signal...I dont know, we'll see what's gonna happen to the + ✌️

[@errorkit]

I forgot sth 🙈 The Color and the new Knobs are lit af 🤣🔥

[@booradley8232]

So am I the only one that really thought native should have gone more towards the developing its DAW vs a MK3 with features that we should have seen out of the gate?...everyone is a critic and I love the MK3 but I would be giving a lot less static with a MK3 studio/jam hybrid

[@corrosiveabuser]

I much prerfer the look and build of the Maschine+ over the new Akai MPC units, but, only having one pair of stereo outputs is a big no for me, unless I'm missing something, - for me, personally, if i can't use external processing on individual tracks in a live setup, well, i may as well just use my MacBook and Logic with an Apogee Duet. I've owned my MPC60ii since 1991, - bought it brand new, - and it still gets used regularly, and the multiple outs are essential, so much so that 15yrs ago i bought a secondhand MPC2000xl-SE1 to use as an expander. Just my opinion, not knocking anyone, and it looks and sounds like a pro level, premium device, - it just seems lacking in the connectivity department, - considering the cost. love to ALL, feel no hate

[@nativerezmedia]

Technically it has 2 outs... it has an headphone out with stereo capabilities. Same as the inputs (2 if you include the mic input).

[@embodie_breaks7089]

i wont buy it without more inputs and midi. i feel the mpcx needs more inputs as is. no harddrive sucks though

[@slakk5093]

I don't understand all these new standalone devise with only 1 stereo output. The 1010 blackbox has 3 stereo outs.. can be used as 6 mono or a combination like one stereo and 4 mono. They can also send CV. Why these big name devices limit user like this is frustrating.

[@XBASS247]

Bokeh I was thinking the same thing but wats the point , you can bounce all tracks into audio for daw use ,I use to do the same with my akai s5000 , but now I use a analogy mixer to run in one record input now , and just keep all coming from hardware ,I don’t record the into computer no more and separate tracks , it’s kills the the sound , best just coming live from hardware , so from a standalone point we dont need all the outputs no more

[@slakk5093]

@@XBASS247 yeah I want seperate outs for standalone, I like to run outputs through guitar pedals like Strymon blue sky etc. Then the pedal outputs go into a small mixer. That way I can have a distortion and compression chain on the drums, reverb on melodic stuff etc. The whole point is I want to do all this standalone and only one output kills that idea completely

[@DawlessHouseMusic]

Waited years for this only to find out I didn't want it.

[@GirlfightClub]

Heavy

[@XBASS247]

2 years to late in think 🤔

[@HammyHavoc]

If it'd had a battery then it'd have had more of a chance of winning me over.

[@HammyHavoc]

@TruthIsABitterPill Because it is frankly underwhelming versus the competition, especially at the current price point.

[@GirlfightClub]

Hammy Havoc Akai Force and it’s upcoming arranger FTW

[@jppagetoo]

There is a lot to like. I'd love to have one. I can see this being a competitor for the MPC X. But at $1399 USD I can't justify it for my setup.

[@BoBeats]

its not cheap thats for sure

[@ConwayBob]

Yeah, it's pricey. But I suppose the question we need to ask would be: Is there enough bang per buck to justify spending that much on this box? I suppose the answer for some would be a resounding "yes" but for many others, it would be "no" or a resolute "maybe."

[@chrisloren9363]

Bob Conway I honestly don't see how it could be worth it. I really want one, but that's just an insane price point

[@LukezyM]

Tbh, I think this is more a Mpc One competitor. But with such a price difference, don’t know if it is.

[@ConwayBob]

@@chrisloren9363 -- I doubt that I would ever want to pay this much for a device like this. Would rather spend it on a great synth.

[@soyfernansu]

The really game changer will be when you can load the NKS partners plugins. Imagine U-he Diva on that thing.

[@embodie_breaks7089]

IF*

[@nsp932]

I think it would need a lot more ram especially to run u-he plugins. I hope the ability to run 3rd party plugins becomes real before I give up on it entirely though.

[@ElektroMoog]

I’m sorry but your review for Maschine+ is okay for a beginner who want to know about the Maschine.. but we would like to know more about the Maschine+... does it have all the function of the Maschine software? Like Variation, Performamce FX, etc (advance workflow)...

[@RP-mp4ow]

Thank you making the distinction of comparing this hardware with other hardware instead of just comparing the hardware with its software counterpart. I think that’s the biggest fallacy at the core of people’s complaints with this. I was underwhelmed at first until I realized how powerful this thing is in the land of hardware and it’s competitors

[@BoBeats]

exactly. it definitely rivals the MPC’s easily.

[@remyvegamedia]

I've heard a few negative things about the Maschine + and a guy at a shop out here suggested I look at it and it seems to be a nice experience. I had the MPC One shortly. I'm new to the MPC but it just felt slow. I have to see more on this Maschine Plus, this video made it seem like a much smoother process. Even the Deluge seems more effective for building whole songs in comparison to the MPC. Haha.

[@jamesw2831]

I was waiting for your walkthrough. You are really a wizard with these standalone devices and synths. I can't wait to watch this when I get off work.

[@niklassilen4313]

80% CPU usage for such a simple arrangement? Sigh.. wish they went with a better CPU than the Intel Atom.

[@blaablaa22]

Yeah... but I guess there's always the heating issue, unfortunately. But I can't help but thinking if Intel m3 or some 15w Ryzen would've been better choice (neither of these should need a separate cooling system).

[@ThatBonsaipanda]

Couldn't find specs on the CPU architecture, but I would guess it's build on an ARM board. CPU load is mended with optimizing the audio path and using sample based instruments instead of the VST synths.

[@niklassilen4313]

@@ThatBonsaipanda It's been confirmed in multiple places that it's an Intel Atom.

[@foreverseethe]

Oh you mean you wish it was more like a modern computer? ...don't they have...modern computers for that?

[@niklassilen4313]

@@foreverseethe I guess they are pandering to the audience that isn't all that tech savvy and thus can get away with some truly mind blowing decisions and pricing to go with it.

[@koji505]

Finally a standalone!!!!!! Thank you for the video!! I am glad Native instruments Finally listen to their customers!! Thank you NI

[@JAMES45229]

Im still good with my first generation that I bought in 2010 with software upgrades and all my sound packs. Its all in how you use it. You can have the best car and still lose the race.

[@DopamineOverload]

Thanks for the vid, Bo. I'm a longtime Maschine user and NI geek. As I posted on the official NI launch video, and Accurate's, too... Fourteen hundred dollars is just a bit too steep. No battery. No XLR input or phantom power. No 3rd-party plugin support. Creative MK3 users just disable sleep mode with their laptop, and they have a standalone, battery-powered solution (3-8 hours of battery life, depending on who you talk to). The MK3 is light enough to feel like a battery-powered solution, even with a laptop under it, with the lid closed. Short USB cable, maybe some velcro on your laptop's lid and the bottom of your MK3, and you're good to go. I bought a used Dell Precision laptop a few years ago for under $200 (quad-core i7 with full HD display). I spent another $200 upgrading it with a 1TB SSD, 32gb ram (up from 16gb). Total cost with the MK3: $1k. On the laptop also: Reaper, Ableton Lite, MPC Beats, etc. Everything I need in one place. Full 3rd-party plugin support. The only time I need to use the laptop (when running Maschine standalone, the software) is to type in the filename of whatever I save. Beyond that, no need to look at the screen or open the lid. I'm a die-hard Maschine/NI fanboy.. it's no secret how much I love how configurable each Maschine is, as a MIDI controller for DAWs or plugins. And I've not been a fan of Akai even owning an MPC2000XL over 20 years ago and regularly using it before I tired of it and its sluggish workflow (chopping samples even with Maschine 1.0 was ten times faster). This year, Akai released MPC One, MPC Beats (the free beatmaking software) and the MPC Live 2. While again, I'n no fan of Akai, they got things right with the MPC One and its price point. And MPC Beats is pretty fun and powerful, and how you can use any MIDI controller with it... midi-mapped to your liking. I can't justify spending $1400 on a standalone Maschine, especially considering the investment I've put in over the last 11 years with buying every Maschine since MK1 (wound up selling them all over the years, and picking them all up again when the prices drastically declined). The only ones I bought new and held onto: Maschine JAM and MK3. I've never once had Maschine crash on me, since version 2.0 seven years ago. That's pretty stable, and makes a standalone version unnecessary. A lot of standalone appeal comes from those who argue "hardware doesn't crash!" (Akai hardware did/does constantly). But Maschine's never crashed on me. Not once. The MK3 is still an incredible piece of gear. But, when you compare Maschine+ to the competition.... the MPC Live 2 is $200 less, runs on battery power, has additional SSD storage, phono in for a proper turntable, CV.... the factory library content is still pretty dope. It may not be up to Maschine's quality, but certainly usable. And while I could care less about the speaker, it's cool to have. I just think that's the better choice, overall. That said... I wonder what NI's plans are, re: Studio MK2. I think it's overdue. I hope to not receive any hate or trolling with my comment... I'm a huge fan and supporter of NI. Just need to express what so many of us are feeling, since this was released two days ago. Nothing but real talk. Speaking of... the one thing all Maschine users have desperately needed since 2009: the proper Arrangement/Song mode... with the new update ("clips", etc) and the freedom to put anything anywhere on the timeline (according to NI, anyway)... that's going to be a welcome addition to all users who don't need Maschine+. And before I forget-- yeah. That CPU % is a bit too high for my comfort level. Every instrument is an inspiring tool, for all of us. Whether it's Maschine MK3, Maschine+, or MPC One, MPC Live, MPC Studio, Push 2, Launchpad Pro MK3. Whatever gets the job done, gets it done. I own a ton of MIDI controllers for a ton of different reasons. No matter what, we've got to research and not buy into hype. And stay creative with what we've already got. :)

[@BoBeats]

Its always good to express concerns and give feedback.

[@solaryzer]

@ chriscauldermusic , great comment :-)

[@roberthollander4522]

This is the best, most comprehensive, realistic comment and I could not agree more.

[@DopamineOverload]

@@roberthollander4522 Thanks Robert!

[@DopamineOverload]

@@solaryzer Thanks!

[@thegoldenamerican]

Which is a better companion to the Yamaha MODX and why? Thanks.... 1. NI Maschine + 2. Akai MPC One

[@DJRX78]

21:55 I think this is a smart way to look at it, but my goodness I'm excited to jump in!!! I'll explain below.

[@DJRX78]

For about a decade now I've been using the Mk1. I'm a designer/illustrator professionally, so music has been more of an avocation. The most up-to-date gear I have is the Z2 mixer for Traktor. A rep from Native Instruments asked me while at a hostel in Japan why I still was using the Mk1. Aside from money always playing a big part in it, I just never really had a reason to upgrade. I still was, and still am, figuring out all I can with the Mk1 and Maschine 1.8.2. 10 years though, and my 2009 laptop already having one hard drive crash is plenty of reason to upgrade. The M+ is exactly what I've been waiting for. It's a brand new experience with a name I'm familiar with. It still offers the same basic function as the Mk1, but expands on that with near limitless possibility for the future as new patches and updates come in. Unlike the Mk3, the M+ can evolve over time. I'm sure future versions will be more powerful, but the fact that Native Instruments is more concerned with making it a solid platform before moving forward is reassuring. I'm about to turn 30, and music and audio is becoming more and more important as an auxiliary component to my work, nearly essential to be able to sell my work beyond a nice image or gif on behance. From avocation, to an integrated part of my professional workflow, the M+ seems to be just what I was looking for. Certainly I'll need to wait a little while before I can buy into it literally, a couple pay check as I have a number of things I'm saving for beyond the M+ (like a keyboard, komplete 13, etc.). Still the future is looking bright. 2021 is going to be a fantastic year!

[@anton.che.musica]

Is it possible to make sounds from scratch using internal synth engines? And if yes, how convenient is that process speaking about Maschine's interface?

[@ichisanjman7663]

Has native instruments discontinued maschine jam? or are about to release a new generation?

[@HammyHavoc]

They said on their own KZbin channel in regards to Jam support on the Maschine+ that they are now focusing on their "current" product portfolio, seemingly implying the Jam is EOL.

[@dharmadove]

I just purchased an AKAI MPC One. It is quite a powerful production tool for the price, US $699. It has the ability to add many devices via USB with a powered hub which made it my choice. I'm using a Autura Keystep, Model Argon 8, Korg Volca FM, PC with the Modal app and occasionally Abelton Live. I looked at the Machine but the cost was beyond my budget. Since I'm learning a new work flow with the MPC, I was curious if you could sometime do a show discussing the various workflows producers use. Maybe some of your online friends could participate. Toys are nice but the work flow underlying their use deserves a bit of discussion. Thanks for your new videos, they are always well received. Great show as always!

[@_tyrelljr]

The value in the pack is quite excellent.. If you don't have Komplete 12/13 already. My only fear with the hardware is that in some instances Massive and other NI software can be quite CPU monsters especially complex patches in Massive, wondering how this holds up in more intensive scenarios

[@stephenmandelbaum2027]

I don't think the price is as bad as some people are making it out to be, I mean the korg triton was about the same price at launch. I think the biggest issue here is the timing; this would be perfect for a gigging musician, but gigging is pretty hard to do right now with c-vid.

[@MIDAZSITH]

I've had some problems with my Mpc X when I bought sent it in for repair same problems talked to the music store I got it from and was able to get A mpc live 2 and other equipment for the value of the X. Was back logged until Oct 1 was going to cancel and get this. I have a mk3. Ummm, well sorry NI not going to cancel.

[@nativerezmedia]

Remember all... this is a different architecture than the regular x64 that your regular desktop/laptop runs. It's an ARM platform, basically what a tablet/phone runs, so all software that it runs has to be made specifically for it from NI and 3rd party. Keep that in mind before you purchase, all software you have may not translate to this if the developers do not convert it. It's definitely dope tech, I have an MK3 and this would be a step back for me. lol

[@georgegeorge4199]

Thank you very much for the review BoBeats. I have 2 questions about the registration through wifi and the customer ID. So, when you opened for the first time the Maschine you had to activate the product through wifi with your customer ID in order the Maschine to work? And my second question is you have to be always online in order the Maschine to work?

[@BoBeats]

Yes I think that wa show it worked. I used my NI Id. I dont beliebe you have to be always online. That would be very weird

[@eclipxe]

You don't have to be always online. There is even an "airplane mode"

[@vlove888]

I don't think I can justify the price, no battery, no touch screen, sure it has a SD card lot but no expandable internal hard, cost $300 more than the MPC live but the live has more features and the MPC One is half the price with about the same features, sure NI sound packs are second to none but you can always use them as a VST in your DAW, I think they should focused more on improving there DAW(dedicated audio tracks.ect,ect) So I might have to pass on this one.

[@jorgefrias7889]

Bro that's what I say. I have a machine mk3 with a 20 ft usb cable and that's my standalone right there lol

[@howforless]

Pretty sure the mpc live has very simple and boring synths built in

[@tiggerdyret]

I agree that this should have had touchscreen and battery. But I have heard the argument that you can use the sound on your computer a lot, but I don't think it makes sense. The whole purpose of using a standalone box is to have the features without a PC, so you can write quality tracks on the go and use it for live gigs. It doesn't matter to have these plugins on your PC, if you are bringing your MPC with your and leaving the PC at home. Of course you'd get way more bang for your buck and flexibility, if you used a laptop with midi controllers, but that is not the point of having a standalone device IMO. I'm not saying your reasoning is wrong, if you don't feel it makes sense to get this over an Akai, but I do think the quality of the sounds matters when discussing it's value. And just because these sounds are available on other platforms doesn't mean they aren't better then what other dawless devices has to offer.

[@jorgefrias7889]

@@tiggerdyret I agree man everyone has a different workflow. It's like I'd love to that this thing to central park, or by the beach and just create. I'm sure in the future they'll implement a battery because this topic is discussed on nearly every video so it is important to some people. Regardless I'm not mad at Native Instruments. These people have been going hard at creating tools for us to create for a long time. I have much faith in them.

[@CezarCazan_evx]

Thanks for your awesome video! How is your experience with adding your own WAV files onto the SD card and browsing through them? Is it easy to organize and see this in the browser? Using folders or do I have to manually tag everything? Thanks for your help. Keep the vids comin!

[@BoBeats]

Because not everything is final I have waited to give a verdict on this. You can load samples no problem, but I suspect some stuff around this will change this year.

[@willhoffman8923]

Jeez Bo.. your. musicality skills make everything you touch sound so damn tempting. Could my solid but slightly boring macbook pro sofa companion be ousted for this new flashy jezebel? Just found myself on Amazon looking at 512gb SD cards.. its started..

[@kroser1983]

i already own a mk3 and an mpc x but im still so tempted to sell my mk 3 and get this. i love standalone and i love maschine.......i questioning myself as to weather i would still use my mpc x if i had this. this would be a very easy choice and buy for me if not for the price range

[@nutterwithbutter]

I'm not 100% sold on this... given it needs a power brick (and not battery powered), if i'm travelling somewhere with a wall plug, I'm most likely going to have my laptop with me too. Also - the CPU seems quite weak. For the price, I'd get a standard MK3 with a MS surface pro - place the surface underneath if I need "standalone"

[@TheSameDonkey]

One of my first thoughts is combining it with a modular using an FH-2 with a bunch of expanders. Sort of a hybrid setup minus the monitors

[@ahzootube]

Seems like the recorded automations are not marked. Hard to know what was automated

[@DoctorNemmo]

I want this. But I alreadyhave my Maschine and an MPC Live. So I'll wait for gen 2, with a more powerful processor.

[@markseagraves5486]

Hi Bo! I was a little excited about seeing a standalone version of Machine. I would imagine it does everything Native Instruments currently claims it does, and this is impressive. As you point out - beta, potential... could be... hope... It could be great, If you disregard history entirely. I am a long-term Native Instuments user for both hardware and software. I use Kontakt, Massive and Batterie daily and have for years. I was a Reaktor user since day one and a Blocks user briefly, but VCV Rack immediately captured my attention in that virtual modular space. Max and Max for Live fill in any gaps for utilities and midi processing. I was excited when long awaited updates to Reaktor came along only to find that most of my years of coding in earlier releases of Reaktor where broken and I still have compatibility issues with even the most utilitarian of legacy Reaktor ensembles. I was excited when an ‘update’ to Massive was announced only to have Massive X revealed. WTF? Thank you Steve Duda for Serum. I still have an S49 and an old Maschine mk1 in my studio. Both however see little use if any as I am not a big fan of the Maschine software environment. I had hopes for Kontrol, but it has proven to be a middleware kluge fest at best. I’ve also gone down the Tracktor route with both hardware and software. I have found using any of these hybrid hardware/software devices outside of the NI software universe is frustrating and ultimately pointless for me. But for those that do feel a connection with the Maschine software environment, I understand why it would be interesting to have a standalone version. I immediately thought of this unit as a potential standalone Massive or FM 8 box. Certainly a killer drum machine. That would be very cool. But then again you could simply buy or build a fast cheap pc laptop and put it on a network as a VST slave that can also roll to the club the moment they call. Maschine + looks great. My pile of legacy NI hardware still powers up just fine. I suspect this new offering is ‘well built and sturdy’, but I do have very real concerns about this box. One of the most important concerns I feel, is Native Instrument’s track record on supporting legacy hardware. Anybody remember Kore? Has anyone had difficulty keeping their legacy Maschine hardware functioning? NI themselves say use it ‘at your own risk’. Has anybody experienced difficulty using their NI hardware with third-party plugins or DAWs? Pointless. Now here, we have a product that is billed as a standalone Maschine studio based on a fast PC. There doesn’t seem to be any information on this processor’s operating system. It appears this unit requires additional Native Instruments only hardware to expand its audio capability. Although it is touted as a PC, it only has wireless connectivity. If it can connect to a wireless network, why no ethernet port? No Bluetooth? Is there a way with Maschine + to connect directly to another PC to stream audio and MIDI or must you use Maschine desktop/plugin? Do you need licenses on your pc to use those plugins bundled with the unit? What about 3rd party libraries for Kontakt, or any of my custom libraries for the few instruments I actually use from Komplete. I’m not a factory patch junky and rarely if ever use any of the NI’s factory content. I do have Terabytes of sample libraries on fast attached storage. Can you even attach storage or are you stuck with SD cards? My experience over the years with NI is that their Kontent is King. My personal and pro third party libraries are difficult to import and prove flaky given the constant changes in library architecture, licensing protocols and update management strategies we’ve seen from NI. Updating a pc based device via some online portal wirelessly just looks like a potential nightmare. If you follow the thread of what NI ins has done in the past with hardware, it’s likely that Maschine Plus will follow a similar path. If Maschine + is a major success, they will quickly replace it with new and better hardware, pushing a premium version - Faster Processor, Expandable RAM, more onboard I/O, Bluetooth and Ethernet immediately spring to mind. Success would likely spawn stripped down versions as well. Something essentially identical to what is on offer now, only much cheaper in every respect, and that much farther down the road to obsolescence. On the flip side, If it is not an immediate success, they will likely abandon it, along with all of the early adopters who shelled out good money for what may soon become an incompatible doorstop with zero resale value. I absolutely love using a very small set of tools from NI. But I also have a Kore & Maschine Mk1 in my studio - there as a reminder to not drink NI’s new cool aid too quickly.

[@bluelouie399]

You voice some serious concerns. I have truly never been so excited for a product and also so incredibly nervous that upon getting this I will feel limited with my live performances.. Time will tell. I hope I am able to really push this thing for live finger drumming performances

[@fabianbolivar1588]

How solid is the integration with external midi or gear like digitakt? Maybe a good topic for the next Video

[@Nixtamal]

Very Good review. But how can we make a one hour live performance with this standalone products ? We finally need a computer or a looper for make transition during the loading time, no ?

[@Iredidv]

What sd card were you using and also what types are compatible? Sd, sdhc,sdxc...? could make a difference in loading times, like when you compared loading times with a pc.

[@dizzy-dreams]

Great!! I have a question, can't find the answer anywhere, even NI support doesn't give any support : does maschine? Can work on battery (not powered on the main?) thanks for your feedback.

[@leesimz_]

Great review again Bo... Is there a feature request page at NI? Would love midi clip import from sd card.

[@DavidDeLuge]

Great video. This certainly looks to be a powerful device. Would it tempt me away from my Deluge? Hmmm, time will tell once I see some full reviews and start to understand the limitations it might have. The screens and menu diving still remind me of my day job, which is precisely why I love the Deluge because the vast majority of functions are available from buttons directly. Keep those videos coming.

[@tobiaswinkler6971]

Outcome?

[@DavidDeLuge]

@@tobiaswinkler6971 I've not pulled the trigger but have now also got the Dirtywave M8, Roland SP-404MKII and Polyend Play 😁

[@SnowbadgerCentral]

Thanks for the great overview. It was really nice to see you working quickly with the M+ to create a beat as that gave me a good idea of the workflow possibilities. I just sprang for an MC-707 and a SL61 MK III to get the combination I was looking for in a set of standalone groovebox and controller centerpieces that I can power from USB batteries but still give me some options for working both with other hardware and with Ableton. I already have the Push 2, Komplete, the Arturia collection, and a few other soft synths like Serum to use on my laptop as well as a 1010 Blackbox, ZOIA, Circuit, CMS, and some nice beat making apps on the iPad that work well with my Keystep 32 and ATOM pad controller so I have plenty of relatively portable ways to work on new ideas or even perform with. I also looked hard at the Akai Force and MPC One when those were released but I've become increasingly disenchanted with Akai's tendency to just keep dropping more new gear instead of fully supporting the stuff that's already out there. Still, I'm a huge fan of NI's virtual instruments and sound libraries so having even a subset of that in a standalone version of Maschine is an incredibly attractive idea. I'll be watching to see how things evolve. I also wonder if there might be something like a standalone Maschine Mikro coming to compete with the MC-101? In the meanwhile, I'll keep saving for a Hydrasynth and a dedicated desktop music production PC. I really love your channel and give a lot of weight to your insight and experience. Thanks again!

[@cresshead]

probably worth revisiting once they have a good bug fix firmware update/ non beta version fix the lack of folder support add usb qwerty keyboard support for file naming se if any 3rd party plugins come over add an auto-sampler add u.i. to the onboard plugins for good looking/feedback on editng them

[@Datsunn]

Thanks for this!! I’m so hyped to get mine but I know not to set my expectations TOO high!!

[@BoBeats]

Yeah man! I think you will love it for what it is. And heres 🙏 for even more VST goodies down the line

[@MJ-xm1jb]

Your video really cleared up a lot of questions and rumored issues going around! Thank you, im definitely upgrading from my MK3

[@eliaszerano3510]

Do the encoders feel better then the previous maschines ?

[@beatzandwheels]

Maybe a stupid question but in practice its quite important to me... Since the CPU meter seems to go off all the time .... does this thing get hot?! Im looking for something I can at least make beats on the couch...^^ So i wouldnt mind the power cord... but how warm does it really get?

[@BoBeats]

I have not noticed it getting hot at all. But I have not put it against my bare legs in a sofa. But generally speaking I dont think it gets very hot at all.

[@Randuski]

That's actually something i hadn't considered. Cpu. Based on what you did in this video, I'm almost certain i would cause this thing to explode with every project. So i actually don't think this is an option for me. It seems like it could be because ni never designed these plugins to operate on something other than a computer. They aren't as efficient as something that is purpose built for a stand alone unit. I really don't know how this thing is going to be going forward. Definitely gonna have to watch for a while before getting one

[@TurkmanSouljah]

Thank you Bobeats.. I was wondering. How big is the sample ram? Is it 700mb ish like on the mpc live?

[@BoBeats]

4GB ram I believe but I actually dont know how samples are handled. Whats being streamed of the disk and not

[@TurkmanSouljah]

BoBeats ok thank you for the answer.. And gratttis on your new studios

[@TeleporterM11]

Bo it has been two years…..can you do another review or are you waiting for the next version.

[@lindsaywebb1904]

I might have missed it on the explanation but are the sounds/instruments included or are just buying the device and you have to own NI instruments separately? Makes a huge difference to the value on offer.. otherwise I must say I'm surprised that NI did this...I mean they called Native Instruments

[@BoBeats]

you get a lot of sounds with it, it should all be on NI’s page.

[@MattiasHolmgren]

Great video on the Maschine+ Bo! I guess, performance wise, to get the most out of the standalone unit one should use basic samplers, rather than tons of more demanding VSTis to hog that (Atom!?) Cpu. Love the Grain Delay of Maschine software. Can't wait to see if the CPU will hold up to play back some of my old arrangements. What's your favourite part of the Maschine+ Bo after using it for a few more days? Trevlig helg! 🌞

[@BoBeats]

Build quality and sampling (which I will talk about in another vid) are two things I do enjoy alot with it. And having some of the NI sounds in standalone. The cpu isnt super powerful but it holds up for a decent arrangement from my tests. But its not close to a Macbook Pro at all

[@kisho2679]

how compares it with the Akai Force?

[@skilla4hire]

when you connect it to mac or pc to use it as a controller is it then powered by the pc/mac? Or does it still need to be plugged into another power source?

[@absolute0815]

So..it is still not able to handle lets say 4 instances of diva?😕i never use the library SAMPLES.

[@alecsbuga]

Hey Bo. What about accessing that Sd card? How does that work? I mean copying samples on it and importing them in

[@BoBeats]

You can connect to a computer in host most or just load to the sd card

[@alecsbuga]

BoBeats I mean sticking a card with samples in it and load them into a group.

[@alecsbuga]

How do you browse the card in standalone

[@Goratek]

Hi Bo ! Is the maschine+ usable for let's say techno liveset ? Like how are the mute groups organised and pattern change and how can i use the effects live while changing patterns or mutes?

[@npntube6847]

I was stumbling between MPC One and Force. This video actually brought Maschine MK3 into my considerations due to being so much cheaper than the Plus.

[@devadiponeness]

Hi, what do you think is better between MASCHINE+ and Roland MC 707 obviously for a live use ? now the prices are quite similar. Somebody says that MASCHINE+ has not touch screen (AKAI yes.....MC 707 no)...MASCHINE+ no batteries (MC 707 yes)....Thanks

[@BoBeats]

Maschine+ is a better all around workstation than MC707. But the mc707 is a bit more hands on for performing. Mpc one/live/force has touch screen and is also a good workstation.

[@devadiponeness]

@@BoBeats I m a NI loyal customer 😊and I use Maschine MK3 . So I know its workflow and MASCHINE+ could be easy for me, but It doesn't have some foundamental features of a standalone groovebox.

[@samprock]

Great demo and very cool lil automation, Bo! Look very natural to use, like on OP-Z, which is musty for standalone device. Devil in details and i see many you've shown, that satisfy my needs in M+. No screen needed for automating with holding Rec and twisting dedicated knob. May lead to more music result than using screen and "programming" like with a mouse, something we like to unstuck from. ..... finding excuses for no touch screens :) .... 2. ts will be cheaper, if word cheap applies 3. don't need to clean it all the time 4. don't have to wear reading glasses 5. Don't need to go on a diet to slim down on my sausages to poke the screens .... what else? LOL

[@park171]

Can you plug in a Mio 10 or any midi interface and run synth modules and keyboards?

[@pinitnow]

Great video! Gives a lot more handling impressions than others i saw. But one thing i couldn´t really find out. How are sound design possibilities? Are you limited to some few parameters to tweak or are you able to access every parameter in lets say massive? Would love to know. thx.

[@markquavertune2003]

Thank you .I will be interested in the development .Massive X will be a good addition .I will be interested in computer integration of the Machine + even though it is stand alone .I read that has a 64 gig drive that is expandable to a terabyte .Is this internal or the SD card connection .

[@BoBeats]

Im still a but confused about the storage medium but I’ll be diving into that more :-)

[@markquavertune2003]

@@BoBeats Thank you .Could be the center piece of the studio .

[@nucentury08]

Got mine 2 weeks ago love it to work along side my MPC Live II 😎🔥🔥🚀🚀

[@jgmxr]

Is it possible to hook up a Maschine Jam to one of the USB ports? I use the MK3 and Jam together, and for setting things up for full song arrangements I find the Jam invaluable - it does some things a lot quicker than the MK3.

[@HammyHavoc]

No, NI said it themselves in the comments of their own Maschine+ video when someone asked the same question: they said they are focused on their "current portfolio of products", seemingly implying the Jam was EOL.

[@jamiesteele5111]

Is there a way to control the instruments with an external sequencer, also if so can you map multiple instruments to accept separate midi channels?

[@AcidAlex]

OMG - the CPU was hitting 84% and you only had 4 tracks playing!! That is terrible news. Yes I know there’s a lot of effects going on but based on what you just shown you’re gonna struggle to even get 8 tracks running unless you start cutting back the effects. Not a great first impressions. I can see early adopters not being happy about this. The other issue I see with M+ is that you can’t create FM8 or Massive patches from scratch on it due to the limited control available on the hardware, so the M+ is just a preset player in this regard. To create new sounds or deeply edit existing ones you’ll be hooking it up to the computer to use the VST as an editor. If you’re gonna have to do this you may as well just keep your MK3.

[@BoBeats]

so its technically not 4 tracks playing... but you are right that cpu should be tested more to see what limits there are

[@AcidAlex]

BoBeats okay 4 groups not tracks but there wasn’t a great deal going on. Will be interested to see the results of some stress tests

[@BoBeats]

So its 10 virtual instruments + a bunch of samples + alot of FX. Not trying to sway you. If the optimization isnt good enough I think we will know in due time. Plenty of people will test it

[@swampwhompa]

@@BoBeats Just based on my recent Maschine experience, the Raum delay/verb is a hugeee cpu hog, I've noticed a +15% cpu usage jump on some settings, so I really only use it on busses. I can imagine some of their other new effects hitting the cpu similarly.

[@txbrown_]

BoBeats that is already quite a lot. I think with Less than that you can make a pretty good song. You can also resample different parts to save on memory and cpu. I think it will be hard to compare this to a i7 laptop but what is out there doing the same at this price with literally bags on standalone mode ?

[@Emotionz223]

what exact power battery bank can i use for the maschine plus

[@thatmidlifevlogger4463]

Okay thanks for the effort giving us again a great video! Wondering: I have the komplete 12 ultimate bundle. And a lot of expansion packs I bought for machine mk3. CAN I DOWNLOAD ALL MY SOUNDS AND PACKS ON THIS MASCHINE PLUS?

[@gazfunk]

No CV/ Gate is a strange decision by NI. I don’t think I will be getting rid of my MPC.

[@BoBeats]

thats actually a good point and I am not sure why they didnt go that route

[@smitmiras]

Would be cool if id be able to connect a mouse, just for the precision. Find it frustrating sometimes, but maybe im using the mk3 wrong. Touchscreen would have been nice. Can it power a S61 II and share library? Thank you for the video

[@MyAlteredSoul]

How many instances of massive can you run at once in standalone mode?

[@AsyncLive]

I have Komplete ultimate 12 which is huge in terms of size. Wonder if it’s possible to use those plugins also standalone?

[@BoBeats]

I hope they will port many of the plugins but dont expect to be able to use all of them at launch, and I wonder if we will ever see the big orchestral stuff for example

[@olafmolenveld4985]

tnx @BoBeats, great review! 3 quick questions: 1) can the audio and midi I/O be expanded with class-compliant USB sound/midi-devices? 2) does it support disk-streaming for audio? 3) How deep can you edit instruments on the device itself?

[@BoBeats]

All good question! I dont have short answers for you in comment for but will try and answer in another vid

[@DJFxallMixX]

Like the idea but think not completely sold. I like the idea we will see where it goes before jumping on it.

[@joebrewer4529]

My question of somebody can answer? The plugins and libraries are immediately accessible to the unit. We're not going to be waiting on any conversions? I saw something where it said it would do up to 5 hours? is that recorded to the SD card or exclusive to the ram? And what's the largest size file that can be edited in the screen?

[@BoBeats]

So all I can say is based on my experience so far: when I installed the Kontakt library for the retro machines it downloaded it and installed it. This worked like a charm. I have not yet seen or heard anything about conversions. Got a source for it?

[@joebrewer4529]

@@BoBeats I thought with the conversion thing that because it's hardware and possibly limited resources they would have to make special versions of everything to possibly be uploaded in the machine. What about the recording in the editing? And I forgot to ask about the audio interface part? Which would be a game changer. Oh and the thing that I saw about something about hardware. That the machine would see certain hardware synths? What I did see is that the audio interfaces are right out the gate compatible within NI interfaces? But will it be compatible right off the gate with other interfaces? I have a zany set up where I use the DJs 1000. I want to be able to record long jams and then be able to go back and edit those jams down to what I would want to use. You got to do a KZbin jam having the squid sequence the machine plus.

[@giovannibiancofiore]

Thanks BoBeats for this video! If I don't bother you, I have a question. I understood that in stand-alone mode it can only be used with its MASCHINE + Selection. My doubt is: if I connect it through USB Type B to my notebook, will I be able to use it like a normal MK3 and therefore full access to the Komplete 12/13 suite? Thanks for your reply and have a nice life

[@BoBeats]

hey! so the Maschine+ will be able to work just like MK3 if you connect it to a computer. So you can use it to control your maschine DAW on the computer and load whatever VSTs you want. BUT you are loading them onto the computer ofc, and not the hardware controller.

[@giovannibiancofiore]

@@BoBeats Thanks for your kind reply. Sure! What I was thinking was installing the entire Komplete 13 suite on an external 2Tb Lacie SSD. What do you think about it? Thanks again.

[@BoBeats]

I dont think they will port the entire Komplete library to Maschine+ but I know they are working on hdd support. But plugins need to be converted to work on Maschine+

[@giovannibiancofiore]

@@BoBeats Thank you so much for your clarification. I agree with you, for the moment I don't think they will bring the Komplete into stand-alone Maschine. But, if with the Maschine + via usb I use all the Komplete 13 (loaded on external SSD connected to the notebook) I'll not need to convert the plugins, right? Everything will work the same as for MK3. Thanks again.

[@davidholmes3776]

Can you plug in a USB mouse to edit the pianoroll?

[@substance90]

I can’t stand NI software but the hardware is so nice, especially the pads.

[@tapecompasqualegrieco8371]

Hi Bo, how tweakeable are the synthesizers? Can you control every parameters of massive and fm8 or just the macro’s ?

[@BoBeats]

so you can actually tweak quite a bit BUT the ui is just like on maschine mk3 from what I can tell. So its not always super easy to understand what you are actually tweaking.

[@tapecompasqualegrieco8371]

thanks Bo 👍 ...can you import patches created on computer?

[@BoBeats]

Yes importing patches should work. I have not tested myself but from what I know it should work.

[@deepsea313]

I wonder how sound design workflow will be with the various plugins like FM8 and Massive?

[@BoBeats]

Its same as Maschine Mk3 atm. So you have basic controls available

[@keithalva]

Would love to see how you could set this up for a hardware midi set up! I just got a machine + to go along with my drum machine and prophet. I'm close to returning it because it's really complicated and buggy.

[@nastied]

I wanna see boo do Maschine stuff too! It took 2 weeks for me to get into the workflow, now loving it. Midi working well for me.

[@cresshead]

appears to be £800 worth of hardware and £400 software plugins no cv gate outs though only 1 midi din port i'm guessing that editing individual notes will be painful but doable.

[@elvinlewis4233]

I love that they finally did it, but they're so late to the party, and at that price point, doesn't make a lot of sense. The normal mk3, which can easily be paired with a small laptop, can also be used as the power source, vs buying a battery pack for the +. Cool, but 6 in one, half a dozen in the other.

[@davidwashington9113]

Yeah that price is wack..

[@MrGlennBlack]

Five months later and the price has gone dowwwwwwnnnn x

[@wallbrown1876]

Extremely beautiful,perhaps powerful as well but it really seems like the definition of DAW in a box.Also that CPU meter is a stress test on its own 😂

[@matturmy]

Have you tested the workflow of building your own kits from your own samples off the SD card? That would be a great thing to see!

[@WhiteWulfe]

When it was announced, I was excited for it, but after a few days I'm fairly certain I won't go with it. For one, the price. $1,800 CAD is a steep pill to swallow, doubly so when you realize that non-sale prices for a Digitakt+Digitone would have those be "only" $300 CAD more. Second is the Intel Atom processor. It didn't take long for you to ping over 60% constant use of the CPU, and by the end of the video you were regularly spiking 83-85% usage (with 78-81% most of the time). Sure, they don't use much power from the wall, but on the other hand they're nowhere near as powerful for processing as slightly more expensive CPUs. Add on that it only has 4GB of ram, a small internal drive, and no ability to add in say a 1TB SSD. Third, the colour. I know it seems like something odd to comment on, but for $1,800 CAD and hardware that's had a history of being available in two colours (or at least a black that was, y'know, ALL BLACK), but the silvery kind of finish isn't my thing. Maybe it's the worry about glare giving headaches (eye conditions suck), or maybe it's just having a preference for that nice sleek black they've always been available in. Fourth, and probably the biggest one of them all for me - I judge hardware (and software) based upon what it comes with in the box, not any promises of things to come, or that they're working on. This isn't some way of harping on a company that seems to only email me about sales of products I have no interest in or can't afford (I don't care if it's 50% off, if it's $599 CAD that's "I've saved up for 5-6 months" territory!), but more a rule of thumb for me. I've been burnt in the past by companies claiming they'll do something and then just not doing it, or changing how it's implemented in the final product. I love the sound of a standalone Maschine, but with all the other products on the market I was expecting this one to come in hitting harder, and after the initial awe and/or hype wore off... It.. I dunno. Didn't quite have the residual feeling I was expecting, if that makes any sense. And that's from someone who wound up having to sell their Maschine (and Maschine Jam) during tough times to make ends meet, and it was probably the third heaviest regret from that time (first was my dotcom MU synth, second was an ER-1 mk II oddly enough).

[@nsp932]

Very well said

[@bose5160]

Nice video. IMHO the MC-707 pwns the hell out of this. The decades or Roland patches alone is enough for me, before you even take into account the physical workflow. Keep up the good work Bo

[@alexandershulgin5194]

Hi BoBeats! Is it possible to program Massive synth patches from scratch in standalone mode? Is Massive has full functionality same like at DAW mode?

[@BoBeats]

its like using Massive on Maschine controller. You have access to many parameters but its not the same full software UI

[@alexandershulgin5194]

@@BoBeats thank you!

[@diggerjams7373]

How would an audio interface integrate with the plus?, so you could have multi audio in and out, and extra midi funnelled to your synths?

[@BoBeats]

yes. So far only NI interfaces confirmed

[@simonc8265]

It’s great to see a vid demo’ing. Thankyou. Suddenly the changes coming to the arranger acquire x10. Thankyou for covering cpu performance. That’s my biggest worry after selling my left kidney.

[@ToyKeeper]

If a musician just wants to record clips from external gear, and arrange those clips on a timeline to make songs, does this device facilitate that workflow? (ideally with the ability to record midi, edit the midi notes, then convert to audio by sending midi while recording audio)

[@eclipxe]

Yes

[@ToyKeeper]

Wasn't sure, since the last I heard was about a month ago that Maschine was eventually getting an Arranger feature with clips on a timeline... but I never heard anything about it actually getting released.

[@gonzinigonz]

Notice just the one midi out port and just L/R outputs no aux's? 2 midi outs and say 4 aux outs would be good. Guess you can get at separate channels with USB?

[@BoBeats]

Yeah so the idea I think is that NI wants you to expand with their audio interfaces

[@Eurikon]

Rumors are that any class compliant interface will be able to connect, fingers crossed! Now that would be great if it will be true.

[@BoBeats]

Yepp that would be great. I dont want to speculate too much as I’d rather wait and see

[@gonzinigonz]

@@BoBeats Some kind of USB breakout box maybe? Maybe they think there's not much demand for separate outs these days. Pick all the tracks up in a DAW. I was looking at the MC 707 but it looks at present to be a bit lacking in some areas, early days i guess for more features. Nothings perfect it seems!

[@greggregory2554]

40%, hmmm. It's interesting to watch things develop over time but that cpu utilisation is a bit high. iPad Pro is £740. Just saw 80% cpu utilisation, woh.

[@DoctorNemmo]

I have the iPad Pro, but try importing samples with it. It's a pain in the ass to use because of how IOS works.

[@Estica-Live]

How manny of the VST parameters can you edit in standalone mode; 8 macros? thanks