Just over a month ago, Native Instruments launched the newest version of their flagship Maschine controller, the MK3. The latest upgrade represents the biggest leap in terms of performance since the top-end Maschine Studio was launched back in 2013. It’s packed with new features and even if you’re familiar with Maschine, it’s a lot to get your head around. Have no fear though, as we’ve asked our instructor Paul Ressel, who’s not only worked with Lana Del Rey and Maxi Jazz, but also releases with his own band Vuvuvultures on Tri Tone, to demonstrate some of its new functionality. Take a look at our tutor profile on Paul for more info.
In the video, we get a look at some of the new features on the MK3 such as the touch strip, new modes like the chord and keyboard modes, as well as the hugely improved editing capabilities, expanding what you can do without needing to revert to software. In just 13 minutes, Paul Ressel takes us through arranging and sketching and ideas, with an arrangement built from just two sounds.
When the first Maschine was released in 2009, it completely changed the landscape of using digital tools to make music. It borrowed the best features of the legendary Akai MPC and paired hardware sampler functionality with linked software to become more of a compact, digital studio. It has since undergone several makeovers: the Maschine Mikro introduced more portability, MK2 was an incremental upgrade with greater customisation, Maschine Studio added screens and a huge range of extra functionality to match its professional target audience and the Maschine Jam emulated Ableton’s Push module in design. The MK3 though marks the biggest change to the original design since it’s inception. We’re already sold.
Want to learn on Native Instruments gear? NI are an official partner of Point Blank and in London and LA our studios are kitted out with the full range of NI products: Maschine, Komplete, Komplete Kontrol and Traktor. On our Sound Engineering classes as part of our BA (Hons) degree programme you will make use of extensive hardware and software from Native Instruments and learn everything you need to know about production.
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** Editors note: Things have moved on significantly since this article was published 🙂 Please head to our blog homepage for the very latest product reviews from Point Blank.