Native Instruments Maschine 3.0 is a major software update for its beat production software with new Stem separation, and more.
In recent months, Native Instruments has already teased a major update for the Maschine software. In mid-October, the Mk1 and Mk2 Maschine controllers were discontinued because they no longer receive the update.
Today is the day. Native Instruments has released Maschine 3.0 software. There are new things to discover. Maschine+ users, however, have to wait for the update. This is just a software update.
Native Instruments Maschine 3.0
Maschine 3.0 software is out now and is the latest software version of its popular beat-making and sampling platform. Like Maschine 2.0, the new update 3.0 is not free. However, it is priced very fairly for every user.
When you open it for the first time, you immediately see a new, redesigned user interface. The Maschine software is adapted to Native Instruments’ current design language. It looks more modern than elegant than its predecessor.
The first major new feature is Stem separation, which splits any audio into drums, bass, vocals, and other instruments. According to NI, it uses the RX technology. A feature that was expected because of the competition (Akai MPC…) already offers it.
Then, Native Instruments ships Maschine 3.0 with all new MIDI editing tools, including options to split, join, erase, and mute MIDI notes, keyboard shortcuts, audible MIDI note previews, and more. This makes the software more interesting and easy to use without a controller.
Tempo Per-Scenes & Kontrol S MK3 Support
Another new addition are custom tempos per-scenes for deep control over track flow and live performance. Next to this, you can work with bounce in place. This feature renders sounds, patterns, and ideas as audio, saving CPU power and opening up new creative possibilities.
According to Native Instruments, Maschine 3.0 also supports more audio files. You can now import MP3, MP4, FLAC, and OGG files. In my opinion, this is a long-overdue addition.
With the release of the new Kontakt S MK3 keyboard controllers, support for the Maschine software was dropped. This caused discontent among many users. Now it’s back.
The new Maschine 3.0 update adds basic integration for the S-Series MK3, including transport controls, integrated control over Play Assist, on-keyboard display of Maschine modules, and more.
Further, the update ships with the new Maschine Central, a completely remade library with all the sounds to craft heat in any genre. Machine Central includes over 100 kits, 144 Kontakt instruments, and synth presets from Monark, Massive, Prism, and more.
On top, the full Maschine 3.0 software ships with more plugins: Ozone 11 Elements, Massive, Monark, and Reaktor Prism.
Deals
To celebrate this new release, Native Instruments has also announced Maschine hardware deals. Maschine Mk3 is now just 499€ instead of 599€, Maschine Mk3 Mikro is 199€ instead of 249€, and Maschine+ is 999€ instead of 1199€.
Tip: check out the official NI Reverb shop to get certified B-Stock deals, including Maschine+ for 698,99€ or Maschine Mk3 for 379€.
Native Instruments Maschine 3.0 First Impression
At first glance, it’s very welcome to see that Maschine got an update. But I think the features are a bit weak. STEM separation and the new editing tools are nice.
However, the internal sound engine has not been expanded (no more sampling options or sample modifiers). The same applies to the sequencers, which remain the same. I hope more features will be added in upcoming updates. Plus points for the price. With 29€ or 69€, it’s fair for existing users.
Native Instruments Maschine 3.0 software is available now for $99/99€. Existing Maschine 2 users can upgrade to two different versions. Either only the Maschine 3 software without Maschine Central and extra plugins for $29/29€ or with everything for $69/69€.
Maschine Central sound library without additional software is available for $49/49€. It runs as a VST, VST3, AU, and AAX plugin on macOS (native Apple Silicon + Intel) and Windows.
More information here: Native Instruments
Why exactly is this not compatible with older maschines if this is an only software, not hardware, thing? Also, stem separation, samples and presets… really? NI hasnt changed a bit and it still very on their downward spiral. Really the only decent thing out of this company is Komplete.