FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is the benefit of MASCHINE STUDIO compared to MASCHINE and MASCHINE MIKRO?
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MASCHINE STUDIO’s hardware delivers even more intuitive physical control and visual feedback. The big displays let you focus on precise functions from the hardware while using your computer screen to monitor essential DAW functions without ever switching between windows.
View the comparison chart
View the comparison chart
2. Can MASCHINE STUDIO be used without a computer?
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No. MASCHINE STUDIO was designed together with the new MASCHINE 2 software as an integrated system. This gives you the best of both worlds – making use of the latest computer technology while offering the intuitive tactile controls hardware has to offer.
3. Can I use the KOMPLETE KONTROL S-Series keyboards with MASCHINE?
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Yes. All KOMPLETE KONTROL features are directly integrated in MASCHINE 2.2's workflow. The KOMPLETE KONTROL software plug-in is not required. MASCHINE 2.2 is a free update for all existing MASCHINE 2 software users – coming in November 2014.
4. Does MASCHINE STUDIO include an audio interface?
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No. Most users already own an audio interface or want to choose the one that fits their individual needs. KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 is Native Instruments’ high-quality audio interface.
5. Can MASCHINE STUDIO record audio?
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Yes. You can record internal and external audio samples via your computer’s audio interface input directly in real time (e.g. sample a drum loop or bass line), then slice and auto map to pads for further arranging and remixing.
6. How many samples can MASCHINE STUDIO load at once?
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A MASCHINE project in MASCHINE 2 offers unlimited groups and unlimited sounds. The only restriction on the amount of loaded samples is your computer’s RAM.
7. Does MASCHINE STUDIO offer time stretch and pitch shift capability?
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Yes. You can stretch samples to a specific BPM and shift to a specific pitch. The BPM auto detection functionality makes it easy to change tempo without losing the beat. It can also time stretch the sample to a specific length (e.g. 1 bar).
8. Can MASCHINE STUDIO play chords and polyphonic material?
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Yes. MASCHINE’s sequencer supports full polyphonic tracks and arrangements. Each sound can be monophonic (with or without glide) or polyphonic. In the sequencer, every sound can be played harmonically in the piano roll view via the hardware pads.
9. What is the maximum number of patterns in a MASCHINE STUDIO project?
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Each group in MASCHINE 2 can hold an unlimited amount of patterns. All patterns can be accessed in real time from the hardware using the pads and bank selectors.
10. Can MASCHINE STUDIO host plug-ins?
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Yes. All KOMPLETE 10 plug-ins are perfectly integrated within the MASCHINE software. Parameters automatically map to the 8 display knobs. MASCHINE STUDIO also hosts all 3rd party VST and AU plug-ins.
11. Can I use the MASCHINE STUDIO sequencer to control other software or hardware instruments?
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Yes. You can control external hardware via MASCHINE`s MIDI interface. The MASCHINE controller offers 3x Midi Out and 1x MIDI In ports for unrestrained connectivity.
12. How many audio outputs can I use with MASCHINE STUDIO?
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The MASCHINE 2 software provides 16 stereo outputs. These can be routed within a host sequencer when using MASCHINE as a plug-in, or through your computer's audio interface if it has a sufficient number of physical outputs. Every individual sound and group in MASCHINE 2 has one main bus and two aux busses, allowing you to also make efficient use of outboard equipment.
To route audio to individual channels in your DAW, please watch the following Knowledge Base Videos:
Ableton Live
Cubase
Pro Tools
Logic Pro
To route audio to individual channels in your DAW, please watch the following Knowledge Base Videos:
Ableton Live
Cubase
Pro Tools
Logic Pro
13. Which file formats can be imported into MASCHINE STUDIO?
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You can import iMASCHINE projects, MIDI files, AIFF and WAV audio files, and REX 2 files including their slicing information. MASCHINE also offers import for MPC* 500/1000/2000(XL)/2500/3000/4000 programs.
14. Which file formats can be exported by MASCHINE STUDIO?
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You can export audio files in 16-, and 24- and 32-bit depth and up to 192kHz, as well as MIDI files.
15. What is the difference between MASCHINE and BATTERY?
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BATTERY is a dedicated percussion sampler mainly used within your DAW. It does not have a built-in sequencer.
MASCHINE is an integrated hardware and software solution for advanced groove production. It can be used as standalone software with its own sequencer as your main music creation workstation. It also features real-time audio sampling and sound manipulation functions. MASCHINE 2 also can host plug-ins, and has its own integrated drum synth, allowing you to create your own drum sounds from scratch.
MASCHINE is an integrated hardware and software solution for advanced groove production. It can be used as standalone software with its own sequencer as your main music creation workstation. It also features real-time audio sampling and sound manipulation functions. MASCHINE 2 also can host plug-ins, and has its own integrated drum synth, allowing you to create your own drum sounds from scratch.
16. I already own MASCHINE/MASCHINE MIKRO. Is there a discounted crossgrade price to MASCHINE STUDIO?
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No. MASCHINE STUDIO is not replacing MASCHINE or MASCHINE MIKRO. It completes the MASCHINE family. Each MASCHINE hardware fulfills different needs.
17. Will the MASCHINE 2 software be available as a standalone product?
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No. The biggest advantage of MASCHINE compared to standalone hardware products is the extremely tight integration of hardware and computer software. While you can run the MASCHINE software without the hardware connected, it was designed as an integrated system. We currently have no plans to offer the software separately.
18. Are my 1.x MASCHINE EXPANSIONS compatible with MASCHINE 2 software?
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Yes, all 1.x MASCHINE EXPANSIONS are fully compatible with MASCHINE 2 software after an update via the Service Center. MASCHINE EXPANSIONS released after the MASCHINE 2 release won’t be compatible with MASCHINE 1.x. They take advantage of the powerful new features in MASCHINE 2 such as the new Drum Synths, sidechaining, and unlimited groups.
Find out more in this Knowledgebase Article
Find out more in this Knowledgebase Article
19. Is there a difference between KOMPLETE Elements and the new KOMPLETE Selection?
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Yes. KOMPLETE Selection gives you more content than KOMPLETE Elements. It now comes with full versions of MASSIVE, REAKTOR PRISM, SCARBEE MARK I, and SOLID BUS COMP.
20. Can I still use my KOMPLETE Elements products inside MASCHINE STUDIO?
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Yes. All instruments are fully integrated after you update your KONTAKT and REAKTOR player.
21. Can I sell the KOMPLETE Selection license that comes with MASCHINE 2?
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No. This license can’t be sold separately – it's effectively part of your MASCHINE purchase.
22. Do I need to install the KOMPLETE Selection if I already own KOMPLETE 10 or KOMPLETE 10 ULTIMATE?
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No. All elements of the KOMPLETE Selection are already included with KOMPLETE 10 or KOMPLETE 10 ULTIMATE.
23. Can I use the Drum Synths as plug-ins in third-party DAWs?
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No. The Drum Synth plug-ins are exclusive to MASCHINE 2 software. They are perfectly integrated into MASCHINE’s workflow, letting you intuitively design and tweak your own drum sounds at any time.
24. I installed my MASCHINE 2 software but the KOMPLETE Plug-In Strip Compact View doesn’t show up.
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To see your KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects in the Plug-In Strip you need to update them via the NI Service Center. Service Center was installed automatically with your NI product.
Start the NI Service Center. Open the ‘Update’ tab, make sure the checkbox for all your KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects are checked, and click the ‘Download’ button. When the download is finished, unzip the files, and run the installer.
Start the NI Service Center. Open the ‘Update’ tab, make sure the checkbox for all your KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects are checked, and click the ‘Download’ button. When the download is finished, unzip the files, and run the installer.
25. I own an older version of KOMPLETE – is there the same seamless MASCHINE 2 integration as I would with KOMPLETE 10?
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Yes. All KOMPLETE products perfectly integrate with MASCHINE 2 after you update them via the Service Center. This also includes individual products that were current with the KOMPLETE 9 release. Discontinued products are not fully integrated, but still load as VST or AU plug-ins.
* "MPC" is a trademark of Akai Professional, L.P. and used with permission.