Fitting Maschine in a midi workflow in my DAW

Hi all,

apologies if this is an easy one to answer, the knowledgebase is down at the moment and a google hasn't found me anything, so I'm asking on here.

I want to use Maschine right now as basically a midi recordable synth that fits in with my DAW's workflow exclusively. I don't want to use any patterns or that kind of stuff in Maschine, its own timeline etc etc. Just to hit record on my DAW, be able to hit some pads and turn some knobs, and the midi information be contained within the DAW's timeline. When I play it back Maschine gets triggered to play the sounds. Just like recording a regular outboard synth.

Is this possible? If so, how do I set it up to do it? Most of the articles I find are all about tightly integrating the Maschine patterns with the DAW and letting it essentially control its own timeline, and google results are full of using Maschine pads to control DAW features, which again I don't want to do. I want to use Maschine like a regular outboard synth. (No criticism on this technique please, it's not what I normally do, but it needs to work this way for what I'm doing right now)

My DAW is Studio One, if that makes a difference. Thanks in advance guys!

 

To answser wheher it can be done is yes ; this is how I've used Maschine for 2 1/2 years with Cubase. Just set the correct ins and outs ,record midi output of Maschine in Cubase, playback along with audio and other vsts. This is covered in the tutorials from N.I. that explain the group midi settings. Maschine is very flexible in this way. I never record into Maschine's patterns ,all in Cubase. When I want audio ,just export to Cubase.

 

The note editing, erase, nudge, etc is surely one of the major features of maschine, so basically what you are doing is using maschine as a drum pad ?

And when you need to edit a pattern you are back to using a mouse.

 

Knowledge Base is working today.

sowari

 

Thanks guys, a bit more digging in the knowledge base and I got this working as I need it right now.

@Topaz: yes that is correct, I just want to use it as a drum pad for what I'm doing right now (playing along with non-sequenced music, where maschine's rigid patterns are just getting in the way)

 

Note editing, erase and nudging are 100 times easier and more accurate in Cubase. Using a mouse doesn't bother me at all.

 

it sound like you would be better off only using maschine in midi mode as you could dontroll all yourplugins with it including maschine

 

Agreed, Maschines midi editing functions are painfully limited and it looks like NI have no intention of addressing this, big shame.

There are so many cool features they could add that would make maschine the ultimate drum sequencer, ie midi randomise, groove templates, midi import. Maybe v2 will add these glaring missing features.... Or maybe not. Shrug.

 

Persdonally, I don't see Maschine as lacking at all. Its just that NO box is going to compete with a full fledged DAW (thats been in development for 30 years) with dual monitors.

 

I have to disagree sorry.

Maschine is not a "box" it is a box powered by software and that is the wonderful thing about maschine.. it is wide open to be the best darn drum sequencing product out there with absolutely no reason other than lack of development why it can't be.

 

I guess ,to me , Maschine has had a revolution in development since I first got it 2 1/2 years ago. Its gone from basically a controller for a HD sound library to a basic DAW that can host vst's. Plus NI has thrown in gigs of new sounds all for no charge.

The only thing that hasn't developed is users understanding that NI continues to improve Maschine and takes direct feedback from users. I know its the nature of a forum for people to complain and folks ,like me, who basically have what they need should stay away. I just responded to the OP questions about using Maschine. I don't agree thast Maschine is lacking development; its been plentiful and ongoing. If specific features that folks need haven't been gotten to ,thats no reason to act like development hasn't happened.

 

This isn't a direct reply to the OP, but more of addition to Mr. Mahogany's post. I agree with all the points he made because as a newbie owner, I've had my eye on this product since it came out. As a Logic user, my set up is based primarily around performance based music, via Keyboards, guitars, bass & a set of V-Drums. Now my desire is to create other types of music R&B, dance based pop etc. Although I know it's possible to make those tracks in Logic, I found there was something attractive about the hands on approach of an MPC style product. I mean to actually perform my feel into it, which I find is the whole point. This element is what I'm used to with my other instruments.

Beyond that, what's possible with this instrument just excites the hell out of me. I really feel as if I'm learning an instrument more than a new piece of gear. After I'd watched loads of YouTube vids with ppl performing on Maschine, I was hooked. I only held off cuz I had to prioritise other studio purchases.

Through research & MacProVideo.com's tutorials, it help to demystify it's workflow & purchase with confidence. I'm really looking forward to merging Maschine's workflow & possibilities alongside & within Logic.

I know we all have different methods & requirements for making our music &, I just thought I'd add my opinion to the flavour of the thread.

 

I seem to learn something new each time i use it.

 

I've had quite a few wow-punch-the-air moments with it already. Just absorbing the many workflows gets me excited about breaking down the many ways I can utilise it in any given situation. I think that's the major selling point.

I had looked many times @ the traditional beat boxes, & knew there was something about them I liked. But was never enough to dive in until Maschine came out.