Got a second hand Maschine Mk2. Can't buy Maschine 2.0??

Hey dudes,

So I got a used Maschine Mk2 but I think it's changed hands a couple times along the way and came with no software. I (foolishly it seems) assumed I could just buy the software, but it seems like you can only upgrade 1.0 to 2.0? Is there really no way to just straight up buy 2.0? Is there any way to retrieve the software with only the Maschine unit itself? I'm assuming that last one is a big fat no.

 

99,9% big fat no. For the remaining 0,1% you should ask the support. Sorry, for this misfortune. Maybe you can use this one as a replacement unit or, if you're a pad virtuoso, you can use two controllers. Another possibility would be offering it for sale for a Mk1 user - just read here recently that a quite a considerable number of them might like to have a Mk2 - perhaps you're lucky...

 

Yeah I've done some Googling and there's quite a few angry and confused people in the same situation. I guess I should have researched more thoroughly beforehand, but it seems pretty bizarre that a company would be so against taking your money.

I've dropped in a support ticket but I won't hold my breath. Thanks for your response

 

...yup, it's a bit confusing. But it makes sense that there isn't a software only version for Maschine (technically, protective reasons and as a business modell). And with your second hand purchase you aren't exactly their customer from their point of view - so you might not get more than a friendly regret. What's more irritating is that, looking at the site infos or the shop, there doesn't seem to be a hardware upgrade path for Mk1 users or even a replacement plan for broken units - AFAIK Maschine users would have to buy a new Maschine (HW & SW) and end up with an unused licence.

(Don't want to make false claims here, so if I'm wrong or might have overlooked something, I'd be glad if someone could clarify that)

 

The only thing stopping me from being their customer is their reluctance to sell me said software

 

Can you return it, did you buy it online via PayPal?

 

I can bail on the deal but I'm a little shocked and disappointed. Thanks guys.

 

I agree that its unusual but its because NI brands maschine as hardware, not software. They are not separate things but rather a single product that cannot be sold or purchased individually. I bought my Studio (used) about a year ago and was tempted many times by the 'deals' on ebay for second hand maschines. I eventually found one that the seller actually knew how NI operates and provided proof that the hardware and software were un-registered before the purchase. What I realized after doing the research is that most of the people selling used maschine (on ebay and the like) probably don't understand (or care) what NI's requirements are for the software. They just want to move the goods (at a discount) and as long as they advertise it appropriately on ebay (i.e. software not included, buyer responsible to register product, etc...) then they could care less. I even saw some people bidding almost full price on MK2 and Studios without the software . So yeah, buyer beware when it comes to Maschine in the secondary market. In your situation, not much you can do. You could try contacting NI but good luck with that. the only other idea is to find a cheap Mikro that includes the software, and then register your MK2 to it. Good luck !

 

They appear to be missing out on revenue stream here. Also this is contributing towards landfill... Anyway..

 

imo NI are smart by not selling software separate. It is a complete package to be sold together. Besides, pointless to use Maschine without the hardware as that misses the whole point. And I don't think they are missing out on revenue stream but rather protecting it. They can sell the hardware for more profit margin.

Research before you buy and don't make assumptions. Sellers have the right to sell the hardware only as it is not tied to the software agreement. So long as they indicate this clearly upfront. If unsure then ask and get it in writing so you have recourse via eBay/PayPal.

 

Well I assume we agree to disagree then..

a) I believe most (not all) people who buy 2nd hand controllers on the cheap are fairly unlikely to buy new controllers. Note I have no evidence to back up these claims.

b) On the basis of (A) then NI gets money for nothing when selling the software. The bonus is they may buy more NI software and hardware in future after purchase.

c) Throwing away controllers into landfill just because they don't have software can't be good for the planet.

d) It's perfectly possible to prevent the software from starting without a NI hardware controller being plugged in every so often. They could also require a hardware serial number before the software is sold.

 

When buying a used Maschine can't they sell the software or give the registration key along with it? Or is it non transferable? That's kind of BS to me. Makes it so my MKII is basically worthless were I to decide to sell it

 

Yeah, it's always puzzled me why people sell the controllers without the software.

 

The seller may want to keep the license because it may be tied to a crossgrade to Komplete. Or they can just like the software and don't need/want the controller anymore.

 

You can transfer licence without problem.
I sold mine MK1 with a software and bought used MK2 with a soft too.

 

Spot on. There is clearly a market for the software, so they're missing out. If I were less scrupulous I could easily "find" the software online, but I'm not interested in doing that. I see that I can buy the 1.0 to 2.0 upgrade for $149 AUD. Why not just make that the full 2.0 whether you have 1.0 or not? Bam, easy money.

As it stands I will find another used deal (or I won't bother), which means they get nothing out of me anyway?

 

Anyway, I was just looking for the answer and I have it. Thanks a lot guys

I noticed that I wrote my opening post poorly. I haven't actually bought the Maschine yet, I had simply found a good deal and was doing some quick research before pulling the trigger. Lucky that I did.

 

just buy a micro to get the maschine software...

 

No that wouldn't work either, that's just the upgrade.

 

A Mikro is $475 on sale in Australia. I want to buy it, but I don't want to spend that much... Plus I'm then left with a redundant piece of gear that I can't resell because it has no software. I don't want to become part of the problem here lol

Re-read what I wrote.