If there is a Stand Alone Maschine in the making, speak up NI.

anyways this thread is about the possibility of a stand alone Maschine right, even though I'm in the camp of fix the software first I think it's a good idea for native instruments to hear what people would like in a stand alone Maschine because something like this could turn out to be really a really wonderful instrument...

I would love to have the abynth or absynth's features in a stand alone maschine, it would be phenomenal

 

This is a good place for showing my latest project. My standalone Maschine did not cost me a lot, but gives me a lot of fun. Check this link below:

https://www.native-instruments.com/forum/threads/standalone-maschine-project.316740/

 

Emdeka - your project resulted in me creating a login for this forum. I love what you did, and very much hope that NI will take notice. I especially liked that you used an IEC/Internal power supply, aesthetically. I think NI could really have an advantage here because one of the major limitations with the new MPC series is the inability to use instrument plug-ins. Any Maschine standalone would surely be able to integrate NI's Komplete suite. I hope NI is listening, and evolves to maintain its market dominance.

 

I sure hope NI doesn't go backwards and makes a stand alone unit, we need focus on better software features, NI had market dominance exactly because it was a controller as opposed to what was available at the time (stand alone and super expensive MPCs).
Just slap half a laptop under your Maschine and you got yourself a shiny stand alone.

 

The stand alone option is nice but I like using my VST's. I don't see that being an option in a standalone device without it being a large cost $$$ to us the consumer. And I'd rather just purchase a surface pro x or comparable 2 in 1. On a side note I'd like to see Native Instruments allow me to use my MK2 controller with my iPad & hardware synth externally as plug & play midi device. No software drivers required. I'd also like to see them create midi editor software for iOS & android.

 

Then there is the fact that if a Stand Alone comes out NI will have to support it for a few years, Stand Alone Units tend to have lower specs then most PC/Laptops, a LOT lower, "they" always use old ass CPUs and boards to make it cheaper to manufacture.
This means that if theres a shiny new feature that takes too much CPU and the outdated stand alone cant handle it the feature is either pushed back or is only available wile the stand alone is plugged in the computer... this is what Akai did with VST support because they know that all those low spec parts inside the unit cant handle anything too CPU intensive, and even if it could right now that won't be the case in a few years.

I made my own stand alone Maschine Studio, very easy to carry, around 8 hours of battery time, i5 processor, 8GB of Ram, handles any plugins, external HDs, everything!!!! prepare to be amazed:





Just joking, don't get offended pls.

 

Lol! That's good. Now I just need a way to create new projects and name them from the controller. I know it seems outdated, but I actually would like to be able to navigate file structures and control save locations from the controller.

Imo that actually fits better with another workflow that is currently not as efficient on Maschine.
i.e chopping and archiving samples and breaks in to an all purpose library.

Don't need actually need standalone for that, but it is something that all standalones have to be able to do.. Maybe in a software update



Sent from my Studio XL 2 using Tapatalk

 

Ha

Ha - touche! So in all seriousness, does that work well with the laptop shut? While I might be hesitant to do all the metalwork that was displayed above (still amazing, IMHO), I could def see getting a woodworking friend of mine to build something that could look stage-worthy.

 

I've always used things with my laptop lid closed, never had any problems. You just need to configure it to not Sleep when the lid is closed.

IMO there are only a few reasons to do a polished and beautiful Stand Alone DIY MOD like @Emdeka did:

• You really need portability to small spaces where a closed laptop might get in the way.
• You use it Live and don't like to have a laptop on stage cause it "doesn't look good" AKA you're a hipster and are scared of beeing rejected by other hipsters.
• You are a tinkerer, you like to mod stuff for fun and you want a cool project to work on your free time. (My personal only reason to do it)
• You grew up around around hardware and the thought of a computer being near you makes you vomit.

Spoiler: And the best reason of all.... TO SIT ON THE COUCH

 

Depending on the laptop, CPU, and intensity of the projects being run, heat can become an issue when using the laptop with the lid closed (a lot of heat escapes through the keyboard, which won't be able to if the lid is shut). Some laptops/CPUs deal with this better than others, but it's something to be aware of if you don't want your DIY standalone Maschine to last only 6 months before it melts.

 

True, I never had issues but i only use light projects and it depends on the laptop, those stand alone mods usually have less air flow then a closed laptop lid, and different laptops have different places where air comes in/out. A Laptop Cooler PAd might help in case of old/cheap laptops.
The worst that can happen with overheating is a lot of CPU throttling down to unsuitability but never any real damage.