Skip to main content

Working with Maschine+

Abstract

This section covers basic set-up operations, including file management and the settings menu, for working with Maschine+.

This chapter holds useful information for your everyday work with Maschine+.

Using the Library

The Library enables you to download and install products, view installed products, and check your Native Instruments account for updates of products you own.

Downloading Content to Your Library

The Library enables you to download and install all of your plug-ins and content from your Native Instruments account using your Native ID.

Updating Installed Products

The Library enables you to view any available updates for the products you have already installed.

Viewing Products Installed in Your Library

The Library provides a list of all products installed on your Maschine+.

Using the File Menu

Maschine+ provides a dedicated mode that enables you to manage your Project files. This includes creating new Project files, saving Project files, and saving copies of files as you work through iterations of your projects. You can also view a list of the most recent projects you have worked on and load existing Projects. Additionally, you can also use this mode to export audio files, and eject and format storage devices.

To access File mode:

  • Press the FILE button.

    The File menu is displayed.

The available File menu options are as follows:

Option

Description

NEW

Creates a new Project file. If you already have a project open, you will be prompted to save or discard it, after which the new Project will be created.

SAVE AS

Enables you to save the current Project under an alternative name.

SAVE COPY

Enables you to save a copy of the current Project with a numerical iteration added to the file name.

EXPORT AUDIO

Enables you to configure options to export your ideas or songs as audio files. For more information on exporting audio, refer to Exporting Audio.

STORAGE

Enables you to format and eject storage devices such as SD cards and external drives connected to your Maschine+ . For more information on formatting and ejecting storage devices, refer to Formatting a Storage Device and Ejecting a Storage Device.

RECENT

Provides a list of recent Projects for quick and easy access.

LOAD

Loads the selected file. Turn the 4-D encoder or Knob 8 to select a Project file and press the 4-D encoder or Button 8 to load it.

Caution

Always eject storage devices before removing them from Maschine+ . Removing storage devices without first ejecting them could result in data loss or file corruption.

Tip

For information on transferring files from the SD card in your Maschine+ to a computer via USB, refer to Transferring Files to the SD Card.

Working with Storage Devices

The Storage menu enables you to format and eject external storage devices connected to your Maschine+.

Here are a few points to note when working with external storage devices:

  • In addition to SD Cards, Maschine+ supports storage devices such as USB flash drives, and external disk drives using USB2 with a power rating up to 2.5W (5V@500mA).

  • Maschine+ uses the exFAT file system, but can also read drives formatted with the FAT file system.

  • For the best results, it is recommended that external storage devices are formatted in exFAT using the onboard Maschine+ Format utility, as formatting storage devices on some other operating systems may result in them appearing on Maschine+ with partitions. For more information on formatting external storage devices, refer to Formatting a Storage Device.

  • Additionally, using exFAT is beneficial as it enables easy file transfer between different operating systems, for instance, if you have samples stored on Windows or macOS you can easily transfer them to an external storage device formatted with exFAT or FAT and access them on Maschine+.

  • Files on external storage devices connected to Maschine+ are accessible from the Browser when the USER toggle is activated. For more information loading user content, refer to Accessing User Content.

  • Always eject external storage devices when removing them from Maschine+. For more information on ejecting storage devices, refer to Ejecting a Storage Device.

    Caution

    Failure to eject a storage device before removing it from Maschine+ could damage your storage device and cause data loss.

  • Samples accessed from external storage devices can be saved to your SD card using the SAVE AS option in the File menu. For more information, refer to Saving a Project.

Formatting a Storage Device

Maschine+ can accept several types of storage devices including SD cards, USB flash drives, and external USB hard drives. You can use any of these types of storage devices as long as they are formatted in a way that Maschine+ can read and write to them.

Maschine+ uses exFAT file system but can also read FAT. For the optimal experience, we recommend formatting your storage devices using the onboard formatting utility.

Ejecting a Storage Device

It is not always easy to tell whether your Maschine+ is still accessing or writing files to storage devices. Therefore pulling a memory card out of its reader or removing an external drive out of the USB port could cause corrupted files, unreadable media or both. Ejecting your storage device safely decreases these chances. You can safely remove storage devices using built-in utilities designed for disconnecting hardware.

Transferring Files to the SD Card

Storage mode enables you to exchange files between the SD memory card in your Maschine+ and a computer.

To exchange files you must first connect your Maschine+ to a computer using a USB cable, then activate Storage mode. The SD card within your Maschine+ then appears as a drive on your computer. For more information, refer to Connecting Maschine+ to a Computer.

You can exchange the following files types:

  • Projects: This enables you to exchange Project files between Maschine+ and the Maschine software. For example, you could start a project on Maschine+ and then finish it using the Maschine software on your computer with Maschine+ in Controller mode, or vice versa.

  • Samples: This enables you to exchange samples between your computer and Maschine+ . Note that Maschine+ only accepts the following audio file formats: .aif and .wav.

Accessing Storage Mode and Transferring Files

To access Storage mode and transfer files:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select System.

  3. Press Button 3 (STORAGE).

    The SD card of your Maschine+ is now available as a drive on your computer and you can now transfer files.

  4. Add Projects to the following directory on the SD card: Native Instruments\Maschine 2\Projects.

  5. Add samples to the following directory on the SD card: Native Instruments\Maschine 2\Samples.

    The files are transferred to the SD card in Maschine+. When you have finished transferring files, eject the SD card drive from your computer.

Note

Accessing Storage mode stops the Transport, deactivates access to all other modes, and pauses any files downloading in the Library while in use. You can continue using your Maschine+ after you have disconnected from Storage mode.

Disconnecting from Storage Mode

To disconnect from Storage mode:

  1. On your computer, eject the Maschine+ SD card drive.

  2. On Maschine+, press SETTINGS.

  3. Press Button 8 (DISCONNECT).

    The SD card in Maschine+ is now disconnected from your computer.

Opening Files from Your SD Card

You can open your user content saved directly from the File menu. This includes Projects, Groups, and Sounds.

Saving a Project

Sometimes it is useful to have the ability to save all Samples used in your Project outside of the Maschine Library. This is particularly useful if you want to take a Project to another studio or if you want to back up a production with all the related files. This is an effective way to transfer Projects and Samples between Maschine software and Maschine+.

To save a Project on Maschine+:

  1. Press FILE (Save).

  2. Press Button 3 SAVE AS.

  3. Turn Knob 1 to select Project.

  4. Turn Knob 3 if you want to save the Project with or without its samples.

  5. Turn Knob 4 if you want to delete (not save) unused samples from within the Project.

  6. Press Button 8 SAVE AS.

  7. Press ENTER to save the Project and its samples.

    The Project is saved to the SD card.

Note

Projects are saved to the following directory on your SD card: \Native Instruments\Maschine 2\Projects.

Tip

You can also save a single Group or Sound. For more information, refer to Saving a Group, and Saving a Sound.

Saving a Group

Sometimes it is useful to have the ability to save a Group outside of the Maschine Library. If you want to take a Group to another studio or if you want to backup or share a custom drum kit with all the related files, this comes in handy. This procedure is also helpful if you want to transfer a Group and its Sounds between Maschine+ and Maschine software.

To save a Group on Maschine+:

  1. Press FILE (Save).

  2. Press Button 3 SAVE AS.

  3. Turn Knob 1 to select Group.

  4. Turn Knob 2 to select the name of the Group you want to save or press the Group button.

  5. Turn Knob 3 to On if you want to save the Group with its samples.

  6. Turn Knob 4 to On if you only want to save the Sounds used in the selected Group.

  7. Press Button 8 SAVE AS.

  8. Enter a name for your Group.

  9. Press ENTER to save the Group.

    The Group is saved to the selected drive.

Note

Groups are saved to the following directory on your SD card: \Native Instruments\Maschine 2\Groups.

Tip

You can also save your whole Project and its samples. Refer to Saving a Project.

Saving a Sound

Using the File menu you can save individual Sounds directly to the SD card. This procedure is also useful if you want to transfer Sounds between Maschine+ and Maschine software.

To save a Sound on Maschine+:

  1. Press FILE (Save).

  2. Press Button 3 SAVE AS.

  3. Turn Knob 1 to select Sound.

  4. Turn Knob 2 to select the name of the Sound you want to save, or simply press the corresponding pad.

  5. Turn Knob 3 to On if you want to save the Sound with its samples.

  6. Turn Knob 4 to On if you only want to save a Sound used within the project.

  7. Press Button 8 SAVE AS.

  8. Enter a name for your Sound.

  9. Press ENTER to save the Sound.

    The Sound is now saved to the SD card.

Note

Sounds are saved to the following directory on your SD card: \Native Instruments\Maschine 2\Sounds.

Tip

You can also save your whole Group including all of its Sounds, refer to Saving a Group.

Exporting Audio

Use Export Audio to export your complete arrangement as audio from the Song view, or render individual Scenes or Sections as audio files from the Ideas view.

Export Audio is available from the File page.

  • In Ideas view, it exports individual Scenes or all Scenes at once.

  • In Song view, it exports your complete arrangement or individual Sections of the arrangement depending on the Loop range.

The exact length of the exported audio file depends on the Loop Optimize setting (refer to description below). Export Audio also contains options that allow you to select the source you want to export, such as the Master, Groups, or Sounds.

To export Ideas or a Song as audio:

  1. Enter Ideas or Song mode by pressing IDEAS, then SHIFT.

    This will determine if you can export ideas or your whole song.

  2. Set the Loop Range to the region that you want to export.

  3. Press FILE, then Button 5 EXPORT AUDIO.

  4. If necessary, adjust the available export options (refer to description below) using Knobs 1 to 8.

  5. Press Button 8 Export to start the export process, or Button 7 Cancel to exit the page without exporting.

Element

Description

SOURCE

Select what you want to export. The content of the Output list under the menu depends on your selection in the menu:

Master: Select this to export the Master output signal (including all Groups and Sounds and their effects) to one audio file.

Group: Select this to export the output signals of specific Groups to individual audio files.

Sound: Select this to export the output signals of specific Sounds to individual audio files.

SCENES/RANGE

Set the range for the audio you want to export. The options here will differ depending on whether Maschine is in Ideas view or Song view.

In Ideas view, the following Scene options are available:

All: Select this option to export all Scenes as audio.

Selected: Select this option to export the selected Scene as audio.

In Song view, the following Range options are available:

All: Select this option to export all Sections in the arrangement as audio.

Loop: Select this option to export the selected Section of the arrangement as audio.

SAMPLE RATE

Select from five different sample rates for the exported audio file(s): 44100 Hz (this is the sample rate of the audio CD format), 48000 Hz, 88200 Hz, 96000 Hz, and 192000 Hz.

TYPE

Select the required audio format : uncompressed WAV or AIFF.

BIT DEPTH

Select from three different bit depths (or bit resolutions) for the exported audio file(s):

16 Bit is the bit depth of the audio CD format.

24 Bit is well suited for mastering.

32 Bit float is the bit depth used internally in the audio processing engine. Choose this setting if you plan to process the exported audio further using other high-end digital audio devices or applications that support this bit depth. This setting will allow greater headroom. However, note that the exported files will be significantly larger.

LOOP OPTIMIZE

Optimize the audio file for use as a loop:

Switch on Loop Optimize to keep the exact Loop Range when exporting audio. Any effect tail will be rendered into the beginning of the audio file. Additionally, the file metadata will include the tempo (in BPM) and length (in bars). Turn this feature off to prolong the audio file when exporting audio, for example, to keep the tail of a reverb. The end of the exported audio will always correspond to a bar division.

NORMALIZE

Select this option to normalize your audio as it is exported. This means the exported audio will be brought to the highest possible level without clipping (0 dBFS).

SPLITBYSECTION

Select this option to export audio within the loop braces. If the loop spans multiple Sections, individual audio files for each Section within the selected area will be created. Please note, if you only select one Section and export, you will not gain any advantage by using this feature.

Names of the Exported Audio Files

Exported audio files are named according to the following rules:

  • If Master Output is selected in the Output menu, the audio file will be named: [Project name] - [BPM].wav/aiff.

  • If Group Outputs is selected in the Output menu the audio files will be named as follows: [Project name] - [Group order number] [Group index (letter + number)] [Group name] - [BPM].wav/aiff.The Group order number is a two-digit number indicating the “order of appearance” of the Group in the Group List. This ensures that an alphabetical listing of the exported files will reflect the structure of your Project.

  • If Sound Outputs is selected in the Output menu the audio files will be named as follows: [Project name] - [Sound name] - [BPM].wav/aiff.

Notice

If the filename to be exported is already used in the destination folder, a hyphen followed by an index number is added (e.g., “ - 1,” “ - 2,” “ - 3,”) to avoid any file being overwritten.

Settings Overview

The Settings page lets you specify various preferences to customize your Maschine+. Using the 4-D encoder, you can access different categories presented as "tiles" to set preferences for the Maschine+, such as recording options, audio card configuration, network access, and MIDI. Using the Settings page you can also update the operating system of your Maschine+, access your library to download, install, and update your plug-ins, and switch between Stand-alone and Controller modes.

To select open the Settings panel and select options:

  1. Press SETTINGS to open the Settings panel.

  2. Move the 4-D encoder in any direction to select a category, or use Buttons 5 and 6.

Settings_Page.png

The Setting page with General settings selected

The Settings page contains the following categories:

  • General: Contains all of the global settings for Maschine+. This includes settings for the Metronome, Count-in, Quantize, Project reload, Scene/Section, and Colors. For more information, refer to General Settings.

  • Audio: Contains settings related to your audio interface. This can be used to configure the internal or external audio interface for Maschine+. For more information, refer to Audio Settings.

  • MIDI: Allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports for Maschine+. This page also includes MIDI Sync, Clock Offset, and Ableton Link. For more information, refer to MIDI Settings.

  • Hardware: Enables you to customize how the pads react to your playing, adjust the brightness of the displays, and set the sensitivity of the knobs. For more information, refer to Hardware Settings.

  • Library: Provides an overview of the plug-ins installed on your device and enables you to use your Native ID to download, install, and update new plug-ins. For more information, refer to Library Settings.

  • Network: Provides an overview of available Wi-Fi networks. Here you see which network you are connected to and choose to connect, disconnect, or enable Airplane mode. For more information, refer to Network Settings.

  • System: Allows you to update the operating system of your Maschine+, switch to Storage mode or Controller mode, and reset your device. For more information, refer to System Settings.

  • About: Provides an overview of the System version and firmware installed on your Maschine+. You can also use this page to view a list of Maschine+ credits and select whether you want to enable or disable usage data tracking. For more information, refer to About Settings.

General Settings

General contains all of the global settings for Maschine+. This includes settings for the Metronome, Count-in, Quantize, Project reload, Scene/Section, and Colors.

To display the General page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select General.

  3. Use the Page buttons to select a page.

  4. Use the Knobs 1–8 to change settings.

The General page provides the following options:

General Settings (Page 1)

Setting

Description

Metronome

ENABLED

Activates/deactivates the metronome. A metronome is a device used by musicians that marks time at a selected rate by giving a regular tick in beats per minute.

LEVEL

Adjusts the volume level of the metronome.

TIME

Selects the time interval between each tick of the metronome. By default the metronome indicates quarter notes (1/4).

AUTO-ON

Automatically turns on the metronome when you start recording a Pattern. When you start recording a Pattern, the metronome is automatically activated. When you exit recording the metronome returns to its state before the recording (this can be on or off). The Auto-on option does not affect the Count-in: Even if Auto-on is deactivated, the metronome turns on when you press SHIFT + REC to start the Count-in.

Count-In

LENGTH

Sets the duration of the Count-in, for instance, how long the metronome will sound before the recording actually starts.

Time Signature

NUMERATOR

Sets the number of beats in a measure. For example, in 4/4, there are 4 beats per measure.

DENOMINATOR

Sets which type of note receives one beat. If the denominator is a 4, a quarter note counts as one beat; if the denominator is an 8, an eighth note counts as one beat; if the denominator is a 16, a 16th note counts as one beat, and so on...

General Settings (Page 2)

Setting

Description

Project

RELOAD

Automatically reloads the last Project on startup.

AUTO BACKUP

Autosaves your work to prevent the loss of important changes in the event Maschine+ quits unexpectedly. If Maschine+ quits unexpectedly a dialog will appear when you restart, asking if you want to use the autosaved version of your project. If you choose not to use this, Maschine+ opens the last manually saved version of the project.

Quantize

MODE

Automatically quantize your input as you record.

Select one of the following Input Quantization modes:

None: Input Quantization is deactivated. Events you play or record on the Pads are not quantized.

Record: Input Quantization is applied only when you record the Pads.

Play/Rec: Input Quantization is applied both when you play on the pads and when you record them. In Play/Rec mode, quantization while playing is slightly different from the quantization applied while recording: When recording, all events are quantized to the closest step, possibly ahead of the event. When playing, events occurring in the first half of the steps are left untouched (since you cannot bring them forward in the timeline) whereas events occurring in the second half of the steps are quantized to the next step.

Scene/Section

DUPLICATE

Selects how the Duplicate function will operate when duplicating Scenes.

Scene Only: Only the Scene is duplicated. The result is a new unlinked Scene with the same Patterns referenced.

Scene and Patterns: The Scene itself and additionally all Patterns are duplicated. The new Scene and Patterns are now completely independent from the originals.

LINK WHEN DUPL

Creates a linked copy of a Section when using the Duplicate function. By default this feature is deactivated.

When activated, the Duplicate function will create a linked copy of a Section. A linked copy will automatically be updated when any instance of a linked Section is edited. This way, you don’t need to keep track of which Section is the “original.”

Pattern

LENGTH

Sets the default length of a Pattern.

GROW

Sets the default of Auto-growing Patterns on or off. Auto-Growing Patterns enables you to record patterns of an undefined length. This means you can quickly capture an idea without having to set a pattern length in advance. Simply begin recording and the length of the pattern will grow until you stop recording. When you have finished recording, any silence at the end of the pattern will automatically be trimmed to the nearest Bar (quantization can be adjusted via Grid settings).

General Settings (Page 3)

Setting

Description

Colors

SCENE

Selects the default color for your Scenes. In the menu, you can select the desired color from the 16-color palette or White (default setting). The color selected as default is highlighted in the menu. If you select Auto, each Scene will have a different default color.

GROUP

Selects the default color for your Groups. In the menu, you can choose the desired color from the 16-color palette. The color selected as default is highlighted in the menu. If you select Auto (default setting) each Group will have a different default color.

SOUND

Selects the default color for your Sounds. In the menu, you can choose the desired color from the 16-color palette. The color selected as default is highlighted in the menu. If you select Auto each Sound will have a different default color. If you select Use Group (default setting) Sounds will by default mirror the color of the Group to which they belong.

LOAD COLORS

Enables you to load Color settings with your Maschine files (Projects, Groups, Sounds, etc.). If you turn off Load with Colors (On by default), saved colors will not be used next time you load files. The default colors set in this Colors page will be used instead.

Audio Settings

The Audio page contains settings related to your audio interface. This can be used to configure the internal or an external audio interface for Maschine+. The right-hand display provides an overview of the current status of your audio inputs and output, including the measurement of latency.

To display the Audio page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select Audio.

  3. Use the Page buttons to select a page.

  4. Use the Knobs 1–8 to change settings.

Audio Settings page 1 provides the following options:

Setting

Description

Interface

DEVICE

Selects available the internal, or external audio devices when they are connected to the USB A ports.

The following external devices from Native Instruments are supported:

  • Komplete AUDIO 1

  • Komplete AUDIO 2

  • Komplete AUDIO 6 (MK2)

For more information on these products, refer to the Native Instruments website: https://www.native-instruments.com/en/catalog/komplete/audio-interfaces/

Audio Settings pages 2 to 6 provide the following options:

Setting

Description

Input Routing

1–8

Allows you to select which inputs on your audio interface should be used for the four stereo inputs of Maschine+. Select the inputs of your audio interface on the right column by clicking the fields: you will be presented with all of the available Inputs across several pages. The choices made here will, for example, determine which inputs can be used when sampling external sources.

Output Routing

1–16

Represents a list of the 16 stereo outputs from Maschine+ across several pages: you can assign them to the outputs of your audio interface. Output routing ports are spread across pages 3–8 of the Audio settings.

MIDI Settings

The MIDI settings page allows you to set up the MIDI input and output ports for Maschine+. This page also includes MIDI Sync, MIDI Change, Clock Offset, and Ableton Link settings.

To display the MIDI page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select MIDI.

  3. Use the Knobs 1–8 to change the settings.

Page 1 of the MIDI settings contains the following settings:

Setting

Description

MIDI Sync

MODE

Selects the MIDI Sync mode preference:

  • Off: No MIDI sync mode is selected.

  • Send Clock: Sends a MIDI Clock signal to any device that is capable of receiving MIDI Clock. This could be hardware such as a synthesizer, drum machine, or even another software sequencer.

  • Receive Clock: Receives external MIDI Clock signals and can then be controlled by any device capable of sending MIDI Clock. This could be hardware such as a drum machine, another groove box or sequencer, or another software sequencer. Note that the Receive Clock option is not available when Link is active.

CLOCK OFFSET

Compensates for delay that may occur during MIDI data transmission. Delayed MIDI Clock data will cause external devices to respond too late, thus making your track sound out of sync. By adjusting the Clock Offset value, you can set an amount of latency to be compensated (in milliseconds). Maschine+ will then send MIDI Clock events ahead of time as defined. Clock Offset is not available when MIDI Sync Mode is set to Off.

MIDI Input

DEFAULT

Enables you to play your Sound(s) via MIDI notes, for example, from a MIDI keyboard. By default and without any configuration, incoming MIDI notes on any MIDI port and any MIDI channel, or via USB, will trigger the pitch of the focused Sound. In addition, you can select that a Sound receives no MIDI input and define the default setting for MIDI input by selecting the Default MIDI Input Mode preference. Select one of the following MIDI input mode options:

  • Focus: MIDI input from any connected controller can trigger the focused (selected) Sound.

  • None: Selected Sounds will not receive MIDI data.

Link

ENABLED

Enables the Ableton Link protocol by default. Applications that support Ableton Link can join a Link session when connected to the same network. For more information on Ableton Link, refer to Syncing Maschine+ using Ableton Link.

Input Devices

SELECT

Displays a list of all available MIDI inputs of your Maschine+. Use STATUS to activate/deactivate each input.

STATUS

Displays the current status of the MIDI input device selected in SELECT. Here you can activate/deactivate the selected MIDI input.

Output Devices

SELECT

Displays a list of all available MIDI outputs of your Maschine+. Use STATUS to activate/deactivate each input.

STATUS

Displays the current status of the MIDI output device selected in SELECT. Here you can activate/deactivate the selected MIDI output.

Page 2 of the MIDI Settings contains the following:

MIDI Change

TYPE

Selects the type of MIDI Change item you want to trigger using Notes or Program Change MIDI messages from an external MIDI device.

Scene: Selects Scenes as the item to be triggered via MIDI note or Program Changes messages.

Section: Selects Sections as the item to be triggered via MIDI note or Program Changes messages.

Lock: Selects Lock snapshots as the item to be triggered via MIDI note or Program Changes messages.

For more information on MIDI Change, refer to MIDI Change.

TRIGGER

Selects the type of trigger you want to use to change Scenes, Sections, or Lock snapshots from an external MIDI device.

None: Removes any selection as the trigger for MIDI Change messages, effectively turning the feature off.

Note: Selects MIDI Note messages as the trigger for MIDI Changes.

Program Change: Selects Program Changes Note messages as the trigger for MIDI Changes.

SOURCE

Selects the external input device used to trigger MIDI Change. The name of your external device will appear here. Note that the external MIDI device must first be selected and activated in the Input Devices section on page one of the MIDI settings. For more information, refer to the SELECT and STATUS entries in the table above.

CHANNEL

Selects the MIDI channel number Maschine+ will receive MIDI notes or Program Change messages. Your external MIDI device sending the messages must be set to the same MIDI channel for Maschine+ to receive these messages.

System Settings

The System settings enable you to update the Maschine+ operating system, switch to Storage mode to exchange data between the SD card in Maschine+ and your computer, or enter Controller mode to use Maschine+ as a controller for the Maschine software running on a computer.

You can also find National options to reset your Maschine+and manually scan for system updates using the SHIFT button.

To display the System settings page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select System.

  3. Use the Buttons 1–8 to change settings.

  4. Press SHIFT to see additional settings.

The Device page provides the following settings:

Setting

Description

STORAGE

Accesses the SD card within your Maschine+ when connected via USB. In this mode, you can transfer content between Maschine+ and your computer. For more information on Storage mode, refer to Using Maschine+ in Controller Mode.Using Maschine+ in Controller Mode

CONTROLLER

Activates Controller mode. In Controller mode Maschine+ can be used as a controller for the Maschine software, where the connected computer performs all processing. It is possible to start exchange Project files and samples between Maschine+ and your computer using Storage mode. This means you could effectively, for example, start a Project on Maschine+ and then finish later on your computer using the Maschine software.

To use Controller mode, your Maschine+ must be connected via USB to a computer running the latest Maschine software. For more information on Controller mode, refer to Stand-Alone and Controller Mode.Stand-Alone and Controller Mode

UPDATE

Updates the Maschine+ operating system whenever a new version is available. When connected to Wi-Fi, Maschine+ automatically checks for updates when the System page is accessed. Press Button 8 to install system updates when they become available.

Tip

Maschine software and Maschine+ are constantly being developed. To receive new features and improvements, it is recommended that you install the latest update.

Here are the additional settings that are available when pressing SHIFT:

Setting

Description

RESET

Resets your Maschine+ to its default settings.

Caution

Pressing RESET will erase all of your settings and preferences. This action cannot be undone.

SCAN

Manually scans for system updates.

Library Settings

The Library page provides an overview of the plug-ins installed on your device and enables you to use your Native ID to download, install, and update plug-ins from your Native Instruments account.

It also contains access to the User button. Here you can add and remove directory locations on external drives. The content of these directories will then appear under the User tab of the Browser. Refer to Accessing User Content.

To display the Library settings page.

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select Library.

  3. Use the Buttons and Knobs 1–8 to change settings.

The Library page provides the following settings when FACTORY (Button 2) is selected:

Setting

Description

Products

SHOW

Shows a list of products that are installed, available to install, or update:

  • Available: Displays a list of products available to install.

  • Updates: Displays a list of products available to update.

  • Installed: Displays all products installed.

  • Turn Knob 8 or the 4-D encoder to select a product.

  • Press Button 8 when Available and Updates is selected to install, pause, or resume the installation of the selected product. When Installed is selected, press Button 8 to uninstall a product.

  • Press Button 4 (RESCAN) at any time to update the list of available products. Rescan also checks the directories on your SD card for any new content that may have been added while transferring files in Storage mode, for example, new Projects or samples. Once the SD card has been scanned, these files are available from the User section in Browser. Refer to Loading Files from the Browser and Transferring Files to the SD Card.

The Library page provides the following settings when USER (Button 3) is selected:

Setting

Description

REMOVE (Button 7)

Removes directory locations you no longer want to access on external drives. Removing a directory means its content will no longer appear in the User section of the Browser.

ADD (Button 8)

Adds specific directory location on connected external drives. Use Adding a directory means its content will appear in the User section of the Browser. Folders with a checkmark or hyphen indicate those already added to Maschine+.

Note

For information on updating the Maschine+ operating system, refer to System Settings.

Hardware Settings

The Hardware Settings page enables you to customize how the pads react to your playing, adjust the brightness of the displays, and set the sensitivity of the knobs.

To display the Hardware page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select Hardware.

  3. Use the Knobs 1–8 to change settings.

The Hardware page provides the following settings:

Setting

Description

Pads

SENSITIVITY

Adjusts how sensitive the pads respond to your touch. This sets the minimum threshold at which a “hit” is registered.

SCALING

Determines how your playing is translated into velocity values: starting from Soft 3 (a soft touch is enough to get a big velocity value) through Linear to Hard 3 (you really have to hit the pad hard to get a big velocity value).

LEDs

BRIGHTNESS

Adjusts the brightness of the pads and buttons.

Touchstrip

SHOW POSITION

Shows the playhead position within a Pattern or song:

  • Off: The Touchstrip never displays the playhead position.

  • Rec. Only: The Touchstrip displays the playhead position only when you are recording.

  • On: The Touchstrip displays the playhead position during playback and recording.

Display

BRIGHTNESS

Adjusts the brightness of both displays.

Outputs

MAIN

Routes the Line Out L/R to the Phones output. This allows you to listen to the same audio output channel via the line output and headphone output simultaneously, for example, use this if you want to listen to the main out via speakers and listen to the main out via headphones.

Touch-Sensitive Knobs

AUTO-WRITE

Activates / deactivates the Touch Auto-write option. Touch Auto-write can be very useful if you want to re-record modulation for a parameter at a constant value. With Touch Auto-write activated, you only need to keep a finger on a parameter Knob (1–8): The current modulation value is recorded as long as you touch the Knob, automatically replacing any old modulation events at the position in the Pattern.

Network Settings

The Network settings page contains options related to connecting Maschine+ to a Wi-Fi network. Before you make a connection, a list of available Wi-Fi networks is displayed. Connecting to a network enables you to download plug-ins to your library from your Native Instruments account (refer to Library Settings), update the system, and connect to an Ableton Link session (refer to MIDI Settings) so you can sync to external devices.

To display the Network settings page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select Network.

  3. Use the Buttons and Knobs 1–8 to change settings.

The Network page provides the following settings:

Buttons

Setting

Description

CONNECT

Connects Maschine+ to the selected network. Use the 4-D encoder to select a network, then press Button 8 (CONNECT) to log on to that network. You will need the network credentials to log on.

REFRESH

Refreshes the list of available Wi-Fi networks. Press Button 5 (REFRESH) to update the list.

DISCONNECT

Disconnects from the current Wi-Fi connection. Press Button 8 (DISCONNECT) to disconnect.

Knobs

Setting

Description

Airplane Mode

Enabled

Activates or deactivates Airplane mode. When activated, this mode suspends Wi-Fi network signal transmission from Maschine+, effectively disabling the network service. As the name suggests, this mode is for use in environments where you cannot use Wi-Fi.

Tip

For more information on connecting to Wi-Fi networks and Ableton Link, refer to Connecting to Wi-Fi and Syncing Maschine+ using Ableton Link.

About Settings

The About page provides an overview of the System version, Maschine version, and firmware installed on your Maschine+. You can also use this page to view a list of Maschine+ credits and select whether you want to disable usage data tracking.

To display the About page:

  1. Press SETTINGS.

  2. Use the 4-D encoder to select About.

  3. Use the Knobs 1 to 8 to change settings.

The About page provides the following settings:

Buttons

Setting

Description

CREDITS

Press Button 8 to see a list of Maschine+ credits. In no particular order, this list includes everyone that has contributed to the development, and sound design of Maschine+. Use Knob 8 to scroll through the list.

Knobs

Setting

Description

Usage Data

TRACK

Turn Knob 1 to activate or deactivate Usage Data Tracking.

Usage Data Tracking technology enables Maschine+ to automatically track anonymous usage data that you can choose to share with us. All users should keep Data Tracking activated as it provides a valuable tool for understanding the performance of Native Instruments products when they are used in real-life situations. The data sent to Native Instruments is 100% anonymous and will not affect performance.

For more detailed information about Usage Data Tracking, refer to the following Knowledge Base article on the Native Instruments website: https://support.native-instruments.com/hc/en-us/articles/209545029.