(http://forum.cakewalk.com/tm.aspx?m=195 ... print=true)Yes. Everybody needs a Maschine. Resistance is futile.
Sure. Maschine looks great. It has some really nice kits and pre-made loops. But is it really that necessary? Can't Ableton do most of the stuff it does anyway? I just don't want to get sucked in by NI's hype. I'm sick of it and their support licks @#$#s.
I own an APC40, MaxForLive, and I like building my own patches so I figure I can do anything with that combo that Maschine can do.
Here is a feature breakdown (some points :
APC40With the fully integrated hardware you control every function and parameter of the software running on your computer, making your workflow super fast and smooth
IrrelavantConvenient integration as a plug-in into any VST, AU or RTAS supported DAWTotal recall of all parameters either in standalone mode or as a plug-in
I barely use any of the Komplete 7 presets as it stands. I can't find any that sound good. With the exception some Reaktor patches but I'm guessing that Maschine doesn't integrate with Reaktor in the same way it does other NI instruments.Browse and load all instrument and effect presets from KOMPLETE 8 directly from the hardware – use the 8 knobs to filter results to quickly get you to the sound you want
Just like every other piece of software on the market.Frequent software updates means MASCHINE continues to evolve to fit your production needs
Well, this would seem to be the key point if I wanted to use Maschine as my DAW, but I don't. I want to use Ableton.Load your samples, effects and plug-ins and control them with the pads and knobs - there’s no need to touch the computer’s mouse or keyboard
Probably the one thing I'm really keen on. But, I have the APC40 for step sequencing and the MPD24 is a lot cheaper.16 highly-sensitive back-lit pads with velocity and after-touch
Buh?11 higher-than-MIDI-resolution rotary encoders for true analog feel and realtime multi-parameter tweaking
I don't want to control more software. The APC40 is enough for me.41 buttons for direct control of all software functions, combinable with a shift function to open up even more control possibilities
Hmmm... Might be a bonus. But depends on how it helps me DJ with Ableton. I'm guessing it wouldn'tTwo 64 x 256 pixel backlit displays – instantly find the information you need, even in the darkest club situation
These are really big features. The current APC40 step sequencers are really still in a nascent state. But, theoretically, the APC40 should be better because it has 26 more buttons than the Maschine controller. The sequencers are improving and I plan to build my own soon. However, the APC40 is not velocity sensitiveTwo modes: XOX drum machine step sequencer and MPC®-style live recording
I wonder where they got that from?Clip-based concept for intuitive arrangement of your project into scenes and songs
See two points above, but Maschine definitely seems to be a few steps ahead in the step sequencing department. But, I can't build my own step sequencer.Classic groove box functions such as 16 velocity levels, swing (sounds, groups, global), pad-link, and note repeat
APC40Use one button and 8 knobs to automate sampler, effects or plug-in parameters simultaneously in real time
Might be good. ?Select and edit note events directly from the controller for efficient workflow
There's a novel idea.MIDI In and Out for sequencing external soft- or hardware, or connecting an external MIDI keyboard for playing complex melodic ideas
SnoozeSample-length and number of samples only limited by your computer's RAM capacity
Clutching at straws herePolyphony up to 32 voices for each sound, with choke, legato and glide options
Automatic pad assignment would be good but this could be built in MaxForLive.Powerful slicing by transient detection, fixed grid or equal splits with automatic pad assignment
I would like this to help organise clips.Destructive sample editing (e.g. truncate, normalize, reverse, etc)
So what.Convenient import of own samples, REX2 files and MPC® programs
Meh.Vintage Sampling Modes emulating the sound of the MPC60* and/ SP1200*
Yep.Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz audio when using a high-quality audio interface like
Probably a good thing but not big on Komplete except for maybe Reaktor and Battery (which I wouldn't use if I had Maschine)Native support for the new 'NIS' NI sound format - browse and load the presets of all KOMPLETE 8 Instruments and Effects directly from MASCHINE's hardware browser
I don't want to start loading up more FX inside what is essentially just a VST I will use inside Ableton.One instrument and up to 4 effect plug-ins can be opened in each sound slot - 16 sound slots are available in each of the 8 groups
APC40Real auto-map: MASCHINE automatically maps the plug-in parameters to the controller knobs
Inegration with Reaktor sounds great. But, Reaktor has a pig of a UI so it's hard to see how Maschine would integrate well with it.Get started using the new hosting possibility with the included REAKTOR, KONTAKT and GUITAR RIG PLAYER plug-ins and sounds from KOMPLETE ELEMENTS
Perhaps this might be a good reason for buying it. Not sure. Is there a better drum library I can buy on the net for a couple of hundred bucks?Over 6 GB of sounds including 18,000 samples, 7,000 one-shots, 400 loops, 300 drum kits with 1,400 patterns, 388 sampled instruments, 170 FX/multi-FX presets, and 60 demo projects
Why would I use Maschine for instruments like these when I have Ableton?Contains multi-sampled acoustic instruments of all genres such as pianos, organs, strings, brass and much more
A lot of emphasis is put on this. But, when you are in the studio, it's hard to see how you will ever get away from using the keyboard and mouse completely. And when playing live, I'll use the APC40.Browse and load projects, patterns, kits, sounds and effects conveniently from the hardware, including all KOMPLETE 8 presets without touching your computer’s keyboard or mouse
A) Feature gap between Ableton, APC40, MaxForLive / MaschineAs a plug-in, MASCHINE retains all of its capabilities including total recall and routing up to 16 stereo outs to your host's mixer
Drag and drop of audio or MIDI files directly to DAW, or drag samples directly from your computer into MASCHINE’s sound slots
Export note events as MIDI files
Import iMASCHINE projects, REX files and MPC programs
Group Macro Controls: Assign any parameter of the dedicated group (f.e. filter, envelope, any effect parameter) to the 8 knobs on the hardware or to your host sequencer for automation
Instant navigation: Open several instances of MASCHINE in your host sequencer and easily switch between them using just one controller
Add MASCHINE MIKRO to your setup in parallel with MASCHINE - for additional hands-on control of your DAW
Conveniently bounce songs or individual patterns as 8, 16 and 24 Bit WAV files, or drag and drop them directly to your DAW
B) Annoyance of having more hardware
C) Time spent learning new stuff
D) Cost of Maschine
Is A - (B + C + D) > 0?