Native Instruments Groove production studio Manual
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Native Instruments Groove production studio Manual

Groove production studio
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  • Page 1 Manual...
  • Page 2 Disclaimer The information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Native Instruments GmbH. The software described by this docu- ment is subject to a License Agreement and may not be copied to other media. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced or otherwise transmitted or recorded, for any purpose, without prior written permission by Native Instruments GmbH, hereinafter referred to as Native Instruments.
  • Page 3 Contact Germany Native Instruments GmbH Schlesische Str. 29-30 D-10997 Berlin Germany www.native-instruments.de Native Instruments North America, Inc. 6725 Sunset Boulevard 5th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90028 www.native-instruments.com © Native Instruments GmbH, 2011. All rights reserved.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Table of Contents Introduction ......................12 Welcome to MASCHINE! ......................12 1.1.1 Manual Conventions ....................13 1.1.2 Naming Conventions ....................13 MASCHINE Documentation ......................14 Basic Concepts ......................16 Names and concepts you should know ..................16 Common Operations ........................
  • Page 5 Sound Slots ......................58 Defining a Sound Slot's Role ...................... 59 4.1.1 Selecting a Source using the Hardware ..............60 4.1.2 Selecting a Source using the Software ..............61 The Sampler Parameters in Module 1 ..................61 MASCHINE - Manual - 5...
  • Page 6 The Group Property Pages ......................92 5.1.1 Page 1: Voice Settings and Pitch ................92 5.1.2 Page 2: Groove ......................93 5.1.3 Page 3: Macro Controls ....................94 5.1.4 Accessing Macro Controls from the Hardware ............98 MASCHINE - Manual - 6...
  • Page 7 Recording Automation ....................118 6.1.11 Recording Automation in the Step Sequencer ............119 6.1.12 Step Grid, Pattern Length Grid and Quantization ............119 Editing Patterns ......................... 121 6.2.1 Selecting Notes and Events ..................121 6.2.2 Erase/Clear ........................ 122 MASCHINE - Manual - 7...
  • Page 8 Rendering Audio from Patterns using Drag and Drop ..........141 7.2.12 Rendering MIDI from Patterns using Drag and Drop ..........143 The Effects Overview ....................145 Dynamics ............................ 145 8.1.1 Compressor ....................... 145 8.1.2 Gate ........................... 146 8.1.3 Limiter ........................148 MASCHINE - Manual - 8...
  • Page 9 Distortion ........................169 8.6.2 Lofi ..........................170 8.6.3 Saturator ........................171 Using FX ........................173 Applying Effects to a Sound ......................173 Applying Effects to a Group ......................176 Applying Effects to the Master ....................178 MASCHINE - Manual - 9...
  • Page 10 11.1.7 Mapping a Sample ....................221 12 The Master Section ....................225 12.1 The Master Parameter Pages ...................... 225 12.1.1 Mix Page 1: Master Mixer ................... 225 12.1.2 Mix Page 2: Group Panning ..................226 MASCHINE - Manual - 10...
  • Page 11 14.3.1 Changing Pattern Length for variation ..............237 14.3.2 Using the Loop Mode to cycle through Samples ............237 14.3.3 Load long Audio Files and play with the Start Point ........... 237 Index ........................238 MASCHINE - Manual - 11...

  • Page 12: Introduction

    You can sample your own material, slice loops and rearrange them easily. However, MASCHINE is a lot more than an ordinary groovebox or sampler: it comes with an inspiring 6-gigabyte library, containing over 250 kits and 14,000 samples, and a sophisticat- ed, yet easy to use tag-based Browser to give you instant access to the sounds you are looking for.

  • Page 13: Manual Conventions

    Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text ap- pearing somewhere on the screen. ▪ Text appearing on labels of the MASCHINE hardware controller is printed in orange. Whenever you see this formatting applied, you will find the same text on the controller.

  • Page 14: Maschine Documentation

    MASCHINE Documentation Unlabeled Buttons and Knobs The buttons and knobs above and below the displays on your MASCHINE controller do not have labels (all other elements on the controller do). For better reference, we applied a special formatting here: throughout the document, the elements are capitalized and numbered, so the buttons are written Button (1-8), while the knobs are written Knob (1-8).
  • Page 15 Video Tutorials The Native Instruments website provides you with a lot of video tutorials that give you a hands- on approach to many sides of the MASCHINE workflow. To see them, point your favorite brows- er to following URL: http://native-instruments.com/maschinemedia...

  • Page 16: Basic Concepts

    Projects, Groups, Sounds, Samples, Patterns, Instruments and FX Presets. Each of these can be stored and tagged in a way that allows you easy access to all of them. MASCHINE's Factory Library is already completely tagged, and you can also import your own Samples to the Library and tag them as well.
  • Page 17 Events are the individual element that make up a pattern. In Step Editor mode these are visu- ally represented in the MASCHINE software by rectangles. In Piano Roll mode they are repre- sented by note information. Each event represents a musical note or a drum hit.

  • Page 18: Common Operations

    MASCHINE contains four Module slots on each of the three MASCHINE Project levels Sound, Group, and Master. MASCHINE modules are the MASCHINE Sampler, VST/AU Plug-in Instru- ments or FX, internal MASCHINE FX, as well as the external Input module and the MIDI Out module.

  • Page 19: Showing And Hiding The Browser

    ► Press and hold NAVIGATE; now press Button 5 to hide the Browser. To bring it back, press Button 5 again. The Navigate screen on the left and right display of the MASCHINE hardware controller. Software ► Click on the Browser button (with the magnifier symbol) in the Header to show and hide the Browser.

  • Page 20: Minimizing The Arranger

    The Arranger in minimized view showing the Group slot in focus. 2.2.4 Hiding Parameter Pages in the Control Area Hardware ► Press NAVIGATE + Button 7 to show and hide the Parameter pages in the Control area. MASCHINE - Manual - 20...

  • Page 21: Hiding The Modulation Lane

    NAVIGATE + Button 8 to show and hide the Modulation Lane. Software ► Click on the Automation View switch on the left of the Modulation Lane to show and hide it. The Automation View switch. MASCHINE - Manual - 21...

  • Page 22: Navigating Parameter Pages In The Control Area

    Hardware On the MASCHINE hardware controller you can use the Page buttons to navigate through the Parameter pages. Whenever there is more than one page, it will be shown on the right side of the right display like this: The display of available 1/6 pages in a Group Output tab.

  • Page 23: Undo And Redo

    Note: If you save your Project, you will no longer be able to Undo or Redo any actions per- formed before saving! Hardware ► On the MASCHINE hardware controller, perform the Undo operation by pressing SHIFT pad 1. To perform the Redo operation, press SHIFT + pad 2.

  • Page 24: Stand-Alone And Plug-In Mode

    You can run MASCHINE software as a stand-alone application or integrate it into your favorite Digital Audio Workstation (or DAW, in short) by loading it as a plug-in. MASCHINE software is available in the VST, Audio Unit and RTAS plug-in formats. For further information on plug-in compatibility and for a detailed description of how to use plug-ins in your host, please refer to the documentation included with your host software.

  • Page 25: Preferences

    Basic Concepts Preferences Preferences You can find the Preferences dialog under MASCHINE in the Main menu (Mac OS X) or in the File menu (Windows), as well as in the File submenu of the Plug-in menu: Preferences… on the Main menu (Mac OS X depicted).

  • Page 26: Preferences - General Tab

    Startup Reload last Project If this option is checked, the last Project you worked on when quitting MA- SCHINE will be loaded as soon as you start MASCHINE again. Recording Audio Prefer Project Folder If this checkbox is marked, the Samples you record will be put in a subdir- ectory of the folder where your project is saved.
  • Page 27 Input Channel Use this to select the MIDI channel you want MASCHINE to receive MIDI messages on. This can be used to limit MIDI input sent by the external sync master device. The Omni setting will allow the MASCHINE software to receive messages on all 16 channels at one.

  • Page 28: Preferences - Defaults Tab

    Input Quantize This allows you to select one of the three quantize options: None (no quantization), Record (quantization only in Record mode) or Play/Rec (quantization in Play and Record mode). MASCHINE - Manual - 28...

  • Page 29: Preferences - User Paths Tab

    MASCHINE to load when used as a standalone. Any Project file can be used as a template, this can be from the MASCHINE library or you could create a file, for example with your preferred plug-ins and FX loaded into the Module slots.
  • Page 30 Preferences User Paths tab shows the locations of all MASCHINE files and Samples you have added to the Library. By clicking on the folder icon to the right, you can change the path for example if you moved your sample folder to another location.

  • Page 31: Preferences - Libraries Tab

    Description RESCAN Click this button to rescan the MASCHINE Factory Library or other Libra- ries from Native Instruments. This is useful if you have moved the Factory Library to another hard drive or to another location on the same hard drive.
  • Page 32 When a plug-in is disabled, it will not appear in the Module menus. If, for example, you do not use VST plug-ins on a Mac, it could be useful to disable them so that these VSTs do not appear in the list of loadable Modules. MASCHINE - Manual - 32...
  • Page 33 Description PLUG-IN Lists all available plug-ins. This includes all enabled or disabled 32-bit plug-ins, when MASCHINE is running in 32-bit mode or otherwise all enabled or disabled 64-bit plug-ins, when MASCHINE is running in 64-bit mode. DEFAULT CONFIG You can set a default Module preset here, which will be loaded with this plug-in when you load it from the Module browser on the hardware or the Module menu of a Module slot.
  • Page 34 To check which bit mode you are currently running, open the About screen from MA- SCHINE's Help menu and see the Mode section in the upper right. The Plugins tab's 64 BIT / 32 BIT section (depending on the MASCHINE bit mode). MASCHINE - Manual - 34...

  • Page 35: Preferences - Hardware Tab

    32 BIT will be shown respectively. If you plug a MASCHINE instance into your DAW, keep in mind that a 64-bit MASCHINE plug-in will host 64-bit plug-ins only, as well as a 32-bit instance will allow only hosting of 32-bit plug-ins.

  • Page 36: Audio And Midi Settings

    With these sliders you can adjust the contrast of the Left and right displays separately. Adjusting the Settings from the Hardware You also have access to these settings from the MASCHINE hardware controller. To do this, you first have to enter the MIDI mode by pressing SHIFT + CONTROL.

  • Page 37: Audio Tab

    Description Driver Select your audio driver here. Device This allows you to choose available devices if you have connected more than one audio interface. Status This shows you whether your audio interface is currently running. MASCHINE - Manual - 37...

  • Page 38: Routing Tab

    Description Sample Rate The currently selected sample rate of your audio interface. Please restart MASCHINE after changing the sample rate. Latency Mac OS X: This slider allows you to adjust the latency of your audio inter- face in samples. Lower values result in a more immediate playing response but are heavier on both the CPU and the audio driver, and may result in audible clicks and pops.

  • Page 39: Midi Tab

    By clicking on this button, you can define which two inputs on your audio interface will be seen by MASCHINE. Select the Inputs of your audio inter- face on the right column by clicking on the fields: you will be presented with a drop-down menu with all the available Inputs.

  • Page 40: Connecting External Midi Equipment

    Connecting External MIDI Equipment MASCHINE's rear view. To connect your external MIDI equipment, hook it up to the MASCHINE hardware controller’s MIDI In or MIDI Out socket on the rear panel. If you connect a MIDI keyboard to the MIDI In, you can directly play the currently selected Sound with it without having to set anything up.

  • Page 41: Sync To External Midi Clock

    Sync to External MIDI Clock activated. If you use MASCHINE as a plug-in, it is automatically synced to the host application so you don't have to activate External Sync! You have to define at least one Input in the Audio and MIDI Settings’...
  • Page 42 Basic Concepts Connecting External MIDI Equipment Send MIDI Clock activated. MASCHINE - Manual - 42...

  • Page 43: Browser

    Groups, Projects, Patterns, Instruments, and FX Presets. This is done by tagging them, which means categorizing them by using keywords. Given that the MASCHINE software has some ad- vantages over the hardware in this case, such as a very big screen and a QWERTY-keyboard, we will start with the software first.

  • Page 44: Elements Of The Browser

    Browser Elements of the Browser Elements of the Browser The elements of the Browser. (1) Disk button: Use the DISK button to switch between the Browser and access to your com- puter hard drives. MASCHINE - Manual - 44...

  • Page 45: Disk Selector

    (2) File Type selector: This contains seven icons, each representing the different files types of MASCHINE. From the left to right the file types are Project, Group, Sound, Pattern, Instru- ment, FX, and Sample. By clicking one of them it causes only the files of the selected type to be displayed in the Search Result list.

  • Page 46: File Type Selector

    Browser Mode selector. On the File Type selector you will find 7 icons representing the different file types of MASCHINE: Projects (1), Groups (2), Sounds (3), Patterns (4), In- struments (5) FX Presets (6) and Samples (7). By clicking on one of them will cause only the files of the selected type to be displayed in the search result list (RESULTS).

  • Page 47: Text Search Field

    Samples, this might be the place to put its name. TYPE TYPE category is the first in the tag hierarchy of MASCHINE, and should be used to categorize your file in a general way. SUBTYPE With the SUBTYPE, you can narrow down the description of your file even further.

  • Page 48: Search Result List

    The search result list (RESULTS) shows all the files that match your query. Double-clicking one of the matches will load the respective file. Depending on what File type you have select- ed, the file will be loaded to different locations within MASCHINE: The search result list showing Kicks from the MASCHINE Factory Library.

  • Page 49: Locating Missing Samples

    3.1.6 Locating missing Samples If you are loading a MASCHINE Project and the referenced samples cannot be found for any reason, a dialog in which you can locate the missing samples will open. The Missing Library dialog allows you to locate missing samples.

  • Page 50: Adding Your Own Samples

    Browser Adding your Own Samples The Purge Missing Samples and the Find Missing Samples… entries in the MASCHINE plug-in's File menu. ► Select Purge Missing Samples to remove all Sounds with missing samples from your MA- SCHINE Project. Adding your Own Samples Apart from the huge Library, you might still want to use your own Samples.
  • Page 51 Click on the Audition button (speaker symbol) to activate the Audition function. Adjust the pre-listening volume by moving the volume slider to the right of the Audition button. From left to right: Swap button, Audition button, Volume slider, Import button. MASCHINE - Manual - 51...

  • Page 52: Importing A Sample Into The Library

    You can also make non-contiguous selections within a directory by clicking while holding down the [Ctrl] key (Windows) or the [Cmd] key (Mac OS X). After pressing IMPORT, MASCHINE - Manual - 52...

  • Page 53: Tagging Your Groups, Sounds, Patterns, Instruments, Fx Presets, And Samples

    Tags. You can cancel the Import by clicking the Cancel button. Adding New Tags You can also add your own Tags. On the bottom of each of the three category columns in the Tag Editor, there is an add new… entry: MASCHINE - Manual - 53...

  • Page 54: Quick Browse

    Tags you used to find it, or browse all Kick Sounds (given that the MASCHINE Library already has around 700 Kick Sounds, this may take MASCHINE - Manual - 54...

  • Page 55: Using Quick Browse

    In-Place Auditioning is activated (see below). The Browser on the MASCHINE hardware controller always restores the search query you performed to get a given file.

  • Page 56: The Browser On The Hardware

    Library using the software beforehand. ► To enter the Browser on the MASCHINE controller press BROWSE. The Browser on the MASCHINE hardware controller displays with the SOUND tab in focus. Filter Dial Knob 1 to select a file type you are looking for. Depending on which of the Buttons 2-4 are selected (the picture above shows the Browser with Button 4, i.e.
  • Page 57 Factory Library are DRUMS ONE SHOTS FACTORY TYPE TYPE category is the first in the tag hierarchy of MASCHINE and cate- gorizes the file in a general way. Examples for the TYPE category from the Factory Library are BRASS, ANALOG FX or KICK.

  • Page 58: Sound Slots

    Instrument or FX, internal MASCHINE FX, as well as an external Input, or a MIDI Out module. Each Sound of the selected Group is mapped to one of the 16 pads on the MASCHINE hard- ware controller, so you can play the Sounds by pressing the pads.

  • Page 59: Defining A Sound Slot's Role

    (sampler, input, MIDI out, VST/AU instrument plug-ins, MASCHINE FX and VST/AU plug-in effects). ▪ Module 2, 3, and can only host effects (MASCHINE FX and VST/AU plug-in effects). The following list explains the available sources in more detail: MASCHINE - Manual - 59...

  • Page 60: Selecting A Source Using The Hardware

    Plug-in Instruments can only be used in Module of a Sound. ▪ FX: allows the use of internal MASCHINE effects or external plug-in effects from Native Instruments and third-party manufacturers. The Sound slot will be available as a bussing point for internal signals.

  • Page 61: Selecting A Source Using The Software

    In the following section, we will concentrate on the Sampler mode which is probably the one you will use the most. For information on working with internal MASCHINE effects and Plug-in effects please refer ↑9, Using The Sampler Parameters in Module 1 The Sampler Parameters offer various ways to further shape each of your Sounds individually.
  • Page 62 ▪ Page 6: Velocity Destination Modwheel Destination Hardware ► On your MASCHINE hardware controller, use the Page buttons to step through the various parameter pages. On the MASCHINE controller, step through the pages by pressing the Page buttons. Software ► In the software, use the Parameter Page selector to step through Parameter pages.

  • Page 63: Voice Settings And Engine

    Description Voice Setting Controls Polyphony Here you can define a voice limit for the Sound. The default value is 8, the minimum 1 and the maximum 32 voices. You can also set this to Legato. MASCHINE - Manual - 63...

  • Page 64: Pitch/Gate And Amplitude Envelope

    If you choose S1200 (see above), you can further shape the emulation by activating a filter here. The available filters are: None (no filter), Low, Lo- Mid, Hi-Mid, and High. 4.2.2 Page 2: Pitch/Gate and Amplitude Envelope Sampler PITCH / GATE on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 64...
  • Page 65 Oneshot mode activated. Oneshot: This is typical vintage drum machine behavior: the sample is played in its entirety from beginning to end with no envelope. If Oneshot is activated, the following parameters will not be available! MASCHINE - Manual - 65...
  • Page 66 ADSR: Typically, the ADSR envelope is used for longer, sustained Samples that require com- plex dynamic control. Unlike many other hardware devices, the pads on MASCHINE are sensitive not only to being hit, but also to being held — so using the ADSR envelope, you can make the pads behave like a MIDI keyboard and sustain a note only for as long as it is held down.

  • Page 67: Fx And Filter Settings

    Sound more lo-fi. Bits Allows you to lower the original bit rate of the Sound, resulting in a more rough, digital sounding lo-fi effect. MASCHINE - Manual - 67...

  • Page 68: Modulation Envelope And Destination

    Velocity, the Modulation Envelope, the LFO or the MIDI Modula- tion Wheel. The EQ is an equalizer with Frequency, Bandwidth and Gain. 4.2.4 Page 4: Modulation Envelope and Destination Sampler MODULATION ENVELOPE on the hardware. Sampler Modulation Envelope on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 68...

  • Page 69: Lfo And Destination

    ▪ Cutoff, located on Sampler Parameter page 3 ▪ Drive, located on Sampler Parameter page 3 ▪ Pan, located on Output Parameter page 1 4.2.5 Page 5: LFO and Destination Sampler LFO on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 69...
  • Page 70 This is where you define up to four modulation targets for the LFO: ▪ Pitch, located on Sampler Parameter page 2 ▪ Cutoff, located on Sampler Parameter page 3 ▪ Drive, located on Sampler Parameter page 3 ▪ Pan, located on Output Parameter page 1 MASCHINE - Manual - 70...

  • Page 71: Velocity Destination And Modwheel Destination

    This allows you to modulate the Cutoff parameter of the Filters with filter types LP, HP, BP (on page 3). Volume This allows you to modulate volume, which is what Velocity normally is used for. MASCHINE - Manual - 71...

  • Page 72: Loading An Instrument Plug-In

    Make sure MODULES is activated to show Module slots 1 to 4 (Button 4). Press Button 5 to select slot 1. Press SHIFT + BROWSE to select the sound source. On the left display, change the TYPE to PLUG-IN using Knob 1. MASCHINE - Manual - 72...
  • Page 73 13. Press the Page buttons to step through the Parameter pages of the plug-in. To play the instrument plug-in chromatically using the pads on the MASCHINE hardware; press SHIFT then press the PAD MODE (KEYBOARD) button to quickly toggle to Keyboard mode.
  • Page 74 Click on the Sound slot you want to load an instrument to. Click on the first Module slot (only Module slot can host instrument plug-ins) and click the drop-down arrow at the right end of it. MASCHINE - Manual - 74...
  • Page 75 ↑4.4.2, Page 2: Pre Mix Options. To play the instrument plug-in chromatically using the pads on the MASCHINE MIKRO hard- ware controller; press SHIFT then press the PAD MODE button to quickly toggle to Keyboard mode. MASCHINE - Manual - 75...

  • Page 76: Opening And Closing Plug-In Windows

    4.3.1 Opening and Closing Plug-in Windows You can open floating windows for all plug-ins of a MASCHINE project. MASCHINE will always show the open floating windows of the selected Sound, Group or the Master at a time. MASCHINE with GUITAR RIG and MASSIVE plug-in user interfaces opened.

  • Page 77: The Sampler Parameters In The Sound's Output Tab (Out)

    A second click on EDIT button will close the plug-in window. This feature is currently not available from the MASCHINE hardware controller, please use the MASCHINE software instead. The Sampler Parameters in the Sound’s Output Tab (OUT) The Sound’s Output tab allows you to route your Sound and define Aux sends.
  • Page 78 Defines the pan position of your Sound in the stereo field. If MASCHINE is running as a plug-in, the External Outputs will correspond to virtual outputs in your host. This allows you to send individual Sounds from MASCHINE to their own mixer channel within your DAW, for example.

  • Page 79: Page 2: Pre Mix Options

    If this is enabled, the Sound will be fed into Aux 2 before Main Level and Pan of the Sound. Saving a Sound To save a Sound, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the Sound slot in the Arranger and select Save As… from the drop-down menu: MASCHINE - Manual - 79...

  • Page 80: Copying And Pasting Sounds

    The Sound will be added to the Library and is ready to be tagged. Saving a Sound is only available in MASCHINE software. Once a Sound is saved and tagged, it is available from the Browser for use in other Groups and Projects.

  • Page 81: Resetting A Sound

    ERASE and then touch the pad corresponding to the Sound to be reset. Software ► To reset a Sound, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) the Sound slot and choose Reset from the drop-down menu. MASCHINE - Manual - 81...

  • Page 82: Mute And Solo

    There are two more functions in the Solo mode: ALL ON (press But- ton 3) to turn all Sounds on and NONE (press Button 4) to turn all Sounds of the Group cur- rently in focus off. MASCHINE - Manual - 82...

  • Page 83: Software

    MUTE button. The Mute Screen on the hardware. 4.8.2 Software Soloing a Sound ► To solo a Sound, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the pad icon in the Pattern Edi- tor. MASCHINE - Manual - 83...
  • Page 84 ► To unsolo a Group, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the Group icon again. Muting a Sound ► To mute a Sound, click on the pad icon in the Pattern Editor. Muting a Sound. MASCHINE - Manual - 84...

  • Page 85: Loading Rex Files

    ► To unmute the Group, click on the Group icon again. Loading REX Files MASCHINE supports REX (ReCycle) files to be loaded. REX files are loops that are already sliced and mapped to MIDI notes. Only REX2 files are currently supported.

  • Page 86: Sound Midi Options

    4.10 Sound MIDI Options MASCHINE’s Groups and Sounds can be triggered via MIDI, both globally and individually. To configure the appropriate MIDI settings, you have two functions at your disposal: Sound MIDI Batch Setup (for whole Groups) and Sound MIDI Settings (for individual Sounds). Furthermore, you can configure your Sounds’...
  • Page 87 This window is only meant to set settings to a group of sounds. It does not show the current settings of sounds of a group! If you want to see the current setting of a sound, see next chapter. MASCHINE - Manual - 87...

  • Page 88: Sound Midi Settings

    Right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the Sound slot of a Sound and choose Sound MIDI Settings from the pop-up menu. Choosing Sound MIDI Settings for a Sound. Now you will be presented with the Sound MIDI Settings dialog: MASCHINE - Manual - 88...
  • Page 89 Define the lowest note on which the Sound will respond to MIDI here. High Note Define the highest note on which the Sound will respond to MIDI here. Destination Options Root Note Define the root note of the selected Sound here. MASCHINE - Manual - 89...

  • Page 90: Midi Output From Sounds

    4.10.3 MIDI Output from Sounds You can output MIDI notes from individual Sounds allowing you to control your host applica- tion and/or external MIDI gear from MASCHINE’s sequencer. Hardware Select an empty Sound slot by pressing its pad. Press Button 5 to select the Source tab (SRC).
  • Page 91 Select an empty Sound slot by clicking on it. Select Module and click on the arrow to open the drop-down menu. Choose MIDI Out, then select the MIDI Channel you want the Sound to send MIDI to. MASCHINE - Manual - 91...

  • Page 92: Creating Groups

    Press Button 5 to select SRC (Source). Turn Knob 1 to edit POLYPHONY. Turn Knob 5 to change the PITCH. Software To access the Group Source Property page: Select the GROUP level tab. Click the button. MASCHINE - Manual - 92...

  • Page 93: Groove

    Select the Group you want to edit by pressing a Group button A-H. Press Button 2 to select GROUP. Press Button 5 to select GRV (Groove). Turn Knob 1 to add SWING. Turn Knob 2 to change CYCLE. Turn Knob 3 to turn INVERT on or off. MASCHINE - Manual - 93...

  • Page 94: Page 3: Macro Controls

    MASCHINE parameters and third party VST/AU plug-ins using the host automation of your DAW (Digital Audio Worksta- tion). All MASCHINE Macro Controls are visible for hosts and automation can be recorded in MASCHINE - Manual - 94...
  • Page 95 Creating Groups The Group Property Pages your host for each MASCHINE Macro controller. Please refer to the manual of your DAW soft- ware for more information. In addition, Macro controls also allow you to control parameters through external MIDI controllers using MIDI CCs. Finally, you can record them as automation in a Pattern (for more information on that, see section ↑7.2.5, Recording and Editing Automa-...
  • Page 96 Assigning Macro Controls to external MIDI CCs Just like the parameter assignment, the MIDI CC assignment is performed in the MASCHINE software. To assign a MIDI CC to a MASCHINE Macro Control, get back to the Macro page by selecting the...
  • Page 97 Assigning MIDI CC 1 to Macro control 1. Alternatively, you can also let MASCHINE learn the MIDI CC it is supposed to react to. Choose MIDI Learn from the pop-up menu and move the desired knob or fader on your connected MIDI controller: Selecting Enter MIDI Learn in the pop-up menu.

  • Page 98: Accessing Macro Controls From The Hardware

    When the MIDI CC has been received, the white dot will stop flashing. Macro Controls can also be controlled by Host Automation. Each MASCHINE Macro Control has a unique Automation ID, which is provided to your host/DAW by the MASCHINE plug-in. 5.1.4...

  • Page 99: The Group's Output Parameters

    The destination for Aux 1: available destinations are Master, all Sounds with Input enabled, the External Outputs 1-8 and None. Level Here you adjust the amount of the signal that gets sent to the Aux 1 desti- nation. Aux 2 MASCHINE - Manual - 99...

  • Page 100: Aux Pre And Post Mode (Pre Mix 1 And 2)

    Press Button 2 to select GROUP. Press Button 8 to select OUT. 5.2.2 Page 2: Aux Pre and Post Mode (Pre Mix 1 and 2) Software Page 2 of 2 from the Group Output pages on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 100...

  • Page 101: Saving A Group

    Turn the Knob 7 to turn PRE MIX 2 on and off. Saving a Group To save a Group, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the Group’s slot in the Arranger and select Save As… from the drop-down menu: MASCHINE - Manual - 101...

  • Page 102: Copy And Paste Groups

    The Group will be added to the Library and is ready to be tagged. Saving a Group is only available on MASCHINE software. After saving and tagging a Group it will become available in the Browser for use in other Projects.

  • Page 103: Resetting A Group

    + ERASE, then press the Group button for the Group to be reset. Software ► To reset a Group, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) the Group slot and choose Reset from the drop-down menu. MASCHINE - Manual - 103...

  • Page 104: Naming Groups & Sounds

    Some hosts will catch the [Enter] key, as it is mapped to some function of the host software. In this case, click anywhere else in the MASCHINE plug-in window to confirm the name you have entered. Group renaming is performed accordingly: double-click on the Group slot to edit the name of the Group.

  • Page 105: Loading Groups Without Patterns

    If you want to build a Group from scratch, you can load Groups without Patterns both on the MASCHINE hardware controller and MASCHINE software. In this case, previously loaded Pat- terns will not be removed, enabling you to try out a Pattern using different Sounds.

  • Page 106: Mpc Program Import To Groups

    A selected Group in the Browser with the Pattern load option unchecked. MPC Program Import to Groups MASCHINE allows you to import Drum program files (.PGM and .AKP) from the Akai MPC ser- ies to Groups. Supported models include the MPC4000, MPC3000, MPC2000, MPC500, MPC1000 and the MPC2500.

  • Page 107: Importing Mpc Program Files

    − − − Velocity to Volume Mute Group − − − Choke Group 5.8.2 Importing MPC Program Files To import an MPC Program file, open the Browser on the MASCHINE software and enter DISK mode. MASCHINE - Manual - 107...
  • Page 108 Navigate to the MPC Program you want to import and double-click it. You will be prompt- ed with the MPC dialog: In the Input section of the dialog window, select one of the import options: MASCHINE - Manual - 108...
  • Page 109 Bank you want to import. The list below shows you a preview of the sounds in the selected MPC Bank. ► Click to start the import procedure. MASCHINE - Manual - 109...

  • Page 110: Working With Patterns (Hardware)

    The Pattern mode is where you select your Patterns, change their length, remove Patterns or double their content. Each Group can have up to 64 Patterns organized into 4 banks. To enter Pattern mode on your MASCHINE hardware controller, press PATTERN (lockable by pressing Button 1 at the same time).

  • Page 111: Pad Mode

    Sounds (like drums) will play at the same volume no matter how hard you hit the pads. The Pad mode on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 111...

  • Page 112: Pad Link

    Assigning a Pad to a Pad Link Group To assign a pad to a Pad Link group: Press the Group button (A-H) of a Group you want to use Pad Link in. Press the PAD MODE button. MASCHINE - Manual - 112...

  • Page 113: Releasing A Pad From A Pad Link Group

    Record mode. Now hit the pads you want to record and listen to what happens. Each hit will create an event in the Pattern editor, the event length depend on how long you hold the pad. MASCHINE - Manual - 113...

  • Page 114: The Metronome

    (see below). Take your time to set up the pad sensitivity and velocity scaling to your personal taste — you will have even more fun playing MASCHINE! 6.1.6 The Metronome The Metronome will help you to keep time when recording in real time.
  • Page 115 16 steps of the pattern. To switch to another Sound, use Buttons 5 and 6 located above the right display, or press SELECT and the pad of the Sound you want to switch to. MASCHINE - Manual - 115...

  • Page 116: Using Note Repeat

    Note Repeat mode on the hardware displays. While holding NOTE REPEAT, press the pad you want to record. The notes will now be repeatedly triggered at the selected quantization (shown on the right display). MASCHINE - Manual - 116...

  • Page 117: Using The Piano Roll/Keyboard

    Try to experiment with all kinds of Samples in the Piano Roll / Keyboard mode; some rather boring sounding Samples can be really interesting if you play them very low or very high! MASCHINE - Manual - 117...

  • Page 118: Recording Automation

    6.1.10 Recording Automation One of the really cool features of MASCHINE is the ability to automate nearly all MASCHINE parameters both on the hardware and on the software in a very easy way. ► To automate a parameter with the hardware, first make sure the song is playing, then simply...

  • Page 119: Recording Automation In The Step Sequencer

    The Pattern Length Grid affects the resolutions available when holding PATTERN and turning Knob 1. Changing this to a value less than 1 allows you to dial in lengths on the Pattern page other than a full bar for example. MASCHINE - Manual - 119...
  • Page 120 When Input Quantization is set to Record, the selected quantization value will automatically be applied to the Pattern on its next cycle. When it is set to Rec/Play, your playing is quantized in real time. MASCHINE - Manual - 120...

  • Page 121: Editing Patterns

    Sound the selection of notes and events will start. While holding SELECT, using Knob 6, you can determine at which event of the currently selected Sound the selection of notes and events will stop. MASCHINE - Manual - 121...

  • Page 122: Erase/Clear

    This is an easy way to create variations or to compare two versions of a pattern. If you edit a pattern, the pattern is marked with an asterisk. This means MASCHINE - Manual - 122...

  • Page 123: Transpose

    + pad 16 (OCTAVE +). If no events are selected, all notes in the Pattern will be affected. For a comprehensive list of hardware shortcuts please view the Hardware Control Reference available from the Help menu. MASCHINE - Manual - 123...

  • Page 124: Working With Patterns (Software)

    The Events can be edited using your mouse; they can be dragged to a new position, elongated, shortened or deleted. Use the Edit Control (9) to change the steps in which Events can be moved. MASCHINE - Manual - 124...

  • Page 125: Selecting Patterns And Pattern Banks

    (12) Pattern Length controls: The Pattern Length controls allow you to change the length of the pattern, select a new value from the drop-down Pattern Length menu. 7.1.1 Selecting Patterns and Pattern Banks To select a Pattern, click on its slot above the Step Editor: MASCHINE - Manual - 125...

  • Page 126: Copy And Paste Patterns

    4) being the darkest ones. To switch to another Pattern Bank, select it in the drop- down menu: The Pattern Bank submenu. 7.1.2 Copy and Paste Patterns To copy a Pattern, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on its Pattern slot and choose Copy from the drop-down menu: MASCHINE - Manual - 126...

  • Page 127: Resetting Patterns

    You can save a Pattern independently from its Group. This is useful if you want to try out a Pattern with different Sounds. To save a Pattern, right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on the Pattern icon and select Save As… from the drop-down menu: MASCHINE - Manual - 127...

  • Page 128: Editing Patterns

    Working with Patterns (Software) Editing Patterns Saving a Pattern. As with most saving operations, saving a Pattern is only available on MASCHINE software. Editing Patterns You can enter notes by double-clicking in the Grid of the Pattern Editor. They will be applied according to the selected Step Grid.

  • Page 129: The Zoom Tool

    The Zoom Tool Using the Zoom Tool, you can zoom in and out in the Pattern Editor. Click on the Zoom Tool and drag upwards to zoom in and downwards to zoom out. The Zoom Tool selected. MASCHINE - Manual - 129...

  • Page 130: Compare/Split

    Sound you selected. By adding steps, you can choose their pitch in halftones depending on where you put them, the lowest note being the lowest row in the Piano Roll / Keyboard Editor. MASCHINE - Manual - 130...

  • Page 131: Recording And Editing Automation

    To remove the automation, simply right-click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on that outer ring. Al- ternatively, you can also select individual automation points in the Automation Lane and right- click (on Mac OS X: [Ctrl]-click) on them. MASCHINE - Manual - 131...

  • Page 132: Adding A Modulator

    Adding a Modulator On the left of the Automation Lane you will see the Add Modulator drop-down menu. Clicking on it opens a list of automatable parameters for the selected Sound of the current Pattern: MASCHINE - Manual - 132...
  • Page 133 If you want to automate Group parameters, just click on the GROUP tab in the Control area to be presented with available parameters of the Group. When you add an FX to a Module it will automatically show in the list of available parame- ters. MASCHINE - Manual - 133...

  • Page 134: Step Grid, Pattern Length Grid And Quantization

    In addition to the Step Grid there is the Pattern Length Grid which determines the increments in which the Pattern Length can be resized (described below). Choose the Pattern Length Grid by clicking on the label, located in the Pattern Length controls at the top left: MASCHINE - Manual - 134...
  • Page 135 Editing Patterns Available resolutions of the Pattern Length Grid. Now you can choose the Pattern Length Grid in a range from 1/1 (one full note) to 1/64T (1/64th note triplet); you can also turn it off. MASCHINE - Manual - 135...
  • Page 136 Pattern Length Grid. You can also drag the grey arrow at the end of the Pattern to change the length of the Pat- tern: Changing the Pattern length by dragging the grey arrow. MASCHINE - Manual - 136...
  • Page 137 Step Grid) and Quantize 50% (only moves the notes half way towards the selected Step Grid). If you record notes from a MIDI keyboard or using the pads, it often happens that you create double notes where you don't want them; MASCHINE automatically detects and re- moves these double notes while quantizing.

  • Page 138: Pad Link

    Assigning a Pad to a Pad Link Group To assign a pad to a Pad Link group: Click the Group slot (A-H) of the Group you want to apply Pad Link to. MASCHINE - Manual - 138...

  • Page 139: Releasing A Pad From A Pad Link Group

    Select the desired Pad Link group from the list. Repeat the process to link each pad to a group. 7.2.9 Releasing a Pad from a Pad Link Group To release a pad from a Pad Link group: MASCHINE - Manual - 139...

  • Page 140: Setting Up A Pad As Master Or Slave In A Pad Link Group

    To set the status of a Sound from Master to Slave: Select the Group containing the Sound you want to assign as Slave. Select the Sound you want to assign as Slave and right click ([Ctrl]-click on Mac OS X). MASCHINE - Manual - 140...

  • Page 141: Rendering Audio From Patterns Using Drag And Drop

    Select the Group and Pattern you want to export audio from. Select the Sounds you want to exclude from the exported audio file by muting them. Al- ternatively, include Sounds by soloing them. MASCHINE - Manual - 141...
  • Page 142 As soon as rendering is finished, the Dragger Icon will display the name of the audio file you are about to drag: You can now drag the exported audio to your desktop or into an audio channel of your host application. MASCHINE - Manual - 142...

  • Page 143: Rendering Midi From Patterns Using Drag And Drop

    Select the Group and Pattern you want to export MIDI from. Click and hold the Arrow on the left in the Header of the Pattern Editor. A drop-down menu will open. Choose MIDI from the Pattern Drag Mode submenu: MASCHINE - Manual - 143...
  • Page 144 → You can now drag the exported MIDI file to your desktop or into a MIDI channel of your host application. Alternatively you can also use the Export MIDI… entry from the drop-down menu: Choosing Export MIDI… from the drop-down menu. For more information on MIDI Batch Setup see section ↑4.10, Sound MIDI Options. MASCHINE - Manual - 144...

  • Page 145: The Effects Overview

    Dynamics The Effects Overview MASCHINE provides a healthy selection of more than 20 different effects (FX) that can be quickly applied to Sounds, Groups and the Master, all as insert effects. By using MASCHINE's powerful routing system, it is also easy to setup send effects, build complex effect chains or apply an effect to an external source that is connected to your audio interface, such as an in- strument, vocals or a turntable.

  • Page 146: Gate

    The Compressor on the hardware. 8.1.2 Gate The Gate cuts any part of the input signal which falls below the input threshold. This can be used to rhythmically chop the signal and make it stutter or sound staccato. MASCHINE - Manual - 146...
  • Page 147 The time the Gate will take to release the input signal after it rises above the threshold. Output lets you adjust the amount of the effect in relation to the dry original audio signal. Hardware The Gate on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 147...

  • Page 148: Limiter

    The Maximizer reduces the dynamics within the sound, making the overall sound louder. It is comparable to the Limiter, but it specifically designed for increasing the perceived volume. For an example, load the Project “Be Mine” from the Library: the Maximizer is used on the Master FX here. MASCHINE - Manual - 148...

  • Page 149: Filtering

    Use the EQ to boost or cut selective frequencies of the audio signal. The EQ is mainly a tool to tailor your audio signal to taste by cutting out selected frequencies or boosting others, but can also be used quite efficiently as a DJ-style cut-and-boost effect. Note that the parameters cov- er two pages. MASCHINE - Manual - 149...
  • Page 150 Gain control for the Mid Band 2. High Band Freq Frequency selector for the High Band. Ranges from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. Gain Gain control for the High Band. Hardware Page 1 of the EQ on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 150...

  • Page 151: Filter

    Filter with selectable characteristics that can be modulated via LFO or envelope follower. There are many applications for a filter: it can be used to emulate a synthesizer more realistically or to filter out selected frequencies and create filter-sweeps. MASCHINE - Manual - 151...
  • Page 152 Defines the speed of the modulation in musical values from 16/1 (once ev- ery 16 bars) up to 1/32 note. Shape Change the shape of the LFO waveform here. Phase Adjusts the start phase of the LFO. MASCHINE - Manual - 152...

  • Page 153: Modulation

    (thereby making it sound as if there were several voices). It works by splitting the audio signal up into two versions and slightly detuning one of them. The Chorus on the software MASCHINE - Manual - 153...

  • Page 154: Flanger

    Chorus, but the difference between them is that the Flanger modulates the signal faster and is equipped with a Feedback parameter and can be synchronized to the Song Tempo. The Flanger on the software. Screen Element Description Freq Center This defines the center frequency of the Flanger. MASCHINE - Manual - 154...
  • Page 155 Hardware The Flanger on the hardware. 8.3.3 FM modulates the frequency of the audio signal based on FM synthesis. High frequency set- tings are useful for adding a subtle “gritty” texture to the input signal. MASCHINE - Manual - 155...

  • Page 156: Freq Shifter

    The FM on the hardware. 8.3.4 Freq Shifter The Frequency Shifter shifts selected frequencies of the audio signal by a user-specified amount. With high frequencies it sounds like a pitch-shifter with low frequencies it sounds like a special chorus. MASCHINE - Manual - 156...

  • Page 157: Phaser

    Hardware The Frequency Shifter on the hardware. 8.3.5 Phaser Classic Phaser with LFO and envelope-follower modulators. The Phaser splits the signal into two parts and continuously modulates the phase of one of them. MASCHINE - Manual - 157...
  • Page 158 Activating this causes the Phaser to use the 8Pole mode, resulting in a more intense Phaser effect. Output Mix lets you adjust the amount of the effect in relation to the dry original audio signal. MASCHINE - Manual - 158...

  • Page 159: Spatial And Reverb

    With lower settings, the general sound is a bit more muffled. The higher the settings, the brighter it sounds. The “ICE”-factor: higher values sound more metallic. This is a parameter better experienced than described! Size Adjust the size of the virtual room here. MASCHINE - Manual - 159...

  • Page 160: Metaverb

    The Metaverb on the software. Screen Element Description Room Size Adjust the size of the virtual room here. Low band EQ to cut or boost bass frequencies. High High band EQ to cut or boost high frequencies. Position MASCHINE - Manual - 160...

  • Page 161: Reflex

    This is a special resonating reverb. At moderate settings the Reflex can be useful to emulate small, “tight” rooms. At more extreme settings, it can produce interesting artificial, metallic textures. Automating the Color parameter usually yields very pleasing results. The Reflex reverb on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 161...

  • Page 162: Reverb

    It is particularly suited to drum sounds, but also useful to add a more “natural” sound for all sorts of other signals. The Reverb on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 162...
  • Page 163 Designed to be adjusted in real time. lets you adjust the amount of the effect in relation to the dry original audio signal. Hardware The Reverb on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 163...

  • Page 164: Delay

    Allows for panning the Feedback rhythmically in the stereo field. Color Defines the basic frequency of the Feedback: lower values result in a deep- er sound, whereas higher values brighten the sound. Split Controls the difference in frequency between left and right channel. Output MASCHINE - Manual - 164...

  • Page 165: Grain Delay

    Determines the pitch of the grains: low values result in a deep, slowly re- peating grain, high values speed up the grain, making it sound faster and higher. Size Defines the length of the grains. Jitter Introduces artifacts into the grains. MASCHINE - Manual - 165...

  • Page 166: Grain Stretch

    Hardware The Grain Delay on the hardware. 8.5.3 Grain Stretch The Grain Stretch effect uses granular synthesis to manipulate the speed and pitch of the in- coming signal. The Grain Stretch on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 166...

  • Page 167: Resochord

    The Resochord is a bank of 6 comb filters, each of which is individually tuned according to the selected chord. The results are most effective with non-melodic content (like drums) as the Re- sochord will print its own harmonic content on to any input material. MASCHINE - Manual - 167...
  • Page 168 Feedback Adjust the amount of the Feedback here. Decay With Decay you adjust how fast the Resochord fades out. lets you adjust the amount of the effect in relation to the dry original audio signal. MASCHINE - Manual - 168...

  • Page 169: Distortion

    At lower settings, the general sound is a bit more muffled; the higher the settings, the brighter it sounds. Feedback Amount Adjust the amount of the Feedback here. Tone General tonal characteristic of the Feedback. MASCHINE - Manual - 169...

  • Page 170: Lofi

    Lofi The Lofi effect reduces the bitrate and Sample rate of the audio signal for an interesting “vin- tage” effect at subtle settings, and heavy digital distortion at extreme settings. The Lofi on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 170...

  • Page 171: Saturator

    The Lofi on the hardware. 8.6.3 Saturator The Saturator combines compression and saturation to increase the overall loudness and add additional harmonics. It has a subtle Amount and Contour for warming up sounds. The Saturator on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 171...
  • Page 172 The amount of the distortion introduced by the Saturator. Contour Contour control determines how closely it responds to the input vol- ume. Higher values create a more distorted sound. Hardware The Saturator on the hardware. MASCHINE - Manual - 172...

  • Page 173: Using Fx

    Applying Effects to a Sound There are four Module slots available at the Sound level. Using each Module slot, you can ap- ply up to four MASCHINE effects and VST/AU plug-in effects directly to each Sound slot. Module is often used to contain a Sampler or live Input so choose one of the free Modules (2-4) to insert an effect.
  • Page 174 To select an effect for Module 2, press SHIFT + BROWSE. On the left display, use Knob 1 to set the TYPE to INTERNAL for MASCHINE FX or PLUG-IN for VST/AU plug-ins. The right display now shows the list of the available ef- fects.
  • Page 175 Sound that you assign the effect to is always the one in focus; in the example underneath it’s Noise FrostShock. Select one of the Modules (in this case we select Module 2) and click the arrow to the right to get a list of all available effects: MASCHINE - Manual - 175...

  • Page 176: Applying Effects To A Group

    On the right display, you can now see the Modules 1-4. Select Module 1 by pressing But- ton 5. To select an effect for Module 1, press SHIFT + BROWSE. The right display now shows the list of the available effects. MASCHINE - Manual - 176...
  • Page 177 Using FX Applying Effects to a Group On the left display, use Knob 1 to set the TYPE to INTERNAL for MASCHINE FX or PLUG-IN for VST/AU plug-ins. The right display now shows the list of the available ef- fects. If you want to load a VST/AU plug-in effect select PLUG-IN.

  • Page 178: Applying Effects To The Master

    Press Button 1 to put the focus on the MASTER tab which gets selected on the left dis- play. On the right display, you can now see Modules 1-4. Select Module 1 by pressing Button MASCHINE - Manual - 178...
  • Page 179 To select an effect for Module 1, press SHIFT + BROWSE. The right display now shows the list of the available effects. On the left display, use Knob 1 to set the TYPE to INTERNAL for MASCHINE FX or PLUG-IN for VST/AU plug-ins. The right display now shows the list of the available ef- fects.
  • Page 180 Choose an effect to apply to this Module slot. After selecting it with the mouse, the plug- in will be loaded, and you will find its parameters displayed on the parameter area of the Module. Now you can try out the parameters of the effect plug-in. MASCHINE - Manual - 180...

  • Page 181: Bypassing Effects

    Bypassing an effect might come in handy whenever you want to return to a dry, unaltered sig- nal: such as after applying so much Reverb that you can’t hear the dry signal anymore or to get rid of feedback while using the Delay for example. MASCHINE - Manual - 181...
  • Page 182 Modules to mute or hear the desired effect. When bypassing effects on the Sound level be careful not to mute Module as this will by- pass the Sampler or Input source itself! MASCHINE - Manual - 182...

  • Page 183: Automating Effects And Sampler Parameters

    Using FX Automating Effects and Sampler Parameters Automating Effects and Sampler Parameters One of the really cool features of MASCHINE is the ability to easily automate parameters from the effect Modules and Sampler Modules. Hardware ► To automate a parameter with the MASCHINE hardware controller, first make sure the song...

  • Page 184: Applying Fx To An External Instrument

    To do this, select the Audio and MIDI Settings… entry from the File menu, activate the desired inputs by clicking on them, then click OK: MASCHINE - Manual - 184...
  • Page 185 Using FX Applying FX to an External Instrument MASCHINE's Inputs configuration in the Audio and MIDI Settings dialog. → Audio signals coming from external sources will now be routed to MASCHINE’s effects sec- tion! Hardware First choose an empty Group by selecting it with one of the GROUP buttons.
  • Page 186 Source. Select Ext In 1 as the Source. Click on the Module next to the INPUT Module and select an effect using the effect menu from the upper right corner of the Module tab. MASCHINE - Manual - 186...

  • Page 187: Recording Fx Automation

    If you created a nice FX setting, you can put it to further use by saving it as an FX Preset. To save an FX Preset simply select the entry Save As… in the drop-down menu of the FX Module containing the effect you want to save. MASCHINE - Manual - 187...
  • Page 188 The drop-down menu of the FX Module with the Save As… entry. This function is only available in the MASCHINE software. Your FX Presets are automatically included in the MASCHINE Library after saving them, so you can tag them right away!

  • Page 189: Creating A Send Effect

    B: INPUT 1 from the list. → As you can hear, the Snare is already being sent to the effect; by turning the Aux 1 Level, you can adjust the amount of signal that gets sent into the Reverb. MASCHINE - Manual - 189...
  • Page 190 Select the first Sound slot of an empty Group. Load the Reverb into Module of the Sound slot. On Module 1, select Input and leave the Source at Internal: Now select the 909 Kit Group again and click the Output tab (OUT) of the Sound Snare MASCHINE - Manual - 190...

  • Page 191: Creating A Multi Effect

    User Bank. In the Library there are already a number of multi-effect groups tagged “Multi FX”: MASCHINE - Manual - 191...
  • Page 192 Filter. Try out some other multi FX from the Library to get some ideas on how to set up your own multi FX! Your own presets can also include any combination of VST/AU plug-in effects you have installed for quick and easy recall from the User bank. MASCHINE - Manual - 192...
  • Page 193 Using FX Creating a Multi Effect The multi FX Dual LFO Filtered Delays preset on the software. MASCHINE - Manual - 193...

  • Page 194: Creating A Song Using Scenes

    Selecting a Scene Creating a Song using Scenes Creating a Song on MASCHINE is easy and straightforward. The basic concept is this: a song is composed of Clips, each of which represents a Pattern from a given Group. A combination of several Clips stacked vertically is called a Scene, of which a Project can have up to 64.

  • Page 195: Creating And Deleting A Clip In The Arranger

    Pattern Editor. Therefore, when a Pattern or any of its content is edited, all referencing Clips in the Arranger will automatically get updated accordingly. The length of a given Scene always corresponds to the longest Pattern of this Scene. MASCHINE - Manual - 195...
  • Page 196 ► Select the Pattern you want to use in the Scene by clicking on it in the Pattern Editor: Selecting Pattern 3. → A Clip with the selected Pattern will be automatically inserted into the focused Scene col- umn in the Arranger. MASCHINE - Manual - 196...

  • Page 197: Scene Sync

    Off, the Scene change will be performed immediately after you select the next Scene. Hardware The Scene Sync on the hardware. ► Press GRID + Button 2; using the pads, you can now select a Scene Sync. MASCHINE - Manual - 197...
  • Page 198 3. If you have set Scene Sync to OFF, the Scene change will happen immediately. The Scene Position Marker The Scene position marker helps you to keep track of where exactly you are in the current Scene. MASCHINE - Manual - 198...

  • Page 199: Inserting And Deleting Scenes

    ► Right-click ([Ctrl]-click on Mac OS X) on the Scene slot and choose Duplicate and a dupli- cate of the selected Scene will be inserted.. To remove the Scene, right-click ([Ctrl]-click on Mac OS X) on the Scene slot and choose Remove. MASCHINE - Manual - 199...

  • Page 200: Copy And Paste Scenes

    Hardware Enter Scene mode by pressing the SCENE and lock it by pressing Button 1 at the same time. The loop range can be defined by selecting a start Scene and an end Scene. MASCHINE - Manual - 200...
  • Page 201 To disable the Loop, click in the Arranger Timeline. Double-click in the same area to create a Loop that ranges over all available Scenes. A Loop containing Scenes 1, 2 and 3 in the Arranger. MASCHINE - Manual - 201...

  • Page 202: Triggering Scenes Via Midi

    The Scene MIDI Settings let you trigger and change Scenes using MIDI notes or MIDI Program Change messages, sent by your host to the MASCHINE plug-in or from any other MIDI device to the MASCHINE in standalone mode. To access Scene MIDI Settings: Click on the arrow in the Header of the Arranger, next to the Project’s name:...
  • Page 203 Program Change messages. Program Change 1 will trigger Scene 1, and the following Scenes will be triggered by the subsequent Program Change numbers. Channel From this drop-down menu, select the MIDI Channel the Scenes should re- ceive MIDI Program Change messages from. MASCHINE - Manual - 203...

  • Page 204: Sampling And Sample Mapping

    Samples in only one Sound. The files you re- cord will be stored either in the Project folder or in the MASCHINE Library folder, depending on your settings in the Preferences (see chapter Preferences).
  • Page 205 You can select the Source by using Knob 1: it can be either set to Extern for audio signals connected to your audio interface, or Intern for audio sig- nals from MASCHINE itself (either from another Group or from the Master Output).

  • Page 206: Editing A Sample (Hardware)

    The Sample Editor on the hardware. Display Element Description START Using Knob 1 you can adjust the start point of the Sample here. Using Knob 2 you can adjust the end point of the Sample here. MASCHINE - Manual - 206...
  • Page 207 Sample or to individual selected Slices. Display Element Description ATTACK ATTACK parameter determines how quickly the Sample / Slice reaches full volume after being triggered. DECAY DECAY is used to adjust how fast the Sample / Slice dies down. MASCHINE - Manual - 207...
  • Page 208 This removes the DC offset which may cause audible clicks in the begin- ning or the end of the Sample. SILENCE This silences the selected part of the Sample. This causes the part of the Sample that is inside of the range to be delet- MASCHINE - Manual - 208...

  • Page 209: Slicing A Sample (Hardware)

    BPM value using Knob 4; if AUTO is selected, you can choose from multiples of the tempo calculated by MASCHINE. GRID MODE In Grid mode, the Sample will be sliced according to musical values.
  • Page 210 BPM value using Knob 4; if AUTO is selected, you can choose from multiples of the Tempo calculated by MASCHINE. DETECT MODE In Detect mode, the Sample will be sliced according to its transients.

  • Page 211: Mapping A Sample (Hardware)

    Performs the slicing according to the settings above when you hit Button 7 and creates notes that trigger the slices in the currently selected Sound. After you hit APPLY, MASCHINE will automatically switch to Piano Roll / Keyboard mode and the loop will play back in time with the Project tempo.
  • Page 212 The Velocity Range of the selected Zone displayed on the hardware. Display Element Description Dial Knob 1 to define the lowest velocity for the Zone's velocity range. HIGH Dial Knob 2 to define the highest velocity for the Zone's velocity range. MASCHINE - Manual - 212...

  • Page 213: Editing A Sample

    Start and End of the Sample, enable Loop mode, adjust Start and End Points of the Loop, or set a Crossfade between the End and the Start point of the Loop. MASCHINE - Manual - 213...
  • Page 214 Loop and move the entire Loop by dragging its title bar. Cross- fade allows you to define a crossfade value between the end and the start of the Loop. (3) Info Bar Displays the file name and the length of the currently edited Sample. MASCHINE - Manual - 214...
  • Page 215 (6) Zoom Tool Use this to zoom in and out of the Sample by click-dragging up (zoom in) and down (zoom out). You can also use the Timeline (see above). (7) Envelope MASCHINE - Manual - 215...

  • Page 216: Slicing A Sample

    You can see that your Loop now has a couple of equally spread vertical lines in the waveform: this is where the Slices are going to be applied. You can select and listen to individual Slices by clicking on their waveform. MASCHINE - Manual - 216...
  • Page 217 Sampling and Sample Mapping Controlling Sampling from the Hardware The SLICE tab on MASCHINE software. (1) Mode and Slices Settings Screen Element Description Mode Here you can select either Split, Grid or Detect. In Split mode, the Sample will be sliced into equally spread Slices. In Grid mode, the Sample will be sliced according to musical values.
  • Page 218 Screen Element Description Auto If this radio button is selected, MASCHINE will calculate the tempo auto- matically. If this radio button is selected, you can enter the tempo in BPM manually. If you have selected Auto, you can choose between the tempo that MA- SCHINE detected, or half or double of that tempo.
  • Page 219 Keyboard Editor will open with notes for each Slice. (5) File Name Displays the file name of the currently edited Sample and allows you to listen to the selected Slice by clicking on the loudspeaker icon. MASCHINE - Manual - 219...
  • Page 220 (useful when editing individual Slices). (8) Waveform Display Here you can adjust individual Slices by dragging their borders: Dragging the border of a Slice adjusting its end point. MASCHINE - Manual - 220...

  • Page 221: Mapping A Sample

    Click the Pre-Listen button (designated by the loudspeaker icon) to listen to the loaded Sam- ple. 11.1.7 Mapping a Sample Mapping Samples is a way to create Sounds with more than one Sample across the MIDI key- board. MASCHINE - Manual - 221...
  • Page 222 Now you can add another Sample or drag a Sample onto an existing Zone replacing the Sample of that Zone. The note range of several Zones can overlap, as can the velocity range. You can also set all necessary parameters for a Zone in the Control area: make sure MASCHINE - Manual - 222...
  • Page 223 Set the lowest note of the Zone by entering it here. Alternatively, you can drag the left border of the Zone to the lowest note. The note range of the selected Zone will be marked on the Keyboard with a slightly lighter color. MASCHINE - Manual - 223...
  • Page 224 Remove sample from map: Allows you to remove the Sample from the Sample Map. Open containing folder: Opens up the folder containing the Sample, allow- ing you quick access to the original file. Save sample as…: Save a copy of the Sample to your hard drive. MASCHINE - Manual - 224...

  • Page 225: The Master Section

    Press Button 1 to select MASTER. Press Button 5 to select MIX. Turn knobs 1-8 to change the Group volume level. Software To access the Master Mixer Level settings: Select the MASTER tab. Click in the Parameter Page buttons. MASCHINE - Manual - 225...

  • Page 226: Mix Page 2: Group Panning

    Turn knobs 1-8 to change the panorama position of each Group. Software To access the Pan settings: Select the MASTER tab. Click in the Parameter Page buttons. Select Pan from the drop-down Page Selection menu. MASCHINE - Manual - 226...

  • Page 227: Groove Swing

    SWING knob. To change the value of a Group hold a Group button and turn the SWING knob. To change the Swing value of a Sound you can hold a Sound pad and turn the SWING knob. Software To access the Groove settings: Select the MASTER tab. MASCHINE - Manual - 227...

  • Page 228: The Master Output Tab (Out)

    Turn Knob 2 to change the Master LEVEL output. Turn Knob 3 to change the PAN of the output signal. Software To access the Output settings: Select the MASTER tab. Click in the Parameter Page buttons. MASCHINE - Manual - 228...
  • Page 229 Level This allows you to adjust the volume level of the Master output. This allows you to adjust the panorama position of the Master output. MASCHINE - Manual - 229...

  • Page 230: Exporting Audio

    WAV. The Export function is only available in the software! 13.1 Export Audio ► Choose Export Audio… from the File menu and you will be presented with the following dia- log: MASCHINE - Manual - 230...
  • Page 231 Here you can choose a region you want to export. Available options are Scenes (all Scenes of the Project will be exported) and Loop Range (only the Scenes in the Scene Loop will be exported). Output This is to determine what gets exported: MASCHINE - Manual - 231...

  • Page 232: Save Project With Samples

    This option allows for optimizing the resulting audio file to use as a Loop. With loop optimize, the exported sound file has the exact length of the ex- ported region in MASCHINE, the effect tail is rendered into the beginning of the audio file. Without optimize, the exported sound file will be pro- longed to keep, e.g., the effect of a reverb.
  • Page 233 You can choose a folder to save the files to clicking on the folder icon. Delete Unused Files This checkbox allows you to delete unused files, thereby minimizing the amount of audio data. Progress Shows the level of progress MASCHINE has made deleting unused files. MASCHINE - Manual - 233...

  • Page 234: Appendix: Tips For Playing Live

    Appendix: Tips for playing Live Since MASCHINE is a very hands-on tool for producing music as well as for performing live, we figured we would gather some tips for you to get you started playing live. If you are used to playing live, you may not need them, but maybe you will find some new ideas to integrate in your set.

  • Page 235: Name Your Groups, Sounds And Scenes

    If you have other gear such as a drum machine, a synthesizer or another sequencer that is able to send MIDI Clock, hook it up to the MASCHINE hardware controller’s MIDI In and activate Sync to External MIDI Clock from MASCHINE’s...

  • Page 236: Basic Techniques

    14.2.1 Use Mute & Solo Mute and Solo are a good way to build up a live set especially on the MASCHINE hardware controller as you can mute and solo Groups and Sounds at the same time. By locking the Mute and Solo function, you have both hands free to mute or solo Sounds and Groups.

  • Page 237: Set Up Your Own Multi Fx Groups And Automate Them

    To be able to quickly change and modulate the FX settings, you can set automation for the multi FX as Patterns from within the MASCHINE software. By using Pat- terns for the multi FX Group you could for example trigger a filter-sweep or a wild modulated Beat Delay.

  • Page 238: Index

    [185] [189] Audio outputs Browser [39] selecting in-depth [43] Audio Source [16] Introduction Internal [190] [56] on the Hardware Audition Controls [45] [19] showing and hiding AUTO WRITE Button [118] [183] Automation [183] [183] deleting MASCHINE - Manual - 238...
  • Page 239 [174] loading muting [182] DISK [187] recording automation [45] selecting [68] DISK button [44] Equalizer [149] Distortion Erase Button [183] [235] avoiding Events [170] digital [17] Introduction Drum program files Exporting Audio [230] [106] importing MASCHINE - Manual - 239...
  • Page 240 [149] cutting Frequency Shifter [156] [145] [164] Beat Delay [181] bypass [153] Chorus Compressor [145] [189] creating send effect [169] Distortion [149] Filter [151] [154] Flanger [155] [156] Frequency Shifter Gate [146] [165] Grain Delay MASCHINE - Manual - 240...
  • Page 241 Groups [235] using [102] copying and pasting Loading [17] Introduction a Plug-in Intrument [60] saving [101] [59] a Sound [93] Voice Settings lock [200] [92] working with Loop Mode [200] looping to combine scenes [68] MASCHINE - Manual - 241...
  • Page 242 [178] MUTE (Controller) [83] Metronome [114] MIDI [12] compensating delay [40] Naming [40] connecting external equipment Groups and Sounds [104] [118] keyboard Note Repeat [116] [236] [235] synchronizing triggering Scenes via [202] MIDI clock [235] MASCHINE - Manual - 242...
  • Page 243 [127] resetting Pattern Editor [124] [125] Pattern Length changing [237] Pattern Length Grid [119] Pattern Mode [196] [196] locking Patterns [17] Introduction Patterns (Hardware) [111] adjusting length [110] creating doubling [110] [111] duplicating MASCHINE - Manual - 243...
  • Page 244 [117] Redo [23] Plug-in Reverb [176] [24] Switching instances REX files Plug-ins [85] importing to Sounds [34] 64-bit/32-bit Root Note [72] loading instruments setting [223] Preferences [28] Defaults Tab [26] General [35] Hardware [31] Libraries MASCHINE - Manual - 244...
  • Page 245 [216] slicing a Sample Sound [83] Sampling Mode [204] SOLO (Controller) [82] Saving Soloing [84] [101] Groups Song [79] Sound [194] creating Scene [194] [200] Sound [174] [200] duplicating [80] copying and pasting inserting [199] MASCHINE - Manual - 245...
  • Page 246 Source Tab Threshold [146] [148] [61] Sampler Parameters Transpose (Hardware) [61] [123] transposing by octaves Step Grid (Hardware) [119] [123] transposing by semitones [119] changing quantization Transposing (Hardware) [123] [119] default setting Step Sequencer [183] MASCHINE - Manual - 246...
  • Page 247 Index Undo [23] Velocity [111] fixed View [18] switching Volume [172] MASCHINE - Manual - 247...

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