Native Instruments Maschine User manual

SETUP GUIDE

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.
“Native Instruments”, “NI” and associated logos are (registered) trademarks of Native Instru-
ments GmbH.
ASIO, VST, HALion and Cubase are registered trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
All other product and company names are trademarks™ or registered® trademarks of their re-
spective holders. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by them.
Document authored by: David Gover and Nico Sidi.
Software version: 2.6.9 (10/2017)
Hardware version: MASCHINE MK3
Special thanks to the Beta Test Team, who were invaluable not just in tracking down bugs, but
in making this a better product.
Disclaimer

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Contact

Table of Contents
1 Welcome to MASCHINE .............................................................................................5
1.1 Caution ....................................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 Notice ......................................................................................................................................... 6
2 Setting Up MASCHINE ................................................................................................ 7
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer ................................................................................. 7
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration .......................................................................................................... 8
2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software ............................. 9
2.2.2 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Audio Device in Other Music Software ........... 11
2.2.3 Selecting the MASCHINE Controller as Default Audio Output Device in Your Operat-
ing System ................................................................................................................. 12
2.2.3.1 On Windows ...............................................................................................12
2.2.3.2 On macOS ..................................................................................................12
2.3 Setup Examples .......................................................................................................................... 13
2.3.1 Connecting Active Monitor Speakers .......................................................................... 13
2.3.2 Connecting Headphones ............................................................................................ 15
2.3.3 MASCHINE in a Recording Setup ................................................................................ 16
2.3.3.1 Connecting a Dynamic Microphone ............................................................17
2.3.3.2 Connecting Line Level Equipment (Synthesizer / Computer / Mixer Line
Out) ...........................................................................................................18
2.3.4 Connecting a Pedal ................................................................................................... 20
2.3.5 Connecting External MIDI Equipment ........................................................................ 20
Table of Contents
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 4

1 Welcome to MASCHINE
This document will guide you through the basic steps of connecting the MASCHINE hardware,
and basic adjustments of the audio and MIDI settings. We recommend that you take the time
to read this guide in its entirety.
This guide covers MASCHINE MK3 only and it will be referred to generically as the "MA-
SCHINE controller" unless there are specific differences. The MASCHINE software is re-
ferred to as the "MASCHINE software" for brevity.
1.1 Caution
It is important you read and understand the following instructions to make sure the MA-
SCHINE controller or any device connected will not be damaged during usage or maintenance:
▪Do not open the MASCHINE controller or attempt to disassemble or modify any internal
parts. The MASCHINE controller does not contain any user-serviceable parts. If the device
appears to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have the device inspected
by qualified service personnel.
▪Do not expose the MASCHINE controller to rain, use it near water or in damp or wet condi-
tions.
▪Make sure no objects or liquids of any kind penetrate the unit. When cleaning the MA-
SCHINE controller, use a soft, dry cloth. Never use paint thinners, solvents, cleaning flu-
ids, or chemical-infused wiping cloths.
▪Never use or store the MASCHINE controller in areas subject to extreme temperatures
(e.g., direct exposure to sunlight in an enclosed vehicle or near heat-generating equip-
ment), or high levels of vibration.
▪Always let the MASCHINE controller adapt to changed room temperature after it has been
stored in a cold environment.
▪Do not place the MASCHINE controller in an unstable position where it could accidentally
fall.
Welcome to MASCHINE
Caution
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 5

▪Before moving the MASCHINE controller, remove all connected cables.
▪Do not use excessive force on the MASCHINE controller's buttons, knobs, and pads.
▪Do not place heavy objects on top of the MASCHINE controller.
1.2 Notice
Name Plate Location
The name plate is located on the bottom of the unit. It lists the product model name and other
technical information.
Disposal of the Product
Should this product become damaged beyond repair, or if you wish to dispose of it, please ob-
serve the regulations of your area and country that relate to the disposal of electronic products.
Specifications Subject to Change
The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing or
digital release. However, Native Instruments reserves the right to make changes to the specifi-
cations at any time without notice or obligation to update existing units.
Disclaimer
Native Instruments GmbH cannot be held responsible for damage or lost or destroyed data
caused by improper use or modification of the MASCHINE controller hardware or MASCHINE
software.
Welcome to MASCHINE
Notice
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 6

2 Setting Up MASCHINE
This chapter provides basic setup information and guides you through the process of integrat-
ing MASCHINE into your studio.
The MASCHINE software is installed both as a stand-alons application as well as a VST, Audio
Unit, and AAX plug-in.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application must be opened once before using the plug-in
within your DAW for the first time, after every upgrade, and after installing new MA-
SCHINE EXPANSIONS.
The MASCHINE stand-alone application directly communicates with your audio and MIDI in-
terfaces, which you can configure in the MASCHINE Preferences as described later in this
chapter (see ↑2.2, Basic Audio Configuration). When MASCHINE is used as a plug-in within a
host, the communication with your audio and MIDI interfaces is managed by the host.
For details about the audio and MIDI configuration of your host, and how to load plug-
ins, please refer to its documentation.
2.1 Connecting the Controller to the Computer
To connect the MASCHINE controller to your computer:
1. Attach the “device end” of the included USB cable to the USB socket on the rear panel
of the controller.
Setting Up MASCHINE
Connecting the Controller to the Computer
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 7

2. Attach the “computer end” of the USB cable to an available USB 2.0 (or later) port on
your computer.
3. Press the power switch on the rear panel of the controller to switch it on.
→The controller is now detected by the operating system.
2.2 Basic Audio Configuration
In this section, we describe the few steps required to make use of the MASCHINE controller’s
integrated audio interface in various situations: with the MASCHINE software, with other music
software, and within your operating system.
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 8

2.2.1 Using Your Controller as Audio Device in the MASCHINE Software
By default, when you launch the MASCHINE software as a stand-alone application it already
uses your MASCHINE controller as audio input/output device, so you shouldn’t have to set up
anything particular to have it work.
If this is not the case, e.g., if you have already changed the audio configuration in the MA-
SCHINE software or if you want to use more advanced input or output routings, please proceed
as follows:
1. In the MASCHINE menu click File > Preferences… to open the Preferences:
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 9

2. Click Audio to display the Audio page:
Setting Up MASCHINE
Basic Audio Configuration
MASCHINE - Setup Guide - 10