GB MASCHINE Factory Selection with samples, one-shots, loops, sample instruments, presets, patterns, drum kits, and songs Limited to 750 units worldwide, MASCHINE MK3 DINAMO is a legend in the making, bringing together the forward-thinking minds of Native Instruments and Basel-based studio Dinamo to create a design classic that doesn’t compromise on functionality — with the same drum pads, rotary controls, and push encoder as our flagship MASCHINE+ controllers.

Having admired the controller, it was time to get to grips with the software, since without it (and your computer and soundcard), Mikro becomes an attractive studio ornament. The software has two components: the Maschine program and the Controller Editor, the latter used to reassign the Mikro's buttons and pads for use with other applications. A dedicated ‘Perform’ button is included which gives you access to eight creative effect for live performance use. The effects include Stutter, Burst Echo, Scratcher and Flanger. You can use the integrated Smart Strip to control them for added flexibility. 1.6GB Maschine Factory Selection Maschine Mikro works very well, certainly, and the reworked layout makes sense; but for those used to the truly instant operation of the bigger box, some manoeuvres do seem like a faff in comparison.A batch function to set all sounds in a group to the same MIDI channel. MIDI export available on the Group and Sound levels Finally, when choosing from among the best MIDI pad controllers, there’s a host of other options worth considering beyond the pads themselves too, including screens, faders, rotaries and more. As with buying any MIDI controller, the most effective way to approach things is to work out exactly what you want to achieve using your new controller, and then consider how each device will help you do this. Armed with this knowledge, select all 16 pads, and set them up as you did for Pad 1 in the previous step. The revamped design is now even more compact, making it the perfect controller for any home studio. The compact size also makes it highly portable, for easy transportation. The unit is powered by the USB 2.0 connection, eliminates the need for an external power supply. Features The Maschine Mikro MK3 comes complete with a full version of popular Komplete plugins. Once you register your hardware you will receive full versions of Massive, Monark and Reaktor Prism. Massive is a powerful virtual analog synthesizer. You can use Massive to create everything from EDM bass lines to 80s style synth leads. Monark is an iconic mono synthesizer, similar to vintage synthesizers. The Reaktor Prism is a flexible polyphonic synthesizer. Additionally, the Mikro Mk3 includes a voucher for Sound.com, giving you access to thousands of samples and loops for a monthly subscription Compact, Portable Design

The Maschine Mikro MK3 is a streamlined version of its bigger brother, the Maschine. The Maschine Mikro MK3 builds on the success of previous versions with a range of upgrade and enhancements. A new touch strip is included for versatile performance control, allowing you to create dynamic sweeps and control parameters such as pitch and modulation. Playing around with the touch strip, most of the features are fun and useful. The PITCH and PERFORM FX offer some great opportunities to be creative, while the PITCH and MOD can be recorded via automation. That said, the NOTES feature does feel a bit pointless, and could probably have given way to a more useful button. When NOTES is active, it overlays all the 16 group samples across the touch strip, allowing you to swipe and tap to play the active group. The problem is, you have all the issues with touch technology, crammed into a very small strip, making it unreliable. Maschine 2.7.8 software Although not a thing of paper, the manual is a rare treat, its clear instructions given from two perspectives: hardware and software. There are a few options exclusive to each that you'll find as you go, but the symbiosis works as well as anything I've handled. Essentially, Maschine is a (standalone and VST/AU/RTAS plug-in) groove workstation that can be operated entirely from the Maschine hardware (well, 99% entirely in the case of Maschine Mikro) or via the software's GUI, for those who prefer to miss the point.Overall, NI is an established brand with a mature customer experience, and there’s plenty of resource out there if you need help. The bottom line The Mikro Mk3 is a touch smaller than its ancestor, measuring 320mm x 177mm x 45mm, as opposed to the Mk2’s still-not-massive 320mm x 195mm x 55mm. It’s an eminently portable form factor that makes it closer in size with some of the Roland/Korg drum gear, and much more practical to travel with than the Maschine emkay three or Ableton Push. It also loses the rear MIDI I/O ports. So how does Mikro compare with its big brother and, indeed, fare on its own terms?

Software - use on its own or as a VST, Audio Unit, or AAX plug-in in all major DAWs (including Ableton Live, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and FL Studio) Of course you don't drop to the Mikro's price point without losing something. With 100mm of prime panel space shaved off the top, there's no longer room for two large, crystal-clear displays. Instead, a single display of about half the size (128 x 64 pixels) is present. Inevitably this results in more time spent navigating around, but in most cases the display proves to be no hindrance; it's even able to show (simplified) sample waveforms. For my money it's the Maschine's 11 endless encoders that will be most missed. The Mikro's single rotary leaves it distinctly challenged when it comes to preparing those all-important mid-song tweaks.Improved Sampler Mapping gives you enhanced overview of all parameters with a list of all samples for easy access The Maschine software is glaringly missing a master tempo nudge function, which could also use the touch strip. There could also be an added tempo tap using the much more sensitive pads on the Mikro, rather than a momentary button. Both of these would go a long way towards making the system much more DJ friendly. At the time of writing there's no HD version of the app so if you're running on an iPad rather than iPhone, your one option is to expand the interface to double its size. Hopefully in future it will become a little more sophisticated. A touchscreen is clearly no substitute for the Mikro's pads, but with functionality such as note repeat implemented, it's a worthy initial effort. As an alternative, the app also features a two-manual screen keyboard for recording melodic material. Naturally, the Mikro compromises on this proposition a little. Without the screens you’ll find yourself far more reliant on the computer, although this isn’t too much of a problem. Without the additional rotaries, the Mikro is nowhere near as good at sound design and mixing duties as its bigger sibling, although the Smart Strip still adds an edge of expressiveness. As a result, the Mikro will suit those most interested in classic MPC-style pattern creation and live playing more than sequencers and sound designers. It’s a good option for those that value portability over all else too.

Even with the change in industrial design, Native Instruments’ hardware quality continues to be decent bar the casing being easier to scratch, and the integration of the entry-level Mikro MK3 into the Maschine software strikes a balance between features and affordability. That said, there are a few usability and user experience changes that could really help make this indispensable for DJs looking to expand, such as tempo nudge functions, a way to toggle NOTE REPEAT, and fairly critically, MIDI mapping for other software.When will we see Maschine integrate with Traktor?” I hear rattling around the internet, echoing like in a desert canyon, littered with cattle skulls and tumbleweeds. For example, assigning a kit to a group in Maschine involves turning one knob to select a Bank, another to select a Type, another to select a Sub Type, and then a final knob to select your sound. It really couldn't be easier - every stage of the process is visible and operable at the same time.