NI Machine Mk3

Fruitbat1919 · January 3

Im looking for a pad based midi controller for my new Macbook Air which Ive just bought for sitting on the sofa and making music as opposed to sitting at my keyboard / controllers etc.

I use Ableton, Logic, Studio One and Reason. While I am going to get a Push 3 eventually, I would like something cheaper for now.

The options I'm thinking of so far are either a Novation Launchpad Pro, or a Machine Mk3. While I know the Launchpads quite well, ive never used a Machine and not really sure if its suitable, but it looks quite nice and can be had very cheap at the moment! (Possibly either a new model coming soon, or NI just dont care about it much?).

What do you think about these or other options?

Stuntman_mike · January 3

Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

rs2000 · January 4

Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Fruitbat1919 · January 4

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

rs2000 · January 4

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Fruitbat1919 · January 4

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Thanks for clarifying that

oldsynthguy · January 4

@Fruitbat1919 said:
Im looking for a pad based midi controller for my new Macbook Air which Ive just bought for sitting on the sofa and making music as opposed to sitting at my keyboard / controllers etc.

I use Ableton, Logic, Studio One and Reason. While I am going to get a Push 3 eventually, I would like something cheaper for now.

The options I'm thinking of so far are either a Novation Launchpad Pro, or a Machine Mk3. While I know the Launchpads quite well, ive never used a Machine and not really sure if its suitable, but it looks quite nice and can be had very cheap at the moment! (Possibly either a new model coming soon, or NI just dont care about it much?).

What do you think about these or other options?

I've got a mint Mk3 for sale for £230, don't use it now since I bought a Push 3, but it's an incredible device. I actually find some things better than the Push - for example sample editing is really precise (the rotary encoders just seem more accurate than on the Push), the pads are much chunkier for bashing out beats, and it integrates really well with NKS compatible plugins - such as NI, Korg and Arturia software. It also has a built-in audio interface, so I've been plugging in guitars, and using studio speakers for monitoring.

There is a template for using it to control Live, which I used a few times for mixing, but generally I used it with the Maschine software, hosted in Live as a plugin.

Obviously the best Live controller will be a Push of some sort, but I wouldn't rule out the MK3, and the Maschine software is very powerful (and cheap), and was my go-to for creating drum tracks until I boufght the Push. Launchpads are good for...well...launching tracks, but a device with proper encoders and a screen is more important for my workflow.

Stuntman_mike · January 4

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Yeah, if you put the Maschine (non + version) in controller mode, you have to map everything and still, like @rs2000, not standalone. It’s not a conventional MIDI controller, more operates like a computer peripheral (HID), like a mouse or keyboard.

That being said, the Maschine pads are still one of the best in the business and NI workflow is smooth 🔥

rs2000 · January 4

@Fruitbat1919 said:
Im looking for a pad based midi controller for my new Macbook Air which Ive just bought for sitting on the sofa and making music as opposed to sitting at my keyboard / controllers etc.

I use Ableton, Logic, Studio One and Reason. While I am going to get a Push 3 eventually, I would like something cheaper for now.

Thinking about it again, I guess your best bet would be to just get used to the built-in ASCII keyboard.
I'm a couch friend too and anything more than one device isn't really fun to use on the couch.
https://sonicbloom.net/ableton-live-tutorial-computer-keyboard-as-midi-controller/

Fruitbat1919 · January 4

@oldsynthguy said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:
Im looking for a pad based midi controller for my new Macbook Air which Ive just bought for sitting on the sofa and making music as opposed to sitting at my keyboard / controllers etc.

I use Ableton, Logic, Studio One and Reason. While I am going to get a Push 3 eventually, I would like something cheaper for now.

The options I'm thinking of so far are either a Novation Launchpad Pro, or a Machine Mk3. While I know the Launchpads quite well, ive never used a Machine and not really sure if its suitable, but it looks quite nice and can be had very cheap at the moment! (Possibly either a new model coming soon, or NI just dont care about it much?).

What do you think about these or other options?

I've got a mint Mk3 for sale for £230, don't use it now since I bought a Push 3, but it's an incredible device. I actually find some things better than the Push - for example sample editing is really precise (the rotary encoders just seem more accurate than on the Push), the pads are much chunkier for bashing out beats, and it integrates really well with NKS compatible plugins - such as NI, Korg and Arturia software. It also has a built-in audio interface, so I've been plugging in guitars, and using studio speakers for monitoring.

There is a template for using it to control Live, which I used a few times for mixing, but generally I used it with the Maschine software, hosted in Live as a plugin.

Obviously the best Live controller will be a Push of some sort, but I wouldn't rule out the MK3, and the Maschine software is very powerful (and cheap), and was my go-to for creating drum tracks until I boufght the Push. Launchpads are good for...well...launching tracks, but a device with proper encoders and a screen is more important for my workflow.

Thanks for the reply. All these comments on how others use it really do help!

Fruitbat1919 · January 4

@Stuntman_mike said:

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Yeah, if you put the Maschine (non + version) in controller mode, you have to map everything and still, like @rs2000, not standalone. It’s not a conventional MIDI controller, more operates like a computer peripheral (HID), like a mouse or keyboard.

That being said, the Maschine pads are still one of the best in the business and NI workflow is smooth 🔥

yep, seen lots of people praising the pads. Thanks

Fruitbat1919 · January 4

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:
Im looking for a pad based midi controller for my new Macbook Air which Ive just bought for sitting on the sofa and making music as opposed to sitting at my keyboard / controllers etc.

I use Ableton, Logic, Studio One and Reason. While I am going to get a Push 3 eventually, I would like something cheaper for now.

Thinking about it again, I guess your best bet would be to just get used to the built-in ASCII keyboard.
I'm a couch friend too and anything more than one device isn't really fun to use on the couch.
https://sonicbloom.net/ableton-live-tutorial-computer-keyboard-as-midi-controller/

yep, definitely need something off the keyboard to play on. Im all fingers and thumbs lol

Stuntman_mike · January 4

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Yeah, if you put the Maschine (non + version) in controller mode, you have to map everything and still, like @rs2000, not standalone. It’s not a conventional MIDI controller, more operates like a computer peripheral (HID), like a mouse or keyboard.

That being said, the Maschine pads are still one of the best in the business and NI workflow is smooth 🔥

yep, seen lots of people praising the pads. Thanks

You’re welcome 🙏
I just gave my Maschine MK3 to a friend, he’s been loving it. I already had an MPC One and Launchpad Pro, so I decided to move past the Maschine because I wasn’t sure what NI was gonna do at the time and Akai had the BIG update which kinda made it and Maschine on equal ground.

I will say the step sequencer on the Launchpad is 🔥🔥🔥 I love using with my iPad and hardware, standalone.

oldsynthguy · January 4

@Stuntman_mike said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Yeah, if you put the Maschine (non + version) in controller mode, you have to map everything and still, like @rs2000, not standalone. It’s not a conventional MIDI controller, more operates like a computer peripheral (HID), like a mouse or keyboard.

That being said, the Maschine pads are still one of the best in the business and NI workflow is smooth 🔥

yep, seen lots of people praising the pads. Thanks

I wasn’t sure what NI was gonna do at the time

I wondered that, but they still seem to be chugging along with new releases, and I upgraded from a fairly ancient version of Komplete to the latest, for about 70 quid last year. I use Kontakt and Reaktor on most projects, and after having a loan of a Chase Bliss Mood for a while, decided I could already do much more with NI Guitar Rig, so that's saved me £300! I use Replika XT on most projects too, it's right up there with the best delays I own.

They've also released a new version of Absynth. I already have the previous version which still works fine, but will grab the new one when it goes on sale for its MPE support and better UI. New version of Maschine too, but haven't tried that yet.

Stuntman_mike · January 4

@oldsynthguy said:

@Stuntman_mike said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:

@rs2000 said:

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 💯
Not only does it work with Ableton out the box, there’s a script for Logic too and it is a standalone controller!
The pads are nice and have polyphonic aftertouch 🔥 even after you get a Push 3, you will still find reasons to use LPP 💪

Yep, at under £300 it seems a bargain and as you say useful after I can afford the Push

@rs2000 said:
Maschine Mk3 is great for composition, no comparison with a Launchpad Pro, but it only makes sense when used with the Maschine software which can also run as a plugin in your favorite DAW.
The workflows on Push 3 and Maschine Mk3 are quite different and very much a matter of taste.
I'd recommend watching videos of power users of each and see which one clicks with you.

Thanks. Will avoid the Machine for now if its only of use with its own software. I thought it might work as a controller with NI vsts like their keyboards do.

Well it does work as a controller for any VSTs or MIDI gear too as long as you keep it connected to your Win/Mac desktop and the NI hardware driver is installed. But it's not a standalone class compliant controller.

Yeah, if you put the Maschine (non + version) in controller mode, you have to map everything and still, like @rs2000, not standalone. It’s not a conventional MIDI controller, more operates like a computer peripheral (HID), like a mouse or keyboard.

That being said, the Maschine pads are still one of the best in the business and NI workflow is smooth 🔥

yep, seen lots of people praising the pads. Thanks

I wasn’t sure what NI was gonna do at the time

I wondered that, but they still seem to be chugging along with new releases, and I upgraded from a fairly ancient version of Komplete to the latest, for about 70 quid last year. I use Kontakt and Reaktor on most projects, and after having a loan of a Chase Bliss Mood for a while, decided I could already do much more with NI Guitar Rig, so that's saved me £300! I use Replika XT on most projects too, it's right up there with the best delays I own.

They've also released a new version of Absynth. I already have the previous version which still works fine, but will grab the new one when it goes on sale for its MPE support and better UI. New version of Maschine too, but haven't tried that yet.

Same here! I bought Absynth 6 and have been using Kontakt a lot lately. Also, I started using Izotope plugins, which are amazing! I assume NI has some new iteration of Maschine coming eventually…

reasOne · January 5

What about an mpc live 2? They are great prices now that the 3 dropped.

Fruitbat1919 · January 5

@reasOne said:
What about an mpc live 2? They are great prices now that the 3 dropped.

Not really after a standalone device, just something that will go nicely on my lap to send midi to my second laptop.

MY new Macbook can then be used on the sofa, or once I rejig my desktop setup, I can have two Macs running simultanously.

When I eventually get my Push 3 I can even take it into the garden with my headphones!

I would still like an MPC, but I've just spent an awful lot on Mac software these last few months, so a second Macbook seemed a no brainer, especially as my wife is showing an interest in photography and my first laptop is fixed in place by blutac lol

oldsynthguy · January 6

@Stuntman_mike said:
Same here! I bought Absynth 6

I really want that one. v5 is still working for me, but the UI is a real turn-off, and the v6 UI and MPE update is very desirable. Not sure I can wait until the next sale, and I've ruled out a Pigments purchase now....so...

@Fruitbat1919 said:
When I eventually get my Push 3 I can even take it into the garden with my headphones!

I haven't got the standalone, but was absolutely loving using it yesterday with Granulator 3 - it was like having the best hardware/synth sampler, directly connected to the Live DAW. Honestly, just an absolute joy to use.

This guy's worth a follow for Push vids:

Fruitbat1919 · January 6

@oldsynthguy said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Same here! I bought Absynth 6

I really want that one. v5 is still working for me, but the UI is a real turn-off, and the v6 UI and MPE update is very desirable. Not sure I can wait until the next sale, and I've ruled out a Pigments purchase now....so...

@Fruitbat1919 said:
When I eventually get my Push 3 I can even take it into the garden with my headphones!

I haven't got the standalone, but was absolutely loving using it yesterday with Granulator 3 - it was like having the best hardware/synth sampler, directly connected to the Live DAW. Honestly, just an absolute joy to use.

This guy's worth a follow for Push vids:

Thanks, will take a look.

Have ordered a Launchpad Pro, which will do me until ive saved up for a Push 3.

Stuntman_mike · January 7

@Fruitbat1919 said:

@oldsynthguy said:

@Stuntman_mike said:
Same here! I bought Absynth 6

I really want that one. v5 is still working for me, but the UI is a real turn-off, and the v6 UI and MPE update is very desirable. Not sure I can wait until the next sale, and I've ruled out a Pigments purchase now....so...

@Fruitbat1919 said:
When I eventually get my Push 3 I can even take it into the garden with my headphones!

I haven't got the standalone, but was absolutely loving using it yesterday with Granulator 3 - it was like having the best hardware/synth sampler, directly connected to the Live DAW. Honestly, just an absolute joy to use.

This guy's worth a follow for Push vids:

Thanks, will take a look.

Have ordered a Launchpad Pro, which will do me until ive saved up for a Push 3.

Fantastic, congratulations!!!

Fruitbat1919 · January 7

Fantastic, congratulations!!!

Thanks

Loopy Pro: Create music, your way.

NI Machine Mk3

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