Native InstrumentsMaschine Mikro Mk3 Drum Controller, 25707

I was looking for a new way to approach tune making. This device shines with its Machine DAW software and the ability to customize it with the configuration software. You can view many Youtube videos demonstrating its capabilities, so I will summarize here:The Maschine software is a DAW that can use existing VSTs and any of the NI expansion packs to create songs.Maschine software is based on the concept of building blocks for your composition...build a beat or phrase, chain beats and/or phrases and link them together.This is not how I create music but it's very useful, nonetheless.I love the key and chord modes that allow great experimentation. You configure your scale and base key and pretty much can't go wrong with the pad strikes. There's many different chord types and scales to choose from which really opens up the experimental aspect.I use Cubase and Reason and it integrates perfectly as a VST instrument in both cases.Many instances can be opened, so you can create a song using your favorite DAW and using the Maschine as an instrument for each track. This is what works best for me.Additionally, it is easily set up in MIDI mode by pressing (SHIFT + project) and using the configuration software, the pads can be adjusted to match your favorite drum machine. The config software allows you to adjust pad colors in MIDI mode.Maschine works really well if you have another NI keyboard. I have a Kontrol S61 and it can be used to browse and play harmonic notes right alongside the pads.Lastly, Maschine hardware seems really well built and has fantastic tactile response.Everything is downloaded from NI. The software, owners' manual and all the other documentation is well written, straightforward and do a good job explaining all the concepts they dicuss.

I tried quite a few cheaper drum pads to use with my DAW but the touch sensitivity is lousy with those. I tried you tube hacks with electrical tape and that made the Akai pads OK but not great. These are the real deal. Its a lot of machine and software just to be a drum trigger but its hefty, well made and the pads are great, perfect touch sensitivity. Its a little pricy but worth it. Great addition to my arsenal. I use it with Addictive Drums 2 and Studio One 5. The pad mapping works great.

Great quality, very sensitive pads, easy to setup and nice sturdy high quality built.

Great product, but they should include a usb-c cable and/or adapter. What's included is just USB-A. So you can't plug it into a newer MacBook without ordering another item and waiting.UPDATE: I finally got the adapter for a MacBook. As mentioned above, what you get will not connect to a MacBook without a USB-A to USB-C adapter. So, finally ready to roll. Opened the box, and no setup instructions, but you go to the web. Once there, Had to hunt around for setup instructions (which should be front and center). This is because plugging into the computer does not send MIDI to Ableton by default. So, apparently, that will require downloading their software. And THAT requires downloading their bloatware installer software. Drumming my fingers on the table trying to decide if I want to do all that just to connect to Ableton.

I'm no producer but I enjoy making songs for myself if no one else. I've sold a few beats but mostly I do this for fun. I was starting to get frustrated using Ableton Live, I couldn't take advantage of all the features and versatility because the workflow was so cumbersome, it was hard to keep that creative feel, I realized I needed something to take my workflow to the next level. I was on the fence between Nascinr and Ableton Push. I decided on the Maschine Mikro because the workflow was so clean, oh and the price was nice. I didn't want to invest in another piece of equipment that was going to collect dust. This is just what I needed, out of the box it integrates perfectly with Maschine. I want happy about having to learn a new DAW but it made song arrangements very easy and intuitive instead of recording bars you work on stages of the music. Build your intro, you're done, then build your Verse. For the repetitive parts you don't have to copy or play them again you simply turn them on in the scene. You spend more time creating and less time clicking which hurts creativity. I already regret not buying the Maschine MK3. My advice is if you're wanting to be more creative and your workflow is suffering go ahead and pay the extra for the MK3 but if budget won't allow this is more than enough. You can watch videos on YouTube for all the bells and whistles. The other benefit are the expansion packs you get a ton of free packs and instruments so you can start making music right away. They are structured and mixed well so you can hear potential songs clearly