Native Instruments launches Maschine+ as standalone hardware on October 1
3 min read
Native Instruments have just announced their latest Maschine surface, the Maschine+, launching on October 1.
Featuring a quad-core processor and 4GB of dual-channel DDR3L RAM, the Maschine+ will work without a computer attached as a standalone surface for music production and groove making.
The announcement comes just weeks before the October 13 launch date of Native Instruments Komplete 13 suite of instruments and effects.
The main hardware interface is more or less identical to the previous flagship Maschine Mk III unit, however it’s guts and insides are where its power lies.
Listed at £1,099.99 on the Native Instruments website, it is more than double its predecessors. However, if you take away the cost of a computer, and you have a pretty solid deal.
NI’s website does state that you’ll need a wireless internet connection and your Native ID to get set up initially, but once set up, you are free to produce anywhere.
With in-built wifi, users don’t even need a PC to download new content, having access to it straight from the device itself.
The announcement follows an alleged leak by Vintage King, a US-based music gear retailer, which published details on their website detailing the upcoming launch.
According to MusicRadar, Native Instruments has had prototypes for a standalone groovebox as far back as 2014. It seems that they are only now happy to launch it as a fully-functional product.
Maschine+ includes Maschine+ Selection: A dedicated package of nine synths and sampled instruments, 35 effects, and seven Expansions (including two of your own choosing) that work seamlessly in standalone mode.
It includes synths and effects such as Massive, Fm8, Monark, Prism, the Maschine Factory Selection, Raum, and Phasis.
Maschine+ Storage
It comes with 32 GB internal eMMC flash storage (for OS and factory content) and a 64 GB SD card, which can be swapped out for up to 1TB of storage.
Maschine+ features and specifications
- Standalone workflow for creating beats and melodies, sampling, arranging music, and performing on stage or in the studio
- Includes Maschine+ Selection with instruments, sounds, and effects, plus renowned Maschine drum and bass synth plugins and effects
- Quad-core CPU and 4 GB RAM for fast, seamless creation when it counts
- Pro-grade, 44 kHz / 24-bit audio interface* with 2 x ¼” TRS line outputs, 2 x ¼” TRS line inputs, ¼” dynamic mic input, stereo headphone output, 1 x MIDI In, 1 x MIDI out; 1 x Footswitch, 2 x USB ports for MIDI controllers / external HDDs
- Robust, anodised aluminium design for years on the road and in the studio
- Iconic Maschine features and workflow including 16 velocity-sensitive pads, Maschine effects and plugins, swing, pad link, note repeat, step sequencer, and vintage sampler emulation
- Use standalone or with a computer – integrate with your studio workflow, and unplug for DAW-less setups or live performances
- WiFi and Link enabled for wirelessly installing and updating products, collaborating with others, and syncing with other gear
No third-party VSTs … yet
It is reported that third-party VSTs are not yet compatible with the Maschine+, and this even includes certain plugins from Native Instruments too.
There is speculation that more NI content will be added in the future, but it remains to be seen whether the company will allow other VSTs to ever make it onto the device.
