![]() ![]() This is a small but really clever addition, going beyond what you’d expect to be able to do with pad-based input. Hold down any combination of notes, and running a finger across the strip will strum those notes. The MkIII has inherited a Smart Strip and in addition to being great for live effect manipulation this can also be used to strum notes and chords. The experience of flipping between modes feels much smoother and more natural now, and the fact you’re using the same pads for completely different kinds of input doesn’t really register. The Pad Input mode buttons are located above the pads and make it a breeze to switch between drum, keyboard, chord and step modes. The Note Repeat button is now larger and makes incorporating quick rolls into live performance much easier. They feel more responsive than ever to velocity, and there’s also a fixed velocity button for more constant response when triggering samples. They’re exceptionally expressive to play and NI has done a lot of work on improving the finger drumming experience. The pads have got bigger but maintained the same centre-to-centre distance so won’t confuse existing users. If you use the included PSU, the backlights get brighter but that’s the only real difference. USB doesn’t carry a huge amount of power so running all the lights, backlit screens and the audio interface off it is remarkable. Sending audio, MIDI and power over a single USB cable is a remarkable achievement for a unit with as much functionality as this, and it’s something that NI worked hard to achieve. The slight increase in weight is due to the fact that it now incorporates an audio interface, meaning it’s a more all-round solution now. The basic form factor is broadly similar though the unit is now a little heavier and feels more solid. For new users the offer is very appealing but I can also see owners of older Maschine hardware seriously considering the upgrade as well. ![]() It’s truly a generational leap - far greater than the differences between the MkI and MkII hardware. If you want to quickly tap into another computer or laptop, this can be a bit annoying.I was lucky enough to have a hands-on demo of Maschine MkIII at NI’s London headquarters and was honestly blown away by the sheer number of advancements they have made. The only two downsides I can think of are that you can't go out in the sun without a laptop with this thing as it doesn't work stand-alone, and while MIDI mode doesn't require the machine 2 software, it does need to be installed to run it. Integration with your favorite DAW in which you use Maschine 2 but also want to use it as a MIDI controller quickly becomes a step more complicated and even for a seasoned producer it will probably take some searching (Manual readings required!), but there is so much that there is probably always find a suitable solution. You could think of it as a modern incarnation of the Akai MPC. In addition, the Maschine 2 software turns this thing into an insanely expanded production platform with VST support. ![]() If, like me, you're looking for the very best drum pad experience, you've come to the right place - in MIDI mode. In addition to the pads, all push and turn buttons turn into midi controllers. MIDI mode as a stand-alone midi controller. The default mode in which it is essentially a very complete hardware controller for the included Maschine 2 software. ![]()
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