Maschine 2.6

Maschine’s 2.6 update adds external hardware CC control and extra features across the board

Native Instruments’ Maschine ecosystem got a significant expansion late last year in the shape of Maschine Jam, the range’s new sequence and performance-focused controller. Now the Berlin brand are following that with a free software update that brings a sprinkling of new features across the board.

For many users, the standout addition to Maschine 2.6 will be the introduction of MIDI CC control for external hardware. This makes it possible to control and automate the sound parameters of compatible MIDI-equipped hardware directly from inside the Maschine software, in the same manner as is currently possible for VST plug-ins. Not only that, but NI have created mapping presets for an assortment of popular hardware instruments and effects, including Korg’s Minilogue, Monologue and Volca range, Roland’s TR-8 and TR-09, and several Moog and DSI synths. There are also presets for a number of smaller/ boutique brands including Modal, MeeBlip, Soulsby and OTO. A zip

Jam for all

Elsewhere, some of the more creative capabilities of Maschine Jam are now available for Maschine, Maschine Studio and Maschine Mikro. These include the Variation Engine, which features Humanize and Randomize tools for automatically mixing up grooves and patterns; and also Jam’s Lock feature, which allows users to save and revert to up to 64 parameter ‘snapshots’, making it easy to get creative with parameter edits without the risk of losing your base set-up.

Maschine Jam’s step sequencing has been further enhanced too. With Maschine 2.6 you can edit velocity levels, swing, note length and position on a per-step basis directly from the hardware. Parameter step sequencing has also been introduced, making it possible to edit and automate sound parameters for each individual step.

Maschine 2.6 is available now as a free download for existing users.