Finally Tried the Maschine MK3 | What I Like and Don't Like 

Been on Maschine for 6 years - no issues hard hitting - made alot of indie hits 💿

I have never had Maschine crash or freeze on me in 5 years of using both hardware and software. NEVER!!!

I love the Maschine been working on it for about 6 years and hard to use anything else. I’m team Maschine. Still learning things on its work flow is 💨.

There are aftermarket pads that give you that MPC feel for the Maschine. The most useful thing that I found that helps me is I found the MPC metronome/click sound as a .wav. I put it into a folder and pointed maschine to it and its amazing how something that simple change the way my beats felt being made. Those two changes took the machine to a new level.

We used to use an Akai MPD32 then we got the NI mk3, it's been all up hill from there. Felt like we went from a regular car to a luxury car overnight! We love the mk3. If NI come with an mk4 we will definitely make the upgrade!

The touch screen is not NI flow. Maschine was for hardware heads that likes to touch their stuff. As far as the sound it was meant to be clean or dirty as you like. For your purposes I would use the -6 limiter on all kicks and snares the s1200 lo on snares and roll off everything above 16k on every project . That pretty much gives you close to the eps sound. another trick is to resample +4 with the 1200 modeler on and then slow down the new sample and chop that up. You get the alias effects and if you use the 6 limiter preset you have a lot of transient power.

I have em all & love em all!!! It’s hard to choose lol, like a big kid 😆 They’re toys to me.

I love that you always keep it real and unbiased in your reviews and the information comes from a clear, high level of experience over time and that really shines through which definitely earned a sub for me. I'm looking to get started producing my own beats so I can rap over them and tbh you sold me on the mk3 with this vid it's like $200 cheaper than the MPC One and for a beginner the ease of use and flexibility seems to be the way to go, and alot of the cons as you mentioned seemed to be a preference based on what you're personally used to and not the lack of preformance from the Mashine except for the software crashes which can be fixed via future updates. Keep killing it out here man!

I still have the original MASCHINE and still love it! I still use it in 2023! I want the MK3 because it’s time for an upgrade! Also, I agree with you about the touch screen!

I’m a 20 yr MPC user. Just got mk3 in January. I love it. Completely agree about the “sound”. MPC just has a certain thump to it. I use MPC for “beats” and sample based vibes and Machine is for TV/Film

Maschine workflow is amazing. Maschine plus just needs stability and ability to get more kontakt instruments on it.

I bought the plus and I was having quite a few issues with it… I just pulled it back out about 2 weeks ago after putting it up for about 6 months…. My fav thing about the Maschine is putting a sample in it turn audio and gate… watch how to can take a sample and turn it in to something very unique by playing them pads

I appreciate this video because I recently bought the MK3 and it's great hearing from you all the positive things this tool possess 🙌🏾

I have both Maschine plus and mpc x , two totally different workflows! I do different things on different ones! Maschine gives you a lot to work with as far as sounds and expansion packs. Mpc was more beginner friendly to me though.

I have been a Maschine user since MK1 and in the beginning it was meeeah but, as time went on NI just kept getting better an better. I had a MPC touch but the keygroups alone just made me wanna reach for the Maschine. I do have to agree sound wise MPC does hit different IMO. The workflow on Maschine and the seamless intergration with all there products keeps me hooked. I use a Maschine Jam to sequence and arrange with lightning speed!! The Jam along side the MK3 is the fastest workflow I have ever seen. One thing that I wish they had is a cutting tool when working in piano roll but all in all im happy. We need a cook up video with the MK3 soon brother!

You can do most of everything straight on the MK3 without looking at the computer screen or using the mouse. I often keep turn my screen off or keep a desktop wallpaper on and just work on the Maschine. It has 99% of the same functionality as the Maschine+, so it's great as an independent unit. I have been using the maschine software and haven't had crashing issues while using it. Very rarely when i switch between projects it has crashed on me. I use a Steinberg ur22c audio interface instead of the internal audio interface on the MK3. The MK3 audio is pretty decent but the Steinberg makes a difference. Also if you turn over to the dark side the S49 MK2 or S61 MK2 is a killer combo because it basically does the same things as the MK3, so it doesn't matter if you are using the keys or the pads you'll always have what you need and then you can benefit from having two screens so you can have instrument knob control on the keys and the mixer window on the MK3 for example.

I use Maschine for 10 years i never Have a crashes and freezes! i love the workflow, the expansion, all the plugins the sond is so warm love it.

Bolo, you are the truth Bruh!!! You are the Homey that is not afraid to give us a honest, raw insight to digital creation hardware, DAW's, plugins and I just trust your off the top view of all things digital. THANK YOU!!!

I have bought the Maschine five times one of them was a plus I had a love-hate relationship with it but I realize I really loved it at the end and bought it for the sixth time. I also have the MPC live 2 I always have a love for it because that’s what I started on when I left my FL studio days linear days … at the end of the day they are both great to have for their own special abilities … 🔥🔥🔥

I have both and you are right. I get the workflow of Maschine much quicker but the MPC has a sound to it. However, I always go with Maschine because I can get an idea going quickly.

I couldn't wait for this video!

Yes The MPC need to get rid of the key group and make it simple like you said so u can play it across the keys let’s pray for a major update 😂

Pure drip, certified gold, trill rays, and many other expansions are amazing. Also check out the 2 expansion bundle for $99. 40’s very own keys and drums. Just got it the other day. Have you tried chord mode? You can go with harmonized, or select tons of major and minor variants…I have the Komplete 13 Ultimate Collectors Edition. It’s amazing.

I have the MK3 and the Live 2 and they inspire me differently. With the MK3 my creativity flows so much easier because of the sound library and workflow…the results of what I make is freer than what I make on the MPC….especially since these days I sample much less…if I had the plus I would probably use it more because of this…also because I’m more familiar with Maschine, I had it first. However the sound on the MPC is warmer and punchier. You can get there with Maschine with some clever mixing. I do prefer the workflow of Maschine but I have warmed up to the Akai workflow as well. I’m happy to have both. I also have the Force. I like that one as well.

im a mix engineer so i always thicken it up later in the process... the workflow is why i went maschine. i also move faster

hey bolo, I'm curious to know if a Maschine song exported into akai will sound better or same? I would really like to know if its an AD/DA issue or just the sounds are lacking in Maschine. THX.

Wow! Great video!

Maschine software isn't M1 native yet. That is probably why you've had some crashes. I've been using Maschine for 11 years and have had zero crashes. This is on Windows pcs.

BOLO ! I HAVE TO SAY that you're not only a great dude but you're also a big RU-vidr. I speak as a sound designer and mpc owner and user and also when I learned at my school I frequently used the maschine. from my experience I can say FO SHO that the mpc is much more complicated but when you get it... it's another love. with the maschine you get to understand very quickly as everything is in front of you. but you get limited soon as you hit that spot of knowing everything of what to do with it. not happen to me in akai that's why I chose to buy the MPC and I'm so happy with my choice. shoutout to the young hip-hop producers and sound engineers and technicians

Bolo you never lied I been on MK3 for two years I love it

I love the Maschine. It has great work flow options. My biggest problem is the maschine software crashes and freezes. One Omni and maybe an Arturia and group kit is all it takes. My Mac is also new. Hopefully we get M1 support soon

This the one I’ve been waiting for Bolo!!! I can’t wait to hear your opinion about this, Are used exclusively in wonder if I missed the bus by going with this as opposed to fruity loops or other daws when I stop using the MPC hardware

BDP you had me cracking up😆😆. Love your st8 fwd personality.💛💛 I recently got the Mikro (waiting to un-box it). So thanks for sharing your initial thoughts/review. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

What green thing pops up when texting? I dont have an MPC but If I did I'd choose that over Machine but I'm not really looking for more ways to make beats or music, I have enough.

Ive been using Maschine and only the maschine since it first came out back in 2012. honestly, I feels it's a better platform than the MPC when you combine the whole seamless Komplete library integration, komplete kontroller, and overall fast workflow. I simply love the fact that I can bang out a full arrangement in minutes with several effects on the sample and groups and not worry about CPU overload messages!!

I have the Maschine Mk2 and most of the sound packs which are amazing. The Machine pads take a while to get used to. Something about the workflow that stops me using it more. Definitely different. I use Maschine more when doing R&B. MPC for HipHop.

So glad I subbed. Dope stuff

mk3 changed my life best decision i ever made i wanna c u cook up wit it

Hey bolo! Great video. I find that song mode works great for arranging. Simultaneously the next sequence mode in the MPC is great for live situations when you need real time programming and being able to also remote control ableton is a plus but that’s just my opinion. I also use my MPC live to control all my native instruments tools. Including the machine software.

Very useful review!!!!! Thanks man!

Out of morbid curiosity, what do you have in the way of cables heading from your PC to the keyboard stand? It always seems that I have to daisy-chain a usb hub over to where I have my standalone setup.

Amazing video geeza was good To hear your point of view. Thanks

I recently bought FL because of how easy it was to arrange. I recently found a $200 MPC Touch, so I’ll eventually be back to MPC Software. Other than all the packs I’ve bought, I don’t miss MPC Software at all.

Everything you said is totally solid. I have a Machine Mk3. I love it. Best investment I ever made. Can't say it enough. I also have FL studio 20 and a few different midi keyboards. And I have mpc beats only bcuz it came with my first midi device which was the akai mpk mini. I def considering getting an MPC still but only an standalone joint. Nothing else could even 😋 close to my Mk3. Hugo oy be I buy a live 2 or a force in the coming weeks. Can't wait to see more cookups with you and the machine though. Keep killin it big dawg

I ran into this vid after posting my question on your previous video. 🤦🏾‍♂️ Maschine gang!🤟🏾

I have both and agree with almost everything you said Bolo.

IT'S WHATEVER YOU LIKE AS LONG AS SOUND DOPE BUT ME MPC

I made a few beats in maschine using the mpc as a vst and your right … the maschine doesn’t hit like the mpc, but it has quick workflow

how you connect it to your apollo twin interface trying to sample with it I'm not getting no input metering

Bolo! I have both Studio and Touch, the Komplete Expansion are just smashing AKAI, and the Akai hits GrindPHATer, but the machine is clean and warm and with the Clip feature, you have to add the PHAT. I use both I Love Both (KITMAKER) is a must with these to Monsters. Great Review!

Long awaited vid, glad u like it

Why won't Akai just bring the arranger from the Akai Force into the MPC platforms?

I think Maschine works best when used with the computer even though sometimes I don’t like being tethered to it. That’s really Native Instruments forte, and it’s at its best used that way. Also Bolo, I always use the saturation plugin that comes standard in the Maschine effects. They can definitely give your music more weight. I’m fond of the tape setting especially.

I have both the machine mk3 and the mpc live mk1 I love both of them

Basically the trade off with Maschine is working for the sound you want but having a fast as workflow. As far as the crashing the new Mac OS is off then on since sur. I noticed it works better if you keep some space to work off a project folder on the c drive . Especially if you live track out

Mr. Bolo sir really would like the opinion of ur trained ear. I have both mk3 and mpc one both have a place in the studio. In home I love the workflow of the maschine and I have komplete 13 collectors edition. I have some of the same feelings as you that the machine just doesn’t hit as hard. If I route my maschine through my mpc via audio tracks do you think I can gain some of that mpc magic..sending it through the mpc.

the pads are dope my little daughter uses them and i have never any crashes or freezes and i can agree with the port . they should have touch but it works and i phone still catching up and yea it can do mpc mode.

💯... straight to the point 👉.. great reviews

I made a beat last night on my MK3, still getting use to mpc, becuz work flow is faster in maschine lol im use too, but like you said i notice mpc has a bigger sound, i have to turn up stuff in maschine, im trying too get me a work flow , using them both together, and i love MK3 brower much better.Dope review bro

Great review on the MK3

Hey Bolo, where did you get your stand that you have you Maschine sitting on? Put a link in the comment section for me. Thanks in advance.

Btw if you use pro tools the plug-ins that are made for pro tools are made by air music technology… which also owns akai, alesis, Maudio, numark, Denon Dj, raine, and more. I’ve found the best compromise is using ni keys and software with the MPC and MPC software. That gives you the best of both worlds. NI machine hardware has several shortcomings but when you take the software and pull it into the MPC software it gives you the best of both. Hope this helps.

Agreed. I have both maschine and mpc…. Mpc definitely hit different. I often run my mpc as a plug-in through maschine just for my drums, just to get that knock. Maschine workflow is a lot faster, lot easier to move around, lot more organized and isn’t clunky. MK3 is my everyday go to machine but I still use my Ren and One sparingly.

I love Keygroups Bolo. I layer mine that’s probably why I love it

i have the Maschine Mikro and the MPC one.... because the Mikro dosent have the knobs and screens like the MK3, sampling is a CHORE. So anytime i want to go sample heavy i go MPC. that being said, the maschine sounds and expansions are great. and the arranger/clips/scenes makes it easy to finish beats as well. MPC sounds and expansions are good, but they also don't need to be ready out the box.... its so easy to start with one sound and end up with something completely different on it (or just slightly different). both are fun, and will give you different results.

Use the Maximizer on the master channel. It’ll change everything.

Can I use my machine MK three on my PS five instead of a PC?

Im looking at getting the machine over the mpc the akai daw is just way to cluttered for my take and I do find the scene speeds the work flow

I Gotta give it to you bro you did a kick ass review here

0:51 Y’all heard him, hahaha 7:17

nice!!!

Native Instruments is killing it

Got the mikro mk3 and had Maschine V1 when it first dropped. I started with the MPC 1000 The workflow is too good!

I bough a maschine few months ago love the workflow

Bolooooooo! I often have to start my Mk3 over... once in every session then it's fine. I love this thing. Sold my mpc one retro because I just couldn't get into the work flow.

All your comments are legit. I've been using the Maschine with my PC for years(10). I did go out to buy the Maschine+ when I was traveling because I heard of its portability and I had no equipment where I was going loved it, but I returned it. I like the Using the PC. on PC under Preferences/File/Quantize set to=> playback, record, or both. When bouncing files I use the Maschine plugin in my DAW(Cubase) to create my export files which is a much better process for me.

If you won’t them drums to hit on the mk , you can layer a different drum on several pads link them all to one and record , pan them which takes longer but they hit , my laptop crashed so I’m with stand-alone stuff now, thinking bout getting it though, lol you can crank beats out fast though , Thanks for the review

it does hit the same. I felt that way too

I have MASCHINE, to get that hard 808, I add the limiter that MASCHINE has to it.

I love Maschine, i have it but I use Ableton Push way more. It’s my fav piece of equipment of all time. Also I’m not into touchscreen’s because I like the hands on feel. I got an iPad and an iPhone, I don’t want that feel when I’m making music I like knobs and buttons but having the option would be cool I guess. I never used the touchscreen mpc tho so maybe I’m missing out 🤷🏾‍♂️

Good review Bolo! I actually have had my Maschine MK3 since about 2016 and love it. I grabbed the MPC One at the end of last year and I really enjoy the standalone features. But your point about the sounds being mapped across the keys are an underrated feature! I hate making keygroups and being able to just push the keyboard button is a huge plus on maschine!

I’ve got both I just switched back to maschine plus/software one reason was I make 90’s type hip hop beats and I like the type of swing you can get it’s weird at first until you learn how to use it the other thing is it’s quicker to do everything once you learn maschine but in stand alone mode save after you do anything cuz it will crash it’s gotten better but they got a long way to go.

Play with the saturation, lofi , distortion modules to get it hittin right!

I have the Maschine + I had the live 1 and the live 2 but I didn’t feel the creating a beat process of them…creating sequences too slow of a process for me

Should I return the Mpc Live 2 to get the Maschine +

Love my MPC’s X/Live2/One & the MK3w/S61, Awesome Machinery. But you are right the sounds in the Akai hit harder then NI. Still luv them both.

only thing I don't like about my Maschine Mk3 is that u can't map different note repeat measures to multiple pads although u can switch with the 4 buttons above the pads

I have a Maschine Mk3. Don’t remember having any crashing issues. To be fair I am still using a 2018 MAC MINI

The Maschine is Dope... BUT.... I'm glad you kept it real and actually listed things your DIDN'T like! Salute to you Bolo for not being ANYONE'S fanboy just to get FREE equipment! Your integrity on RU-vid is your livelihood! SALUTE, BRO!

I went from the MP 2500 to the Maschine MK2 when it first came out and I haven't even bothered to upgrade to the ones that have come out since. If they make some software update that makes the MK2 unable to be used, I'll update then. Otherwise, I'm good. I bought a 2000 Classic to use while I'm working from home and can't use the computer I have the Maschine software on, just for fun.

Bolo. I commented on one of your videos about 2yrs ago about the MPC vs Maschine. The Maschine is incredible for quick ideas and arrangements. But it don't hit like the MPC. I tried for almost a year to get that knock and swing feeling out of it but gave up. I like the musical feel of the MPC, it keeps me the zone. But MPC is clumsy at stock sounds and arrangements. Plus there's too much track maintenance. Akai ..you can do it! GREAT INITIAL REVIEW! God Bless.

Welcome to team Maschine Bolo! Don't sound so somber the MK3 is a great buy!

Thx bro

An further in depth explanation of the arranger mode would be very appreciated and beneficial to me!

You introduced us to Splice…. I use that to add sounds and you can get the sounds you want, trust me you will enjoy the mk3

What keyboard is that underneath the machineMk3

To me different machines,software will always inspire different workflows which is a great thing for Beat block.

I like the Maschine MK3 . I wish there was a better software/ sound management system. But it’s closet we get to a modern “groove box” .

I work with it to I have a mpc but I ike this better than my mpc.

Nice early review of M3! Comment on pads: after havingan Maschine+ for a year and getting an MPC one a couple of weeks ago, I found the MPC pads, lets say, "unfamiliar", just was used to Mascine pads not the MPC. I just put it down to that. Freezing / crashing, yeah, MPC is up on that one! Keyboard connectivity: Maschine+ has 2 usbs on the back so beg Native Instruments to send you that M+! One other thing knowing the M+ before MPC is that the Mascine has backlit (context sensitive) text on the buttons. MPC text is printed above / below buttons. So before that finger memory develops, Maschine is easier (well, for Mk3 and M+ - Maschine Mk1 doesnt do this). Although I've only had an MPC for 2 weeks, and still learning it, I can't recommend one over the other, they do the same thing in different ways at the end of the day.