Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum Controller Review

Native Instruments Maschine mk3 drum controller review comes from a company that makes top-notch music software and hardware.

It makes an ideal professional drum controlling pad. Besides, it is both intuitive and very friendly to beginners to boot. This machine boasts much praise from various producers and musicians.

in this article, we’ll see if the Maschine MK3 Controller is worth it. Or, at least as good as most musicians say.

The Maschine Controller Review

The Native Instruments Maschine MK3 is nothing less than remarkable. It includes a 24-bit/96KHz audio interface.

With this, the Native Maschine delivers outstanding high-resolution sound quality. Its engaging color display is helpful when finding the sounds and samples you’re looking for.

 

Native Instruments Maschine Mk Drum Controller


 
 

Things we liked

Large touch-sensitive pads
Tons of sonic possibilities
Easy to operate
User-friendly, compact and intuitive design
High-end abundant features
8GB of sample content
High-quality audio
 

Things we didn’t like

Quite expensive

 

More importantly, this Native maschine integrates both the software and the hardware in one box. It doesn’t matter if you are splicing samples, reworking arrangements, or even making new music. You can easily do it all, including creating new sounds on this machine.

This maschine controller also comes with 8GB of sample content. You can add the in-brand content to your projects or just come up with original beats on the spot. 

Then again, the native Instruments maschine includes 25 gb Komplete 11 Select library. With this bundle, you have access to sonic attributes that you could add to your jams.

It has an intuitive build and design for real-time use. You won’t have to keep searching through samples and sounds to find the ones you want. 

You will also find a four directional push encoder. This 4 directional push encoder helps you to create and perform your songs.

Moreover, this Native Instruments maschine includes fun large, and sensitive pads. You can even drum using both hands quickly. Thanks to its extra surface area on this section.

The Instruments maschine powers directly from the power source. Alternatively, you can use a USB hookup. With this, you can also link it to your PC or Mac. Operating it is straightforward. Thanks to its user-friendly design.

Its integrated/hardware software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, plus many more.

Who is this product for?

The Instruments Maschine MK3 drum is great for production and performance of own sounds. It is a controller with a wide range of capabilities and options. As such, it’s ideal for both veteran and new music producers.

The model boasts high-end features and a heavy price tag. I would therefore recommend it to veterans who aren’t on a tight budget.

What is inside the box?

  • The Drum Controller
  • A set of instructions
  • A USB and power cable 

 

Key features of this Drum Controller

There’s more to the maschine MK3 Controller than its pretty looks. It’s also very rich in features which justify its steep price. With a powerful ecosystem and the latest hardware, it’s worth your bucks.

Built-in Audio Interface

Perhaps, the unit’s most exciting feature is its pro grade 96 kHz / 24-bit audio interface with 2 x 1/4” TRS line outputs,2 x 1/4” TRS line inputs. It doesn’t require much configuration to get going. The only problem is that you can’t mirror a signal by multiple outputs. 

 

Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum audio interface

 

In other words, let’s assume you are using headphones. In this case, you have to channel the master signal to the headphone’s output.

It also includes a stereo headphone output and a ¼ dynamic mic input. Further, the unit also includes a 1 x MIDI in, 1 x MiDI out and a 1 x Footswitch.

Through these inputs, you can plug in other instruments such as a synth to the Instruments MK3. You can also tap into the Maschine software and great library as a VST or Audio while in Ableton Live, Logic Pro.

Smart Strip

The Instruments Mk3 features a smart strip for strumming notes, pitch bending sounds, performing with FX plus much more. At the same time, it enables you to find new ways to play. It is a horizontally positioned button through which you add special effects and bend sounds.

16 Touch-sensitive pads

Its drum mode features 16 touch-sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking. These allow you to play conveniently by tapping them lightly. Also, all the pads are backlit and have an excellent response. If you feel that you need extra pads, consider other alternatives.

High-Resolution Color Screens

The MK3 is probably one of the most modern drum controllers out there. The reason being, it comes with two color screens whose resolution is very high. Moreover, it uses an Intel Core i5 CPU.

Native Instruments Maschine Mk3 Drum  color screens

By these, you can still make your tracks even with the lack of a computer screen. This feature makes this MK3 stand out from conventional models.

Intuitive Interface

The Maschine MK3 is quite costly. And as a result, most people would think of it as a model with complications.

But the truthis, this controller features an intuitive interface. For this reason, Native Instruments consider it as a model built for speed. It would therefore require less effort from the user’s end.

Colorful Design

One of the best features of the Native Instruments Maschine MK3 is its design. With very many colors, especially the backlit pads, the machine quickly puts you on the groove. Its design, in simple terms, is a treat for your eyes.

Alternatives to the MK3 Controller

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Downsides of the MK3 Controller

 

The Maschine MK3 is very impressive. Nevertheless, like any other product, the machine has its share of drawbacks.

The controller’s hardware is perfect and hard to match. But, it’s software, on the contrary, can have some serious problems. For instance, some users didn’t like how tricky the software’s installation process is.

Another problem, which is probably the major drawback, has to do with the MK3’s price. It’s by far much expensive than most controller models out there.
Also, some users think the MK3 Controller’s pads are too big.e.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Native Instruments is a renowned brand that delivers high-end products. Their Maschine MK3 Controller proves the fact right.

It has everything you need and has received 4.6 out 5 stars on customer reviews. Using it is straightforward and effortless. Also, the MK3 includes huge, built-in content to use right away.

You can add to cart knowing that the unit also allows slicing, mixing, sequencing, and integrating. It is like you have no limit to the number of sounds you can come up with the MK3.

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