Native Instruments today announces the next generation in Maschine and Komplete Kontrol hardware. Starting today, the Maschine MK3 and the Komplete Kontrol MK2 (S49 and S61) become available for pre-order. The new generation of units are products of re-engineering and all-new industrial designs that boast of a more creative, intuitive workflow. Read on as we breakdown NI’s double-punch announcement and what to expect from the new hardware.
Maschine MK3
- Hardware: Maschine MK3
- Price: $599
- Availability: Preorders ASAP, in store October 5th
Native Instrument’s Maschine MK3 is sleeker and more intuitive than its predecessor. The Maschine MK3 contains two high-resolution RGB color displays for a better UI experience. This alone improves sample slicing, sound tweaking, note editing, mixing, browsing, and other visual-based tasks. Other hardware improvements include dedicated function buttons and more responsive pads with the classic layout intact. Arguably the most notable feature is the built-in 96kHz / 24-bit audio interface. Thus, turning the Maschine MK3 into a powerful, portable piece of equipment to use in the studio and in the booth.
Key Features:
- Integrated hardware/software system includes sampler, arranger, mixer, FX, and more
- 8 GB MASCHINE library with samples, one-shots, sliced loops, sampled instruments, presets, patterns, drum kits, and songs
- Includes 25 GB KOMPLETE 11 SELECT library
- 25 pro-quality studio and creative FX including filter, EQ, delay, reverb, and compressor
- 96kHz / 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, and 1 x Footswitch
- Touch sensitive knobs for parameter tweaking
- Smart Strip for strumming notes, pitch bending sounds, performing with FX, and etc.
- Classic groovebox features including 16 velocity levels, swing, pad link, note repeat, step sequencer, and vintage MPC 60/SP-1200 sampling emulation
Komplete Kontrol MK2 (S49 and S61)
- Hardware: Komplete Kontrol MK2 (S49 and S61 models)
- Price: S49 $599; S61 $699
- Availability: Preorders ASAP, in store October 5th
Also updated today: a second generation of the Komplete Kontrol keyboards that many producers now hold in their studios. Native Instruments is extending the original keyboard’s workflow with 17 additional function buttons and two high-resolution color screens for browsing, previewing sounds, and more.
With this release, improved hardware and software integration make it possible to mix, navigate, and edit projects directly from the Kontrol MK2. The keyboards utilize professional-grade Fatar keybeds and the well-known Light Guide as seen in the first generation. The Kontrol MK2 keyboards feature new pitch and mod wheels, plus a horizontal touch strip for additional expression.
- Pre-mapped control of KOMPLETE instruments and hundreds of Native Kontrol Standard (NKS) instruments from leading manufacturers
- Full VSTi support
- Two high-res color screens for browsing, tweaking, mixing, and more
- Light Guide: RGB lights above each key highlight drum cells, key switches, chords, scales, and more
- Smart Play: See scales and modes on the Light Guide, play chord progressions and arpeggios with single keys, or map any scale to white keys only
- Nuendo integration coming soon after initial release
- 4-directional push encoder for one-handed sound browsing and project navigation
- Two assignable pedal inputs
- MIDI In / Out
- Includes KOMPLETE 11 SELECT
Be sure to check back soon for pre-orders on the DJ TechTools Store!
It’s setlled. im totally buying one.
yes! have been using my mk1 for years nowits finally time to upgrade, this thing is insane
beep boop bop. I am a robot.
No robot, no robot, you’re the robot!
The audio I/O is a winner, DJTT give us a test on RIIA-pre-amps that works both for analogue like Maschine MK3 but also USB for PC/Mac.
i have a 5 year old Maschine, a 5 year old Akai 49 and a Numark NS7. i’m considering purchasing a Roland DJ 808 to replace my Numark and Maschine….anyone know if this is a good move?
I’m sure that in NI headquarters there’s a forgotten desk in a shady corner where a lonesome alcoholic monkey is still developing a new Traktor version.
I’m hoping the built-in interface will let me use Maschine as a send effect through my mixer. That would basically eliminate my need for ableton…and for having to use my Midas mixer with multiple devices. Maschine plays fine with multiple apps accessing the Midas, but Traktor instantly crashes if another software tries to use the Midas, so in theory this will let me stop using my Audio8 and simplify the rig.
Nah. Its a schizophrenic octopus with short term memory loss.
I am actually really intrigued by the Maschine MK3. I would love to see NI give us a better playlist in the Maschine Software (include automation tracks, etc.) so that Maschine can be utilized as a complete DAW.
Can this integrate with NI VST’s in other DAW’s or is it maschine specific only?
beep boop bop. I am a robot.
Can this integrate with NI VST’s in other DAW’s or is it maschine specific only?
Why there is so many comments doubled from what seems “commentbots”?
Someone from djtechtools staff can answer me? It’s quite annoying…
Haven’t seen that before.
Why would people/bots do that?
Agreed. $1K for a MIDI-only device (albeit a pretty extensive one I’ll admit) just wasn’t going to replace my Maschine Mk1.
The audio I/O is a winner, DJTT give us a test on RIIA-pre-amps that works both for analogue like Maschine MK3 but also USB for PC/Mac.
I’m hoping the built-in interface will let me use Maschine as a send effect through my mixer. That would basically eliminate my need for ableton.
..and for having to use my Midas mixer with multiple devices. Maschine plays fine with multiple apps accessing the Midas, but Traktor instantly crashes if another software tries to use the Midas, so in theory this will let me stop using my Audio8 and simplify the rig.
The Maschine looks really good!
Awesome that they kept the price point while adding hi-res color screens, the strip and an audio interface.
Great value for money!
Can this integrate with NI VST’s in other DAW’s or is it maschine specific only?
Mmhhhh i want a s25 mk2 upgrade sooo baaaad
The audio I/O is a winner, DJTT give us a test on RIIA-pre-amps that works both for analogue like Maschine MK3 but also USB for PC/Mac.
Nice but if you’re using Ableton you’re probably better off with the Push 2
I like that it’s only $599. Maschine Studio was just too expensive.
Agreed. $1K for a MIDI-only device (albeit a pretty extensive one I’ll admit) just wasn’t going to replace my Maschine Mk1.
yes! have been using my mk1 for years now
its finally time to upgrade, this thing is insane
And huge. It was way too big.
Oh yes!
I wonder if the next kontrol s4 mk3 is being worked on. Maybe that will be released with the next major version of Traktor.
I dig, especially for sampling and live performance. This will be an appreciated upgrade to the rig.
The maschine looks fine btw
I’m sure that in NI headquarters there’s a forgotten desk in a shady corner where a lonesome alcoholic monkey is still developing a new Traktor version.
The maschine looks fine btw
I was thinking the same thing!
Ha! This painted a hilarious image in my mind!
Here’s hoping I’ll be able to use the new audio interface to sample from traktor on the fly!
Nah. Its a schizophrenic octopus with short term memory loss.
IT’S definitely time for some new Traktor Hardware!!!! 🙁