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It has the same deep integration with NI’s software for browsing and editing presets, as well as the light guide for directing your fingers towards the chosen scale. These open up the MK2 to be used as a handy mixing tool, both with the Maschine software and third-party DAWs. Out of the box it’ll give you access to transport, mixing, and editing controls in Logic Pro X, Ableton Live, and GarageBand, with support for Cubase and Nuendo coming later this year.Īpart from that, the Komplete Kontrol is very similar to the original model.
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The key selling point is likely to be the addition of color screens. The Komplete Kontrol MK2 isn’t quite as radical a redesign as the new Maschine, but it does offer a few significant updates. Like the new MK3, the keyboard adds more dedicated function buttons, a four-directional push encoder for browsing and proper pitch and modulation wheels, moving the touch strip to a new position below. It’s also a feature that even Ableton’s Push controller – the MK3’s closest rival – doesn’t have.Īccording to NI, the new Maschine was developed in tandem with its new Komplete Kontrol keyboards (available in 49 and 61-key versions) to help make music production “as fun, intuitive, and hands-on as possible.” It means you can connect your monitor speakers without having to spend extra on a standalone unit but it will also make it easier for users to sample audio outside of the studio. However, the most significant upgrade to the hardware is a built-in audio interface with line outputs and inputs, a first for the range. These functions, which have been gradually added to software over the years, have required the use of increasingly complex key shortcuts on the older hardware. One feature that isn’t so immediately obvious, but that will be a relief to anyone using the current models, is dedicated function buttons for pad mode, keyboard mode, step mode and chord mode. The pads are larger, there’s a four-directional push encoder for browsing and a touch strip for performing effects, pitch-bending and strumming notes. The most obvious change is the addition of two full-color LED screens for sample slicing, note editing, mixing and browsing – similar to the ones found on the premium Maschine Studio model.
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Unlike 2012’s MK2 model, which offered cosmetic and functional upgrades to the original model, the third-generation model has been fully redesigned from the ground up. The most exciting news for many will be the release of Maschine MK3, the third iteration of the beat-making tool to be released since its launch in 2009.
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Native Instruments has just revealed a brand new version of its popular Maschine controller alongside the second generation of its Komplete Kontrol keyboard.
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