Enjoy! That's enough new sonic toys to last you for quite a while! Be sure to learn to use the Maschine hardware and not just click around the software.

e.Blue
Being a long-time MPC owner, my main reason for going with MASCHINE was that it really captures the familiar drum programming workflow of working with a dedicated device like an MPC. Early iterations of the software weren't very good, but the product has steadily improved to the point where AKAI Professional (makers of the MPC line) is now playing catch-up. My main issue with MASCHINE is that the DAW integration appears to be an afterthought. NI currently seems more focused on turning MASCHINE into its own little standalone production studio. It's probably good for sales and marketing, but it also makes MASCHINE seem like its not being geared for use in serious studios. It's fairly obvious that they've nailed emulating a dedicated device, now they need to focus on MASCHINE's real strength and refine the software to work more efficiently and predictably. The recent 2.0 software release was a great opportunity but it seems to have come up a bit short. I've highlighted my biggest concern with MASCHINE in this recent thread in NI's forum.   Nevertheless, Congrats Alex! I highly recommend that you pick up some of the MASCHINE Expansion packs that are on sale for half-price until 12/9. Those expansions add a lot of bang for the buck. Let me know if you have any questions about getting MASCHINE working with SONAR. -e.B

If you don't mind I'll archive this thread so I can get in touch when I start using my original Maschine. I'm in the process of setting up my studio. About 50% of software is installed! then I've got to do all the MIDI hardware and such.

The recent 2.0 software release was a great opportunity but it seems to have come up a bit short. I've highlighted my biggest concern with MASCHINE in this recent thread in NI's forum.

Yikes :( Has the bug been reported to NI?

Quick question for anybody that has a Maschine. I have been looking at MIDI pad controllers. I want something to input drums with because I'm really struggling with the keyboard. If the beat is just high-hat, kick and snare I'm fine but trying to add in toms, crash cymbals or a ride and it gets horrible. I tried out KORG's nanoPAD2 but didn't like it. Based on my research the Maschine was one of the more recommended controllers, in terms of playability followed by the KORG padKontrol.
 
What I'm most curious about are the pads themselves. How playable are they? I'd like something that is responsive enough to do quick rolls on one pad with two fingers and with enough velocity sensitivity to do creshendos in those situations. When I tried that on the nanoPAD2 it would miss notes all the time on the roll. Would somebody be able to provide some details on their experiences with the Maschine pads? My local music store won't let me return an Maschine because of the software so I can't really buy it and try it. I'm taking the nanoPAD back soon.
 
Also, how easy is it to turn the Maschine into just a MIDI controller for Sonar? I couldn't find descriptions about that in the manual. I don't actually care about the included Maschine software. I already have Komplete 9, as well as, Addictive Drums so I think I'm covered for natural drums. Any feedback would be appreciated.
 
Thanks.

Mantofini
 
..What I'm most curious about are the pads themselves...
 
Also, how easy is it to turn the Maschine into just a MIDI controller for Sonar? ..

I can't compare them to any others since Maschine is the only ones I've used but I've found them to be fairly sensitive. A better question for you may be just how much you are willing to spend for the sensitivity you need. That said I've been pleased with the results.
 
Turning it into a controller for Sonar took be a bit to get my head around but once somebody pointed me in the right direction it was pretty much a piece of cake (so to speak). I forget what it's called off the of my head but it is something along the lines of "? Editor". It has it's own help file and not that hard to understand once I put forth the effort.
 
Hope that helps.
 
Regards,

mmorgan

Mantofini
 
..What I'm most curious about are the pads themselves...
 
Also, how easy is it to turn the Maschine into just a MIDI controller for Sonar? ..

I can't compare them to any others since Maschine is the only ones I've used but I've found them to be fairly sensitive. A better question for you may be just how much you are willing to spend for the sensitivity you need. That said I've been pleased with the results.
 
Turning it into a controller for Sonar took be a bit to get my head around but once somebody pointed me in the right direction it was pretty much a piece of cake (so to speak). I forget what it's called off the of my head but it is something along the lines of "? Editor". It has it's own help file and not that hard to understand once I put forth the effort.
 
Hope that helps.
 
Regards,

Thanks for the reply. I'll take another look at the manual and look for the word Editor. I agree with you regarding the cost. $350 is a lot of money to just input drum hits. That's why I started by trying out the nanoPAD2. It was only $60. Guess I'll just keep trying progressively more expensive units until I'm either happy or decide it's not worth the money.

I would call them pretty good but not excellent. Probably wouldn't buy it just as a generic controller but then, I really like the sounds and workflow.

Mantofini: It is a separate application that Maschine. Off the top of my head I think it is "Controller Editor"...I'll check when I get home and post here if no one posts a name.
 
Also one thing to consider with Maschine, even though you only want it for the pads, it comes with quite a bit of NI's typically high quality content. I find it a lot of fun to play around with but I'm far from expert in the sampling realm.
 
Regards,

Sanderxpander
I would call them pretty good but not excellent. Probably wouldn't buy it just as a generic controller but then, I really like the sounds and workflow.

Out of curiosity Sanderxpander. What other pad controllers would you recommend? I have read bad things about the responsiveness of Akai pads. There is a Novation controller than I might try next. The KORG padKontrol sounds good, as well, but, none of the stores in my area that allow returns currently carry it. Also, I'm not sure that will continue to be supported for a while.

Somewhere on YouTube there's a guy who's got a video of maschine being used as a controller with sonar (doing loops). Search for maschine and sonar. I spent a good few hours watching these vids and reading before I got one. Looks like I didn't research hard enough!