iirc I think you need to avoid a mikro mk1.. my recollection is that it cannot be upgraded to 2.0 software.
So a used maschine mk1 would be cheaper than a new mikro mk2 I suspect.. and for the loss of colored leds you get a much better controller.
You wont be lost for kits.. making grooves is really easy.. think realtime recording of pads, or step sequencer, or program in TR mode (like MC505,808 etc).. really easy. If you get Maschine vs Mikro, you can have quite a speedy workflow using just the controller..ie can avoid mousing around. basically you make your pattern variations, then can simply loop them, or string them in pieces (called scenes) to follow a song arrangement. You can change scenes via bangin pads, or using note or pc messages via midi.
you can similarly add bass lines or pads etc using their sampled instruments, or insert vst for that.
maschine doesn't record audio tracks in a conventional sense... it samples. you can record long samples and use them as tracks, but after each sampling, you need to insert a sequencer event (to initiate the sample playback) and configure the sample playback method..
for standalone easy setup and arrangement of drum grooves, and as a drum machine inside Sonar its really good. tons of sample content, but I suspect you already have better instruments than those that come with mashine..
Mesh
Mystic38
So, Maschine come in mk1 and mk2 hardware.. the only real difference is multi colored LED. Then there is Maschine software versions up to 1.8 and then onwards from 2.0
You get a HUGE amount of content with masses of drum kits and patterns.. less rock/blues and more modern industrial offbeat whack type of stuff. But a great platform for easily step sequencer wise, making drum patterns. Its my goto setup.
Midi drum patterns are not typically easily imported, the layout of any one kit is erratic and not typically aligned with GM.. even between NI kits there is not a sensible regular layout..unlike (say) an MC-808, or similar where there are two kicks then two snares then three toms etc all laid out exactly the same regardless of kit...
Its not hard, just time though, to import your own kits and sort them out as you see fit.
The mikro has limited control over VST and editing as its got less knobs and buttons for stuff. it can be done, but there is more menu diving.
Software operation
Maschine 1.8
is rock solid and does what it does really well.. integrates very nicely with Sonar. Not perfect, but there are a few different ways to use it effectively. each drum part can come out on its own audio ch in sonar... nice.
As standalone its a basic sequencer, with limited capability for automation but reasonably efficient. The sampler is good and time stretching finally was implemented.. so with 1.8 its a good reliable drum machine and pattern sequencer. limited internal routing.
Maschine 2.0
was a complete rewrite of the code, and caused initial ugly issues.. (think x1 vs 8.5.3) I believe most of these have been resolved, but it has its own bag of particular problems.. hopefully these will move along...but 2.0 is the future for updates...
If cash but not space is limited, consider a used Maschine rather than a mikro.. not only for use with maschine but it also has a nice midi controller editor that you can make templates for all sorts of stuff if you wish. if you go used, ensure you get the license.. (a user must contact NI to release the license, so look to see the confirmation email)..once released from one user account, it can go to another.
there are some folks upstairs with 2.0 running, or if you are not in a rush, I think I was gonna ante up in next couple of weeks ..but overall its a good package. think a drum synth and massive is included.
tis a lot of rambling..lol..if you want to chat pm me for my cell...
cheers Ian
Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU IAN!!! I truly appreciate the info.
This review has given me a lot to digest and hadn't thought about a used Maschine......yeah cash is very limited......thus, the Mikro2 route. I've also been reading up on Akai's MPC Studio as well Arturia's SparkLE (closer to my budget lol). Mikro2 seems to be the best choice where integration + the bundled software included has the most to offer.
What I'm really looking for is to get a good quality drum/synth controller that's simple/quick in gettng grooves out in creating backup tracks to record my guitar with. Most of these units are so indepth, I don't think I'll end up using 60% (possibly more) of their capabilities. I just don't want to spend a whole lot of time programming/routing, and would rather just plug and play as quick as possible......I know.....I'm being lazy. So, I'm still unsure which one of these (or any others) I should get?? Your review certainly helped. :)