Maschine pretty much defined a new product category when it was released in 2009. It comprises a self-contained software production environment (running standalone or as a plug-in), a dedicated hardware controller with 16 MPC-style pads, and a fully browsable 6GB library of sampled instruments, patterns, loops and hits.

Although the software has gradually and thoughtfully been updated, 2012 saw the first hardware revision for Maschine. Most notably, the pads and Group buttons are now backlit; this might sound like merely a cosmetic change, but it’s one that aids the workflow.

There are plenty of new features in the latest version of the software, too, and just to sweeten the deal even further, the full version of NI’s Massive is now included as standard.

FULL REVIEW:Native Instruments Maschine mkII

Also in the running

Akai MPC Renaissance

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BUY: Native Instruments Maschine mkII currently available from:
UK/Europe:Andertons Music Co. | Thomann | Scan Pro Audio | Gear4Music
USA:Sweetwater