It’s nearly two years since Maschine version 3.0 launched and now Native Instruments has released version 3.7, along with a trio of new expansions which help to celebrate 30 years of the company.
Maschine 3.7
The main new features in this dot update are:
- Random note generation: a range of parameters can be used to randomise initial note placements, based on probabilities you set, and including not just pitches and positioning but also other attributes such as velocity variation. It’s a useful way of getting initial inspiration rather than starting with a blank grid or a fixed template each time.
- Euclidean sequencer: this popular method of groove creation comes to Maschine, allowing for all manner of syncopated and off-beat beats, again with a lot of control over parameters.
- Melody and chord generation: building on the randomisation, with parameters for low and high notes, what musical scale is being used, and more.
- Variations: works on adjusting existing notes based on parameters the user specifies.
- Note probability: another nod to randomness, this determines the chances of individual notes playing or not, and it can work live, on-the-fly, for ensuring loops stay fresh.
In fairness, none of these are revolutionary concepts, but the fact they’ve come to such a popular bit of hardware is great for existing users, as the comments on their demo video suggest.
Maschine 3.7 is a free update for all Maschine 3 users, with support for Maschine+ coming soon.
Expansions
As well as the version update, three new Expansions have been released – all require version 3.7 to work:
- THIRTY – 30 YEARS OF NATIVE INSTRUMENTS: Native Instruments’ own legacy, re-sampled for Maschine. A genre-spanning collection that reimagines a huge, iconic catalogue: 30 Maschine kits, 89 loops, 291 drum samples, and 85 one-shots. To celebrate the company’s milestone birthday, Thirty resamples and reassembles Native Instruments’ greatest hits, pulling highlights and hidden gems from Reaktor, Spotlight Series, Play Series, Massive X, and beyond to create new sounds that look to the future. It’s a genre-spanning journey producers can take in their own direction. Here’s to the next 30.
- PARIS HEAT – FRENCH HOUSE FOR MASCHINE: The resurgent sound of French house, channeled for future-facing club hits: 40 Maschine kits, 108 loops, 314 drum samples, and 127 one-shots. Paris Heat captures the sound of Paris club culture that dominated the late ’90s and 2000s and is now back with a vengeance, packing in resonant filters, four-on-the-floor punch, and unmistakable rising-filter euphoria. It’s the French touch, built for Maschine with the same chopped-up creative process that continues to define the genre.
- RAGE CIRCUIT – RAGE TRAP ENERGY FOR MASCHINE: A push beyond trap into a futuristic space: 41 Maschine kits, 291 loops, 375 drum samples, and 37 one-shots, with huge 808s, hyper-digital leads, and glitches built for producers pushing trap past its edges. Created with GRAMMY-winning producer Snipe Young, Rage Circuit captures the energy of rage, hypertrap, and next-generation hip-hop production, built around distorted synths, massive 808s, aggressive drums, and futuristic sound design.
Paris Heat and Rage Circuit are available for $49/€49, Thirty for $30/€30. (Links are to the Plugin Boutique store.)
