What's new in Maschine 3.5 and Maschine+ 2.2.0 – Native Instruments

We are pleased to release Maschine 3.5 for desktop and Maschine+ 2.2.0.

This update improves the Sampler UI and connected hardware workflows across Maschine. Maschine 3.5 introduces a redesigned Sampler UI in Mixer view, deeper Kontrol S-Series MK3 integration, and new Sound Focus behavior for performance workflows. Maschine+ 2.2.0 brings Kontrol S-Series MK3 Browser and Master / Group / Sound navigation support to standalone.

What's new at a glance

Redesigned Sampler UI in Mixer view for Maschine 3.5
Kontrol S-Series MK3 Browser integration in Maschine 3 and Maschine+
Master / Group / Sound navigation from Kontrol S-Series MK3
New Sound Focus behavior: On Trigger / Pinned
Improved Browser and navigation behavior for Kontrol S-Series MK3 workflows

Redesigned Sampler UI in Maschine 3.5

Maschine 3.5 introduces a redesigned Sampler UI in Mixer view as part of the ongoing modernization of Maschine.

This is a visual and workflow update to the Sampler interface. The new Sampler UI includes updated Main and FX views, improved waveform display, timeline handling, play range markers, loop markers, and playhead display. This makes everyday sampling workflows clearer and more consistent while keeping the core Maschine workflow familiar.

How to use it

Open a Sound using the Sampler plug-in and switch to Mixer view. The redesigned Sampler UI is shown directly in the Mixer area, where you can access the updated Main and FX views, edit parameters, and work with the improved waveform display.

Kontrol S-Series MK3 integration in Maschine 3.5

Maschine 3.5 adds deeper integration for Kontrol S-Series MK3.

You can now open and use the Maschine Browser directly from the keyboard, navigate between Master, Groups, and Sounds, and move through items at the current level using the 4D encoder.

Navigation has also been updated to better match Maschine’s structure:

Up / Down navigates items at the current level
Left / Right switches navigation level between Master / Groups / Sounds

Plugin-chain navigation from Kontrol S-Series MK3 is also improved, with better synchronization between the focused slot and the Browser experience.

How to use it

Connect Kontrol S-Series MK3 (FW update required) and open Maschine 3.5.

Press Browser on Kontrol S-Series MK3 to browse from the keyboard
Use the 4D encoder Up / Down to move through items at the current level
Use the 4D encoder Left / Right to switch between Master / Groups / Sounds
Use soft buttons 1 and 2 to navigate the plug-in chain

New Sound Focus behavior: On Trigger / Pinned

Maschine 3.5 adds a new Sound Focus option that lets you choose whether software focus follows the pads you play.

On Trigger: Focus follows the pad / sound you play. This is the default behavior.
Pinned: Focus stays locked to the currently selected sound, even when you play other pads.

Pinned focus is useful when performing, editing a plug-in, or adjusting modulation while triggering sounds from other pads.

How to use it

In the Maschine software, choose between On Trigger and Pinned Sound Focus behavior.

On supported Maschine hardware controllers, the setting is available from:

PAD MODE > Page 2/2 > Encoder 4

When focus is pinned, you can still change Sound focus from hardware using:

Maschine: Select + Pad
Mixer: 4D encoder Left / Right or soft buttons
Kontrol S-Series MK3: 4D encoder Up / Down

Supported hardware access includes Maschine MK3, Maschine+, and Maschine Studio. Maschine Mikro MK3 follows the software setting but does not provide direct hardware access to the setting.

Maschine+ 2.2.0: Kontrol S-Series MK3 support

Maschine+ System 2.2.0 adds important Kontrol S-Series MK3 integration improvements for standalone users.

With Kontrol S-Series MK3 connected to Maschine+, you can now:

Open and use the Browser from the keyboard
Navigate Sounds or Groups using the 4D encoder Up / Down
Switch between Master / Groups / Sounds using the 4D encoder Left / Right
Work with improved focus consistency between Kontrol S-Series MK3 and Maschine+

Note: You are required to have a Maschine 3 license in the Native Instruments account you are using on your Maschine+.

How to use it

Connect Kontrol S-Series MK3 to Maschine+.

Press Browser on Kontrol S-Series MK3 to browse from the keyboard
Use the 4D encoder Up / Down to navigate items at the current level
Use the 4D encoder Left / Right to switch between Master / Groups / Sounds

Installation instructions

Maschine 3.5 desktop

Maschine 3.5 is installed via Native Access.

Open Native Access and install the latest available Maschine 3 update.

Maschine+ System 2.2.0

Maschine+ System 2.2.0 is installed directly from Maschine+.

On Maschine+, go to: SETTINGS > System tab
Then follow the on-screen update process.

Kontrol S-Series MK3 support

To use the Kontrol S-Series MK3 integration features, make sure the following are installed:

Latest Kontrol S-Series MK3 firmware
Hardware Connection Service, available in Native Access

Full release notes

Maschine 3.5

Added

Redesigned Sampler UI in Mixer view
Kontrol S-Series MK3 browsing support in Maschine 3
Master / Group / Sound navigation from Kontrol S-Series MK3 in Maschine 3
Sound Focus behavior with On Trigger and Pinned modes
Sound Focus control on supported Maschine hardware controllers
Tag clouds are collapsed by default in the Browser

Fixed

Kontrol MK3 browser product tiles disappearing after applying a brand filter
Instrument presets loading onto FX slots from the Kontrol MK3 browser
Playhead in Sampler editor continuing beyond the end of the ADSR envelope
Kontrol MK3 4D encoder LED feedback in the context of navigating a Maschine project

Maschine+ System 2.2.0

Added

Kontrol S-Series MK3 browsing support on Maschine+
Master / Group / Sound navigation from Kontrol S-Series MK3 on Maschine+
- Up / Down navigates items at the current level
- Left / Right switches navigation level between Master / Groups / Sounds

What's new in Maschine 3.4.2

We are pleased to release Maschine 3.4.2, an update focused on platform compatibility, stability, and refining the modulation tools introduced in version 3.4.

This release delivers official support for macOS 26 (Tahoe), automatic plugin migration for Logic Pro users, and smoother drawing behaviors for the modulation editor.

macOS 26 (Tahoe) Compatibility Maschine is now officially supported on macOS 26.

Important Compatibility Notice: Please be aware that macOS 26 entirely removes support for FireWire devices. If you use a legacy FireWire audio interface, it will not be recognized on this operating system.

Refined Modulation Workflow We have optimized the new modulation editor to be faster and more fluid:

Linear by Default: The drawing tool now utilizes linear interpolation by default, allowing you to create smooth transitions instantly *applies only to quantization off.
Auto-Scroll: The editor now automatically scrolls when drawing modulation points near the edge of the window, making it easier to edit long patterns.
Smoother Editing: We resolved an issue where moving or repositioning existing modulation events would unexpectedly snap them to a "staircase" (stepped) shape, ensuring your curves remain smooth during edits.
Pattern Doubling: Fixed an issue where modulation curves would break or disconnect when using the 'Double' command on a Pattern.

Logic Pro Migration (V2 → V3) Upgrading to Maschine 3 is now seamless for Logic Pro users. If you open a project containing legacy "Maschine 2" Audio Unit instances but do not have V2 installed, Logic will now automatically migrate these instances to Maschine 3.

Performance & Stability

Kontrol MK3 Optimization: CPU load is now reduced when using Maschine with a connected Kontrol MK3 keyboard.
Stability: Resolved a crash that occurred on shutdown if a plugin window was left open.
Recording: Fixed an issue where recording audio loops into a Scene ignored the specific Scene Tempo.

Bass Synth: Corrected the "Legato" behavior for Oscillator 2. Note: This restores intended functionality but may slightly alter the sound of existing projects that relied on the previous behavior.

What’s new in Maschine 3.4

Fixed

On some Windows 11 systems Maschine would hang during application startup
Recording modulation with KKS MK2 can create spikes
Various issues with keyboard shortcuts

Maschine 3.4 is a free update that delivers a completely modernised modulation and automation editor. Here are the details:

Modernised Modulation Editor The editor has been rebuilt on a new technical foundation for a smoother, high-DPI visual experience. Check out the full "How to Use the New Modulation Editor" guide here.
New Linear Point Workflow This is the new default. Maschine now creates smooth, linear transitions between any two modulation points, allowing you to create predictable ramps and sweeps with ease.
NEW: Curve Editing This is a huge new creative tool. You can now create smooth, curved slopes by simply holding Alt (Option on macOS) + dragging any line segment. This is perfect for filter sweeps, synth swells, and dynamic, expressive modulation.
Optimized Hardware Automation Recording Your hardware performances are now captured as clean, optimized linear points. This means no more cluttered lanes with micro-steps, just the smooth performance you played, ready to be edited.
Improved Editing Tools
- Pencil Tool: Freely draw complex modulation shapes. Turn on the grid to draw quantized, stepped automation, just like the classic workflow.
- Advanced Selection: Use the Marquee Tool to select groups of points at once , or use Shift-Click to select multiple individual points, even if they aren't next to each other.
Smarter Workflow & Visuals
- Modulation in the Arranger: You can see a preview of your modulation directly on clips in the Arranger view, letting you see modulation in context.
- New Visuals: The editor has a refreshed design, a new background grid, and helpful tooltips that show you the precise value of a point when you hover over it.
- New Zoom Shortcut: Use Cmd + Scroll (macOS) or Ctrl + Scroll (Windows) for quick horizontal zooming in the editor.
NEW: Kontakt 8, Play Series & Effects for Maschine+
This update also brings massive new power to standalone by adding the Kontakt 8 engine, making a selection of Play Series instruments (like Empire Breaks, 24K Keys) and studio effects (like Solid Bus Comp, Replika) compatible with Maschine+. Get all the details on the new M+ content here.
Ozone 12 Elements: Customers who bought the "Maschine 3 Software including Maschine Central" bundle also receive Ozone 12 Elements, giving you an essential toolkit for polishing your tracks and achieving a professional, release-ready master.

Learn How to Use It

This update changes the way modulation works, so we've put together a full "How to Use" guide to get you up to speed quickly.

Check out the full "How to Use the New Modulation Editor" guide here.

What’s new in Maschine 3.3.1

Maschine 3.3.1 comes with these new fixes:

Fixed

Kontrol MK2 keyboards would stop responding after browsing with Maschine 3.3.0
Performance issues, causing larger-than-expected idling workloads on the CPU, and higher peak CPU usage with heavier projects

What’s new in Maschine 3.3.0

Maschine 3.3.0 comes with these new features and fixes:

Added Features

Support for upcoming Maschine+ release. Due to be released in the coming weeks
Support for a new version of NI Accessibility Helper for VI users. Available as a separate download on Native Access
Bass Synth extended features: second oscillator, second oscillator detune, oscillator mix and updated UI
Performance improvements, we fixed a large performance bottleneck in Maschine 3, particularly when using a Kontrol MK3 keyboard

Fixed

Maschine floating windows would block OS windows
Performance issues when hosting plugins
Fixed issue which would cause Maschine controllers to freeze after using the audio edit page
Losing the mouse wheel zoom level in the Maschine Sampler UI when moving the start and end points
Dragging start and end point lines in the Maschine Sampler UI would cause unexpected undo history

What’s new in Maschine 3.2.0

Maschine 3.2.0 brings some key improvements to make your life easier.

Added Features

Piano Roll Lightguides
Active Play Assist Scale is visible in the Piano Roll (HW & SW)
Hover Note Info in Piano Roll
Audio Plugin: Per-Pattern Take Assignment
MP3 Export

Details

Videos

Piano Roll Lightguides

You’ll now see the same lightguide and keyswitch information in the Maschine desktop piano roll as you do on your Kontrol S-Series keyboard. This makes composing and editing MIDI data more intuitive and harmonized across software and hardware:

Clearly defined keyswitch zones with responsive feedback on both software and hardware
More confidence when programming articulations or layered instruments

Visible Play Assist Scales in the Piano Roll

You can now see the active Play Assist scale directly in the Maschine software Piano Roll, making it easier to stay in key while editing or composing:

The active scale is highlighted in both software and hardware Piano Rolls.
Visible when a pad controller is connected, or when using an NI keyboard with the scale engine enabled.
Brings better alignment between what you play and what you see, improving the editing experience.
Note: This update does not yet include full access to set or change scales from within the Maschine 3 software Piano Roll.

Hover Note Info in Piano Roll

To reduce guesswork and streamline editing, hovering over notes in the Piano Roll now displays contextual note information:

Standard notes show the note name (e.g., C3)
Keyswitch notes display the keyswitch label

This makes dense arrangements easier to manage.

Audio Plugin: Per-Pattern Take Assignment

Maschine now allows assigning different audio takes to individual patterns—previously, changing a take would update all patterns using the same Audio Plugin. This gives you more control without disrupting unrelated parts of your arrangement.

Key updates include:

Changing the Take from the Recorder panel (desktop) or Sampling page (hardware) now only affects the currently focused Pattern.
Other Patterns remain unchanged, enabling more nuanced looping across your project.
“Source length” and “source tempo” values always reflect the currently assigned Take.
If no Take is assigned, there will be a take selected in the Recorder panel / sampling page. "Source length" and "source tempo" will be based on that Take.

Why this matters:

This change supports workflows introduced with Bounce-in-Place, where multiple Takes naturally emerge per pattern. With consistent tempos across recordings, CPU spikes are avoided—so you get greater flexibility without compromising performance.

MP3 Export

You can now export your audio directly as MP3 from both the desktop software and Maschine+ hardware (upcoming release). This makes sharing sketches, demos, or stems faster and more file-size-friendly.

MP3 is now available in the File > Export Audio... menu on desktop.
Supported bitrates: 96, 128, 192, and 320 kbps
Note: MP3 export is only available in standalone mode, not when Maschine is used as a plugin.

Fixed

Floating windows stay on top when pinned on Windows
Windows Full Screen Not Working When Scale > 100%
Undoing after loading a Plugin and displaying the UI could lead to an empty window
Some Plugins would prevent the Application from starting when scanning
Inputting a note in the clip editor could cause the audio preview to not stop
Stems option on Maschine MK3 not available for Audio Plugin

What’s new in Maschine 3.1.0

Maschine version 3.1.0 is here. Maschine’s powerful performance features have been a long-term user favourite. With Custom Chords, we extend the ability for users to create and perform their own chord sets using Maschine MK3 and Maschine+ in controller mode.

This allows music makers to capture their perfect chord sets for live performances or share their chord progressions across projects and with other Maschine users for easy remixing and inspiration.

You can find instructions on how to use User Chords in the Maschine 3 manual.

Added Feature

User Chords: Create your own chord sets and share with other Maschine users.
Improved accessibility when using User Chords
Added Ableton Live DAW integration for Maschine+ in controller mode.
Updated DAW integration scripts for Ableton Live versions 11 and 12
Full-screen mode is available from the standalone application main menu and via keyboard shortcuts

Fixed

Plug-in scanning could freeze
Certain NKS third-party presets not appearing in the browser
Plug-in UIs inside Maschine when hosted in Logic Pro not opening and closing as expected
Pattern editor scrollbar not always visible
Ableton Link issue with Traktor and other Ableton Link clients where tempo sync with Maschine would not work as expected
Maschine in Logic Pro, plug-in windows sometimes can't be closed by clicking on the red 'x'
Maschine in Logic Pro, closing the Maschine editor with a plug-in window open can leave a black floating window

Hardware Compatibility with User Chords

Creating / Editing / Playing User Chords:

Maschine MK3
Maschine Plus (Controller Mode only)

Playing Only User Chords:

Maschine Mikro MK3
Maschine Jam
Maschine Studio
Kontrol S-Series MK3
Komplete Kontrol S-Series MK2
Komplete Kontrol M32
Komplete Kontrol A-series

What’s new in Maschine 3.0.1

Maschine version 3.0.1 is here bringing parallel plugin scanning to make scanning up to four times faster, plus a host of fresh fixes.

Added Feature

Parallel plugin scanning
Plugin scanning in Maschine is now four times faster, thanks to optimizations that enable parallel scanning. The new scanning process includes improved algorithms, especially for shell plugins like those from Waves.

Fixed

Note Preview does not trigger if you click too close to the end of the note
It worked when clicking on the note event but not at the extremities.
Edit Cursors have incorrect small clickable area
It was only possible to resize a note with the mouse when moving the mouse cursor to the very right of the note. This applied to both note start and note end. The behavior of the resize handles is now symmetrical. The hotspot is on the very edge of the note.
Metaverb was using incorrect banner artwork
This was a typo – was Meta Verb before.
Crash after changing sample rate
Changing the sample rate in the preferences was crashing the application.
Crash after auto save
The auto save was performed on a thread that Kontakt 8 was also writing to, resulting in a concurrency crash.
Plugin window(s) could get hidden behind Maschine or DAW window(s)
Now VSTs are not hidden by the application.
Crash In VST3 Plugin Parameters
Turning specific plugin parameters knobs on the software was crashing the application.
Crash when docking the plugin window
Clicking on the pin UI to pin the plugin was sometimes crashing the application.
Scale engine key mode parameter stuck on Kontrol MK3
It is now possible to select something else than the mapped mode, in Play Assist Scale Page [Plug-in] / Scale Engine on the Kontrol MK3.

Known Issues

Maschine standalone cannot resize fully.
Fix likely coming in v3.1.