This article explains how to set up your Maschine device as a control surface in Logic Pro. This will allow you to control Logic's transport controls as well as mixer controls, navigation, etc.
Note for Maschine MK3 users: Logic Pro is automatically configured for advanced integration with Maschine MK3. The Maschine software must first be installed. Once installed, ensure that the controller is connected and switched on before launching Logic Pro. No further steps are necessary.
For a complete list of all of the available shortcuts, check out the cheat sheet.
How to Set Up
The setup consists of the following:
Configuring the Maschine Controller for Host Transport Control
- Open the Controller Editor:
Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor - In Controller Editor, load the Mackie Control template for your controller from the Factory Templates drop-down menu.
- Enable Host Transport Control.
Note: When used in Mackie Control mode, the pads will not trigger notes by default. Chapter 3 below will explain how to customize a group of pads that will allow you to trigger and record MIDI notes when using your device in Mackie Control mode.
Configuring Logic for Host Transport Control
- Navigate to Logic Pro from the menu bar, and select Control Surfaces > Setup...
- In the Control Surface Setup window, click on New and select Install...
- In the Manufacturer field, select Mackie Designs, and under Model select Mackie Control. Confirm your selection by clicking the Add button.
- If the Inspector is not shown, right-click on the surface next to the image of the Mackie controller, and select Show/ Hide Inspector.
- Open the Input Port menu. Select the Maschine Virtual Input entry corresponding to the name of your Maschine controller.
- Close the Setup window. You can now control Logic Pro's transport functions with your Maschine Controller.
Customizing a group of pads to trigger / record MIDI notes
By default, the Mackie Control mode replaces the pads with other functions. It is possible, however, to edit the template and add a group of pads that will allow you to trigger and record MIDI notes. Follow the steps below in order to configure a group of pads for this purpose:
- In the Controller Editor, navigate to the Pages tab and click on Edit in the Pad Pages section.
- Select New.
- Double-click the new Pad Page (F) that was created to rename it. In this example, we name it Notes.
- Click the Assign tab, then click each pad to assign them to the desired notes by changing the Note field. In this example, we are assigning the 16 pads starting from C1 on Pad 1 at the bottom left to D#2 on Pad 16 at the top right.
Note: The pad name will be automatically renamed to the Note you are configuring it to.
- Once done, you can rename the template by double-clicking on its name, as well as export it to save or transfer it to another computer by clicking the Export button.
Functions list
The below tables list the most important Logic Pro commands assigned to the buttons/knobs of the Maschine devices when using them in Mackie Control mode. Click on the controller you are using to reveal the table.
Maschine Mikro MK3
| Button/Knob | Function |
| Restart Button | Loop |
| Erase Button | Rewind |
| Tap/Metro Button | Fast-Forward |
| Play Button | Play |
| Stop Button | Stop |
| Rec Button | Off* |
| Touchstrip | Modulation Wheel |
*Note: By default, the Record button is not assigned on the Maschine Mikro MK3. To assign the Record function in Logic, click the Record button represented in Controller Editor, then change the Type to MCU Button and the Parameter ID to 95, as shown below:
Maschine Mikro MK2
| Button/Knob | Function |
| Restart Button | Loop |
| < Button | Rewind |
| > Button | Fast-Forward |
| Play Button | Play |
| Rec Button | Record |
| Erase Button | Stop |
Maschine MK2
Multiple pages of commands are available on the Maschine MK2 for the Pads and the top buttons/knobs sections. These can be viewed in the Controller Editor.
| Section | Button/Knob | Function |
| TRANSPORT | Restart Button | Loop |
| < Button | Rewind | |
| > Button | Fast Forward | |
| Rec Button | Record | |
| Play Button | Play | |
| Erase Button | Stop | |
| MASTER | Main Knob | Wheel |
| Note Repeat Button | Scrub |
Maschine STUDIO
Multiple pages of commands are available on the Maschine Studio for the Pads and the top buttons/knobs sections. These can be viewed in the Controller Editor.
| Section | Button/Knob | Function |
| TRANSPORT | Restart Button | Loop |
| Left Arrow (<) | Rewind | |
| Right Arrow (>) | Fast Forward | |
| Rec Button | Record | |
| Play Button | Play | |
| Erase Button | Stop | |
| Grid Button | Read/Off | |
| EDIT | Wheel | Wheel |
| Enter Button | Scrub |