SYMPTOM
When starting your MASCHINE 2 software, the controller doesn't react as expected. In this case, its display remains black or displays "Maschine Groove Production".
CAUSES
This behavior can be caused by different factors. Click the possible causes one by one to be redirected to the corresponding troubleshooting steps below in the article.
- The MASCHINE software is not up to date.
- The HAL plug-in directory in the System Library folder contains drivers which are not supported.
- The NIHardwareAgent is not running in the background.
- Your MASCHINE model is not supported by current Mac systems.
- The computer's system drive is formatted in a case-sensitive format.
- There is an issue with the USB connection.
SOLUTIONS
1. The MASCHINE software is not up to date
Download and install the latest version of MASCHINE from the Not installed tab in Native Access. If your operating system does not support the latest software update, you can download an earlier compatible version from the Update Manager.
2. The HAL plug-in folder contains drivers which are not supported
Your Hal plug-in folder in the System Library folder may contain a driver which prevents the MASCHINE controller from starting correctly. Follow this article's instructions to troubleshoot this issue. If your MASCHINE is still not working properly, continue troubleshooting:
3. The NIHardwareAgent is not running in the background.
Make sure that the NIHardwareAgent application is set as startup item.
- Open your Mac's System Preferences and choose Users & Groups.
- Make sure your account is selected under Current User and go to the Login Items tab. Verify if the the NIHardwareAgent is listed in the login items.
- If the file NIHardwareAgent is missing in the list, add it by clicking the '+' icon.
- Navigate to the following location:
Mac HD > Library > Application Support > Native Instruments > Hardware - Select the missing service and click Add:
Note: The application NIHostIntegrationAgent is only available for customers who are also using a KOMPLETE KONTROL keyboard. If you are only using a MASCHINE the service will not appear in the list and is not needed.
The NIHardwareAgent is now set as a login item. Restart your computer, start the MASCHINE software and check if your controller starts as expected. If this is not the case, continue troubleshooting.
4. Your MASCHINE model is not supported by current Mac systems
There are three different MASCHINE controller models. If you are using the first-generation MASCHINE MK1 (out of production), it might not be recognized by your Mac system as it is no longer supported on macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or later. The MASCHINE MK1 model is pictured below:
Even if it is not officially supported, the following workaround might help you get it running on macOS 10.12 or 10.13:
- Delete the Maschine Controller Driver .plist file:
Macintosh HD > Library > Preferences > com. native-instruments.Maschine Controller.plist - Delete the "NIUSBMaschineController" file from here:
Macintosh HD > System > Library > Extensions - Restart your computer.
- Install the 2.8.0 driver Maschine driver again. You will find the "MASCHINE Controller Driver 2.8.0 - Mac OS X 10.9 - 10.11" from the Drivers & Other Files page of our website.
- Additional step for macOS 10.13: once the driver's installation is finished, open the Apple Preferences and navigate to Security & Privacy option. Accept, if you are requested to "ALLOW" the Native Instruments driver here.
5. The computer's system drive is formatted in a case-sensitive format.
Case-sensitive hard drive formats are not supported by Native Instruments products and will prevent the MASCHINE controller to start as expected. This article explains how to find out if your hard drive's format is case-sensitive. If it is not, continue troubleshooting.
6. The USB cable or the USB hub is not supported.
Use the original USB cable provided with your MASCHINE controller. If not available anymore, this article contains information which will help you choose a suitable USB cable.
If possible, always connect your MASCHINE controller directly to your computer's USB port. If you must use a USB-hub, make sure it has its own power supply.