In the near future in 2018 the MASCHINE 2 software will only be available in its 64-bit version. This means MASCHINE 2's updates released after version 2.7.2 will not be available in a 32-bit version anymore.
This article answers some questions you may have on the transition to 64-bit only and the discontinuation of the 32-bit version.
Why Does Native Instruments Drop 32-Bit Support for MASCHINE 2?
With the ever-evolving landscape of computers and operating systems and fewer and fewer MASCHINE users making use of the 32-bit version, we decided that we would discontinue the 32-bit version of MASCHINE at some point in 2018 in order to reduce the time and cost of developing, testing, and deploying new software updates, and to ensure we can take advantage of all the new features and tools provided by the latest operating systems.
However, with the release of MASCHINE 2.7.2 in December, some users have reported problems running the 32-bit version of the software. This has basically forced us to make a decision on this topic now: Instead of investing time and effort into diagnosing, fixing, and distributing a fix for the 32-bit version of MASCHINE shortly before discontinuing it, we have decided to just discontinue 32-bit support immediately.
As such, the next version of MASCHINE will be released with only 64-bit versions of the application and plug-ins. MASCHINE will run standalone in 64-bit mode and will be able to host 64-bit plug-ins. Similarly, MASCHINE will run as a 64-bit plug-in in a 64-bit host. If you’re already using the 64-bit version of MASCHINE, then this change will have no impact on you.
How can I find out if I am using a 32-bit version of MASCHINE 2?
You can find out which version you are using by opening the information window of MASCHINE 2. To open the information window, click the MASCHINE logo in the upper left side of the window.
The information window displays in its upper right corner which version is running. In the example below, MASCHINE 2 is running in 32-bit mode.
How can I switch to 64-bit mode?
When MASCHINE 2 will only be available in the 64-bit version, you will switch to 64-bit simply by installing the latest MASCHINE update.
If you want to start using your current version of MASCHINE 2 in 64-bit mode straight away, please watch this video explaining how to open MASCHINE 2 in 64-bit mode.
What Should I Be Careful About When Switching to MASCHINE 2 64-Bit?
If you still use 32-bit plug-ins in your MASCHINE Projects, you will need to obtain updated 64-bit versions to keep using them in future versions of MASCHINE. Please contact your plug-ins' manufacturer to see if a 64 bit version of your plug-in is available.
I Want to Switch to 64-Bit, but Some of My Favorite Plug-Ins Are Only Available in 32-Bit
You can find so-called bit-bridging applications which will allow you to use your 32-bit plug-ins in the 64-bit version of MASCHINE 2. One of these is called JBridge, which you can find here on the web.
Please note Native Instruments does not officially support bit-bridging applications because they might cause performance issues. Nevertheless you might be able to use them without any particular issue, especially if you are using a relatively new, high-performance computer. But, once again, these applications are not manufactured or supported by Native Instruments and we cannot guarantee for their functionality and safety.
What Can I Do If I Want to Keep on Using MASCHINE 2 in 32-Bit Mode?
If you depend on using the 32-bit version of MASCHINE for your work, do not attempt to download or install any MASCHINE updates later than version 2.7.2. Doing so will uninstall your 32-bit version.
Future versions of MASCHINE will include only a 64-bit version of the application. Previous versions of MASCHINE installed both 32-bit and 64-bit versions simultaneously. Since most users don’t need the 32-bit version, running the update installer will also uninstall any previous 32-bit version that may have been installed on the system to keep it clean. Therefore, if you rely on the 32-bit version of MASCHINE, do not to download or install any future MASCHINE updates.
We will continue to provide support for the 32-bit version of MASCHINE until version 2.6.10, which is the last version which offers a stable 32-bit version. You can download the 2.6.10 update here.