How to Install Maschine Templates for Ableton Live

This article describes how to install the Maschine MIDI Control Templates for Ableton Live. This allows for advanced control of Ableton Live with your Maschine controller.

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Click below to expand the version of Ableton Live you are using.

Note: If your Maschine controller is not included in an Ableton Live section below, it means that no official template is available.

Ableton Live 12

Maschine - Ableton Live 12 Template (Mac)

This section applies to Ableton Live 12.1 (and higher) and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam

Note: There is not an official template for the Maschine Mikro MK3. However, user-created ones can be found online.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine - Live 12.zip. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and locate the respective MIDI Remote Script folder for your Maschine controller. For instance, the Maschine Studio MIDI Remote Script folder is found in: Maschine - Live 12 > Maschine Studio - Live 12 > Maschine Studio - Live 12
    In this example, only the last folder named Maschine Studio Live 12 is needed.
  4. Right-click the folder representing your controller and choose Copy.
    1_CopyFolderMac.png

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Ableton Live software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    2_ShowPackageMac.png
  2. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  3. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    3_PasteMac.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    III_CE_Select_Controller.png
  4. In Controller Editor, go to File > Open Template... and go back to the Maschine - Live 12 folder you unzipped at the start of these instructions.
  5. Select the Ableton Live 12 template file (.ncmst) for your specific Maschine controller and click Open.
    4_NCMST_Mac.png
  6. Once the template has been added, you can now close the Controller Editor software.

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    III_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Choose the Virtual Input corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Input). If using a Maschine JAM, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    III_Live_Setup_2.png
  5. Choose the Virtual Output corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Output).
    III_Live_Setup_3.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live 12 Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live 12 Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live 12 Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live 12 template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If you are using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live 12 template using the encoder.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine - Ableton Live 12 Template (Windows)

This section applies to Ableton Live 12.1 (and higher) and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam

Note: There is not an official template for the Maschine Mikro MK3. However, user-created ones can be found online.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine - Live 12.zip. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and locate the respective MIDI Remote Script folder for your Maschine controller. For instance, the Maschine MIDI Remote Script folder is found in: Maschine - Live 12 > Maschine Studio - Live 12 > Maschine_Studio
    In this example, only the last folder named Maschine Studio - Live 12 is needed.
  4. Right-click the folder representing your controller and choose Copy.
    1_CopyFolder_Win2.png

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Go to the MIDI Remote Scripts folder in the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton Live 12 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  2. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    2_PasteFolderWin2.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    III_CE_Select_Controller.png
  4. In Controller Editor, go to File > Open Template... and go back to the Maschine - Live 12 folder you unzipped at the beginning of these instructions.
  5. Select the Ableton Live 12 template file (.ncmst) for your specific Maschine controller and click Open.
    3_OpenNcmst_Win.png
  6. Once the template has been added, you can now close the Controller Editor software.

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    III_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Select the Input entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio In). If using a Maschine Jam, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    ControlSurfaceInputNew.png
  5. Select the first Output entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Out 1). If using a Maschine Jam, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    ControlSurfaceOutputNew.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live 12 Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live 12 Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live 12 Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live 12 template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If you are using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live 12 template using the encoder.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine MK3 - Ableton Live 12 Template (Mac)

This section applies specifically to the MIDI Control Template for Maschine MK3 in Ableton Live 12.1 (and higher).

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MK3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine MK3 as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine MK3 - Live 12.zip folder. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and select both the _NativeInstruments and Maschine MK3 - Live 12 folders.
  4.  Right-click the folders and choose Copy.

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Live software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    2_ShowPackageMac.png
  2. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  3. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    PasteMK3Mac.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the Maschine Mk3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine Mk3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine MK3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    IV_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine MK3 Control Surface set to None.
    IV_Live_Setup_2.png

Switching Maschine MK3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine MK3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine MK3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.
Maschine MK3 - Ableton Live 12 Template (Windows)

This section applies specifically to the MIDI Control Template for Maschine MK3 in Ableton Live 12.1 (and higher).

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MK3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine MK3 as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine MK3 - Live 12.zip folder. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and select both the _NativeInstruments and Maschine Mk3 - Live 12 folders.
  4.  Right-click the folders and choose Copy.

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Go to the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton > Live 12 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  2. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    MK3_PasteFolderWin2.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the Maschine MK3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine MK3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine MK3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    IV_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine MK3 Control Surface set to None.
    IV_Live_Setup_2.png

Switching Maschine MK3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine MK3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine MK3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.

Ableton Live 11

Maschine - Ableton Live 11 Template (Mac)

This section applies to Ableton Live 11 and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam

Note: There is not an official template for the Maschine Mikro MK3. However, user-created ones can be found online.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine - Live 11.zip. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and locate the respective MIDI Remote Script folder for your Maschine controller. For instance, the MASCHINE STUDIO MIDI Remote Script folder is found in: Maschine - Live 11 > Maschine Studio - Live 11 > Maschine_Studio
    In this example, only the last folder named Maschine_Studio is needed.
  4. Right-click the folder representing your controller and choose Copy.
    III_Live_11_Copy_Folder_Mac.png

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Ableton Live software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    III_Mac_Show_Live_Package_Contents.png
  2. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  3. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    III_Mac_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    III_CE_Select_Controller.png
  4. In Controller Editor, go to File > Open Template... and go back to the Maschine - Live 11 folder you unzipped at the start of these instructions.
  5. Select the Ableton Live 11 template file (.ncmst) for your specific Maschine controller and click Open.
    III_Mac_Open_CE_Template.png
  6. Once the template has been added, you can now close the Controller Editor software.

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    III_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Choose the Virtual Input corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Input). If using a Maschine JAM, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    III_Live_Setup_2.png
  5. Choose the Virtual Output corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Virtual Output).
    III_Live_Setup_3.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live 11 Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live 11 Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live 11 Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live 11 template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If you are using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live 11 template using the encoder.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine - Ableton Live 11 Template (Windows)

This section applies to Ableton Live 11 and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam

Note: There is not an official template for the Maschine Mikro MK3. However, user-created ones can be found online.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine - Live 11.zip. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and locate the respective MIDI Remote Script folder for your Maschine controller. For instance, the MASCHINE STUDIO MIDI Remote Script folder is found in: Maschine - Live 11 > Maschine Studio - Live 11 > Maschine_Studio
    In this example, only the last folder named Maschine_Studio is needed.
  4. Right-click the folder representing your controller and choose Copy.
    III_Live_11_Copy_Folder_Win.png

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Go to the MIDI Remote Scripts folder in the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton Live 11 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  2. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    III_Win_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    III_CE_Select_Controller.png
  4. In Controller Editor, go to File > Open Template... and go back to the Maschine - Live 11 folder you unzipped at the beginning of these instructions.
  5. Select the Ableton Live 11 template file (.ncmst) for your specific Maschine controller and click Open.
    III_Win_Open_CE_Template.png
  6. Once the template has been added, you can now close the Controller Editor software.

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    III_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Select the Input entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio In). If using a Maschine Jam, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    ControlSurfaceInputNew.png
  5. Select the first Output entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Studio Out 1). If using a Maschine Jam, choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    ControlSurfaceOutputNew.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live 11 Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live 11 Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live 11 Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live 11 template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If you are using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live 11 template using the encoder.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine Mk3 - Ableton Live 11 Template (Mac)

This section applies specifically to the MIDI Control Template for Maschine Mk3 in Ableton Live 11.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine Mk3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine Mk3 as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine MK3 Live 11 Scripts.zip folder. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and select both the _NativeInstruments and Maschine_Mk3 folders.
  4.  Right-click the folders and choose Copy.

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Live software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    III_Mac_Show_Live_Package_Contents.png
  2. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  3. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    IV_Mac_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the Maschine Mk3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine Mk3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine Mk3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    IV_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine Mk3 Control Surface set to None.
    IV_Live_Setup_2.png

Switching Maschine Mk3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine Mk3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine Mk3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.
Maschine Mk3 - Ableton Live 11 Template (Windows)

This section applies specifically to the MIDI Control Template for Maschine Mk3 in Ableton Live 11.

Download and Install the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine Mk3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine Mk3 as a control surface.

Copying the MIDI Remote Script

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Download and unzip the Maschine MK3 Live 11 Scripts.zip folder. You can download the zip file from here.
  3. Open the unzipped folder and select both the _NativeInstruments and Maschine_Mk3 folders.
  4.  Right-click the folders and choose Copy.

Pasting the MIDI Remote Script Folder into the Ableton Live Application Package

  1. Go to the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton > Live 11 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  2. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    IV_Win_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Scripts.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the Maschine Mk3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine Mk3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link Tempo MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine Mk3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    IV_Live_Setup_1.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine Mk3 Control Surface set to None.
    IV_Live_Setup_2.png

Switching Maschine Mk3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine Mk3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine Mk3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.

Ableton Live 9 / 10

Maschine - Ableton Live 9 / 10 Template (Mac)

This section applies to Ableton Live 9 / 10 and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK1
  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam
  • Maschine MK3 (Legacy Template)

Installing the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Navigate to the following folder, based on your version of Ableton Live:
    Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor > Template Support Files > Ableton Live 9 / 10
  3. Locate the Template Support File that corresponds with your Maschine controller model:
    I_CE_Mac_Live_9_and_10_Templates.png

    Note: Most Template Support Files reside in the Ableton Live 9 folder, these also work with Ableton Live 10. The only exception here is Maschine Jam:
    - Ableton Live 9 must use the upper Maschine_Jam folder.
    - Ableton Live 10 must use the lower Maschine_JAM folder.

  4. Copy the folder corresponding with your Maschine controller to your clipboard, by right-clicking on it and choosing Copy. In our example, we copy the Maschine_JAM folder from within the Ableton Live 10 folder.
    I_CE_Mac_Live_9_and_10_Copy_Folder.png
  5. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Live 9 / 10 software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    I_Mac_Show_Live_Package_Contents.png
  6. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  7. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    I_Mac_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    Macintosh HD > Applications > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    I_CE_Select_Controller_Mac.png
  4. In Controller Editor, click Templates.
  5. Select the Ableton Live template (i.e. Live 9 or 10) in the Templates list. If not present, open the Factory Templates drop-down menu and choose the Ableton Live template (i.e. Live 9 or 10) to add it.
    I_CE_Load_Template.png

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.
  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    I_Live_Prefs_Surface.png
  4. Choose the Virtual Input corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Mk2 Virtual Input). In our example, we are using a Maschine JAM and choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    I_Live_Prefs_Input.png
  5. Choose the Virtual Output corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Mk2 Virtual Output). In our example, we are using a Maschine JAM and choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    I_Live_Prefs_Output.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK1 or MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live template using the encoder.
    • If using a Maschine MK3 controller, press SHIFT + CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode. No other setup is required.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine - Ableton Live 9 / 10 Template (Windows)

This section applies to Ableton Live 9 / 10 and MIDI Control Templates for the following Maschine controllers:

  • Maschine MK1
  • Maschine MK2
  • Maschine Mikro MK2
  • Maschine Studio
  • Maschine Jam
  • Maschine MK3 (Legacy Template)

Installing the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine MIDI Remote Scripts into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize your Maschine hardware as a control surface.

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Navigate to the following folder, based on your version of Ableton Live:
    C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Controller Editor > Template Support Files > Ableton Live 9 / 10
  3. Select your version of Ableton Live, and locate the Template Support File that corresponds with your Maschine controller:
    I_CE_Win_Live_9_and_10_Templates.png

    Note: Most Template Support Files reside in the Ableton Live 9 folder, these also work with Ableton Live 10. The only exception here is Maschine Jam:
    - Ableton Live 9 must use the Maschine_Jam folder.
    - Ableton Live 10 must use the Maschine_JAM folder.

  4. Copy the folder that matches your Maschine controller by right-clicking on it and choosing Copy. In our example, we copy the Maschine_JAM folder within the Ableton Live 10 folder.
    I_CE_Win_Live_9_and_10_Copy_Folder.png
  5. Go to the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton > Live 9 / 10 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  6. Paste the folder copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    I_Win_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Loading the Ableton Live Template in Controller Editor

  1. Connect the Maschine controller to your computer and turn it on (if equipped with a power button).
  2. Start the Controller Editor software from:
    C: > Program Files > Native Instruments > Controller Editor
  3. If Controller Editor does not automatically recognize your Maschine controller, you can select it from the drop-down menu in the top left.
    I_CE_Select_Controller_Win.png
  4. In Controller Editor, click Templates.
  5. Select the Ableton Live template (i.e. Live 9 or 10) in the Templates list. If not present, open the Factory Templates drop-down menu and choose the Ableton Live template (i.e. Live 9 or 10) to add it.
    I_CE_Load_Template.png

Setting Up Ableton Live for the Maschine MIDI Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you must activate the Maschine controller as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.
  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    I_Live_Prefs_Surface.png
  4. Select the Input entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Mk2 In). In our example, we are using a Maschine Jam and choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    I_Live_Prefs_Input.png
  5. Select the first Output entry corresponding to your controller (e.g. Maschine Mk2 Out 1). In our example, we are using a Maschine Jam and choose Maschine Jam - 1.
    I_Live_Prefs_Output.png

Setting up the Maschine Controller

  1. On your Maschine controller, press SHIFT + CONTROL / CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode.
  2. Select the Ableton Live Template from your Maschine controller:
    • If using a Maschine Studio controller, load the Ableton Live Template by keeping the SHIFT button pressed and navigating with the left and right arrows (next to the left display) until you see the Ableton Live Template.
    • If using a Maschine MK1 or MK2 controller, enter TEMPLATE mode by pressing SHIFT + TEMPLATE (the rightmost button on the right-side display). Then scroll down to the Ableton Live template using the encoder and press LOAD.
    • If using a Maschine Mikro MK2 controller, keep the SHIFT button pressed and scroll down to the Ableton Live template using the encoder.
    • If using a Maschine MK3 controller, press SHIFT + CHANNEL to toggle your device into MIDI Mode. No other setup is required.

Your Maschine controller is now configured to control Ableton Live. For detailed instructions about the functions of the Maschine MIDI Template for Ableton, please refer to the Ableton Live Maschine Template Manual PDF. You can also find this manual under Documentation in your Controller Editor application folder.

Maschine Mk3 - Ableton Live 9 / 10 New Template (Mac)

This section applies specifically to the new MIDI Control Template for Maschine Mk3 in Ableton Live 9 / 10.

Note: If looking for the original Maschine Mk3 template for Live 9 / 10, see the Maschine - Ableton Live 9 / 10 Template (Mac / Windows) sections above.

Installing the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine Mk3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine Mk3 as a control surface.

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Navigate to the following folder, based on your version of Ableton Live:
    Macintosh HD > Library > Application Support > Native Instruments > Host Integration > Ableton Live
  3. Copy both the folders named _Native Instruments and Maschine_Mk3 to your clipboard:
    - Select them both by holding the Command (⌘) key and clicking the folders.
    - Right-click the selection and choose Copy 2 Items.
    II_Mac_Host_Integration_Copy_Folders.png
  4. Open your Applications folder and right-click the Live software icon. In the context menu, click on Show Package Contents.
    I_Mac_Show_Live_Package_Contents.png
  5. In the Ableton Live package, navigate to Contents > App-Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts.
  6. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    II_Mac_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Script.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the Maschine Mk3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the Maschine Mk3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link MIDI page.
  3. Assign your Maschine Mk3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    II_Live_Prefs_Surface.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine Mk3 Control Surface set to None.

Switching Maschine Mk3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine Mk3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine Mk3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.
Maschine Mk3 - Ableton Live 9 / 10 New Template (Windows)

This section applies specifically to the new MIDI Control Template for Maschine Mk3 in Ableton Live 9 / 10.

Note: If looking for the original Maschine Mk3 template for Live 9 / 10, see the Maschine - Ableton Live 9 / 10 Template (Mac / Windows) sections above.

Installing the MIDI Remote Script

In this section, you will learn how to copy/paste the Maschine Mk3 MIDI Remote Script into the Ableton Live app. This will allow Ableton Live to recognize Maschine Mk3 as a control surface.

  1. Ensure that Ableton Live is not running.
  2. Navigate to the following folder, based on your version of Ableton Live:
    C: > Program Files > Common Files > Native Instruments > Host Integration > Ableton Live
  3. Copy both the folders named _Native Instruments and Maschine_Mk3 to your clipboard:
    - Select them both by holding the CTRL key and clicking the folders.
    - Right-click the selection and choose Copy.
  4. Go to the Ableton Live installation directory. By default, it is located here: C: > Program Data > Ableton > Live 9 / 10 > Resources > MIDI Remote Scripts

    Note: The Program Data folder may be hidden. This article explains how to display hidden files and folders in Windows.

  5. Paste the folders copied to your clipboard into the MIDI Remote Scripts folder:
    I_Win_Paste_In_MIDI_Remote_Scripts.png

Configuring Ableton Live for the MASCHINE Mk3 Template

Once the MIDI Remote Script is installed, you will need to activate the MASCHINE Mk3 as a Control Surface in the Ableton Live Preferences.

  1. Start Ableton Live.
  2. Open the Ableton Live Preferences and go to the Link MIDI page.
  3. Assign your MASCHINE Mk3 controller to one of the available Control Surface slots by selecting it from the drop-down list.
    II_Live_Prefs_Surface.png
  4. Leave both Input and Output for the Maschine Mk3 Control Surface set to None.

Switching Maschine Mk3 to Control Ableton Live

When Maschine Mk3 is activated as an Ableton Live Control Surface, all you need to do is switch the controller to Ableton Live.

  • This is done automatically when there are no instances of the Maschine plug-in loaded into Ableton Live.
  • If other Maschine instances are present (plug-in or standalone), simultaneously press SHIFT + PLUG-IN on your Maschine Mk3 controller to access the Instance page. Then select Ableton Live as the Instance.