Native Instruments Maschine Plus review powerful standalone production tool for music creators

Description

Exploring the Design and Build Quality

The Native Instruments Maschine Plus Standalone Production and Performance Instrument immediately struck me with its robust and sleek design. It feels solid in the hands, and weighing in at 7.51 pounds, it’s hefty enough to feel premium without being cumbersome. The layout of the controls and pads is intuitive, with an arrangement that seems tailor-made for seamless creativity. The 16.55 x 15.35 x 5.15-inch dimensions make it compact but not cramped, offering enough space for every knob, pad, and display to shine.

The responsive touch-sensitive knobs and the Smart Strip ribbon controller deserve a special mention here. They offer a tactile experience that’s hard to beat, and I found them incredibly satisfying to use during live performances. The build quality feels sturdy enough to endure the wear and tear of regular gigs or studio sessions. Whether you’re a touring artist or a home producer, this device seems built to last.

Performance That Impresses

This standalone music production system is powered by a quad-core processor and 4GB dual-channel RAM, making it incredibly fast and responsive. I tested it with multiple layers of tracks, effects, and samples, and it never skipped a beat. The integrated 96kHz/24-bit audio interface is a standout feature, delivering crystal-clear audio that captures every nuance of your performance. Whether I was working with soft ambient sounds or hard-hitting beats, the quality was consistently top-notch.

One feature I particularly appreciated was the built-in Wi-Fi, which allowed me to download sound packs, effects, and software updates without needing to tether to my computer. This freedom to work untethered is genuinely liberating, especially for someone like me who prefers a clutter-free setup. The included 8GB of content is a generous head start, and the ability to expand your library makes this a long-term investment.

Key Benefits

• Standalone functionality means no need for a computer.
• Quad-core processor and 4GB RAM ensure smooth performance.
• Built-in Wi-Fi for seamless downloads and updates.
• 96kHz/24-bit audio interface for exceptional sound quality.
• Sturdy and compact design suitable for both studio and live use.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

As much as I enjoyed using the Maschine Plus, there are a few areas for improvement that caught my attention.

• The price point might feel steep for beginners or casual users.
• While the 8GB of content is a solid starting point, some users might find it a bit limiting and feel compelled to purchase additional packs.
• During heavy use, the unit can get noticeably warm, although it never impacted performance in my experience.

Competing Products in the Market

When comparing it to similar products, the Maschine Plus holds its own against competitors like the Akai MPC Live II and the Elektron Digitakt. The Akai MPC Live II offers a built-in speaker system, which is a nice touch for portable setups, but it doesn’t quite match the Maschine Plus’s intuitive workflow and tactile controls. On the other hand, the Elektron Digitakt excels in its sound design capabilities, but it lacks the standalone functionality and seamless integration with DAWs that the Maschine Plus provides.

Where this device truly excels is in its ability to bridge the gap between studio-quality production and live performance tools. The Smart Strip ribbon controller and large responsive pads make it ideal for expressive performances, giving it an edge over many competitors in live settings.

Value for Money

When evaluating the price-performance ratio, this product is a true investment for serious producers. While the upfront cost may seem high, the combination of premium hardware, standalone functionality, and expandable software makes it a cost-effective option in the long run. It’s not just a tool; it’s a complete ecosystem for music production and performance. For anyone looking to elevate their craft, this is a device that’s worth every penny.

Additional information