The latest version of Maschine, version 1.8, has a lot of new features that have been added. Along with the new Maschine MK2 controller, version 1.8 will be a free upgrade for all current Maschine users and will come with the MK2 when it is released on October 1st. It's not clear if 1.8 will be released before the MK2 controller but I'm assuming we'll have to wait.

What's New?

The full version of MASSIVE will be bundled with it. MASSIVE is a synth with deep bass tones and leads, both having defined bass music for years. There are 1,300 sounds included, and all of them will be easily accessible through the Maschine hardware. The 8 control knobs will give you direct access to MASSIVE's 8 Macro controls so your workflow will be greatly increased.

With the MK2 controller, you'll be able to assign color-coded pads and buttons, which all ties directly into the 1.8 software.

One of the most sough-after features for many Maschine users is time stretch. Lots of Hip Hop producers have been craving this and now in 1.8 it will be readily available. Now you can stretch out a sample just enough to fit within your loop, rather than having to resort to doing some extra chopping and sample placement. There's also Pitch Shift that has been added, so you can take a sample and tune it to fit along with other samples, giving you many more possibilities to play with.

New effects have been added as well, namely Transient Master. Before, it was a separate effect but now this popular dynamics and mixing effect will be fully integrated into Maschine. There's also Tube, Tape Saturator and Tube Saturator effects, all of which will be awesome to use in your productions.

Workflow Improvements:

• Host transport control: Running the MASCHINE software as a plug-in in your DAW*, use the transport buttons on the MASCHINE hardware to control transport in the host software. Important: Requires the latest version of the NI Controller Editor.
• New Browser sample preview mode: Easily scroll through the browser list and pre-hear samples without loading them.
• Revised select screen: Now includes individual note length and velocity editing.
• Auto-write pinning: Pin the Auto-Write button for improved automation recording - tweak with two hands!
• New hardware shortcuts: Select and erase events quickly and easily.
• Panic button: Immediately cuts off all sound from MASCHINE.
• Improved missing sample handling: Now locates files per project - point the MASCHINE software to the location for one missing file, and it automatically resolves other related missing files.
• Sampler play position indicator: See the play marker in the sampler wave display - also shown in the hardware display.
• Save Group with samples: Now you have the option to save Group with samples.

More Information: Maschine Version 1.8