Maschine | How to use the Maschine 3 Update on Maschine+

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What’s New – Maschine 3.3.1 on Maschine+
• Getting Started
• Unified Maschine Engine
• Bounce in Place
• Bass Synth Enhancements
• User Chords on Maschine+
• Expanded File Format Support
• Kontrol S-Series MK3 & Massive NKS2 Support
• Accessibility Improvements (NI Accessibility Helper v2)
• Ableton Link via USB

What’s New – Maschine 3.3.1 on Maschine+

Maschine+ just leveled up. The latest 3.3.1 update brings the power of the Maschine 3 desktop engine to your standalone hardware; unlocking a unified creative platform, improved performance, and smarter workflows built for the future.

You can find find all the details in this Community post!

Getting Started

1. Maschine 3 License Required
   To activate new features, ensure you own a valid Maschine 3 license. Get your copy here.
2. Update Your Device
   On Maschine+, go to Settings > System, then follow the prompts to install:
   - Native OS 2.0.0
   - Maschine Software 3.3.1
3. You will be prompted to re-register your Maschine+. 

For general Maschine 3 feature usage, see:

• Maschine 3 Software Manual
• Guide to Maschine 3 Features & Compatibility

This article covers Maschine 3.3 usage specifically on Maschine+ hardware.

Unified Maschine Engine

Maschine+ now runs the same core engine as Maschine 3 desktop, enabling:

• Shared projects and feature set with desktop
• A future-ready foundation for modern workflows and content
• A consistent creative experience, whether you’re working on your laptop or standalone

Bounce in Place

Bounce in Place renders plugin-based sound slots to audio, reducing CPU usage and enabling further audio-based editing (e.g., via Sampler).

How to use on Maschine+:

1. Create a pattern with a plugin on a Sound slot.
2. Enter Pad Mode page on a Sound slot.
3. Hold SHIFT, then press Soft Button 6 – Bounce.
4. Confirm the prompt to replace MIDI and plugin chain with an audio loop.
   IMPORTANT: Bounce in Place is destructive. Undo is only available while session history is preserved.

You’ll see the following prompt the first time when loading a Maschine project (it can be disabled through the menu option) on Maschine+ with 3.3:

• “Bounce in Place – Apply the Bounce in Place feature when using multiple Kontakt instruments to reduce CPU load.”

You’ll see the following prompt on the first bounce:

• “You are about to convert the patterns in this sound slot into audio loops. This removes all MIDI events from both Patterns and Clips, and replaces your existing Plugin chain with the Audio plugin”

Bass Synth Enhancements

Maschine’s built-in Bass Synth includes new sound-shaping features (for standalone and software users):

User Chords on Maschine+

Maschine+ now supports creating and using custom user chord sets without a computer.

To create a chord set:

1. Press CHORDS to get to the keyboard page.
2. Press Soft Button 4 – USER CHD.
3. Play/select the desired notes
4. Press Soft Button 3 – PREVIEW to test
5. Press USER CHD again to commit the chord.

You can store up to 64 usable sets of 12 user chords.

To play user chords:

1. Enter CHORDS mode.
2. Use Knob 3 to select mode → choose User Chd
3. Pads will display your 12 custom chords

To transfer chord sets:

• On macOS:
  ~/Library/Application Support/Native Instruments/Shared/User Chords/
• On Windows:
  %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Native Instruments\Shared\User Chords\
• On Maschine+:
  /Native Instruments/Maschine 3/User Chords/ (on SD card)

Rename files if necessary to avoid duplicates. You may freely share or import these .json files between devices.

More info: Creating Your Own Chords

Expanded File Format Support

You can now import and export a wider range of audio file formats:

• Added to Import: MP3, MP4, FLAC, OGG
• Added to Export: MP3

Kontrol S-Series MK3 & Massive NKS2 Support

Maschine+ now supports full integration with:

• Kontrol S-Series MK3 keyboards
• Massive (with NKS2)

How to connect:

1. Connect your Kontrol MK3 via USB.
2. Load a project using Massive or supported NKS2 instruments.
3. Play and control directly using the MK3 display and encoders.

Accessibility Improvements (NI Accessibility Helper v2)

The new NI Accessibility Helper offers a more integrated experience for visually impaired users on Maschine+ (Controller Mode) and Maschine MK3.

Key improvements:

• Auto-launches in your system tray — no manual start needed
• Automatically detects connected Maschine hardware
• Hardware toggle for accessibility voice-over (SHIFT + PLAY)
• Full support for zone navigation, voice prompts, and Tour Mode

For more details on how the Accessibility Helper v2.0.1 has changed for Maschine, please go here.

Ableton Link via USB

Maschine+ now supports Ableton Link over USB — no Wi-Fi required.

To enable:

1. Connect Maschine+ via USB-B port to another Link-enabled device (computer or standalone).
2. On Maschine+, go to Settings > MIDI > Page 2.
3. Turn Knob 5 - Link Enabled -> On

You’ll see a status bar on the right screen showing the number of connected peers.