Native Instruments has just released Maschine+ 3.3.1, the latest firmware that brings the Maschine 3 software to the standalone Maschine hardware.
In February, I reported that the Maschine+ wasn’t yet at the end of its life, even though that seems to be the case from time to time. Native Instruments had announced that the Maschine 3.0 update is in the making.
Then, in April, they released the last major update for Maschine+ 2.x with new effects and more. It took a while, but it’s finally here. Native Instruments has released Maschine 3 for Maschine+.
Native Instruments Maschine+ Maschine 3 Software
The new Maschine 3 update for the Native Instruments Maschine+ standalone is now available for download. However, this is not a free update; you must purchase the Maschine 3 software update to benefit from this update.
The new update is not the 3.0 update but the already further developed Maschine 3.3.1 engine that now runs on the Maschine+ and brings many new features and improvements. It’s the same software as the desktop version.
One of the highlights of the new update is the bounce in place feature, with which you can render heavy plugin tracks like Monark to audio directly on-device. This saves CPU while retaining creative flexibility.
As already announced in February, the Maschine+ now supports Kontakt 8, and according to Native Instruments, compatibility for the Play Series is coming soon. They will massively expand the sound catalog.
The depth of support for Kontakt 8 needs to be tested, but I guess huge sample libraries with custom scripts involved still can’t be played. Then another central improvement has just been added in the update 3.3.1, and is for the standalone and software users.
The developers have upgraded the internal bass synth with new features, including a second oscillator for richer tones, detune & mix controls, and a glide tool directly in the mixer UI.
Custom Chords & Tempo, and More
Users who want to access chords quickly can now use the custom chords function also on Maschine+. You can create your own chord sets without being connected to a computer.
Another significant improvement can be seen in the song composition side. Native Instruments Maschine+ with Maschine 3 now offers custom tempo per scene. It makes it easier than ever to set up complex song transitions with a different tempo in each scene.
Next to this, you can now import and export in more formats. It now supports MP3, MP4, FLAC, and OGG on the import side and finally MP3 on the export side. Something that should have been added long ago.
Maschine+ also now fully supports the Kontrol S-Series MK3, and NKS2 with Massive, giving deeper parameter control of Massive on both Maschine+ & Kontrol S-Series MK3 devices.
Good news also for Ableton Link fans. Maschine+ standalone now also connects to Ableton Link via USB, without the need for WiFi. That’s a nice addition.
A little downer is that the Stem separation feature from Maschine 3 software is not yet included in this 3.3.1 update. According to Native Instruments, it’s high on their list but needs more time.
Further, the NI Accessibility Helper has been updated to provide a smoother, more integrated experience for visually impaired users (For Maschine+ in Controller mode and Maschine MK3):
- Runs automatically in the system tray — no need to launch separately
- Automatic hardware detection — just plug in and go
- Simplified user flow: Toggle accessibility voice overs on / off directly from the hardware
- Still supports all key features like zone navigation, voice feedback, and Tour Mode
And lastly, Native Instruments promises that Maschine+ with Maschine 3 (3.3.1) software installed has better performance and consumes less CPU. You’ll notice faster parameter updates and smoother performance — especially when connected with Kontrol MK3, say the developers.
First Impression
It’s taken a long time, but it’s finally here. Very happy to see that the update is now available for Maschine+ as well. It’s a shame that the sequencer still doesn’t have step probability or other creative sequencer features, but I still have hope that these will be added in the future.
For the new Native Instruments Maschine + Maschine 3 update, you require a license for the software. It’s available now for 29€, just the software update or the complete package with extra sounds and plugins for 69€.
To update your device, just go to settings, system and and follow the steps to install it. Attention: you will need to register your device again as you need a new activation for Maschine 3
More information here: Native Instruments
well, not overwhelming but appreciate the bounce in place and user chord but where is the support for the “not stonage instruments” frim NI? Also no optimzed audio interface support (still only 8 in/out) is a bit of a shame, but ism afraid the cpu is limiting all that and we have to wait for a (hopefully) MK4 M+
I’d just get a MK3. This whole “portability” argument got old pretty quick and it’s not that much more of a footprint to just bring your laptop. Given NIs status I wouldn’t count on any new Maschine software, btw. Their updates to existing hardware is slow AF and lackluster with an uncertain future. The bean counters have gutted this company down to the bone and now it’s sample backs and a few MIDI keyboards only. Sad.
I find $1,199 way too expensive, especially when you compare it to the MPC One+. What bothers me about both devices is the underpowered hardware. Sure, they’re usable, but when you’re deep in the zone and start running into limitations, it kills the vibe.
That’s why I went with the Ableton Push 3 — because of the promise of upgradeable internals, which honestly should be the standard for every synth and controller manufacturer. The problem is that Ableton’s implementation has been… underwhelming. It borders on false advertising. I picked up the MIDI controller version for $999, under the impression that I could make it standalone later, either by buying the official kit or sourcing the parts myself. Ableton kept things super vague, but I let the hype get to me — just like with the whole Apple Intelligence marketing wave.
The reality is you can’t DIY the standalone upgrade. You’re locked into paying $850 for their official kit, which ships with an Intel Compute Element (i3-1115G4) from 2020, a 256GB SSD, and a battery. On paper, those parts don’t add up anywhere near $850, and honestly, I don’t see the point of bundling a battery. The Push 3 is a huge, heavy controller — not exactly something you toss in a backpack like the Ableton Move. For less than that $850, you could buy a brand-new MacBook Air with Apple’s latest M4 chip.
What makes it unfortunate is how aggressively locked down Ableton got the kit. The SSD is encrypted, the compute unit BIOS either custom or password-protected, and has restrictions that ensure you can’t upgrade it yourself, even if you’re willing to void the warranty. It’s a deliberate effort to prevent DIY expansion, which goes against the very idea of “upgradeability.”
Ableton really needs to rethink how it handles the “upgradeable” aspect of its flagship controller. Instead of locking everything down, they should treat upgradeability as a competitive advantage over NI, Akai, and the rest. Imagine selling the OS image for $49 (like Maschine 3.0) and letting users swap in their own Compute Elements, SSDs, and storage sizes. I’d happily drop in an i7 and a 2TB SSD — and no thanks, I don’t need the battery.
The Maschine+ was long available for 600€ as checked B-stock from the NI warehouse on Reverb
For 600 it is a great price.
So you find the price to steep and the rest of your comment is about a totally different product, rambling something about chips and components. Believe it or not, my 2500,- Macbook Pro still does not replace my coffee machine with a way less powerful chip or the other way around. Reading spec sheets instead of features tells me a lot about, if someone is an actual musician or not, to be honest.
Dragging in a MacBook vs. coffee machine comparison only shows how clueless you are, thanks for proving my point. The reason my “rambling” goes over your head is because you don’t actually understand the tech you’re trying to argue about. Stick to pressing buttons on a moka pot, champ.
And yes, reading spec sheets on products that literally are computers is essential if you want to make smart purchases instead of throwing money away on planned obsolescence. But sure, keep telling yourself you’re the authority on musicianship while confusing basic hardware with kitchen appliances.
Yes! Everything I would have liked except the Bounce Feature (which had to be given the poor hardware specifications), so I would like a Maschine++ which will bring a single screen (aka Kontrol S MK3) and powerful CPU and RAM to do away with the need to bounce to audio (or at least as an option).
Bouncing is not of the hardware restrictions but a common use in any sampler. There are artists who even use it as a tool to “move on” so they stop doctoring around with their sounds forever, never finishing anything, like all these Eurorack crackpots.