Maschine Mikro MK3 as a MIDI and transport controller in Cubase at the same time

mraak47

Hi, can the 2 following things be used at the same time: I am interested to buy Maschine Mikro MK3 because of great pads, to use it to trigger VST drum programs loaded as plugins in Cubase and to also be able to use Maschine Mikro's transport buttons (Play, Rec, Stop, Restart Loop, Erase Replace, Tap Metro) to control transport functions of the Cubase. Is it true that both cannot be configured to be used at the same time and that I can only choose one or the other? I would not use Maschine software at all. Thanks!

Maxray

I don't know who told you that, but they were lying! You can use Maschine as a VST within Cubase, while controlling Drum Track and other instruments, and as a transport device. You will have to set up your Midi Remote Tool and switch back and forth between Transport controller and Maschine by pressing Shift + Midi to alternate, but Drum Track can be controlled in either state. It literally takes no time! I even play Reason instruments in Maschine, in Cubase, and you can drag and drop individual sounds or whole patterns onto Drum Track pads to create songs out of it if you want.

You want Maschine software, it allows you to accomplish alot more! You'll be able to use all the functionality you get with Maschine mk3 with the mikro. Additionally, it's much easier to create in the Maschine software, then open the file as a VST, and drag and drop into the DAW for even more functionality. It takes your creativity to the next level, because you can use the Step function in Maschine to quickly lay out beats and drop them as audio or midi onto any channel with respective groove, dynamics processing and FX. You can even make a whole track in Maschine software using the scenes, convert them to clips when you're done and drag and drop them into Cubase, Ableton, Bitwig, you name it… and continue building the track from there. It's actually quicker to design the beats in Maschine software and have fun and flexibility in the other DAWs for even more ideas. Maschine has an excellent sampler that's quick and easy to use with samples you already own and want to modify on the fly. I even use Maschine for vocals processing, before I drag them into the other DAWs. There will be a learning curve, but once you understand the process, you'll quickly be making your own process, and you'll see your productions start arranging themselves out at a much quicker rate.

To add, when switched into the Transport mode, You have an abundance of midi controls for other settings in Cubase that you can map in their Midi Remote Tool for even faster automations, with multiple pages if you want. Granted not all functions can be mapped to Midi, but most can! Same with Ableton and other DAWs! I've used Maschine successfully in Cubase, Ableton, Bitwig, Studio One, Luna… the only one that has had issues is Reason, you would need to download the MaschineR midi software for that, but all the others work great, especially Cubase!

If you need help setting up the Midi remote, check out Jef Gibbon's channel, he'll get you started.