Controller keyboard recommendations for Maschine+

superd

I've just picked up a Maschine+ and want to build a dawless setup. Does anyone have any recommendations for small-mid size controller keyboards that work well with the Maschine+ as I'm not vibing on playing pads for melodies?

The Kontrol A49 looks good but does it integrate well with the record button etc?

ALDREAD

The A series is pretty integrated with maschine , second to the S series mk2 which is the best keyboard for maschine imo

superd

Thanks Aldread, that's good to hear. There's a barely used A49 on sale just around the corner from me so I think i'll go pick it up. S series looks great but i've got a long list of synths I want to buy first 😄

Super Audio Bros

I can also recommend the Kontrol S MK II for its seamless integration with my Maschine+ in standalone mode. The additional screen real estate and control are incredible, but I’m confident that the A series will also meet your needs and provide a lot of functionality as well. I'm in the same boat as you i did not enjoy the pads for writing melodies. At first i started with a portable xkey 25 controller that i still keep in my bag for making stuff on the go, but i wanted more keys and landed on the KKS49 MK2 for my desk set up.

Also good luck with your synths, they're addictive. what are you planning on getting? I've found the Maschine is an awesome brain for controlling and sequencing external synths as I have a small growing collection of compact synthesizers.

Some key things I learned in this dawless setup:

1. The inputs on the Maschine record very low, so anything you sample into it will probably need to be normalized, or get a preamp.
2. If you get multiple synths, you may also want to invest in an active mixer to help with issue 1 and to avoid plugging and unplugging. (I tried a passive mixer before and it only lowered the output levels even more)
3. If you're going for compact synths with trs MIDI make sure you get the right kind of cable. There's a Type A and B. Check the synths manual they usual say what type it is.
4. Lastly, you may want to program Macros to control some parameters on your external synths using the Maschine. There are some presets under SOUNDS > MIDI Ext. but it's not a complete list. To program your own macros, you have to use the Maschine software on the computer then save and transfer the file to your maschine sd card for them to work in standalone mode. There's plenty of tutorials for this on youtube. Unfortunately, macros don't seem to work on external keyboards (even the komplete kontrol series, which is a missed opportunity, imo) only the maschine's macro knobs.
   

Getting the midi and external synths up and running with maschine can be a little tedious, but once it's all set up it works great. I started going dawless about a year and a half ago and for me it's been a way better experience and way faster to create and get ideas down. If you have any more questions later I'd be happy to help!

PK The DJ

Another note about TRS to 5 pin DIN cables - There are also DIN to mini jack audio cables, which are wired differently, so won't work for MIDI.

I've seen examples of audio cables being offered for sale describing the connector as "MIDI" simply because it's 5 pin DIN.

superd

Thanks guys this is really helpful. I thought I'd probably end up going down the route of having a mixer alongside and it makes a lot of sense with managing the levels/inputs as you say. I'm thinking the Roland S1 would be a great starting point that I'd probably find a lot of use for. Seems really versatile and great value.

Funnily enough I did wonder about getting a small keyboard to keep things compact but I'd probably end up getting frustrated with the lack of freedom. 49 keys feels like a sweet spot for sure. I've got a decent digital piano if I need anything larger but don't want to haul that around.

tetsuneko

"

1. The inputs on the Maschine record very low, so anything you sample into it will probably need to be normalized, or get a preamp."

Maschine+ line inputs expect a signal of up to +18dBU IIRC. This is close to "professional audio" tier in amplitude. You need a device with enough dBUs, or you need to use something between em in order to boost the gain. OTOH recording low into M+ should be fine unless your output is also noisy, the inputs themselves should be low self-noise

PK The DJ

Poster has probably only ever recorded from a phone… 😂