Proven Design Philosophy
The Maschine hardware series, maintaining roughly the same number of buttons and navigation aids for over ten years, clearly proves it's on the right track with design decisions. This is evident in Akai's MPC XL choice, which the company presents as the flagship standalone and adopts similar hands-on control logic. We observe the same approach in the timeless emphasis on superior quality pads, master input levels management and monitoring—as first seen in Maschine Studio—and later with the Touch Strip.
Processing Power
Processing power has historically been problematic for ARM processors in touchscreen devices—like most Android phones—which slow down noticeably over time with updates. During 2012–2018, a quad-core x86_64 CPU with 4 GB RAM, like Maschine+'s, could run virtually any DAW fully and outperform most standalone hardware today.
Customer Commitment Through Software
NI shows the company listens to its customers. It strengthened customer commitment through the Maschine 3 upgrade across software, standalone, and controller modes. The addition of "Bounce in Place" and automation in Maschine 3 provides proof of this, while stem separation appears complex as noted by Native Instruments but has not been ruled out.
Portability & Realism
Regarding portability, competition through both hardware and mobile apps is reality. Native Instruments has experience in this area. An iMaschine on mobile devices with full controller integration would clear MK3 inventories and solve processing power problems instantly. Also, the timeless emphasis on superior quality pads is in the company's DNA.
Built-in speakers are an inherent characteristic of musical instruments. This must be embraced by existing competition. But like a church organ that can't leave the church, they should be placed in something truly Mikro.
MPE support, Expressive Pads and general interactive surfaces for effects applications makes physical contact with the instrument itself a reality. The same technologies can function as navigation or detailed note editing.
Development Strategy & Innovation
Software improvements for existing owners plus new hardware—like a next-generation Maschine Studio as a complete refresh—would position NI strongly against competition. Also, the Kontrol S series has excessive unused space at the top. A Kontrol+ with pads and standalone Maschine integration would be leagues ahead of the competition.
Strategically low prices would ensure sales of both older and newer devices for years.
