As a dedicated MPC enthusiast, with a collection that included the MPC 60, MPC 60II, and the MPC 3000 with a chip upgrade, I found myself increasingly disenchanted with the slow evolution of their operating systems. This restlessness led me to discover the NI Maschine in a music store, newly released at the time. It was a revelation — a game changer that I immediately had to own. Bringing it home, I quickly realized that Maschine was not just a match for the MPC but also offered much more. It became a pivotal tool in my studio for years, aiding in the production of some fantastic music.
However, fast forward to today, and my enthusiasm for Maschine is waning. My sentiment towards NI is evolving into a blend of fatigue and frustration. I sense a loss of the original passion that NI once radiated. The fact that MPC introduced the STEMs feature before NI — a company traditionally known for being a step ahead — is astonishing. NI, once a leader, now appears to be lagging, possibly becoming complacent, perhaps even veering towards greed and, dare I say, laziness.
NI's strength has always been its innovative software, yet now they seem sluggish in launching new features. This lethargy opens the door for MPC to reclaim the customers it once lost. Having observed the market for a long time, I've seen formidable companies like Blockbuster, Echard Drug, and Emu lose their edge due to comfort and complacency. NI Maschine, it's critical to return to your roots, to reignite the spirit of innovation that defined you. Your customers' needs and desires seem to be falling on deaf ears, a critical error in any business. It's high time for a rejuvenation, a recommitment to innovation, and a reconnection with your user base.
