Maschine on Steam Deck

KaiN05
KaiN05 Member Posts: 4 Member

Is it possible to install the Maschine software on the Steam Deck? Has anyone tried it and got it working? Since it uses Linux. Just curious.

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Answers

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend

    I think you chosed the wrong device ☺️.

    I have it installed and perfectly working on a a Rogue Ally, but it is a perfectly normal windows pc, just inside an handheld case.

    As you said, Steam deck is Linux… you should before “transform” it into a windows device

  • KaiN05
    KaiN05 Member Posts: 4 Member

    Well, I could always install Windows on the Steam Deck. Maybe using proton and adding it as a non steam game to install, might actually still work. I’d have to try it out myself. Not sure why Maschine doesn’t officially support Linux. I know it’s an OS that isn’t used by many but still.

    I chose this device because I sold some CS2 skins on the market. Plus I rather get a Legion Go than a ROG Ally.

  • Cretin Dilettante
    Cretin Dilettante Member Posts: 259 Pro

    You can always use Bitwig Studio & a launchpad w/ a dock! Also, VCV Rack!!!!

  • KaiN05
    KaiN05 Member Posts: 4 Member

    Thanks. I do have Bitwig Studio. I’m just not as familiar with it as I am with Maschine or FL Studio. I’ll see if I can somehow manage to install it. I’ll give it a shot later on, since I usually only create on a desktop.

  • BJQ1972
    BJQ1972 Member Posts: 187 Pro
    Answer ✓

    It should install in the same way that non-steam games can be installed on SteamOS. Not sure how it would run though.

    You could also try using Bottles, which is another piece of software that runs Windows software on Linux. I think it's available on the Discovery App in desktop mode.

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend

    One advantage of Bitwig Studio: its touchscreen implementation is very well done 😉

  • dmori
    dmori Member Posts: 97 Advisor

    I've been thinking of getting a legion Go for a while. It seems like it can be the ultimate portable MK3 with a touch screen. Anyone else doing this? Is the 16GB ram more than enough? Also is there a big difference in performance (for music) between standard one and the Z1 extreme?

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend
    edited June 1

    If you want my advice: my experience with an handheld and Maschine is that… in never use it…😂

    Frankly I LARGELY prefer using it with my Surface Pro.

    Although it could seem less “portable”… if you think about it, it is MORE portable (at least for me).

    When I move around, I put my Maschine and the (very) flat Surface in a bag. Screen protected, no delicate things protruding (like the joysticks) to be careful of, no need for an ulterior carrying case increasing even more the size (indispensable if you want to put one of those devices in a bag without scratching the screen or, as said, breaking the joysticks)…

    Add to that the BIG screen (compared to the one of an handheld) allowing to REALLY use touch to control things (although using touch with Maschine is not the best experience…).
    If you put the Surface without the keyboard attached in front of the Maschine, it really feels like you are giving your Maschine a big update to its tiny screens. It still feels like you are using an instrument (instead of a computer, which was Maschine big strength), but with a big visual improvement.

    Not to talk about the fact that you are using a real computer (available plugins, more processing power, more available space, able to read all file formats,…), which makes the experience even better than the Maschine+… by adding a few cm in your bag. And with other advantages respect the M+: the Surface will serve also as “battery” for the Maschine (no need to plug it to the wall like the M+) and, eventually, also as speakers (of course of low quality, since laptop speakers are never good… but when you want to do something fast without the need of big quality, they are there…)


    Of course the discourse is different if you really plan to use it also to play games when on the move. In that case, bringing one device that can make you use your games and also your music programs is the things that gives it a plus.
    But since I bought the Ally, I discovered that I really don’t use it so much (let’s say never ☺️) in mobility…


    Yes… on paper I also was very intrigued by an handheld that allowed me to also make music (and in facts… I bought it…)… but in the end… I never use it… If I go to a friend to make music, Maschine and Surface in the bag… and that’s all I need (in a way more compact solution, imo). And in that way, I also have my DAW with me (Studio One, which between is the only other program I consider usable with touch inputs, together with the aforementioned Bitwig Studio).
    Then I also add an (also very flat and tiny) iPad Pro (for REAL touch screen apps…thought to be used like that)…and anything I need is there.

    Just my 2 cents… but I think all things to take in consideration 😉


    Btw: if in some way I convinced you to take Surface in consideration… be careful and take infos: it seems the newest ones are not good for NI products (they are not friends with Snapdragons processors…)

  • dmori
    dmori Member Posts: 97 Advisor
    edited June 1

    Thanks for that. I'm a mac user and completely new to windows - but want something portable with the power of using VSTs. Something I can take with me to friends/when travelling etc… without using my MBP laptop - which I find too big and clunky.

    Currently have Mac Mini and often mirror to IPad Pro/mini for touch (using additional app that lrts me use touch to control mac) - occasionally sidecar. I mainly use touch to control VST parameters or scroll through presets (ie. Analog Lab/Falcon) (things I can't do in MK3 hardware).

    I don't play games at all, so was only looking at Legion Go for music (and the fact that the controllers are removable).

    Which Surface Pro's and specs do you recommend I look into - I'm looking for best bang for buck/buying only what's needed for everything to work smoothly? I'll be looking for something 2nd hand.

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend
    edited June 1

    Of course it depends on your needs.

    If you are a score composer needing 150 tracks with 150 instruments, of course you could get into troubles.

    For my needs, I use a Surface Pro 7 and I’m satisfied with it.

    About touch, be careful about Windows touchscreens. I use touch to select things, change pages, open menus. Even because, as said, the experience with Maschine (and many other programs) can be defined as sub-optimal. The problem is not the touch capability of the screen per se, but the fact that they are not programs made to use with touch inputs. The touch “imitates” the click of a mouse (exception made only for the 2 mentioned, namely Studio One and Bitwig Studio). Using touch to control knobs or other more delicate tasks is barely achievable. Clunky, snapping,… not a good experience.
    But having a touchscreen that allows you to interact with the program without the need of using a mouse is anyway valuable. Plus… the Surface has its own Surface pen that allows more precise tasks (like editing in the pianoroll). Or even the Surface Dial, that I use in conjunction with an app called Elephant that allows to use it to control any parameter that has been touched.

    Way better to use an iPad with a midi controller app (as Touch OSC, Surface Builder or others… I use Loopy Pro because it allows me to build my controller surface but also gives me many other things). You can build your “controller” as you want and then midi learn its knobs, faders, XY pads and what else to what you want to control on the computer. Those iPad knobs, sliders, XY pads and what else are MADE and THOUGHT to be used with fingers. And that makes a huuuuuge difference.


    If you don’t plan to use the handeld also for playing games, I don’t recommend buying one.
    Way better a big, flat screen.

    But… your needs/experience may vary

  • dmori
    dmori Member Posts: 97 Advisor

    What do you suggest: i5 or i7 and 8GB vs 16GB for Surface Pro 7. And do you use Windows 10 or 11?

    My main aim is portability, a screen infront of the MK3, and being able to use VSTs.

    I use my iPad for music much more than Maschine over the last year (really enjoying Grooverider 2/Koala/AUM combo with Launchpad X at the moment) but want to get back to also using the MK3 again.

    Totally agree that using touch screen to control Maschine can be clunky. So it's to look at Maschine 2/plugins whilst still looking down (rather than up to a computer screen) and to do things you can't do on the MK3.

    To be able to have a full computer in a portable touch screen unit like the Surface Pro 7 would work well for how I like creating.

  • KaiN05
    KaiN05 Member Posts: 4 Member

    You could always get a laptop. But I’d definitely go for an i7 and 16GB. If going for a laptop, then I would go 32GB.

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend
    edited June 1

    I use an i5 with 8gb with windows 11 (but till some months ago it was on windows 10)… but, depending on your needs (and availability), of course an i7 with 16gb would be better…

    If you want to use 20 instances of some very hungry plugins, maybe i5 with 8gb would struggle…

    The laptop suggestion would not change your actual situation with the MBP feeling too big and clunky. The difference with a Surface is that it feels just like a monitor.


    But…last suggestion: make researches and take infos. I presented you just MY idea and what works for ME. I would not like that ME being happy with my setup will become YOU cursing the day you trusted a single guy on the internet ☺️

    A good source for infos: check this guy YouTube page. Before converting to modular, he was THE guy making tests on Surfaces for music production (the link is a playlist, don’t stop at the first video which is analyzing the newest Surface, which, although could be very good (or even the best) for music production, as said could be not ideal if using NI products… since as said I read are not usable on Snapdragons processors)

    https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzR35OQr-uwtxqHs9tMkp-solQSCEcmhu

  • dmori
    dmori Member Posts: 97 Advisor

    Don't worry, I'm in the research process. So whatever I get is always on me. ☺️ Not in a rush, just working out what I really want.

    What you've done (and I really appreciate) is given me a different approach to consider that I hadn't thought about, and given me suggestions through your own experience.

    With the MBP it's really the keyboard sticking out. I want the screen next to the MK3 on an tablet stand, so this could be a good solution.

    Thanks for your ideas and the video link.

  • LostInFoundation
    LostInFoundation Member Posts: 5,587 Legend
    edited June 1

    Surface has its own integrated “foot” stand that you can use without the need of a tablet one.

    Of course to have it a little more raised and at the right angle (specially if you want it quite standing) it’s better an exterior one (I use an iKlip Studio from IK Multimedia sometimes, but having an integrated one (and very good: it keeps the angle chosen very well) is a plus for when using it in mobility

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