It’s nice to be able to count your adjustments as clicks. The new encoder wheel has stepped action which makes using it very precise. But when faced with the choice, I will rather go for safer operation and less of the annoying accidents. I did prefer the MK1 on the ability to very quickly adjust group volumes and the pitch of sounds using the master section knobs. You can still adjust the master settings with a single hand if need be. You first have to activate one of the buttons (volume, swing or tempo) and then use the wheel to adjust. I like the new system. On the Maschine MK2 it’s now almost impossible to change the master settings by accident. Not fun – especially in live situations where things can easily get a bit more wild and accidents like these are prone to happen.

On the MK1 I sometimes accidentally brushed my hand against the knobs in the master section and changed the tempo or swing without actually realizing it. Instead of the three knobs, you now have a wheel and a bunch of buttons. The first thing you notice is the layout of the master section has been changed.

Here is a review of the differences between the Maschine MK1 and MK2 hardware, along with my personal impressions. Maschine MK1 vs MK2, let the battle commence… It’s a lot of money to spend on an upgrade that may seem superficial on the surface. The MK2 is currently priced at 599 € by Native Instruments. I’ve been using the Maschine MK1 model for about 8 months and liked it a lot.Ī lot of people are contemplating on wether to upgrade to MK2 or not. The Native Instruments Maschine MK1 vs MK2 debate is running hot.

Download native instrument maschine mk1