UPDATE: You can slice samples with the Maschine Mikro MK3 hardware since firmware update 2.8

To bring this level of functionality to kids starting out, edu, and cash-strapped bedroom producers everywhere is amazing. Kudos, NI.

Great overview! Informative, unbiased, multi-camera angles, good quality content right here! 👍🏼

Thank you for that - probably the best comparison vid I've seen. You've helped me decide on the Mikro. I can always upgrade if needs be, but seems it would be better to learn on, and understand its limitations before going bigger.

Super helpful! I'm currently torn between the two, but was swaying towards the MIKRO since this is my first foray into NI's beat makers. Especially since you get all the same software and I already have an audio interface. I think you have made it easy for me to get the MIKRO without the "inferior" choice guilt concern.

Mannn your videos are so ridiculously well made, they waste no time and compare products in-depth. How the hell do you not have over a 100,000 subscribers already?!

thank you for the table of contents with the timestamps on the left... all these types of videos need that

Just bought myself a mikro2 after seeing all the comments on here, so glad i watched video and read comments. second hand as well, not bad price. Christmas present here i come!!

Just got a Mikro (Mk3) in 2023 after taking a break from Maschine when my M1 Mac mini broke functionality of the Mk1 controller. Decided to get back into the Machine game after learning the Arturia Drumbrute Impact inside and out. After looking at both options, decided to take a chance on the Micro as it’s nearly 1/4 of the price of the full-size with most of the functionality. (Sampling and messing with samples is the least of my concerns so no problem there.) Since I’m just about to record a new album, my setup is very DAW-centric right now and using a mouse is central to my workflow. That said, as the video pointed out, you could argue the computer monitor is a much better screen that what’s on Mk3. Coming from a full-size unit, I’m trying to figure out what I’m really missing out on, especially when you have another drum machine and/or other gear and Machine isn’t the focus of workflow. Probably will pick up a full-size when I see a killer deal on one (right now they seem to hover around $350-400, which seems a lot for a controller that could be five years old) as having a spare Mikro for another computer setup or a having an extra for a standing/sitting rig … Either or, Maschine is a great environment to create beats and the new touch strip is a fantastic performance controller that I’m glad NI added. If you go with the Mikro for whatever reason it’s not penalty box and I’d argue the greater simplicity has a value over the full size …

Really good review. Mikro mk3 is definetly for me for a better workflow. Finally, No need for screens, since i use to work on my computer

The fact that we now have a MK3 Mikro just signals we’re getting a Kontrol Series 88 MKII

Cheers! Very informative, gonna swap my mk.1 with a Mikro!

I would like to see someone use a few NI products together. M32 for synths, Maschine Mikro Mk3 for drums and Maschine Jam for sequencing and mixing levels with Traktor Z1 as the soundcard with crossfading and EQ for music composition/production at home and quick hands on control for live use

Novation circuit and komplet select are the way to go... U have pads, rotary encoders, 2 synth small synth engine, and a sequencer for price cheaper than the mk3 is... And it's not limited to maschine software

Always great videos! Thanks for reviewing these products. Really helpful.

That was great - a precise and quick comparison. I bought the Mikro mk2 a few months back on sale and it let me dive into the world of Maschine. I'm totally hooked and plan to get the Maschine mk3 and an upgrade to Komplete 12 Ultimate by next year. Also, I totally love the clarity of the thought process, flow and presentation in your reviewing and demo videos. The effort you put into making these videos really stands out. *Thanks for sharing the great content as always.* I wish you garner even more recognition.

Normally I don't subscribe to gear channels. This channel and Sanja C are the only two exceptions. Well done Sir.

Just ordered one. I used the Maschine mkII for a while, switched to Push II and sold both. I like the idea of a really solid Midi Controller for a small price + the really powerful Maschine Software. I guess you couldn’t go wrong with this as a hobby/jamming musician. If you want more, spend more money.

Good review. If you don't mind using the mouse along with the controller, seems to be good as it can't browse from the device anymore. I have a Mikro MKII for some time and here is the thing that bugs me most about Maschine overall: the hardware is great but the software is not that much. Aside from a few other things, the problem on the MKII is that you'll miss the encoders as soon as you want to record automation in it, as the Mikro knob is a step encoder (it skips values by 5) and is the only knob you can record automation from when using a Mikro. I have a bunch other controllers here (like the launchcontrol xl) and I can't record automation from them because while the software allows me to map the other controllers to the macros/parameters and control them, it won't record any events coming from them. When trying to play around with the Mikro you won't get smooth automation recorded because of that limitation, and depending on the effect/parameter changed, those steps may be noticeable. (and if you press down the knob the steps are too short to cover a wide range in a short amount of time)

i got rd of my maschine studio because it was so big ive had it since they first came out. Most people dont realize that the heart of Maschine is the software . For the most part each maschine hardware is used to navigate the maschine software. In general they all do the same thing . Yes the mk3 has an interface but its stil not stand alone . The only thing the micro is missing is the screens which is ok with me because i never used the screens on the studio. So the micro is perfect for me .

This has been the deciding video for me. I've seen well over 10 videos about the Mikro but thus is the only unbiased one that fully explains the upsides of the Mikro! The others that I've seen are from Maschine Mk3 users who don't really like it just because it doesn't have a screen and the touch knobs but I don't feel like I'll be missing out on them since I'm only starting out and I've never had them. Thank you for fully explaining their similarities and differences!

An other big difference is that with Mikro you almost don't have Lock States and morphing. For the knobs: if you have a m32 / A serie you can use the knobs on that.

good video. I have Mikro mk2 & mikro mk3. The size and prize is what matters to me.

Gotttttta be honest; as a long-time Mikro mk1 user, I’m not pleased about the removals. You could do entire projects start-finish on the previous two versions. The design and price are great, as well as the dedicated buttons (though not a necessity). Seems a miss for me, otherwise!

Great video. Just what I was looking for, thanks!

Thanks for this video. it was very useful!

hmm, nice. i think the mk3 mikro would work nicely with the maschine jam i have.

Very great comparison of the two magic Maschine Controllers! Thank you so much 😎

The only thing I concerned about is that sampling on Mikro mk3. Sampling is way much easier and you don't have to rely on your computer screen as you work on sampling on Mikro mk2. I guess ill directly switch to maschine mk3 from Mikro mk2. But now features o Mikro mk3 like smart strip is a plus. No matter what native instruments still a game changer tho. Thanks for great review.

great review... about the audio interface on the MK3, it means I can plug in voice and instruments like guitar and bass through the Maschine? It's just for sampling or I can use it for performance and recording? thanks

Always the right information

Ok man I have a really strange and off topic question for you. I’m a Fuji camera guy - and if you ever call into the Fuji repair service in New Jersey (number is on Fuji support website) - the voice that steps you through the options sounds just like you. Did Fujifilm hire you to make their automated recording? I’m kinda sure it must be you!

Really interesting video! Thank you! I'm going for the Mikro MK3

Love your videos, really informative and always super useful ^-^

Thanks a lot! very well made video. I have made my decision.. Thanks :)

7:33 Oh shit. That makes it worth it right there. The audio interface.

Great video. I've been using a mk3 mikro for about 2 years and thinking of upgrading just for those extra knobs, watching my friend use them I get so jealous. Just can't bring myself to pay that extra amount for them..

Very informative! Thank you!

Excellent review!

Awesome comparison! Thank you very much, you really helped me make my decision. Excellent, unbiased information like this can be difficult to find. This video alone has generated a new subscriber! Keep up the awesome work. #NewSubscriber

What a great vid! Cheers :)

6:20 This is what I'm noticing about the NI Mikro controllers.. I had the M32 and now I have the A25, and what I notice these micro controllers have in common is that they attempt to let you control things from the hardware but it's like "You can do it better with the mouse and keyboard." Browsing sounds with Komplete Kontrol on the M32/A25 is like... It's cool if you like looking at that tiny screen on the controller it works well, but you can't select more than one thing (with the mouse you can select multiple tags) and if you're looking at the screen and using the hardware encounter you'll find the performance is pretty laggy and not good. It's much better with the mouse. And I'm feeling this with this Mikro mk3.. you look at the screen and see the knob highlights change as you press left and right it's like.. Mouse over to it, done. Way faster and more convenient.. Why am I gonna pay $250 for something that is less convenient and slower than using the mouse. Hardware is supposed to make it better. Just from that alone I think I'll just wait and buy the Maschine Mk3 and skip the Mikro.

NI made a colossal mistake in not having Controller Editor (MIDI Mode) support with their M32 or the Mikro MK3. No way will I buy any more (new) NI products if this is the direction they're going. The MK3 (regular) has support, thankfully. For those midi geeks (like me).... go with a used MK2 if you want not only a controller for Maschine, but a DOPE midi controller with a million assignable buttons, encoders, and a click-encoder. Maschine Studios are cheap as hell now, too... $250 on average (and most of the time that includes a license transfer). NI is going backwards.... MIDI is bigger than ever, and customizability and tweakability is the new paradigm. Controller Editor is my favorite editor EVER.... Studio, MK2, Mikro MK2, MK3, Jam (I own them all, most bought used... the only one bought new is the MK3). Total mappability.... ridiculous config options..... NI has to start thinking forward, because they are dumbing down the industry and its users with this "fixed assignment" nonsense. Nope. Not having it. Buy the controllers used (especially a Mikro MK2, which sells for about $100 right now), with the license transfer (usually), and enjoy future-proof controllers (for hardware or ANY other DAW).

Very good video. Thanks!!!

Really great. Thank you from germany

Love this review

4:17 I can't use the MK3 as a standard midi controller in my DAW?! So I am buying a midi controller that's not actually a midi controller but a Maschine Software controller? It already sends midi! Why would they limit it to their own software?! If this is true, I am out.

Hmmm, If a person was just starting out, wanted to be thrifty, and already owned a viable computer then this could be a pretty good purchase. If you don’t already have a PC, instead of buying both pieces, an MPC Live would be something to strongly consider imo.

thank you so much for this video

...good price for a good portable controller with a software...in my opinion, NI could do a small miracle with a cable - so that you could put a few of those close each other and save on the space on the desk...also...will look better.

Is ther a way I can use the Maschine with another controller in combination in traktor pro 3?

4:20 - It won't work as a basic MIDI controller? What? What do you mean? It will only work with the Maschine software? Did this change after beta?

does maschine have it's own drum synthesis engine or is it only sample based?

They coulda removed the touch strip and put the proper screen in place

I'm kinda sold on the Micro MK3, I'm sat in front of a 42 in screen and have Komplete Kontrol S49 MK1 in front of that. I just wonder if the 8 knobs on the S49 can somehow be replacements for the knobs missing on the Micro MK3.

nice idea with the list of contents :)

This dude is on fire.

where pads and controls are better, micro mk 2 vs mk 3?

Very informative. Is there any difference in the size of the two Mikros? Is one bigger or smaller than the other? What are their specs? Thank you

ola ! tudo bem ? eu instalei a maschine , mas nas abas all projects , all groups e all sounds não aparece nada , só aparece nas abas all instruments e all e all affects . você pode me ajudar ? valeu muito obrigado . Hello ! okay ? I installed the maschine, but in the tabs all projects, all groups and all sounds nothing appears, only appears in tabs all instruments and all and all affects. can you help me ? thanks a lot

How is the audio interface to external powered monitors? Very clean or noisy? Midi works now? Thinking of this ot roland TR8s.... or are they different enough to get both?

you said akai has good pads.. but its false.. i checked it myself and they suck! but i heard the maschine does have good pads

How about a comparison video with the current top model, Maschine mk3 and the former top model, Maschine Studio? Because I have the latter and am wondering whether I should upgrade?!

Enjoyable review, helpful. In my case Mikro MK3 looks best for my purposes. Mikro Mk2 was lil cryptic, and I would never slice in comptroller, in my work flow. I returned and got full MK3, which is great, but won’t need an audio interface. I am playing more synths and VST (NKS Arturia) so one encoder would enough. Will be looking onto computer screen anyways. So could save table space (critical for me) and also good back, so instead get full soft suite. Couple questions, it comes without Komplete Select, just basic? Also I would miss screen showing what exact chords you have assigned to pads in chords mode. What lil screen shows in screen mode! I’s there a way to know what chord sit on pads with Mikro MK3 and software? Thanks bulks for timely review!

Can the Touch Strip control Note Repeat value? What is the highest value of Note Repeat? Could be fun for expressive triplets.

Thank you for this great, informative video. Might be a silly question, but would you recommend Maschine Mikro MK3 over MK2? Also, could you please elaborate on Mikro MK3 can't work as MIDI controller in beta? If Maschine software is same and assuming MK3 would have MIDI capability, why is this the case?

i'll stick with the Mikro Mk2, i see no need to spend more money for a smaller screen

Im about to buy the Komplete S88 and i thought about adding a Mikro as an extension for Pads, im just not sure yet if it makes sense, and if it is possible to use the S88 displays to setup the Maschine and the S88 at the same time or in other words, after another

If my fingers drag even slightly across the surface of the mikro mk3 pads when striking them, they tend to double-trigger - does the bigger mk3 have the same tendency?

I got the small and I love that thing. I rather make my beats on my maschine mk3 instead of Fl Studios it’s too confusing and overwhelming

How do just forget the step buttons in the transport area?smh

I found a brand new white mikro mkII for cheaper than the mikro mk3.. what do you think? I think i prefer to have the screen.. Been debating between maschine and mpc for like 2 years.. I can never decide lol... Drums are the only area I still use VI's with a standard midi keyboard, like heartbeat for example.. All my other synth sounds come from hardware, all of them.. Samples, if i need something realistic, I will use Kontakt, otherwise I use my hardware romplers like integra even for that.. But drums i have NO hardware of any kind - yet.. I just want something that makes it a bit easier to play in drum sequences, but I use a computer as my main hub, so something like maschine should be fine.. Is the included library good? is there an easy to use grid based drum sequencer in the software that I can use when the hardware isn't handy? One thing I do like is Cubase's drum editor, which Logic and Pro Tools lack.. With Cubase i can easily program beats for any VI with the drum mode, the others have to use the standard piano roll... Hence why I also want something like maschine ,or akai.. I do have Arturia's Spark software which has it's own decent sequencer, but it crashes, a lot. Have spoken to Arturia to no avail, they seem to keep updating everything for bug fixes *except* spark VI unfortunately. Anyway, if a maschine mikro MKII is a decent place to start with drum sequencing from a hardware controller, I'll get it.. The brand new one I found is really quite cheap.

Is there any chance to use a Maschine (any kind) or an alternative device with iOS for example with the iPad Pro?

Is MK3 much better than MK2 for Maschine mikro? I'm wondering which second-hand item to buy. (MK2 700 $ .MK3 160 $)

Hey question can I use my maschine mk3 with my Mikro mk3 for more drum pads combine both together ;) is this possible

One big difference to me is that the mikro doesn’t have audio interface. You can plug a mic on mk3 and start spitting or connect an instrument in like a guitar.

I'll keep my mk2 can do everything on the screen and computer

Why it is so expensive??????

Can the Micro Mk2 work as A Controller ? & does it still work in 2020 with same new sounds & the new updates

I love my MK2 Mikro. Been using it for 5 years. Why did they make the screen smaller? lol

Is the MK3 now usable as a midi controller? I have not found a solid answer to that.

which one should i go with mk2 or mk3 mikro?

7:54 Now see I don't actually think that's bad. When you think about it's not a bad deal IF you have an M32 or A25 and IF you can control all 9 parameters with the M32/A25's 8 knobs.. Even the Maschine Mikro by itself wouldn't be too bad BUT .. Native Instruments might as well just remove that encoder, it's effing useless. I mean I'm not gonna sit there and press left and right which is the equivalent of saying Hey, I'm in the browser, instead of using the mouse to click on a button, let me tab over to it and press enter! It's gonna be cool once or twice as a novelty but the slowness is going to eventually make it not worth it. What I might use the encoder for is to spin through different presets to hear them rather than use the arrow keys on the keyboard. but the problem I've found with M32/A25 is focus. The hardware controller doesn't have the same focus as the computer screen. So like if I choose tags in the computer and click on a preset.. or something like that.. The hardware doesn't always have the same focus, and I'll find myself having to shift press left or press the encoder and then rego through all of those tabs just to get to the presets that I was already at with the mouse. it's clunky at best.

Is it easier to structure a song with the newer versions of maschine?

Great video, congratulations I have a little doubt, i have a maschin mikro MK2, but it is of much use, reason why it has begun to lose sensitivity in the pads. I have become very comfortable with using the software on the computer, so my question is whether it is worth making the jump to the Mikro MK3, or is it better to stick with Mikro MK2.

Awesome review! Sad it is can't save fx chains (

I disagree. It doesn't matter where you are, it is called what it is called. Other than that, amazing work as always.

Can you still adjust the pad sensitivity on the Mikro mk3? Thanks

Is MK3 ok to run with Core i3-10th Gen and SSD hard drive? I purchased laptop recently not even thinking about MK3 and I don't want to change my laptop for now. I'm novice and Machine is something new for me and I want to start with this and I'm afraid there will be latency when I hit a pad the sound will appear late... :(

Can you sample beats from songs with the mikro mk3

thanks!

Do they come with the same Komplete Select package?

that screen:))

can i use the mikro mk3 with the komplete mk2 at the same time ?

Hi, i already have a native Komplete Kontrol M32 key controller instrument. If I change the pad assignments, do the midi messages of the keyboard also change?

Where is the ext lock feature no pages?

Good review! Have the mk3 and the mikro the same sound banks? Or the mk3 has much more? Thank you!

HI, thank you very much for your video, i have been very helpful. Yyour book on how you make electronic music do you have it in Spanish ?

does that Mk3 work alongside another audio interface? Can I used a microphone going into a Focusrite to record, whilst controlling it with a Mk3?

muito bom o vídeo, mesmo sem intender nada de inglês deu para intender só de ver. a mikro usa-se mais o software. Obrigado Deus abençoe.