The affordable Maschine JAM, the perfect Maschine model to make music on the fly!
What is Maschine Jam?
[caption id="attachment_24854" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
The new Native Instruments Maschine Jam[/caption]
The Maschine Jam is a new, modern production and performance system that's great for a number of tasks such as sequencing and track building, sketching patterns with advanced multi-track step-sequencing, shaping sounds with LED-guided Smart Strips, and much more! This is a very unique Maschine product - not meant to replace your regular Maschine, but rather as a great complement to it.
The dual-touch Smart Strips are truly one of a kind, and one of the best new features. It allows you to experience a new performance paradigm, and get physical with precision sound tweaking. In addition, Perform Mode lets you bring complex sound textures to life with MASCHINE's unique Perform FX.
Another great feature is that you can capture the performance using the new Maschine "song layer" function: You can perform with Scenes and Patterns on Jam and then record this as a song, while (optional) Scene linking ensures that you can tweak Scenes later, even after you've recorded the song, and have your changes reflected there.
There's one caveat: Song mode will not be available on Jam's launch day. NI are still working on it.... In the meantime, Jam already works great to build up different Scenes and perform your material. It really makes quite a difference even without the Song layer.
Despite its more affordable price tag, Maschine Jam still comes packed with a massive selection of sounds from the MASCHINE software and KOMPLETE SELECT. The Included MASCHINE 2.5 software features cutting-edge Drum Synths and superior 9 GB sound library created by renowned sound designers and artists, white Komplete 11 Select offers over 25GB of sounds, with 11 premium instruments and effects. Not bad at all...
Watch: Maschine Jam performance
[youtube="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyi-aL4tUVQ"]Other Maschine Jam features include:
- Create drum patterns, melodies, chords, and arrangements quickly and easily with the 8x8 multi-color click-pad matrix
- Unified hardware and sof tware workflow heightens creativity and product per formance
- Works seamlessly with any DAW, the MASCHINE and KOMPLETE product ranges, and NKS-ready plug-ins
Maschine Jam vs. Maschine MK2 vs. Maschine Studio vs. Maschine Mikro
[caption id="attachment_24850" align="aligncenter" width="960"]
The Maschine family: which one to choose?[/caption]
With the addition of Maschine Jam, the Native Instruments Maschine family grows once again - so here's a Maschine comparison chart to help you to choose the right one for your needs.
 |
MASCHINE JAM
 |
MASCHINE STUDIO
 |
MASCHINE
 |
MASCHINE MIKRO
 |
| What is it? | MASCHINE JAM is the modern production and performance system for intuitive sequencing and track building. For producers who want to create tracks with advanced multi-track step-sequencing and sound design functions with Smart Strips for unique arrangement possibilities. | MASCHINE STUDIO is the flagship integrated production and performance system for tactile, creative beatmaking. Designed for producers who want unprecedented physical control and visual feedback without ever needing a mouse or computer screen. | MASCHINE is the groundbreaking production and performance system for tactile, creative beatmaking. For producers who want the power and flexibility of software with classic groovebox workflow. | MASCHINE MIKRO is the compact production and performance system for tactile, creative beatmaking. For producers looking for an ultra-portable entry into hands-on computer-based beat production. |
| What’s included: | ||||
| Full version of the latest MASCHINE 2 software | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| Full 9+ GB library content | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| KOMPLETE 11 SELECT (25 GB): Full version of MASSIVE, REAKTOR PRISM, SCARBEE MARK I, SOLID BUS COMP, MONARK, THE GENTLEMAN, DRUMLAB, RETRO MACHINES MK2, VINTAGE ORGANS, WEST AFRICA, REPLIKA | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| MASCHINE DRUM SYNTH and PERFORM FX included | YES | YES | YES | YES |
| £22.00 e-voucher for additional KOMPLETE Instruments and Effects or MASCHINE Expansions | NO | YES | YES | YES |
| Included stand for improved ergonomics | YES Included stand can be mounted to the hardware | YES Collapsible stand at the bottom of the hardware |
NO Compatible with MASCHINE STAND |
NO |
| Power adapter included | NO Not necessary – bus powered | YES | NO Not necessary – bus powered | NO Not necessary – bus powered |
| Comparison Chart | ||||
| Displays? |
NO On-screen overlays in the software show parameters of the features in use |
YES Two extra-large, high-resolution color displays (480 x 272 pixel) |
YES Two monochromatic displays (256 x 64 pixel) |
YES One monochromatic display (128 x 64 pixel) |
| Number of endless rotary knobs for direct parameter access | 1 touch-sensitive push encoder | 8 + 1 jog wheel + 1 volume knob | 8 + 1 push encoder | 1 push encoder |
| Number of touch strips with Smart Strip technology | 8 dual-touch Smart Strips | NONE | NONE | NONE |
| Number of back-lit buttons for direct parameter access | 64 multicolor click-pads, 8 multi-color group buttons, 8 multi-color scene buttons, 31 click buttons, plus 1 D-pad for quick navigation | 58 click buttons + 8 multi-color group buttons +16 multi-color touch-sensitive pads | 39 click buttons + 8 multi-color group buttons +16 multi-color touch-sensitive pads | 28 buttons + 16 multi-color touch- sensitive pads |
| Direct access to groups from hardware | YES | YES | YES |
NO Possible with multi-color group button via shortcut |
| Dedicated edit buttons |
NO Possible via SHIFT button shortcuts |
YES | NO
Possible via SHIFT button shortcuts |
NO
Possible via SHIFT button shortcuts |
| Browse and load sounds, effects, patterns and projects from the hardware | YES
With straight-forward on-screen overlay in the software accessible from the hardware |
YES
With straight-forward attribute-browsing directly from the hardware |
YES
With straight-forward attribute-browsing directly from the hardware |
YES |
| Load KOMPLETE plug-in sounds directly from within the browser |
YES With on-screen overlay in the software |
YES With extra-clear product icons displayed directly on the hardware screens |
YES | YES |
| Tweak parameters from the hardware | YES
Tweak up to 8 parameters simultaneously with two hands using dual-touch Smart Strips |
YES
With 8 touch-sensitive knobs, and a dedicated volume knob |
YES
With 8 knobs |
YES
With 1 knob |
| Enhanced ultra-fast, hardware-focused workflow: See full waveform, pattern, scenes on left display and detail view on right display | NO | YES | NO | NO |
| Advanced hardware-based step-sequencing: Sequence multiple sounds at the same time directly from the hardware | YES | NO | NO | NO |
| Mixer visible directly on the hardware |
YES Smart Strip LEDs indicate levels |
YES Full Mixer on hardware display |
NO | NO |
| Number of groups, patterns per scene, and scenes | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Number of samples that can be loaded | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Built in MIDI interface | NO |
YES (1 In / 3 Out) |
YES (1 In / 1 Out) |
NO |
| Footswitch input | YES |
YES (2 x in) |
NO | NO |
| Kensington Lock | YES | YES | YES | YES |
Combining Maschine Hardware
As we've said previously, Maschine Jam is NOT an upgrade on Maschine, it's not meant to replace it - it's something else! Together with any of the other Maschine Controllers, you can combine the specialized features of both, with amazing results. Check this video for an example: [youtube="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQyyuVP56fQ"]Maschine Jam vs. Ableton Push 2 vs. Launchpad Pro vs. Akai APC 40 vs. Novation Circuit
Maschine Jam's advanced hardware-based step-sequencing, which allows the user to sequence multiple sounds at the same time directly from the hardware, makes it a direct competitor with the other grid controllers such as Push 2, Launchpad Pro, Circuit and APC 40. Just a cursory glance at them, even if you're no expert, will immediately suggest they are similar in many ways. Many Maschine users will already be using a combination of Maschine with a controller such as Push 2, which is the most top-of-the range of the lot. It's a great combo and if you already own Push 2 you'll probably not feel tempted to get Maschine Jam. However, if you're looking for a grid controller to use with your Maschine Mk2, Studio or Micro... then why not keep it all with Native Instruments, and save some money - as Jam is £150 cheaper than Push 2 right now! It's good to point out that Push 2, even though it can be used for performance, is more of an studio-oriented controller, so it's no surprise it's much more sophisticated, whereas something like an APC40 or Launchpad are more of performance tools - like the Maschine Jam, as the name itself suggests. So, even though Maschine Jam is not technically "better" than Push 2, it's still the best option for performing live if you own other Maschine gear. For the money, Jam beats Launchpad and APC40 if you're already a Maschine user. Of course, Circuit is another thing altogether - a stand alone groovebox with built-in synths, drum-machine etc. Some points worth noting:- One of the best things about Maschine Jam, over the competition, are the Smart Strips controls - basically a different way to control effects etc. on the go, instead of using rotary knobs, which opens a whole new way to perform live.
- Maschine Jam DOESN'T have sensitive pads, unlike Push, Circuit and Launchpad. Not an issue when using alongside Maschine, though.
- Maschine Jam is great to use outside a DAW environment, allowing you to focus on hardware rather than a screen. It's the perfect complement to your other Maschine unit, giving quick and easy access to volume, step and note functions, for instance.
- Beat-makers using Maschine and Push 2 composing in the studio won't feel the need for Maschine Jam.
- Maschine Jam takes Maschine Mikro to a whole new level - a perfect complement!
- Better features than Launch or APC40 for the price, making Jam the go-to complement to other Maschine products when performing live.
