NI Maschine+ Update 3.3.1 brings Maschine 3 to the Standalone Hardware
Maschine+ updates rolling out...
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NI Maschine+ Update 3.3.1 brings Maschine 3 to the Standalone Hardware · Source: Native Instruments
[22 August 2025] It’s been a long time coming, but it’s finally here! The new update, version 3.3.1, provides full support for the latest Maschine 3 software for Native Instruments’ Maschine+. This update not only improves the technical capabilities of the standalone version, but also significantly expands its functionality. This update is a significant step forward, especially for live performers and music producers. Since the February announcement, it has been clear that Native Instruments was working on a major update. With the integration of the Maschine 3 engine, the manufacturer is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the longevity of its products.
Maschine+ 3 Is Coming
Maschine+ Update 3.3.1: Maschine 3 Support is Finally Here for the Standalone Version!
Maschine+ has been the subject of much discussion in recent years, with questions about whether the hardware would continue to be developed. However, the release of version 3.3.1 makes it clear that Maschine+ remains a focus for Native Instruments and has not been written off. The update is particularly exciting because it expands the basic functions and brings a host of practical innovations to the workflow. For instance, the “Bounce-in-Place” function enables resource-intensive plugins, such as “Monark,” to be converted directly at the audio level. This saves processing power without restricting creative freedom.
Another highlight is the integration of Kontakt 8. It remains to be seen, though, to what extent large libraries with complex scripts will run on Maschine+. Nevertheless, the mere possibility of accessing this sound library opens up new perspectives. This is complemented by the announced support for the Play Series, which will significantly increase the variety of instruments and sounds in Maschine+. The internal bass synthesizer has also been upgraded, offering a second oscillator, finer detune options, and a glide tool in the mixer.
Maschine+ Comes With Maschine 3 Software and New Features
The new Custom Chords feature is particularly useful for musicians who work with harmonies. Now, you can create your own chord sets directly on the Maschine+ without needing a computer. Additionally, you can assign a separate tempo to each section of a song. This feature is valuable for complex arrangements or live sets where scenes transition seamlessly into one another. Support for various file formats has also been expanded so Maschine+ can handle MP3, MP4, FLAC, and OGG files. Finally, projects can be exported directly as MP3 files, making sharing much easier.
Integration with existing setups has also improved. Maschine+ now fully supports the new Kontrol S-Series MK3 controllers and NKS2 with Massive. This provides deeper parameter control and more closely integrates the workflow between hardware and software. Another welcome addition is that Ableton Link now works via USB. Users no longer need to connect via Wi-Fi; they can now connect their Maschine+ directly and stably to their setup.
Native Instruments Continues to Offer a Standalone Option
Of course, some users would still like to see additional features added. For instance, the stem separation available in Maschine 3 software has yet to be integrated into the standalone version. However, Native Instruments has confirmed that this feature is at the top of their list and will be added at a later date. Meanwhile, the Accessibility Helper has been improved further, which greatly helps visually impaired users. Voice feedback, tour mode, and simplified navigation are now more integrated than ever.
Overall, the update demonstrates that Maschine+ remains technically up to date with software version 3.3.1 and is a significantly enhanced creative tool. Performance has noticeably improved, CPU usage has decreased, and parameter updates run more smoothly. This improvement is particularly noticeable when Maschine+ is used with other Native Instruments devices. While there is still a desire for new creative sequencer features, such as step probability and expanded random functions, Maschine+ makes a strong statement with the current version.
A software upgrade is required for installation and is available for purchase starting at €29. A complete package including additional sounds and plugins is available for €69.
Free Update 1.6.1 Adds Plugins, Prepares Way for Maschine 3
[18 April 2025] Anxiously waiting for Native Instruments to drop Maschine+ 3? This free update with Mod and Crush pack plugins will tide you over.
Free Update
We’re all anxiously awaiting the arrival of Maschine+ 3 with its Kontakt 8 support, new effects and stem separation. Before that can happen, though, the busy beaver developers at Native Instruments have to pave the way and ensure that those of us who stay with Maschine 2 can still use our Maschine machines.
To that end, NI today announced update 1.6.1, a free release that “focuses on stability, critical bug fixes, and compatibility improvements for Maschine 2 on Maschine+,” as the announcement said. This includes system-level improvements and adjustable sample rate and buffer size settings, but the part that you’ll probably most notice are the plugin additions.
Maschine+ now features Freak, Dirt and Bite from the Crush Pack plugin set, as well as Flair and Choral from the Mod Pack. It also supports Massive 1.7.
This is a free update. Access it from within your Maschine+. The plugins will appear in your library if you have a license for them.
Get Excited for Kontakt 8 Support, New Effects & Stem Separation
[3 February 2025] Native Instruments announces plans for Maschine+ 3, including Kontakt 8 support and the much-requested bounce-to-audio feature.
The Update Is Coming
When Native Instruments announced at NAMM this year that it was bringing Play Series functionality to Akai Professional MPC devices, the Maschine+ user community lost its collective mind. Perhaps in response to this, NI has posted to the Community section of its website to address this issue and provide a roadmap for all that’s coming to Maschine+ in 2025.
“I know that when communication is sparse, it can feel like there are no developments on your favourite products,” wrote Chris, the Product Lead for Maschine, Kontrol, and NKS Hardware Partnerships. “While we may not always post frequent updates, rest assured that development is ongoing, and our team is working hard to improve and expand the products you love.”
But First Version 2
One of the things Chris’ team is working on is getting Maschine 3 running in the standalone Maschine+. You can currently use the paid upgrade with Maschine+ in controller mode but for standalone Maschine+ 3 mode, you’ll need to wait a little longer.
First, NI needs to get a new version of Maschine 2 out for Maschine+. Coming in the first quarter of this year (2025), the update will include a kernel upgrade, the possibility to change sampling rate and buffer size for extended compatibility with USB class-compliant audio interfaces, and bring over several desktop effects. It should go into beta very soon.
“This update ensures Maschine 2 on the standalone version remains stable for those who prefer to stay on this version,” wrote Chris, “while also preparing Maschine+ for an upgrade to Maschine 3 in Q2.”
As for the promised new effects, the post doesn’t specify which ones, just that they’ll be available in Q1 of 2025. These will appear in the Maschine+ library and can be activated if you already own desktop versions of them.
New Features
NI is shooting for Q2 for standalone Maschine. One of the standout features of version three is Stem Separation. While this would be really cool on Maschine+, NI has acknowledged that we may not be able to generate stems right away due to its “technical complexity.” Maschine+ will be able to play stems generated on desktop though.
NI also posted a picture of Maschine+ running User Chords, new functionality that allows users to “capture and perform custom chords directly from Maschine MK3 and Maschine+,” the latter only in controller mode right now. This will launch in Q1 as part of Maschine 3.1.
Kontakt 8 and Bounce-To-Audio
Now for the real meat. NI confirmed that Kontakt 8 support will be part of Maschine 3 for the standalone Maschine. This will include a clutch of full Kontakt instruments including the Play Series. To aid in being able to run this and other CPU-intensive instruments, we’ll also be getting the much-requested bounce-to-audio function. At last!
Chris also addressed the controversy regarding the Play Series getting ported to MPC before Maschine+.
“It’s also important to note that the Play Series MPC Editions are not direct ports of the original Play Series instruments,” he said. “Instead, they are custom-built for the MPC platform, utilizing its sample engine and featuring MPC-specific presets. This makes them a unique experience tailored to the MPC workflow, rather than a replication of the Play Series desktop version.”
What do you think about the new version? Is this enough to get you to pay for an upgrade?
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2 responses to “NI Maschine+ Update 3.3.1 brings Maschine 3 to the Standalone Hardware”
“Working hard to improve and expand the products you love.” All the crashes and restarts with my DAWS are always NI related. And the GUI of some needed an update already a long time ago.
Their installer is broken for many people. Such a lame company, hope this flops too.