Native Instruments updates Maschine to v2.2 and Kontakt to v5.4.2 (plus other minor updates)

Native Instruments recently released updates for several products, including Kontakt and Maschine.

Maschine 2.2 software is a major update of NI's integrated hardware/software groove production system. New features include Smart Play, adding new melodic capabilities, unified sound browsing, full Komplete Kontrol S-Series keyboard integration, Light Guide synchronization, and more to the Maschine workflow. The Maschine 2.2 update is free for all Maschine 2 software owners. Maschine owners not currently using Maschine 2 can upgrade for 50% off the regular retail price until December 12th, 2014.

The Maschine 2.2 update adds a powerful new melodic dimension to the Maschine workflow. The Smart Play features include a new scale and chord engine, as well as a fully-functional arpeggiator. Producers can select from a range of popular musical scales and chords, and perform them into their productions directly on Maschine's 16 high-sensitivity pads. The arpeggiator allows precise control of direction, octave span, and subdivision – its output is also recorded directly into Maschine's Pattern Editor, providing easy post-performance editing of the note sequences. The update also unlocks Maschine Studio's touch-sensitive knobs for an even faster, touch-and-see workflow.

Maschine 2.2 also brings full Komplete Kontrol S-Series integration to Maschine. Producers can browse instruments and effects in the Maschine software directly from an S-Series keyboard. Once an instrument or effect is loaded key parameters automatically map to the display knobs on both pieces of hardware. Light Guide also synchronizes perfectly with Maschine's pads, giving producers the same level of feedback on both pieces of hardware when switching from beats to melodic playing.

As part of the release, Maschine users who have not yet updated to the Maschine 2 software receive special discounted pricing – $49.50 / 49,50 € / ¥ 5,900 / £44,50 / AU$ 64,50 until December 12th, 2014.

A video about the Maschine 2.2 update is available on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/F7wPwixnUbY

Other Updates

Kontakt 5.4.2:

• In some scenarios Sample Modelling's "The Trumpet" was de-tuned by a a few cents on Mac OS.
• Fixed an activation issue on specific high-end machines.
• Fixed a batch-resave issue which would remove mappings from instruments in rare cases.
• Fixed an issue with only two folders being displayed if snapshots were in subfolders.
• Fixed an issue with key switches not being displayed on the virtual keyboard after project recall.
• Fixed the background loading display on the snapshot tab.
• Fixed a crash quickly opening and closing the GUI which occurred with various DAWs.
• Fixed a crash related to Rise and Hit and Logic Pro.
• Fixed a crash with the feedback compressor in the output section.
• Updated KSP reference Manual.

Abbey Road Drummers 1.2 / 1.3:

• Added advanced integration with Komplete Kontrol.
• Added Snapshots for mixer presets.

Studio Drummer 1.4:

• Added advanced integration with Komplete Kontrol.

Scarbee Rickenbacker 1.2:

• Added advanced integration with Komplete Kontrol.
• Added Snapshots for sound presets.
• Fixed tuning in the palm mute instrument.

Alicias Keys 1.5:

• Added advanced integration with Komplete Kontrol.
• Added Snapshots for sound presets.

The Gentleman, The Grandeur and The Maverick 1.2:

• Improved behavior of "Space Distance" and "Space Size" when controlled via hardware.
• Fixed incorrect settings of FX when changed via hardware.

Reaktor Prism 1.6, Reaktor Spark 1.4.0, Razor 1.7, Skanner XT 1.3.0, Monark 1.3.0:

• Controller Page sections for NI hardware added.
• Support for Komplete Kontrol S-Series.