MASCHINE
MASCHINE: A capable beat-making system for producers who want sampling, sequencing, and hardware-style workflows. Ranked #2 of 31 in Beat Making Software by our editors (9.2/10); pricing: Paid; best for beatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows.
At a glance
- Editor score9.2 / 10
- PricingPaid
- Best forBeatmakers wanting hardware-style production workflows
- Free planNo
- Paid from$39 one-time
- PlatformsDesktop
- Founded1996 · Berlin, Germany
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Combines sampling, slicing, arrangement, mixing, instruments, and effects
- Supports DAW plug-ins, MIDI sequencing, export, and stem separation
- Works with major DAWs and Windows or macOS desktop systems
Where it doesn't
- There is no free plan
- The $39 option is update-only for Maschine 2 users
- Platform support is limited to Windows and macOS
Our verdict on MASCHINE
MASCHINE is Native Instruments’ beat-making and music production system for producers and performers. It supports beat and pattern creation, audio sampling, sample slicing, clip-based arrangement, mixing, sound design, and performance. The software can run independently or inside a DAW, and MASCHINE 3 can operate without dedicated hardware. It suits beatmakers who want a production workflow built around patterns, samples, virtual instruments, effects, MIDI, and optional Native Instruments controllers.
Pricing is structured as one-time purchases rather than a free plan or subscription. The Maschine 3 software update only costs $39 and is intended for Maschine 2 users. The $109 Maschine 3 including Maschine Central package adds the Maschine Central library and an additional software package alongside Maschine 3. That makes the lower-priced option relevant mainly to existing Maschine 2 owners, while the $109 package is the more complete listed entry point for buyers who need the included library and software. Prices are shown in USD and may vary by region or currency.
Its strongest case is feature depth within a focused beat-making environment. MASCHINE includes a mixer with routing for groups and sounds, stem separation for bass, drums, vocals, and other elements, a Variation Engine for melodies and drum patterns, and audio export in 16-, 24-, and 32-bit depth plus MIDI file export. Integration is broad: it supports Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, GarageBand, FL Studio, Avid Pro Tools, and PreSonus Studio One, along with VST, VST3, Audio Units, and AAX. Choose MASCHINE if sampling, pattern-based creation, and optional hardware are central to your workflow. Consider another tool if you need a free plan or a platform beyond Windows and macOS.
Your product? Our editors can test MASCHINE in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
MASCHINE pricing
All 2 MASCHINE plans and prices →
MASCHINE fact sheet
| Free plan | No |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $39 one-time |
| Platforms | Desktop |
| Plugin support | Yes |
| MIDI support | Yes |
| Sample import | Yes |
| Track limit | Not verified |
| Audio export | audio files in 16-, 24-, and 32-bit depth; MIDI files |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 11 integrations: Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, GarageBand, FL Studio, Avid Pro Tools … |
| Pricing | Paid (source) |
| Website | native-instruments.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
MASCHINE integrations
MASCHINE lists 11 integrations on its own site.
- Ableton Live
- Logic Pro
- Cubase
- GarageBand
- FL Studio
- Avid Pro Tools
- PreSonus Studio One
- VST
- VST3
- Audio Units
- AAX
Alternatives to MASCHINE
- FL StudioA mature beat-making DAW with deep arrangement, plugin, recording, and mixing tools.9.4
- Serato StudioA sample-focused desktop workstation with sequencing, stem separation and DJ-ready exports.9.0
- Koala SamplerA flexible cross-platform beat maker for sample-based workflows and Ableton exports.8.8
See all MASCHINE alternatives →
MASCHINE vs the competition
- MASCHINE vs FL Studio
- MASCHINE vs Serato Studio
- MASCHINE vs Koala Sampler
- MASCHINE vs MPC Beats
- MASCHINE vs BeatMaker 3
- MASCHINE vs Drambo
Compare MASCHINE with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
MASCHINE is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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The editor score above is our own research. What this page doesn't have yet is a reader's view — what you used MASCHINE for, what worked and what didn't. No stars are seeded and no review is paid for; an editor reads every one before it appears.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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