The Affordable Maschine Jam: Perfect for On-the-Fly Music Making!
Native Instruments Maschine Jam introduces a fresh approach for producers, DJs, and live performers to create music on the fly with MASCHINE, Ableton Live, or most major DAW sequencers. Light and affordable, Maschine Jam is incredibly intuitive, helping you turn your musical ideas into reality. Unlike other members of the Maschine family, Maschine Jam is Native Instruments’ bid to conquer the Ableton Push 2, Novation Launchpad Pro, and Akai APC market. Offering similar functionalities and exclusive new features like Smart Strips, Maschine Jam emphasizes a “project view” in hardware, making arrangement building immediate and fun.
What is Maschine Jam?
Maschine Jam is a modern production and performance system ideal for sequencing, track building, sketching patterns with advanced multi-track step-sequencing, and shaping sounds with LED-guided Smart Strips. It’s designed not to replace your regular Maschine but to complement it. The dual-touch Smart Strips are a standout feature, offering a new performance paradigm and precise sound tweaking. Perform Mode lets you bring complex sound textures to life with MASCHINE’s unique Perform FX.
A notable feature is the new Maschine “song layer” function, allowing you to capture performances with Scenes and Patterns on Jam and record them as a song. Scene linking ensures you can tweak Scenes later, even after recording, and have changes reflected there. Although Song mode was not available at Jam’s launch, it already excels in building and performing different Scenes.
Despite its affordability, Maschine Jam 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 a superior 9 GB sound library created by renowned sound designers and artists. Komplete 11 Select offers over 25 GB of sounds, with 11 premium instruments and effects.
Watch: Maschine Jam Performance
Check out the Maschine Jam in action:[youtube=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wyi-aL4tUVQ”]
Other Maschine Jam Features
- 8×8 Multi-Color Click-Pad Matrix: Create drum patterns, melodies, chords, and arrangements quickly.
- Unified Hardware and Software Workflow: Enhances creativity and performance.
- Seamless DAW Integration: Works with MASCHINE, KOMPLETE, and NKS-ready plug-ins.
Maschine Jam vs. Other Maschine Models
With the addition of Maschine Jam, the Native Instruments Maschine family grows once again. Here’s a comparison to help you choose the right one for your needs:
| Native Instruments | Maschine Jam | Maschine Studio | Maschine | Maschine Mikro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| What is it? | Modern production and performance system for intuitive sequencing and track building with advanced multi-track step-sequencing and sound design functions. | Flagship integrated production and performance system for tactile, creative beatmaking with unprecedented physical control and visual feedback. | Groundbreaking production and performance system for tactile, creative beatmaking with software power and classic groovebox workflow. | Compact production and performance system for ultra-portable, hands-on computer-based beat production. |
| Full MASCHINE 2 Software | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| 9+ GB Library Content | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| KOMPLETE 11 SELECT (25 GB) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| MASCHINE Drum Synth and Perform FX | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| £22 e-Voucher | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Included Stand | Yes (mounted to hardware) | Yes (collapsible) | No | No |
| Power Adapter | No (bus-powered) | Yes | No (bus-powered) | No (bus-powered) |
| Displays | No (on-screen overlays) | Yes (two high-res color displays) | Yes (two monochromatic displays) | Yes (one monochromatic display) |
| Rotary Knobs | 1 touch-sensitive push encoder | 8 + 1 jog wheel + 1 volume knob | 8 + 1 push encoder | 1 push encoder |
| Touch Strips | 8 dual-touch Smart Strips | None | None | None |
| Back-Lit Buttons | 64 multicolor click-pads, 8 group buttons, 8 scene buttons, 31 click buttons, 1 D-pad | 58 click buttons, 8 group buttons, 16 pads | 39 click buttons, 8 group buttons, 16 pads | 28 buttons, 16 pads |
| Direct Group Access | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (via shortcut) |
| Edit Buttons | No (via SHIFT button) | Yes | No (via SHIFT button) | No (via SHIFT button) |
| Load Sounds/Effects | Yes (from hardware) | Yes (from hardware) | Yes (from hardware) | Yes (from hardware) |
| Komplete Plug-In Sounds | Yes (from browser) | Yes (hardware screens) | Yes | Yes |
| Tweak Parameters | Yes (dual-touch Smart Strips) | Yes (8 touch-sensitive knobs) | Yes (8 knobs) | Yes (1 knob) |
| Hardware-Based Workflow | No | Yes | No | No |
| Advanced Step-Sequencing | Yes | No | No | No |
| Mixer Visibility | Yes (Smart Strip LEDs) | Yes (hardware display) | No | No |
| Groups, Patterns, Samples | 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
Maschine Jam is not an upgrade on Maschine; it’s a complement! Combined with other Maschine controllers, you can achieve amazing results. Check out 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 makes it a direct competitor to other grid controllers like Push 2, Launchpad Pro, Circuit, and APC 40. Many Maschine users already use a combination of Maschine with controllers like Push 2. If you own Push 2, you might not feel the need for Maschine Jam. However, if you’re looking for a grid controller to use with your Maschine Mk2, Studio, or Mikro, Jam is a cost-effective option, being £150 cheaper than Push 2.
Key Points to Consider
- Smart Strips Controls: A new way to control effects on the go, offering a unique performance experience.
- Non-Sensitive Pads: Unlike Push, Circuit, and Launchpad, but not an issue when used with Maschine.
- DAW Environment: Great for use outside a DAW, allowing hardware focus rather than screen focus.
- Performance: Ideal for performing live with other Maschine gear.
- Beat-Makers: Studio composers using Maschine and Push 2 won’t need Maschine Jam.
- Maschine Mikro: Takes it to a whole new level as a perfect complement.
- Price: Better features than Launch or APC40, making Jam the go-to complement for live performance.
Native Instruments Maschine Jam is a powerful, affordable addition to any music production setup, offering unique features and seamless integration with other Maschine products. Whether you’re a producer, DJ, or live performer, Maschine Jam helps turn your musical ideas into reality with intuitive hardware and software integration.
