Maschine 2.6.8 Update Introduces Monophonic Bass Synth and Isomorphic Keyboard

NI has released MASCHINE 2.6.8, a free software update for MASCHINE 2.0 users that introduces a new monophonic bass synth as well as an isomorphic keyboard mode that works alongside the 8×8 grid on the MASCHINE JAM.

Something special about MASCHINE’s new bass synth is that it’s MASCHINE’s first native synthesizer, potentially leading way for more MASCHINE-native synths to be developed and released down the road.

The new MASCHINE bass synth lets users design and shape rich bass tones with intuitive, fun, and fully-automatable controls directly from the hardware. Users will be able to morph seamlessly from sine to saw to square […]

In the video below from Stephan Bobinger, you can listen to each of the presets available in the new mono bass synth.

In addition to the new bass synth in MASCHINE 2.6.8, the update also presents an isomorphic keyboard mode, allowing the MASCHINE JAM 8×8 grid to be utilized to easily construct melodies, harmonies and chords.

The isomorphic keyboard mode is especially helpful for those with limited knowledge of music theory, as it can display a variety of chord formations on the MASCHINE 8×8 grid that are matched with the key of your song.

Below is a complete list of the new features and improvements introduced in MASCHINE 2.6.8.

New in Maschine 2.6.8:

• Bass Synth for MASCHINE
• This is MASCHINE’s first internal synthesizer. You can find all the important parameters for shaping your sound on the first parameter page. On the 2nd page, you can find the glide parameter, which works especially well if you modulate it.
• On MASCHINE JAM, the upper row of the PIANO ROLL is where you program glides similar to a well known bass synthesizer with internal sequencer. This only works for the Bass Synth.
  Isomorphic keyboard layout for MASCHINE JAM
• MASCHINE JAM now offers an alternative layout to play melodies. It is more intuitive and can be learned easily. Simply touch the encoder while in KEYBOARD mode to expose the on-screen overlay and set the PAD LAYOUT parameter to “ISOMORPH”.

Fixed Issues:

• MASCHINE crashed in rare cases while saving a project
• MASCHINE JAM could freeze when switching instances while using the smart strips
• MASCHINE JAM PERFORM FX potentially stayed engaged when changing group focus while using PERFORM FX
• In some cases the Randomizer did not respect the set scale

The MASCHINE 2.6.8 software update is free for current MASCHINE 2.0 users, and you can visit the Native Instruments website to learn more.

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