Native Instruments Maschine +

[Arpangel]

Just discovered this, looks very cool, maybe someone can make this clear, I'm not sure if it contains Reaktor and FM8, from the video's I’ve seen it does, and I’m assuming it runs them in stand-alone mode.
If it does, this would make a great choice for my Reaktor stuff playing live.

[Tommy Dahlman]

It does include versions of Reactor, FM 8, Massive…
but you should be aware that it is not a fully featured, stand alone version of Komplete.
There are limitations not existing on the software version of Maschine, or the specific plug ins.
You can create certain custom patches on a computer and export them to the Maschine Plus.
I have only a basic knowledge of using Reactor so I can’t give you advice on that.

Loopop has made this video on using it live: https://youtu.be/KjC6J1oGUng?feature=shared
Jef Gibbons has made several videos on using it. Here is one on live looping: https://youtu.be/Vz5nmRnD584?feature=shared

I use Maschine Plus as sequencer and for capturing the synths that doesn't have the ability to save presets, in my DAW-less rig.
The only real problems I’ve had is with NI’s “support”, which is documented in another post.
If you are prepared to adapt to the existing functionality of the unit, I think you’ll be happy with it.
But don’t take my word for it
I would however recommend buying a large SD card,
(I bought a 1 TB card the day after I received the unit)
if you plan to install Expansions and import/create samples.

May the sync be with you.

[Arpangel]

It does include versions of Reactor, FM 8, Massive…
but you should be aware that it is not a fully featured, stand alone version of Komplete.
There are limitations not existing on the software version of Maschine, or the specific plug ins.
You can create certain custom patches on a computer and export them to the Maschine Plus.
I have only a basic knowledge of using Reactor so I can’t give you advice on that.

Loopop has made this video on using it live: https://youtu.be/KjC6J1oGUng?feature=shared
Jef Gibbons has made several videos on using it. Here is one on live looping: https://youtu.be/Vz5nmRnD584?feature=shared

I use Maschine Plus as sequencer and for capturing the synths that doesn't have the ability to save presets, in my DAW-less rig.
The only real problems I’ve had is with NI’s “support”, which is documented in another post.
If you are prepared to adapt to the existing functionality of the unit, I think you’ll be happy with it.
But don’t take my word for it
I would however recommend buying a large SD card,
(I bought a 1 TB card the day after I received the unit)
if you plan to install Expansions and import/create samples.

May the sync be with you.

Thanks for your comprehensive reply, I’m just concerned that I will be able to load my FM8 and Reaktor instruments into Maschine?
And yes, NI support is awful, as is their convoluted website and account management.

[Tommy Dahlman]

Inspired by your questions I did some tests.
I imported my 9 banks of sysex-dumps from my eighties DX7/TX 802 setup into FM8.
Then I just dragged and dropped the resulting folder(s) to the User folder on Maschine SD-card. After a rescan on the Maschine I had access to the presets in Maschine’s browser
(now in stand alone mode).
They sounded just like I remembered them.
So thank you for inspiring this.

I found this video on how to prepare and export Reaktor ensembles to the Maschine: https://youtu.be/ajkx0unN1jY?feature=shared

Here is a recent walkthrough of the Maschine Plus workflow by Jef Gibbons,
just to whet your appetite: https://youtu.be/65MTwZ1Npts?feature=shared

And just to state the bleeding obvious, you could use the money back guarantee that Andertons, Thomann and others offer and try it out for yourself.
There is quite a steep initial learning curve, but I have a playlist with a large collection of YT videos on different aspects of use, which I could make public if there is an interest.