Native Instruments announces a new generation of MASCHINE

Native Instruments announced the new generation of MASCHINE, its acclaimed groove production studio. The new MASCHINE ($669 US / 599 EUR) hardware is now available in a choice of black or white. New backlit multicolored pads provide advanced visual orientation, and the pads have also been updated for increased sensitivity. The forthcoming, free MASCHINE 1.8 software update introduces the new color-coding system. Sounds, groups, patterns and projects can be assigned specific color schemes, which are reflected in the colors of the pads and buttons on the hardware, providing instant visual feedback and improved workflow. Furthermore, the new software also includes offline time stretching and pitch shifting capabilities as well as a range of new effects. Another major new addition to the 1.8 update is the inclusion of NI's synthesizer MASSIVE (anyone updating to 1.8 update will receive MASSIVE, existing MASCHINE users included). The more compact MASCHINE MIKRO ($399 US / 349 EUR) hardware will also be available in black or white versions, and includes the same increased-sensitivity, multicolored pads and clickable buttons. The new MASCHINE generation introduces optional accessories. Owners of the new flagship MASCHINE can customize their hardware with a choice of CUSTOM KITS ($79 US / 69 EUR) - interchangeable faceplates and knobs in five color schemes. Applying the new magnetic faceplate is easy and takes only a few seconds. The second accessory, the MASCHINE STAND ($79 US / 69 EUR), delivers an optimized viewing angle and improved production ergonomics. The new MASCHINE generation, including the accessories, will be available from October 1, 2012. All items can be pre-ordered immediately. [source]